Invisalign® An Overview
Arlington Heights dentist Dr. Brent Engelberg is a certified Chicago area Invisalign® provider, often recommending this orthodontic treatment for teen and adult patients. Invisalign® can be used for cosmetic and restorative purposes to strengthen teeth and improve dental health. It is an effective and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces for patients who need mild to moderate orthodontia.
Invisalign® uses proprietary digital treatment planning software and a series of clear aligners. These comfortable, invisible aligners gently reposition your teeth without the embarrassment and hassles associated with traditional metal braces. Although Invisalign is not for everyone, it can effectively treat many common dental concerns:
- crooked or misaligned teeth
- underbite
- overbite
- cross bite
Dr. Engelberg will determine if Invisalign is right for you after a thorough dental examination and discussing your dental and cosmetic concerns.
The Benefits of Invisalign®
Straightening your teeth has benefits beyond enhancing your smile. Crooked teeth can be the underlying cause of many dental problems, including TMJ. Your treatment will improve your dental health with minimal discomfort.
The clear aligners will not irritate the soft tissues of the gums, and you can remove them for daily oral hygiene, enabling patients to brush and floss during treatment effectively. They can also be removed for eating and require no dietary restrictions.
One of the key benefits that attracts most adult patients is that they are invisible- no one has to know you are wearing braces.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
If you don’t have a smile you’re proud of, you’re going to be reluctant to show it off. Crooked teeth can make you try to hide your smile when you’re laughing or speaking in public. Depending on the nature of your crooked teeth, they may also cause you to have a lisp or some other speech impediment.
But crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. Crooked teeth are harder to clean in between. There may be places that your toothbrush or dental floss don’t reach, and it may be difficult for even specialized dental tools. When plaque and tartar continue to build up in these places, you’re more likely to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease.
Crooked teeth mean you have an uneven bite as well. This is one of the main contributors to TMJ disorders. Since your bite is uneven, it isn’t coming together in the way it’s supposed to. It can unevenly wear down the cartilage disc in your jaw joint, which allows movement to track smoothly. Your jaw can catch and malfunction, and you may experience pain throughout your jaw and face.
An uneven bite means uneven pressure distribution throughout your teeth. Some teeth have to take on more pressure and stress than they’re supposed to. These teeth wear down a lot faster than their counterparts and are more likely to crack or fracture. Since they experience more wear, they’re also more likely to suffer from tooth decay or infection.
