A beautiful smile is just as synonymous with the city of Los Angeles as palm trees and Lakers basketball. When your teeth aren’t straight, though, you just don’t feel as confident about your smile, causing you to withdraw. But the reality is that your smile can shine just as bright as the stars of Hollywood. Invisalign offers an avenue to achieve the look you desire.
Oral Health Benefits of Having Straight Teeth
Straight teeth offer more than just great looks. There are health benefits as well.
- Easier Access for Oral Hygiene – Straight teeth are easier to access to clean when brushing and flossing, which helps prevent such health problems as oral infection, plaque and gum disease.
- Eliminate Speech or Chewing Problems – Misaligned teeth cause issues with the pronunciation of certain words and impact the chewing of food, possibly affecting digestion as well. Having straight teeth fixes both problems.
- Jaw Problems – When your teeth don’t mesh properly, the jaw is also affected, and can alter its position to accommodate the misalignment, which then alters the shape of your face. But, straight teeth make your face look more symmetrical and attractive.
- Enamel Wear – Misalignment of teeth can cause unusual wear to enamel, as abnormal grinding may occur.
Invisalign Aligners vs Braces
One advantage of Invisalign aligners is that they are far more convenient than braces because they are removable. And this improves your ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Braces, once attached to your teeth, can only be removed by your orthodontist. With aligners, though, you can remove them before eating.
The next advantage is aesthetics. Nobody looks forward to having protruding pieces of metal and wires put in their mouth, that say to every approaching person, “Hey look, I’ve got braces.” Invisalign allows you to be discreet and maintain dignity while correcting your smile.
Also, metal braces must be adjusted to continue the process of straightening your teeth. This can be rather uncomfortable. Invisalign aligners, however, are made to fit your teeth with relative comfort, while still encouraging them to move to the desired position with every new tray.
Someone who wears metal braces can expect to wear them for as long as 5 years in some cases. Invisalign typically takes far less time, usually between 1 to 1 ½ years, depending on the severity of the misalignment of the patient’s teeth when the process starts.
What Matters Most to You
You want to feel good about yourself and there’s nothing wrong with that. Studies show that possessing high self-esteem and confidence positively impacts your mental and physical health. Simply put, when you look good you feel good.
Invisalign aligners offer an avenue to renewing the real you, drawing you out of your shell as you shine with the confidence that straight teeth bring.
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner has deep Los Angeles roots, receiving his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology from UCLA, where he also managed the football team. He would go on to earn his dental degree from Washington University in St. Louis, but was still compelled to return to the city of L.A., where he’s been ever since. A member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Latner is committed to restoring confidence one smile at a time. He practices at Westside Dental Associates and can be reached for more information at his website.