How can Invisalign clear aligners help with your overall health?

Our mouths play a much bigger role in our overall health than you might realize. Our oral health serves as a window into our overall health. When we have crooked teeth or are experiencing crowding and spacing issues, an overbite or underbite, or uneven teeth, it can negatively affect far more than just our smile. If you have one or more of these dental concerns and your smile isn’t quite what you want it to be, you may be a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners.

When you think of braces or Invisalign, you might not realize that not only can these devices help improve your smile, but they can help with a variety of other health benefits. Of course, most of us elect to get Invisalign braces because we want our smiles to be straighter. However, deciding to move forward becomes even easier when you realize all the bonuses you’ll get as part of the process.

1. Invisalign clear aligners lessen your risk for tooth decay.

It’s true. Not only will these clear aligners help you achieve a straighter smile, but the entire process will result in less risk of tooth decay. Think about it. Straighter teeth make it easier for you to brush and floss, so during those two brushings a day and that daily flossing exercise, you’ll be able to remove more bacteria than you could when your teeth were crooked and you had overlaps or crowding issues. With less risk of tooth decay, you also may be at less risk for oral cancer, diabetes, anemia, and eating disorders.

2. An aligned bite means less risk for TMJ disorder.

The temporomandibular joint, aka TMJ, serves as a hinge that connects your skull to your jawbone. TMJ disorder can create pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control your jaw’s movement. Though it can be challenging to determine exactly what might cause your TMJ disorder, your TMJ symptoms may virtually disappear if your jaw is aligned with Invisalign treatment. And if you don’t have TMJ disorder now, having an aligned jaw means you will be at a lesser risk of developing it down the road.

3. Clear aligners can keep you from grinding your teeth at night.

The world can be a stressful place, and many adults grind their teeth at night to respond to their tension. Tooth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is quite common but can wreak havoc on your teeth. In extreme circumstances, bruxism can lead to a dental fracture, a loose tooth, or even worse, tooth loss. Chronic grinding can wear down your teeth, increasing the need for dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, root canals, or other restorative dental treatments. Clear aligners worn overnight can help with bruxism. Aside from acting as a barrier to prevent damage to the teeth, wearing the aligners can help retrain the muscles used to clench and grind teeth.

4. Properly positioned teeth help keep bone architecture intact.

When your teeth are straight and properly positioned, it is great for your jaw too. And we’re talking about more than just the risk of developing TMJ disorder. A well-aligned jaw can help keep bone architecture intact. Though orthodontic solutions, such as clear aligners, aren’t a quick or overnight fix, they can benefit your jawbone, facial bones, and the soft tissue in your mouth as teeth make their way into their new positions. Strong bones help keep your mouth in good working order, making it easier for you to chew food, swallow, speak, and more. And that is beneficial for your overall health as well.

Tomasik Family Dental can help with your Invisalign clear aligners treatment.

If you have been putting off orthodontic treatment and want to know more about clear aligners, the Tomasik Family Dental team is here to help. Invisalign aligners are clear and metal-free and are virtually invisible when they’re in your mouth. This allows you to straighten your teeth without concerns about that “metal-mouth” look and feel. Plus, the completely removable clear aligners make it easy for you to eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth like you usually would.

If you have crooked teeth or a bad bite, you are at a greater risk for developing gum disease. You can also experience accelerated wear and tear and damage to the back of your teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, challenges with brushing and flossing, TMJ disorder risks, and more. Though treatment times can vary, some treatments can last as little as two months. Don’t put off the opportunity to gain a straighter, healthier smile and reduce the risks to your oral and overall health.

Please request an appointment today using our convenient online form. We’ll get in touch with you to schedule your appointment and consultation for Invisalign clear aligners. We look forward to meeting you and talking about how we can help you with an oral health treatment that will benefit more than just your smile.