Braces have long been used to straighten the teeth of adolescents, but individuals of any age can benefit from having perfectly aligned teeth. Properly aligned teeth are essential for biting and chewing food, and for clearly pronouncing words. In some cases, braces might even improve oral wellness, such as when an adult suffers from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. For adults who live in Bel Air, a dentist is likely to recommend Invisalign.
Discreet Alternative
Dentists often recommend Invisalign to their adult patients because it offers a discreet alternative to highly visible metal braces. Although straight teeth are important at any age, the appearance of braces does not lend itself to a professional image. Adults who are concerned about how they look as they go about their day at the office may be more likely to choose Invisalign. Instead of metal brackets, Invisalign gently straightens the teeth with a series of custom-made aligners made of clear plastic . Since these aligners are virtually invisible, no one needs to know when a person is having his or her teeth straightened.
Convenient Aligners
Beyond appearance, Invisalign offers remarkable advantages over metal braces. The aligners are a convenient option because they are easily removable and replaceable. Dental patients simply pop out the aligners when it’s time for a meal. After eating and brushing their teeth, patients can easily snap the aligners back into place. The removable nature of the Invisalign aligners means that there are no dietary restrictions; patients can feel free to crunch on an apple, bite on celery, or chew sugarless gum.
Optimum Oral Health
Another benefit of the removable aligners is that they allow patients to maintain their normal oral health routines without having to fuss with proxabrushes or other special dental care equipment. The teeth can be brushed and flossed as usual. The aligners are easy to clean; a gentle scrub with toothpaste is all that’s needed to refresh them. Because adults can easily maintain their oral hygiene during treatment, there is no increased risk of tooth decay.