If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, you may want to know more about braces. Braces can correct multiple alignment issues and bring you an even, brilliant smile.
Here are 5 signs that you may want to ask your dentist about braces:
1. Gapped Teeth
While many people feel that gaps between teeth are purely cosmetic, the truth is more complicated. Gapped teeth can allow plaque and food particles to gather, raising your risk of tooth decay and gum disease over time.
2. Crooked Teeth
If you have crooked teeth, you may have told yourself you can live with them. However, crooked teeth can cause serious oral health problems if left uncorrected.
Crowded teeth can be difficult to floss, brush, and keep clean. Food and plaque collect in hard-to-reach areas, causing tooth decay.
Hidden pockets of plaque and food particles also harden into tartar, a cement-like substance that only a dental professional can remove. Tartar directly raises your risk of gum disease.
3. Overbite
Overbite means that your top teeth partially or fully overlap your bottom teeth. If your top teeth completely hide your bottom teeth, your overbite needs urgent attention. Overbites can lead to oral health problems, dental trauma, and excess wear and tear.
4. Underbite
An underbite means that your lower teeth protrude past your upper teeth. Underbites need immediate orthodontic attention. Underbites can cause chewing problems, speech issues, and the appearance of premature aging.
5. Crossbite
Crossbite means at least one of your upper teeth crosses behind a lower tooth. Crossbites can cause an asymmetrical jaw and excessive tooth wear. It also leads to a higher risk of TMJ disorder.
Braces Vs. Invisalign
While some orthodontic issues are so severe that they need conventional braces, your dentist can treat many of these problems with Invisalign. Invisalign is a comfortable, discreet orthodontic system that uses smooth plastic aligners to guide teeth gently into place.
Invisalign works on gapped teeth, crooked teeth, and minor to moderate bite issues. The system can create faster results, with treatment usually taking only about 12 to 18 months instead of braces that can take longer.
Since your family dentist knows your smile better than anyone, they can provide expert Invisalign treatment in a comfortable and convenient setting. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, you will enjoy a more even smile and gain self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is comfortable to wear. When you change aligners, you may feel pressure as they guide the teeth into new positions. You may have some minor discomfort at this time.
How will I know what my teeth will look like after treatment?
The dentist uses sophisticated modeling software to design your aligners. The software creates a 3-D digital model of your teeth before, during, and after treatment, and your dentist will share these images with you.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
If you want to discuss straightening your smile, call our Suwanee, GA, office at 678-714-2380. We can schedule a consultation and help you decide whether Invisalign is the right choice.