My Front Teeth Look Straight: Do I Still Need Invisalign®?
If you have crooked teeth, it’s worth considering Invisalign® clear aligners. An alternative to traditional braces, these clear plastic aligners can gradually straighten your teeth. In fact, Invisalign may be a good option for you even if your front teeth look straight.
You may be confused. Why would someone with straight front teeth still need braces? Turns out that there is more to dental alignment than just a nice-looking smile.
The team at our Virginia Beach, VA, dental office would like to discuss why Invisalign may be right for you even if your smile looks just fine.
Malocclusion Goes Beyond the Front Teeth
Looks aren’t everything, and that definitely goes for dental health. Even if your smile looks straight, you need to consider the fit of your bite as a whole.
If you notice your teeth don’t rest together easily, or your bite doesn’t fit quite right, that could mean you have crooked teeth despite appearances. The best way to find out if you need Invisalign is to meet with your dentist and describe what issues you’ve encountered.
Oral Health Issues People May Experience Despite Straight Front Teeth
There are many dental problems associated with crooked teeth. Some issues you experience may include:
- Misalignment of the Premolars and Molars - The back teeth aren’t always visible but they are crucially important to good oral function and tooth alignment.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - Many people grind their teeth at night because their teeth cannot find a comfortable resting position. This can cause wear and tear to the teeth as well as gum recession.
- TMJ Disorders (TMD) - Teeth grinding can also contribute to TMJ disorders, which means dysfunction of the jaw joint. Your jaw may lock, pop, or feel sore from yawning or speaking.
How Invisalign Can Help
Thanks to Invisalign, patients at our Virginia Beach dental office can experience the different benefits of orthodontic care without the brackets and wires of traditional braces. Both adults and teens can get Invisalign treatment.
Patients will wear their Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, switching to a new aligner every two weeks. Over the course of several months, the teeth will shift into a straighter and healthier position.
At the end of Invisalign treatment, patients will have straight front teeth and better overall dental alignment. This will reduce the risk of teeth grinding, TMD, and other dental health problems.
Will I Need Braces or Invisalign?
Both Invisalign and braces are effective options for orthodontic treatment. For serious cases of malocclusion, a dentist may recommend braces instead of clear aligners. It really depends on the needs of the patient and the state of their teeth.
During a visit to our office, we can assess your situation and let you know if braces or Invisalign is a better option for you. We can also go over pricing and insurance information so you can plan accordingly based on your budget.
Learn More About Your Options for Treatment
Remember that straight teeth aren’t the whole story. To get more information about your oral health needs and if you require orthodontic care, contact our Virginia Beach dental office. We look forward to seeing you and helping you out.
