When choosing an orthodontic treatment option, it’s important to have all the facts. One popular alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign, a tooth-straightening system that doesn’t rely on brackets or wires. Invisalign uses a series of removable custom-made, form-fitted trays made of clear plastic. These devices, known as aligners, exude a constant pressure to the teeth and are switched out regularly to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. This innovative system isn’t for everyone, though. A member of our dental team can help educate you on your options.

Orthodontic Care

Although Dr. Ania specializes in dentistry, she also knows the importance of orthodontic care for a healthier mouth. Studies show that those who receive orthodontic care and teeth straightening through braces have a reduced risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Why? Straighter teeth are much easier to clean than teeth that are crooked. They are easier to brush and floss and the teeth also have a lower risk for breaking.

When the teeth are crooked, it may be hard to get floss in between the teeth. When brushing, there could be areas where the brush can’t reach well, which could cause plaque to sit on the teeth and erode them over time. The uneven pressure placed on crooked teeth when chewing and biting can also lead to a tooth fracture or break. When it comes to the health of your teeth, straightening them is one of the ways to keep them healthy.

Benefits

When you invest your time in orthodontic care, you’ll not only come out of it with straighter teeth, but you’ll gain the benefits of:

• Heathier teeth and gums
• Easier cleaning (as mentioned)
• Overall health

Believe it or not, but your oral health can affect your whole-body wellness. If you take care of your oral health, odds are that you’re taking care of other parts of your health as well. Oral infections play a big role in your risk for serious conditions or ailments such as stroke, heart disease, pneumonia and diabetes. This is due to bacteria buildup in the mouth that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Decay and disease can also lead to infections that can get into your bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body. When it comes to your oral health, don’t take a chance on it! Keep it as healthy as possible.

Boost Your Confidence

Many studies have been done when it comes to straight teeth and if they help boost confidence. The answer is yes! We offer Invisalign transparent aligners at our office and coincidentally enough, Invisalign conducted a study comparing straight teeth to crooked teeth. In one study, over 1,000 people on the street were asked to comment on two photos placed side-by-side. One photo featured a person with crooked teeth and the other featured a person with straight teeth. Those surveyed were not aware that the study was about the teeth at all. However, the results of the study were quite amazing.

When the two photos were compared, they found that the person with straight teeth was perceived as more successful and more confident almost every time. They were also perceived as more attractive and up to 73% more trustworthy. Those with straighter teeth were also seen as:

• 21% more likely to be happy
• 47% more likely to be healthy
• 38% more likely to be smart

All of these social benefits come from simply having straight teeth!

Traditional Braces

When most think of braces, they think of the traditional metal braces that are so popular with children and teens. We actually use traditional metal braces in our office for child orthodontics. We use a two-step treatment process where children receive orthodontic care to correct bite and alignment problems. The goal is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often show early signs of jaw problems as they grow. Early treatment with braces can correct those problems so that they can then receive another phase of orthodontic treatment as adolescents to straighten the teeth.

Invisalign Braces

When it comes to orthodontic care, traditional metal braces are not your only option. They are popular with all ages, but adults often go the route of braces that can be hidden easier. One of our amazing orthodontic options is Invisalign transparent aligners. Invisalign is a tooth-straightening system that doesn’t rely on brackets or wires. Invisalign uses a series of removable custom-made, form-fitted trays made of clear plastic. These devices, known as aligners, exude a constant pressure to the teeth and are switched out every 1-2 weeks to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. Using the Invisalign alignment system, Dr. Ania can straighten your smile in the same amount of time (or less) than those who wear metal braces.

We simply take digital impressions of your teeth using a special digital scanning system to create precise 3D images of your teeth. We will map out a treatment plan and what you can expect at the end of your treatment with your new smile. Your custom-made aligners will be made from Invisalign’s SmartTrack material that will stay strong while moving your teeth. Wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and in no time your smile will be straighter!

Your Consultation

Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care and now you can too. Let us design a smile for you that is natural and beautiful and one that will bring you confidence. If you are interested in exploring your options for orthodontic treatment as an adult, please contact Dr. Ania’s office to schedule an appointment at 303-443-0998!