Beginning with those first toothless grins, smiles have been a way to communicate joy and happiness. But once teeth do come in, people often become self-conscious about their smiles – especially if their teeth aren’t straight. However, crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. An uneven bite can lead to a number of dental problems. To solve this, more and more people are seeking aids such as Invisalign in Miami, Florida.
Benefits of a Beautiful Smile
Though most insurance companies may list braces or Invisalign as cosmetic, there are many important health benefits to having a great smile. A good bite means that your upper and lower jaw meet properly. When your teeth are gapped or crooked, your bite often suffers, leading to problems such as cavities or gum recession. Continually biting down incorrectly can also cause enamel erosion, tooth loss or even speech impediments.
Worth of a Great Grin
Most people are familiar with the traditional metal braces strung like tinsel across teeth, using wires and brackets to tug them into place. But with more options for orthodontic care now available, many may wonder which is better: Invisalign vs. braces? Though Invisalign has been around for over 30 years, it took a while to gain favor in the eyes of orthodontists, but now many universities include Invisalign certification in their coursework. The clear retainers have revolutionized the orthodontic world, providing a new and often gentler way to straighten teeth. The plastic retainers are virtually invisible, and as each set is changed, your teeth begin shifting into their proper place. You would think this would mean that you would pay more, but the Invisalign cost is on par with those of its metal counterparts.
Which is Right for You?
There are still instances where metal braces may be the better choice. Invisalign requires compliance, so deciding whether or not you can really wear them 22 hours a day is an important factor in the decision-making process. More serious orthodontic cases, such as those involving protruding or irregularly-spaced teeth, may still require traditional braces. One factor on the plus side for Invisalign vs. braces is the ease of oral hygiene. With Invisalign, patients can completely remove the device to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth. Cleaning around traditional braces can be very difficult, and the frustration of flossing around wires can lead to gum disease when the gums are not cleaned properly.
Straighter is Healthier
Aligning your teeth is healthy preventative care, helping to avoid gum disease, cracked or chipped teeth and even halitosis. But there are other benefits that are less obvious, but no less important to your wellbeing. Many people, especially teenagers, are self-conscious about their smiles. This can lead to poor self-image and lack of confidence, particularly in social situations. Patients report that their self-assurance improves as they see the results of Invisalign.
If you are ready to have your smile light up the room and to feel more confident that your teeth will last a lifetime, contact an orthodontist who is certified in Invisalign in Miami to get started today.
