Are Straight Teeth Healthier?

By Dr. Jay McCarl, Dr. Clayton McCarl, and Dr. David McCarl

McCarl Dental Group

More Dental Health Articles

Are Straight Teeth Healthier?

Straight rather than crowded teeth are much healthier for your mouth and body. It is difficult to clean crooked and crowded teeth so they are more prone to plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease. When teeth fit together with an ideal bite, it is less likely that they will have unusual wear from clenching and/or grinding. When left untreated, missing or widely spaced teeth can prevent normal chewing and also increase the likelihood of periodontal disease and bone loss. Similarly, misaligned teeth and jaws can cause abnormal wear on your teeth and painful jaw joint problems.

Overall gum and bone health are improved when teeth fit together with an ideal bite. Clinical studies have shown that when teeth are properly aligned, the gums fit tighter around the teeth, contributing to periodontal health. And, of course, there are cosmetic benefits of a beautiful straight smile. Your teeth should make you look and feel great.

Benefits of Straight Teeth

Improved function and wear patterns of the teeth

Increased ability to clean the teeth

Better long-term health of teeth and gums

A more attractive smile

Adults are having their teeth straightened in unprecedented numbers. Whether you are self-conscious about your smile or concerned about your dental and overall health, Invisalign is a great solution. Many adults notice their teeth shifting, crowding and getting crooked, especially the lower front teeth. Even people who had braces as teenagers often experience relapse causing crowded teeth.

Invisalign can correct a wide variety of dental and orthodontic concerns. Before starting Invisalign orthodontics, your dentist will take x-rays and photographs that are combined with 3-D computer imaging technology to design your individual treatment plan. You will receive a series of custom-made clear trays which fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is worn for two weeks before moving to the next tray. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually shift until they have straightened to an ideal position. If you have only minor crowding, it will take fewer trays to correct. Some Invisalign cases take only ten trays (20 weeks) to correct fully. Major crowding cases take longer; however, Invisalign is often faster than traditional braces. For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Invisalign is a great way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.

Dental hygienists love Invisalign because their patients take them out to eat and brush and floss. This keeps the gums healthy during treatment and does not cause any decay or tooth discoloration, which can be significant problems with traditional braces.

Invisalign orthodontics are sometimes combined with other dental procedures including, dental implants, porcelain veneers and crowns. Treatment is both convenient and effective when you have a dentist who has achieved a high level of clinical training and experience in complex dental procedures.

The cost of Invisalign orthodontics is based on individual treatment programs. Be sure to speak with the patient advocates at your dentist's office because dental insurance often covers correction of orthodontic problems. There are also excellent financing options available for Invisalign patients.