An uneven smile can be a source of embarrassment and even lead a person to hiding his/her smile. In addition, misalignment can also have a negative impact on oral health as well. How do you correct misalignment? We can use a practically invisible orthodontic treatment, Invisalign, to correct misalignment and help improve your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Correcting Misalignment
Question: How does misalignment impact oral health?
Answer: Teeth that are crowded or crooked can make thorough brushing and flossing difficult, allowing food particles to remain trapped between teeth and increasing the risk of both gingivitis and tooth decay. In addition, misalignment often strains the jaw joints, increasing the likelihood of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) developing.
Question: How does Invisalign work?
Answer: Instead of brackets and arch wires, we take impressions of your smile, which are used to create a series of clear plastic aligners. Each day, patients wear the aligners for between 20 and 23 hours, upgrading to a new set about once every two weeks. The aligners slowly and gently move the teeth to more optimal positions. Patients won’t need to change their diet since the aligners can be removed before meals. In addition, removable aligners will also make brushing and flossing your teeth properly a much easer process.
Question: Who qualifies for clear braces?
Answer: We recommend treatment for patients 16 and older who have more minor misalignment. We can examine your smile to see if this is the best option for your smile.
Question: How long does treatment last?
Answer: Total treatment takes about a year, although younger patients may need up to 18 months. The exact amount of time will depend on the cause and severity of your misalignment. If you have any questions about Invisalign or correcting misalignment, then please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.