When you think of braces often people think of teenagers with metal mouths. If you have had them as a child you might think of ulcers, pain, and potentially even name-calling. Metal braces were once the only option for patients who were seeking straighter teeth.
Research has shown that the first thing individuals notice (33%) when meeting new people is their teeth. Furthermore, 25% of them said teeth are the number one thing they remember about someone. Overall, individuals who have straight teeth are seen to be 21% happier, and 47% healthier. This is in addition to 38% being perceived as smarter than people with crooked teeth. Finally, 58% were more likely to be seen as wealthy and successful.
As cosmetic dentistry has evolved, several new options have been developed. Opening up options to patients to make their preferred treatment plans. Whether you want to close a gap, correct a bite either over or under, or straighten crowded teeth. The overall goal of Invisalign and traditional braces is the same; to bring your teeth into better alignment. However, with an extended number of options and decisions comes questions and uncertainty.
Should I Straighten My Teeth?
In addition to the above research, there are various reasons to straighten your teeth that go beyond getting their ideal smile.
Oral Health
It is easier to clean your teeth. Having crooked teeth creates hidden areas that are hard to brush. Eventually leads to plaque building up and bacteria multiplying faster. Therefore, having straighter teeth makes brushing and flossing easier. Leading to better oral hygiene.
Increased Self-Esteem
Many research reports have found that having crooked teeth reduce a person’s self-esteem. When someone smiles less and feels embarrassed this can impact their mental health and social confidence. Improving your smile through teeth straightening could potentially lead to new friendships, improved relationships, and a boost within a career.
Improved Bite
Once teeth are straight, fewer muscles are required to bite. However, with crooked teeth, they move against each other causing wear and tear. Leading to tooth enamel erosion, discoloration, sensitivity, and pain. Straight teeth allow you to eat well by chewing and biting correctly.
Longer Life
In a recent study, a direct correlation was found between tooth infections and decay and coronary artery disease. Furthermore, there’s evidence that shows a link between gum disease and lung cancer. Therefore, straightening your teeth and maintaining good dental hygiene can impact your life expectancy.
Prevent Jaw Pain
In some cases, crowded teeth can put pressure on your gums, jaw, and supporting bone. In time, this can lead to frequent headaches or ear and neck pain, among other problems. When you straighten your teeth, you can achieve the right jaw alignment. Muscles are more relaxed and can work properly.
What Is An Invisalign Brace?
Invisalign treatment involves a set of clear aligners that have been custom-made for each individual. The process begins with a cosmetic dentist taking an X-ray, a series of pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3D image of your teeth. Once produced this allows the Invisalign dentist to configure the aligner trays accordingly. The next step is the trays placed over the patient’s teeth to gently moved them into the desired place. This is done the same as traditional braces by simply applying pressure to the teeth. The number of aligners required depends on the severity of the teeth initially. These are then changed weekly or fortnightly depending on the dentist’s Invisalign plan.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
In general, the treatment time varies based on the severity of the teeth initially. Although, overall Invisalign is usually faster than traditional braces. Invisalign involves aligners being worn between 22 and 24 hours a day and can last for six to 18 months.
Will Invisalign Impact My Daily Habits Such As Sports?
Metal braces and other options often impact daily activities such as exercise. Often when impacted the metal could potentially break, causing pain and discomfort. However, Invisalign treatment is the ideal option for anyone who participates in a contact sport. This can be from rugby, football, or hockey the majority of team sports have some level of contact. Furthermore, due to the removable nature of Invisalign, a regular mouthguard can be worn.
Does Invisalign Really Work?
One challenge with Invisalign is remembering to place the aligners back on your teeth and not misplacing them. Patients need to be strict with themselves and follow the recommended time to wear the trays. However, both traditional braces and Invisalign are effective treatments for straightening teeth.
Is Invisalign Best For Me?
Which treatment is best for you depends on your orthodontic issue. Invisalign is more commonly used for patients with moderate crowding of the front teeth. On the other hand, traditional braces are considered more effective for more severe issues. Research has shown that in 10% of cases involving complex tooth movement, fixed braces are the better option.
Next Steps With Grosvenor Dental Practice
With a variety of options to straighten your teeth, it is always best to contact your dentist for the best options. Your dental orthodontic will advise you on the best solution for you and what will work best. However, the final decision is always up to you. To find out what is best for you, contact private dentist Grosvenor Dental Practice today. We are more than happy to help guide you during your appointment.
