While crooked Teeth are a cosmetic problem, they can also have impacts on your oral health. We always recommend straightening crooked teeth. As a provider of cosmetic dentistry in Austin, TX, Dr. Glen Wainwright discusses why you should straighten your teeth with Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that are used to treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues. They’re used as a substitute for traditional metal braces. Instead of using a bracket and wire system that’s tightened to move the teeth, you get new aligners every two weeks to slightly move your teeth more. A specialized plastic is used for them that’s very thin but still extremely durable.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is usually the preferred way to straighten teeth. Because the aligners are made of a clear plastic, you aren’t really able to tell that you’re wearing them. They’re much more subtle than metal braces. They’re crafted from molds of your teeth so that they fit you perfectly.

Brackets and wires can also hurt the soft tissues of the mouth. Wax is usually used to make sure the brackets and wires don’t dig into the inside of your cheeks or lips. The plastic used to make aligners is smooth and since they fit exactly to your teeth, you shouldn’t experience any irritation with them.

Invisalign is convenient because the aligners can be removed. Eating popcorn and other chewy or hard foods can break your brackets or wires with traditional braces. Since you can remove aligners, you don’t have to worry about eliminating any foods. They have to be work for around 22 hours a day, but removing them for food and cleaning is okay.

Speaking of cleaning, the removable aligners are also convenient for this. With traditional braces, they come with more areas for plaque and tartar to get caught. With braces, you often have to learn new brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth properly. But it’s easy to take out aligners and brush your teeth like normal, in addition to the aligners themselves being easy to clean.

Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?

For many people, they think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic problem. If they aren’t worried about the look of crooked teeth, they think it’s okay. However, crooked teeth are more significant oral health issues. The teeth are often cramped and come together at odd angles, making it harder to properly clean all of the surfaces.

It’s also important that your bite is even and comes together in a balanced way. The pressure that happens when you bite down is evenly distributed throughout your teeth. When they’re crooked, this pressure isn’t distributed evenly and can lead to chipped or broken teeth. It can also lead to TMJ disorders. You may start to have difficulty moving your jaw or feel pain and tension in the face because the muscles and joints aren’t working properly.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin, Texas

Ready to get a straighter smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Invisalign.

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