Some Orthodontic Issues Call for Braces

Invisalign and traditional braces are both effective orthodontic treatment options. Invisalign is known for its inconspicuous appearance and great treatment experience, but what about its effects on your oral health?

Many patients find themselves asking, “Is Invisalign better than braces for oral health?” That’s an important question to answer before you commit to a treatment.

Whether braces or clear aligners will suit your individual needs is something you’ll have to discuss with your dentist. While there are many clear advantages to Invisalign, it isn’t right for every situation.

Invisalign and braces both provide treatment for various bite issues and misalignments. However, some situations are more severe than others. Complex cases may call for traditional braces to achieve the desired results.

Both Invisalign and Braces Correct Bite Issues.

In cases where both Invisalign and braces are suitable treatment options, Invisalign is just as effective for long-term oral health as braces. Both options guide teeth into the proper positions over the course of treatment, providing the same end results.

Correcting bite issues is vital to ensuring your long-term oral health. Improper alignment can cause a wide range of issues, including grinding and clenching. These can wear away the enamel, making teeth sensitive and much more susceptible to tooth decay.

You can also experience TMJ disorders related to bite issues. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows your lower jaw to move, which is how you open and close your mouth. If your jaw doesn’t sit properly, it can cause strain in the TMJ, leading to inflammation and pain.

A misaligned bite also increases your risk of dental trauma. If your teeth don’t sit together properly, the force from a fall or other impact isn’t spread evenly. Instead, one or several teeth could bear all of the force. This makes them more likely to crack or chip as a result.

Correcting your bite using either Invisalign or traditional braces provides a solid foundation for lifelong oral health and reduces your risk of many common dental problems.

Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthier

Invisalign and braces also treat crowding, which occurs when your teeth sit too close together. This helps ensure optimal long-term oral health by making it easier to manage the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

When your teeth are too close together, you can’t brush or floss the spaces between them well. As a result, bacteria can grow there more easily, resulting in plaque and tartar deposits.

Without the ability to engage in effective oral hygiene, you can find yourself dealing with tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other frustrating, pervasive issues. Invisalign can move your teeth into their ideal positions, making your regular oral hygiene routine more effective.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene During and After Treatment

Maintaining oral hygiene can be difficult during orthodontic treatment. Patients must ensure that they maintain the appropriate routine to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

However, studies show that the difficulty of maintaining oral hygiene during treatment with braces can lead to increased tooth decay. Researchers identified an increase in white spot lesions where braces made brushing difficult. These spots are the result of demineralization, the first step in the development of cavities.

Maintaining proper gum health can be just as difficult with braces. Studies show that using Invisalign instead of traditional braces can have a positive impact on gum health. Difficulty brushing and flossing provides bacteria with opportunities to accumulate and multiply, contributing to gum disease.

Oral hygiene is much easier with clear aligners. You can simply remove the aligners before meals and when it comes time to brush and floss. And don’t forget to regularly clean the aligners themselves to avoid getting bits of food stuck behind them.

Find out whether an Invisalign dentist can help you.

If you want to keep your smile looking bright and healthy, Dr. Desai and our friendly team at Luminous Smiles can help. We provide Invisalign treatment in Newport Beach to treat a wide range of issues.

We can carefully evaluate your needs to determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you. If so, you can enjoy a straightforward treatment experience that delivers results regarding your teeth’s appearance and your long-term oral health.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable and experienced team!