Many people are interested in Invisalign because they are concerned about how they look. After all, this modern treatment offers an effective and discreet alternative to traditional orthodontic methods that involve conspicuous and irremovable dental appliances. However, you may not be aware of the many oral and overall health benefits that come from achieving a straighter and healthier smile with Invisalign. Here’s a brief overview of a few of the lesser-known benefits of realigning your grin with Invisalign treatment.
Reducing Strain on the Jaw
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and it is a remarkably complex piece of anatomy. The TMJ is made of a number of specialized muscles and bones that work together to give the jaw the full range of motion it needs for chewing and speaking, and if any of these parts become unbalanced or misaligned, the patient may experience unpleasant side effects such as headaches, backaches, and neck pain.
A suboptimal bite alignment can put unnecessary stress on the TMJ due to improperly distributed chewing pressure, and this strain can cause this joint to become unbalanced. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can allow you to enjoy more even chewing pressure that helps your TMJ stay healthy and comfortable.
Making Oral Hygiene Easier
Many alignment issues such as gaps or crowding can make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly at home. For example, it can be difficult to adequately brush and floss teeth that are too close together, and large gaps between teeth can trap large accumulations of food debris. After achieving a better alignment with Invisalign, a patient may find that their oral hygiene sessions become more effective and hassle-free.
Avoiding Dental Injuries
Alignment issues such as crowding, gaps, underbites, and overbites can leave the teeth in more precarious positions that put them at greater risk of injuries. For example, front teeth that protrude too far due to an overbite are more exposed to damage due to falls or blows to the face, and teeth that are not evenly aligned may experience uneven wear and tear during the chewing process. Realigning your smile with Invisalign can minimize and evenly distribute the strain your teeth endure, which can help them stay in great shape for decades to come.
Invisalign offers significant oral and overall health benefits as well as an improved appearance. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if this treatment can be a good fit for you.
About the Author
Gramercy Dental Studio provides the New York Community with exemplary oral healthcare using state-of-the-art technology. Led by Dr. Ira Newman, the staff sees to each patient receiving compassionate care and effective treatments in a warm and judgment-free environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To schedule your Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (212) 924-6890.
