Taking care of our teeth needs to be at the top of the list when looking after our oral health. But, unfortunately, tooth decay is more common than many adults realize. Tooth decay is caused by various factors, including the bacteria in our mouth, poor oral hygiene, and the consumption of sugary and starchy foods and beverages. Further, crowded teeth, malocclusion (bad bite), and crooked teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay and other issues. So if you have one of those conditions, what can you do to lessen the risk of tooth decay and have more cavity-resistant teeth? Consider Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an excellent option for adults who don’t want the hassle or look of metal braces but desire straighter teeth. These clear aligners will successfully and gradually straighten your teeth without the mess of brackets or wires. Further, Invisalign has no food or beverage restrictions like there are with metal braces.

Invisalign teeth are a solid choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth, providing fewer spaces for oral bacteria to hide. When your teeth are crooked, bacteria have additional spaces to hide, leaving the bacteria free to harden into tartar, which is much more challenging to remove, thus increasing your chance of developing cavities. Not only that, but with straighter teeth, you are less susceptible to gum disease.

Even better, most dentists and orthodontists advise patients that Invisalign treatment usually takes only six to 12 months. While treatment plans vary based on each patient’s unique needs, it is generally safe to assume that Invisalign treatment will take less time than traditional metal braces. This treatment is convenient, too, as you can remove the clear aligners to eat, brush your teeth, and for special events. Wear your Invisalign teeth for 22 hours a day, and you’ll be on your way to healthy teeth and improved cavity prevention.

Who is a candidate for this treatment?

We understand that all of the above may seem too good to be true. So this often begs two questions from patients who are considering Invisalign treatment.

1. Does Invisalign work?
2. Who is Invisalign for?

Let’s start by answering your first question: Does Invisalign work? We can tell you with the utmost confidence that, yes, this option is a successful treatment for patients with one or more of the following dental concerns:

• Crowded teeth.
• Malocclusion (bad bite).
• Overbite.
• Underbite.
• Crossbite.
• Open bite.
• Gaps between the teeth.

So naturally, the next question is: Who is Invisalign for? Invisalign was designed for patients with mild versions of any of the dental concerns listed above. Though more serious issues, such as severe malocclusion, may need to be treated with traditional braces, those milder issues can indeed be corrected by a less invasive treatment. So, if you need just a few teeth adjusted at a time, you may be a great candidate for Invisalign.

Further, Invisalign is best suited for adults and teenagers who are done growing. As children’s jaws are still malleable and don’t stop developing until early adulthood, it’s important that patients understand that this treatment doesn’t have much influence on repositioning the jaw for children. Invisalign is best suited for those who just need a few teeth adjusted at a time. This said, many teenagers prefer the discretion offered by clear aligner treatment. With Invisalign teeth, you can still be confident smiling for photos because no one will know you have clear aligners on but you.

The Decision to Get Invisalign

The decision to choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces is often a personal decision that is made by patients and their trusted family dentist. So if you seek more cavity-resistant teeth and want to increase your chances of cavity prevention, now is the time to request an appointment with Tomasik Family Dental in Bee Cave, Texas. Your first appointment will usually consist of a consultation so that Dr. Tomasik or Dr. Clor can assess your dental situation. After an assessment, we can discuss the best treatment plan for you.

Next, we’ll take a digital scan, photographs, and X-rays to capture an accurate model of your mouth and teeth. In just a week or two, you will return to Tomasik Family Dental for your custom trays and treatment can begin. We’re confident that, before long, you’ll start to see minor changes in the alignment of your teeth, and when your treatment wraps up, you’ll not only have a straighter smile, but you’ll also see how Invisalign can transform the little things in your life too.

So what are you waiting for? Request an appointment today and start your Invisalign transformation.