Why Orthodontic Treatment is Important
Crooked and gapped smiles come in many shapes and sizes. For the most part, crooked teeth are hereditary, depending on the size of your jaw. In some cases, your teeth can get bent out of shape from outside factors.
Things like losing your baby teeth too soon, gum disease, jaw injuries, sucking on your thumb as a child, and even tumors in the mouth can cause your teeth to shift.
Do you have an underbite, overbite, or teeth that erupted sideways? No matter your age, it’s not too late to get all the benefits of Invisalign®️.
You might be curious why you need orthodontic treatment at all if you’re happy with your smile. The answer is that crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue and straightening your teeth with Invisalign can benefit your health in several ways.
6 Ways Straight Teeth Affect Your Health
- Easier to clean — Crooked teeth trap food, allowing plaque to build up easier. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth are also difficult to clean and can shred your floss.
- Better digestion — Crooked teeth can make it tough to chew your food, often leading to stomach problems. Improperly chewing your food is directly correlated to acid reflux, which rots your teeth and dries out your mouth in addition to hurting your throat.
- Less likely to break — Straight teeth are less likely to chip and break because your bite will close regularly. When your teeth stick out in different directions, they’re more susceptible to break under pressure. Even something as simple as accidentally biting down too hard can lead to chips and breaks when your bite is uneven.
Improved speech — Crooked teeth and misaligned bites are a typical source of speech impediments. Lisps and whistling while talking are often caused by crooked teeth. It can be difficult to speak confidently when you suffer from speech problems. Not to mention, others may have trouble understanding you.- Get rid of headaches — A crowded jawline leads to uneven wear in your teeth. Unevenly worn teeth put a lot of stress on your jaw, leading to headaches and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
- Increased happiness — When you’re comfortable with your smile, you’ll be more likely to speak and act in a positive manner. Not to mention, smiling causes a chemical chain reaction that releases dopamine in your brain, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Improved speech — Crooked teeth and misaligned bites are a typical source of speech impediments. Lisps and whistling while talking are often caused by crooked teeth. It can be difficult to speak confidently when you suffer from speech problems. Not to mention, others may have trouble understanding you.Visit Dr. Grussmark for Straight Teeth
No matter your age, your teeth continue to shift as your jaw changes. Sometimes these shifts can lead to negative side effects. With Invisalign, you can straighten your smile and stop putting your teeth and jaw under unnecessary stress.
You’re never too old for straight teeth, and fixing these problems is easy with Invisalign. Call one of our three offices in the Miami area and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Grussmark today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign address issues with my bite?
In addition to strengthening your teeth, Invisalign can also help fix bite issues, regardless of which kind. Invisalign works by gradually shifting your upper and lower jaws into place, which can help better align your bite for improved appearance and functionality. With Invisalign, you’ll be able to speak, chew, and smile with ease and comfort!
Will I need to wear a retainer after straightening my smile with Invisalign?
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you may need to wear a retainer at night for a few months. This is necessary for any teeth-straightening treatment. Wearing a retainer also decreases your chance of developing orthodontic relapse, in which your teeth move back into their original positions following orthodontic treatment.
I still have my wisdom teeth. Can Invisalign still be used to align my teeth?
Dr. Grussmark may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed before undergoing treatment with Invisalign. While having wisdom teeth won’t automatically disqualify you from the Invisalign treatment, it may make it complicated.
Wisdom teeth may cause overcrowding, making it difficult for your aligners to effectively straighten your teeth. Dr. Grussmark will evaluate your teeth and determine if removing your wisdom teeth will be necessary for a successful orthodontic treatment.
Does Invisalign help straighten teeth in any condition?
No matter the severity of your misaligned or crooked teeth, treatment with Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter, more functional smile you can take pride in. You may require more intense treatment depending on your personalized treatment plan, such as having to wear the aligners for a longer time than normal. Dr. Grussmark will determine the details of your treatment at your initial consultation.
How long does it take to get straight teeth with Invisalign?
While every patient is different, Invisalign can typically straighten a patient’s teeth in about nine to 12 months. Factors such as your oral health, genetics, and even diet may impact the length of your Invisalign treatment. Dr. Grussmark will provide you with instructions on wearing your aligners at your initial consultation.
