Once a person decides to invest in getting their teeth straightened, they still might prefer that the world not know about how they’re managing their oral health. Thankfully, “metal mouth” is no longer the only option.
It’s never too late to get a straight, white smile. Today, teens and adults alike are opting for the more subtle version of braces – something we like to think of as invisible orthodontics.
Braces Don’t Have to Interrupt Your Lifestyle
Giving a speech or presentation? Going on a first date? Have a job interview? You don’t have to show up with embarrassing metal brackets on your teeth – Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses removable, clear, plastic aligners to shift teeth into position. There is some responsibility on the patient’s part to make sure they aren’t lazy about the wearing of their retainers – the aligners should be on the teeth for at least 20 hours a day for the most effective treatment.
But that’s a small price to pay for the convenience and comfort of this modern orthodontic treatment. Anyone who’s gone through the experience of traditional metal orthodontics can attest to the fact that just about anything would be better than sharp metal irritating the cheeks and gums.
Traditional Orthodontics vs. Invisalign
Invisalign is comfortable to wear and removes the element of self-consciousness that can be inherent with braces. One of the biggest complaints about metal braces is that they make any element of eating difficult. The brackets gather food and their construction makes it nearly impossible to indulge in some favorite foodstuffs like popcorn, candy, corn on the cob, and gum.
The obvious problem is brackets full of food – but the underlying issue is that the nature of braces makes it difficult to clean teeth as necessary which can lead to plaque buildup. With Invisalign, the wearer can remove their mouthpiece to brush and floss as usual, reducing the risk of lingering bacteria and improving overall periodontal health.
Why Should I Straighten My Teeth Now?
While the obvious benefit of Invisalign is straight teeth, often in less than a year, there are other oral health benefits. Your gums will fit more securely around your teeth when your teeth are in proper alignment – just one more way to effectively fight gum disease and decay.
Braces can also correct bite problems, spacing issues, chewing problems, and even speech issues. But straight teeth can also impact your overall well-being, reducing the incidence of headaches, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and other health conditions.
Find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ken Cirka at his Philadelphia dental office and determine what cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for your smile.