There are a lot of advantages to having straight teeth. A bright smile brings happiness and confidence and also helps you avoid oral health problems. Metal braces are the traditional way kids have achieved straight teeth, but there’s a better alternative. Invisalign® invisible clear aligners are widely available, and they aren’t just for kids. They’re for anyone who wants straighter teeth in half the time, without the hassle of metal in their mouth.
Dr. William M. Schneider practices general and cosmetic dentistry in Walnut Creek, California, transforming smiles every day using Invisalign. He prefers using Invisalign with his patients because it’s more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. The treatment is also twice as fast, ending in 18 months or less. There are lots of reasons why invisible clear aligners could be the best choice for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are soft, made from a patented thermoplastic material that’s flexible and nearly invisible. Dr. Schneider creates unique treatment plans that map out the exact movements of your teeth. Then, the aligners are created to use the appropriate amount of force at the right time to move your teeth into the proper position. Invisalign uses removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth without any metal or brackets.
Why straight teeth matter at any age
It’s true that most people want to straighten their teeth for cosmetic reasons, but there are health reasons that matter as well.
Overall health
Scientific research has shown that poor oral health can lead to serious diseases. Crooked teeth have been linked to insufficient oral health, with conditions such as:
- Birth complications
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
When your teeth are misaligned, bacteria can grow and get trapped inside pockets that are impossible to reach. Straight teeth allow you to properly floss and brush, preventing food debris and other particles from settling into those pockets and getting stuck.
Additionally, misaligned teeth can cause shoulder, neck, and jaw pain. When you chew with misaligned teeth, you’re creating extra pressure that shouldn’t be there, leading to headaches and even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a problem affecting almost half of Americans over 30. Even if you practice regular oral hygiene, those pockets of bacteria can be trapped by misaligned teeth. When those pockets of bacteria grow without being removed, your gums become inflamed. Gum inflammation is the first sign of gum disease. Gum disease is something you want to avoid at all costs because it’s been linked with:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Low birth weight in babies
- Diabetes
If you have misaligned teeth, using Invisalign is a good idea at any age. Straight teeth safeguard you against these serious health problems.
Starting an Invisalign treatment plan with Dr. Schneider helps you avoid future health problems. To make an appointment for an initial consultation, call us today at 925-935-2700 or use our convenient online scheduling tool.