Dental Health Benefits of Invisalign

Did you know over 8 million teens and adults have turned to Invisalign to reach their orthodontic goals? Are you considering joining them?

Dr. Linda K. Westmoreland and our experienced staff at Wedgewood Dental offer comprehensive dental care — including Invisalign treatments— to adults and teens in Rolla and Salem, Missouri.

As Invisalign specialists, we want you to know that Invisalign treatments don’t just improve the appearance of your smile — they provide dental health perks too.

6 dental health benefits of Invisalign 

Invisalign can boost your mental wellness by increasing your confidence and your self-esteem, but Invisalign doesn’t just increase your confidence. It can also deliver dental health benefits! Invisalign supports your oral health in the following ways:

1. Healthier gums 

You might not link straight teeth with healthier gums, but it’s true: Straightening your teeth can help you keep your gums healthier. Overcrowding or crooked teeth can make it harder for you to keep your teeth (and the areas between your teeth) clean and free of plaque. If plaque hardens and becomes tartar, it can increase your risk of developing gum disease. 

Bottom line: Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can make it easier to remove plaque from between your teeth, which can help keep gum disease at bay.

2. Reduced risk of decay in between teeth

Brushing your teeth removes plaque, bacteria, and other debris from your teeth, but flossing can reach where your toothbrush can’t — in between your teeth. However, if your teeth are crooked or just overcrowded, it can be harder to thoroughly clean between your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed adequately, you’re more likely to experience an interproximal cavity, which is a cavity that develops between two teeth.

If crowding makes it hard for you to clean your teeth and floss properly, consider Invisalign. Both crowding and crookedness can be corrected with clear aligner trays.

3. Less wear-and-tear on teeth

You might consider crooked teeth as a cosmetic issue, but the reality is that crooked teeth can also pose a risk to your dental health. When your teeth are misaligned or crooked, it can cause uneven wear-and-tear, which can add stress to some of your teeth when you chew or bite down. In turn, that can result in cracks, chips, and even stress fractures. 

Invisalign can reduce uneven wear and tear by straightening your teeth and shifting your teeth into the proper alignment.

4. Reduced pain from TMJ disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can be caused by malocclusion or a bad bite. Straightening out your teeth and correcting your bite can help reduce TMJ pain. 

Invisalign aligners might be right for you if you have:

• An overbite
• A crossbite
• An underbite
• An open bite

Each BPA-free aligner tray gently shifts your teeth closer to their ideal location, which also improves their alignment, eliminating TMJ pain.

5. No lesions

One of the most alluring parts of Invisalign is that you won’t have to deal with metal brackets and wires. Although this is a cosmetic perk, it’s also a health benefit. Without the metal wires or brackets, you’re free from lesions, lacerations, and blisters in your mouth.

6. Oral care is easier

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays are removable. Although you’ll need to wear them 20-22 hours each day, you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth. This makes cleaning your teeth a breeze. Without brackets to floss around, your oral hygiene is easier to maintain. Ultimately, this improves your oral health.

Experience the perks of Invisalign for yourself

Whether you’re hoping for generally straighter teeth or you have more complex orthodontic goals, Dr. Westmoreland and our skilled team at Wedgewood Dental may suggest Invisalign to help you reach your goals. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, call one of our two locations.  You can also visit our website to request an appointment.