If you have hesitated to undergo an orthodontic treatment because of the cosmetic effect, you may hope to use Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth. Unfortunately, while Invisalign can correct milder forms of misalignment, your teeth may need too much adjustment to qualify. Using modern imaging technology, your orthodontist can check if you are a good candidate for aligners. What is important to note is that straightening your teeth does more than just improve your looks. Your overall oral health benefits from orthodontic treatment.
Using Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners make gradual adjustments to the position of your teeth. You will receive several oral trays, with each moving your teeth closer to where they should be. They are clear, so that you can wear them without drawing attention to their presence. One major advantage to Invisalign is that you can remove them when you need to eat, or clean your teeth, so that they interfere less with your daily life. However, while you can remove them, you should keep them in place as much as possible, to avoid falling behind on your expected completion.
How Your Dental Alignment Affects Your Health
Even if you do not qualify to use Invisalign to correct your teeth, orthodontics are important. Your crooked teeth can contribute to malocclusion, or an uneven bite – this can be a contributing factor to TMJ problems. Straightened teeth also offer better protection against cavities, as they are easier to clean. If you are still concerned with the esthetics of orthodontics, tooth-colored brackets can be less visible than conventional braces, while working for teeth that do not qualify for Invisalign.