Teeth can become misaligned or crooked due to poor oral habits or factors beyond a patient’s control, such as genetics. Your dentist may recommend straightening your smile with orthodontic treatments or the discreet alternative, Invisalign.
Aligning your teeth can offer both structural and cosmetic benefits for your oral health. Dr. Thomas Prendergast, a dentist located in Fox Lake, IL, discusses three advantages you will experience with your smile if you straighten your teeth with Invisalign.
Improve Oral Hygiene
Plaque forms over our teeth every day due to natural bacteria. We remove this plaque to avoid severe dental consequences by brushing teeth twice per day and flossing daily.
If your teeth are crooked or overlap one another, you may not have access to the entire surface of the affected teeth. This means that you will not be able to completely remove plaque, and you could be at risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental problems.
Straightening your teeth can simplify your oral hygiene routine and allow you to get a more thorough clean. If you choose cosmetic dental treatment with Invisalign, you can maintain your usual oral hygiene regimen without interference from disruptive braces or other traditional orthodontics.
Alleviate Jaw Pain
Misaligned teeth may mean that you have an improper bite. This could increase pressure against your teeth and your jaw, resulting in painful temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ.
This pain could worsen, and you may experience additional complications related to TMJ, including chronic headaches or difficulty chewing, without treatment from your dental professional. Straightening your teeth can relieve pressure on your jaw and alleviate these unpleasant symptoms.
Boost Confidence in Your Appearance
Some people may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile if they have crooked teeth. This decreased self-esteem could impact other aspects of their life.
You can renew your confidence with smile enhancement treatment from your dentist. Invisalign aligners are clear-colored and less noticeable to a casual observer. They can offer more privacy for your cosmetic dental treatment with their subtle appearance.
Ask Your Dentist in Fox Lake, IL About Invisalign
Infinity Dental offers Invisalign and other cosmetic dental treatments for patients in Fox Lake, IL. Dr. Prendergast also specializes in implant, restorative, and general dentistry, including root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 847.447.6637.