MIAMI, CORAL GABLES AND BRICKELL, FLORIDA – Invisalign can do more than straighten teeth. Aside from the aesthetic benefits derived from Invisalign, there are also health benefits. This advanced approach to aligning the teeth uses a series of clear aligners created for you and only you, says Dr. Stephen Grussmark, an expert in orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign allows for much better home care and better oral hygiene compliance than with traditional braces. The reason for this is that there are no brackets to trap food or plaque (a type of biofilm). Biofilm, a thin, resistant layer of microorganisms that forms on various surfaces, is produced when bacteria stick to surfaces in some form of wet environment and begin to excrete a slimy, gluelike substance that can adhere to all kinds of materials. Plaque is a form of biofilm that grows on teeth and is yellow in color, according to Colgate.
“Prevention is key, and biofilm can be kept at bay as long as you are consistent with your oral care regime,” says Dr. Grussmark, a Miami orthodontist. “As an orthodontic modality, Invisalign is a very hygienic approach to treatment.”
Following are the health benefits of Invisalign:
Teeth And Gums Are Healthier
Teeth that are crowded or spaced too far apart can result in swollen or inflamed gums. Straightening the teeth and correcting the bite can definitely favorably influence the periodontal health. Since Invisalign doesn’t involve brackets and wires, this is a significantly more hygienic approach to orthodontic treatment, according to Invisalign. Misaligned teeth can lead to food and other debris becoming lodged in tight areas, possibly leading to gum infection and disease. Straightening the teeth can prevent that problem.
Teeth Are Easier To Clean
Trying to remove all the food and plaque that becomes trapped in your brackets and wires can be a challenge. Aligning the teeth with Invisalign can help alleviate the brushing and flossing challenges that come with traditional orthodontics, which is conventional braces. Your clear aligners can be removed easily to brush, floss and eat. “Flossing can be a challenge, especially with conventional braces,” says Dr. Grussmark. “The time to floss is typically doubled with traditional braces because you have to weave the floss threaders between wires and brackets. This whole flossing process becomes a much simpler process in the patient undergoing Invisalign treatment.”
Overall Health Is Benefitted
When you take good care of your teeth, you also are having a positive impact on your general health. Dental cavities and gum disease can be implicated in other systemic health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Periodontitis (gum inflammation) has been linked to pre-term delivery in pregnant women and low birth weight for babies, according to the American Dental Association.
If you notice bleeding gums, excessive recession of the gum line, any exudate (pus) between the teeth and gums, or loose teeth, you need to contact a your dentist, especially about any changes in your overall health. If these conditions exist, they may be it could affect your overall medical health.
In general summary, straightening your teeth can have great health benefits and the added hygiene benefits with Invisalign merit investigating whether Invisalign would be an option for your treatment.
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