How Invisalign Works and Benefits Your Health

Misaligned teeth are a prevalent dental concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Abnormal misalignment of teeth can lead to an asymmetrical or crowded appearance when you smile. It can harm one’s self-esteem and make you feel embarrassed or conscious of smiling with your mouth open.

People with crooked or misaligned teeth tend to display awkward smiles. Some may cover their mouths or avoid speaking much. However, it’s worth noting that dental misalignment is more than an aesthetic concern. More importantly, it can result in a wide range of health problems.

Dental braces are commonly used to treat misaligned teeth and jaws. But, like many others, you probably don’t want to go through the pain and discomfort of wearing traditional metal braces.

Alternatively, clear aligners like Invisalign are available to help align your teeth in their correct position. Find out how Invisalign works and benefits your health in this article.

Understanding How Invisalign Treatment Works

Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners aim to straighten your teeth gradually. But how does this orthodontic treatment option exactly work? You can gain a better understanding of Invisalign with Dr. Angelos Sourial. However, for starters, learn the basics of Invisalign and what to expect when you choose this treatment below.

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic technique that utilizes a sequence of clear, custom-made aligners to carefully and slowly move your teeth until they reach their proper placements. Typically, you must wear each aligner for about one to two weeks before changing it with the next tray in the series.

Much like metal braces, Invisalign gradually pushes the teeth by applying a controlled force to different parts of them. But Invisalign aligners are made of flexible plastic instead of metal. Since the material used in these aligners is relatively translucent, they’re not as noticeable as metal wires and brackets on traditional braces.

Invisalign trays are also removable, allowing you to take them out when eating, brushing, flossing, and for special occasions. Note that Invisalign aligners are effective only when in physical contact with the teeth. Considering this, you should only take them off when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth.

The duration of the Invisalign treatment plan can vary. But on average, it takes about 12 to 18 months to complete the entire course of treatment and achieve the desired results. Some may take as little as six months, depending on the severity of the case. It’s crucial to note that aftercare is necessary to ensure long-lasting outcomes.

The Potential Benefits of Invisalign For Your Health

Invisalign is a viable option for achieving straighter teeth and an enhanced smile. But beyond its aesthetic appearance, comfort, and convenience, this orthodontic treatment option can also provide these benefits for your health.

Helps With Teeth Grinding

Mild teeth grinding may not cause any harm and doesn’t require treatment. However, when clenching or grinding your teeth becomes frequent and severe, it can lead to many long-term health issues. Excessive teeth grinding can cause wear down tooth surfaces and tooth enamel, resulting in loss of tooth tissue and increased tooth sensitivity.

But Invisalign aligners can act as a protective barrier between your teeth. They will make you more aware of your teeth grinding, potentially helping you manage or eliminate the occurrence of this harmful habit.

Lowers the Risk of Gum Diseases

Wearing Invisalign aligners can also help lower the risks of gum diseases in several ways. Certain types of misalignments can make it more challenging to brush one or multiple teeth properly. They also create exposure in the roots of the teeth.

Such situations increase the chance of plaque building up and developing tooth decay and gum diseases. But Invisalign aligners strategically move your teeth in their correct placements. With no metal to work around, they also effectively minimize the likelihood of plaque retention and gum disease.

Minimizes Tooth Wear and Tear

Misaligned teeth are one of the causes of excessive wear and tear on the teeth. Even when you’re diligent about proper brushing and flossing, bacteria could accumulate in areas with misalignment.

Thankfully, Invisalign aligners can correct this issue as they help straighten the upper and lower sets of teeth. In this way, you can protect your enamel and minimize abnormal biting contributing to tooth wear and tear. Plus, you can easily maintain oral hygiene throughout treatment without the fixed brackets or wires that collect plaque buildup.

Prevents Dental Abfractions

Dental abfractions are lesions that develop along the gum line due to long-term stress on the teeth. This mechanical stress can occur in various ways, including misalignment of the teeth. When your teeth are misaligned, some teeth bear more stress from biting and chewing than others.

That could result in tooth enamel loss. With a lack of enamel, the layer along the gumline quickly wears away, exposing the inner part of the tooth. If left unchecked and untreated, your teeth could start to develop decay or even fracture.

Since Invisalign treatment corrects the position of your teeth, it also helps evenly redistribute bite forces and ultimately prevents dental abfractions. Even if there’s existing damage, these aligners can effectively stop the process from progressing and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Is Invisalign the Most Suitable Choice for You?

Invisalign is undeniably a sought-after orthodontic treatment for many people. But despite its numerous health benefits, this treatment may not always work for everyone. There are certain limitations to what Invisalign can do.

Your dentist will conduct an assessment to determine if your case is treatable with Invisalign. Generally, the following are some considerations to help you decide whether Invisalign is the most suitable choice for your needs.

Severity of Orthodontic Issues

Invisalign aligners don’t have the same capabilities as traditional braces in all circumstances. They’re only effective in treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Invisalign may not be a suitable choice if you have one of the following cases:

• Extreme overbite or underbite
• Large gaps between teeth
• Rotated teeth
• Short or pegged teeth
• Raising and lower teeth
• Previous dental work, like dental bridges

Age Restrictions

There are no age restrictions for Invisalign treatment. However, it’s effective only when all baby teeth have been extracted or emerged. Some may start treatment at the age of 13 or earlier. But others may have to wait until their adult teeth fully erupt, usually around 15 or 16.

Full-Time Compliance

The ease of removal of Invisalign aligners can tempt patients not to wear them for a recommended amount of time. But compliance is crucial as these aligners only work when placed correctly in your mouth.

Specifically, wearing these aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day is highly advisable. If you don’t have the discipline and dedication to comply, this treatment may not be the right option for you.

Financial Considerations

The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on your specific case and individual doctor. But its average cost can range from $3,000 to $9,000. If you have a more complex orthodontic problem, you will need more aligner trays, so it will likely cost you more.

One Last Important Note

Having misaligned teeth can have far-reaching consequences for your health. Now that you understand how Invisalign helps straighten your teeth and benefits your health, you have more reasons to invest in it. But before doing so, ensure you can fully adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your dentist. Otherwise, it won’t help solve your orthodontic problems.