Changing the look of your smile is important for achieving more confidence but do you know that a more harmonious smile also improves oral health? In today’s blog, your Charles City, IA, dentist talks about how Invisalign can protect periodontal health, enhance TMJ function, and reduce enamel wear, improving overall oral well-being.
Invisalign Process
With Invisalign, you are given a set of clear plastic aligner trays. Each one will gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment, creating an optimal bite and reducing the risk of periodontal issues. By straightening the teeth, we eliminate overcrowding and create a more even distribution of biting forces. This improvement allows for better oral hygiene practices, making it easier to clean and maintain healthy gums that are less prone to inflammation, disease, and bacterial colonization.
Improved Periodontal Health
Oral health means more than just teeth that look pretty. Achieving optimal periodontal health means caring for the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums and bone. Misaligned teeth can contribute to gum disease, as they can create deep and hard-to-clean pockets where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. The first signs you may notice for a gum infection are bleeding, redness, or swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us for a check-up so that we can treat the issues early before permanent damage is done.
Enhanced TMJ Function
Have you ever noticed a disturbing popping or clicking sound when eating? This could be an indication of jaw issues. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. Misaligned teeth can contribute to these problems as they may disrupt the proper functioning of the joint when the teeth don’t have the proper occlusion.
Invisalign treatment focuses on straightening crooked teeth while alleviating bite issues. By aligning the teeth properly, there will be less stress on the jaw joints. This can lead to a reduction in jaw pain, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds.
Reduced Enamel Wear and Tear
Do your teeth have flattened edges where they should be pointy? Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the teeth. In cases of a misaligned or improper bite, certain teeth may experience excessive wear due to uneven pressure when biting, chewing, or even speaking. This can result in enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of dental problems.
Invisalign aligners will help the teeth come together in the right way. By evenly distributing the forces exerted on the teeth, Invisalign reduces the risk of excessive wear and tear on the enamel. This minimizes the likelihood of tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and other potential complications down the line. After Invisalign, if you suffer from a more severe form of teeth grinding or TMD, you may consider using a night guard to better protect your teeth and jaw. Our team will guide you toward the right treatment for your optimal health.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign offers more than just a cosmetically appealing smile! If you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is worth scheduling a consultation with our experts. Give us a call at Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA at (641)228-1115!
