Invisalign Can Change Your Life in 2016

Happy New Year Plano! Welcome back to the ongoing dental health blog of 1st In Smiles. With 2016 just a few days away, some of our patient’s have begun to tell us about their new year’s resolutions. The majority of their resolutions focus on improving some aspect of their health; some patients have resolved to exercise more, while other patients have resolved to change their diet for the better.

A few days ago, we mentioned that straightening crooked teeth would be a good new year’s resolution. At 1st In Smiles in Plano, TX, we offer Invisalign orthodontics as an alternative to traditional metal braces. We’ve spend a lot of time discussing how Invisalign works, and the benefits of choosing Invisalign instead of traditional metal braces. But we’ve spoken less about some of the health consequences of crooked teeth.

In order to really appreciate the life-changing benefits of Invisalign, you have to understand how crooked teeth are affecting your life. So in today’s post of our dental health blog we’re going look at the ways crooked teeth adversely affect your oral health, your overall health, and even your mental health. Then we’ll discuss how Invisalign can really change your life in 2016.

Crooked Teeth Can Cause You to Lose Teeth

It probably seems pretty obvious that crooked teeth can affect your oral health. But what you may not know, is that crooked teeth greatly increase your risk for losing teeth. Crooked teeth can be extremely difficult to clean effectively. In between teeth cleanings, plaque and tartar can accumulate on the areas of your teeth which you can’t reach.

Every time you eat or take a drink , a little bit of bacteria is left on your teeth. This bacteria quickly develops into plaque and tartar. Plaque is extremely acidic and will burn cavities into your teeth. Because crooked teeth make it more difficult to remove plaque, you’re far more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease.

The two leading causes of tooth-lose are tooth decay and gum disease. Although tooth decay and gum disease can often be treated, it can be extremely difficult to repair a cavity in a misaligned tooth. The tooth may eventually fall-out on its own, or you may end up needing to have the tooth extracted!

Crooked Teeth Are Linked With Malnutrition, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

Crooked teeth can often make it difficult to eat, especially if you’re suffering from tooth decay or gum disease. If you feel uncomfortable while chewing, you will likely be forced to change your diet. You may even have to switch to a diet of starchy, soft foods. Although foods like mashed potatoes are delicious and easy to chew, they lack fiber and protein.

If you stick with a soft food diet for long enough, you may start to experience malnutrition. Malnutrition is directly linked to an increase of your risk of heart disease and diabetes. But it’s not just malnutrition that is increasing your risk for these potentially life-threatening illnesses.

As mentioned above, if you have crooked teeth you are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Numerous university studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer!

Crooked Teeth Can Cause Depression and Social Anxiety

If your teeth are crooked, you may be embarrassed to smile or even laugh. This can even lead to you isolating yourself during social gatherings. This social embarassment can directly lead to decreased self-confidence and self-esteem. University studies have shown that people with lowered self-confidence are more likely to experience depression and social anxiety.

The Life Changing Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign can straighten your teeth painlessly and quickly, lowering your risks for the problems mentioned above. Your Invisalign dentist at 1st In Smiles in Plano, TX, will fit you with a set of transparent plastic aligners. These aligners gradually straighten your teeth and lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, malnutrition, and even depression.

Best of all Invisalign can save you a great deal of time. Traditional metal braces require frequent visits to orthodontist, costing you both time and money. Your Invisalign dentist will provide several of the removable aligners at a time, which means less time spent in dentist appointments.

In addition to all the long-term benefits of Invisalign, it also holds several short-term benefits over traditional adult braces. For one, your treatment time is short (generally about a year). Secondly, Invisalign aligners are removable. That means you never have to struggle to eat or brush your teeth.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re interested in Invisalign in Plano, TX, then contact our office for an appointment. At 1st In Smiles we treat all of our patients like family, we want you to have a smile you love! Call our office at 972-380-8105.