Splendidly Straightening Your Smile: The Lesser-Known Benefits of Invisalign
When most people think of Invisalign, they picture the iconic, clear plastic aligners that are used to straighten teeth – and this solution is often viewed in a much more positive and exciting light compared to traditional metal braces. However, what most patients don’t realize is that Invisalign is capable of doing far more than addressing crooked teeth. Continue reading to learn a little more about Invisalign and some of its lesser-known benefits; it can do quite a lot for your pearly whites!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign relies on a system of clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth virtually full-time; although these trays are removable, patients must still wear them for around 22 hours each day, only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss.
The aligners need to be worn so that they can do the same job as braces! They move the teeth at a very gradual and subtle rate, mimicking what a system of metal brackets and wires would do. This allows them to easily straighten teeth and help patients achieve healthier, better-looking smiles. Better yet, this process is often much faster than that of traditional braces, often only needing 12 to 18 months to fully wrap up.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Benefits of Invisalign?
It’s true that most patients seek out Invisalign as a braces alternative in order to straighten their crooked teeth, but believe it or not, these clear aligners offer a plethora of additional benefits too, and can be used to target other types of dental issues.
For example, Invisalign can also be used to target minor bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites – and improving your bite can greatly benefit your everyday oral function, which includes your ability to speak and converse with others. Likewise, your ability to bite and chew will also greatly improve, assisting with nutrition.
Having properly aligned teeth can also greatly benefit one’s oral health; if there are gaps between the teeth, bacteria have an easier time forming cavities or contributing to gum disease. Likewise, if bite misalignment is causing bruxism, or teeth grinding, it’s very likely the enamel will sustain wear and tear, making the teeth more vulnerable to cracks, cavities, and other issues.
The advantages of Invisalign are countless – which is why more and more patients these days are turning toward these clear aligners to achieve their smile goals. If you still have any doubts, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist to see just how greatly Invisalign can benefit your smile!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Marjun Ayati, Dr. Brenda J. Young, and Dr. Lana Masti, the talented team at Fairfax Dental Group has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Fairfax and the surrounding area for several years. The office offers a wide range of services, including solutions like Invisalign! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (703) 560-6301.