It is not new knowledge in the dental world that teeth that are crooked, crowded, rotated or generally out of position are not healthy for the mouth. What we know is that crowding, besides causing esthetic (cosmetic) issues, can also cause changes in the bacteria that are in the gums and can lead to more advanced forms of gums disease. Improved oral hygiene and more frequent visits to your dentist can help to combat this condition, but it always leaves the patient in a compromised situation; fighting an uphill and sometimes losing battle. Today we know that gum disease not only causes problems in the mouth but also systemically puts us at higher risk for such conditions as diabetes, strokes, heart disease and pre-term babies.
Teeth that are tilted or rotated present another set of issues. Recession, bone loss, abfractions (notched areas along the gumline where enamel is lost) and cracked, worn or broken teeth and fillings are a handful of the concerns that we see on a daily basis from teeth that are out of position. Teeth are intended to destroy food, not one another. Occlusal or night guards can be worn and do greatly help, particularly because a lot of people brux or grind their teeth while sleeping. However, this does not help during normal function throughout the daytime or if a person has a clenching or grinding habit while awake.
Treatment for such damage can be very time consuming and expensive. Grafting procedures are helpful, but if the occlusion or bite issues are not resolved then these will not be a permanent solution. Crowns and fillings can help fix the broken or fractured areas but also can become broken or worn if the bite is not corrected or protected.
Today we know there is a much better solution than just fortifying the teeth or only providing nighttime protection. Realignment of the teeth using a process like INVISALIGN is a very easy, comfortable and predictable method to not only straighten and align teeth, but also to help create a healthier oral environment for the whole mouth. If teeth are properly aligned and the teeth are in a protected bite, dental work lasts longer, gums stay healthier and we create a smile that is both esthetic and functional.
INVISALIGN works well for those who have never had braces or those who have done orthodontic treatment and have not worn retainers for years and have allowed their teeth to shift. It is typically completed in less than one year and helps provide a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime. A consultation can give you all the information you need on the process and determine if alignment will help create the beautiful and healthy smile you have always desired.
Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.
Above Article By: Eric Seidel, D.M.D.
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