Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that you wear to gradually straighten your teeth. Your aligners are custom-made for your mouth based on the impressions we take of your teeth and bite. They gradually shift your teeth into place, and treatment duration varies based on your current smile. At Karen J Harris & Associates, Invisalign in St. Louis, MO, are made of comfortable, smooth plastic and are virtually invisible. This makes them a great choice for both adults and teens.
Is Invisalign the Right Treatment for Me?
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you want. This orthodontic system uses clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into position, and because they are clear, nobody will even know you are wearing them.
Invisalign in St. Louis, MO, is used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, and gapped teeth. The aligners are also removable, so you can take them off to eat or brush your teeth. Call us to learn more.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Straightening Your Smile
When your teeth are crooked or crowded, their alignment affects how they come together. This can impact your bite and can cause tension in your jaw.
When your teeth are misaligned, it’s more difficult for you to clean them, which leads to plaque buildup and bacteria growth. Additionally, your misaligned bite can cause issues with chewing and eating.
Improving the Appearance of Your Smile
If you have crowded or gapped teeth, you may notice that your smile looks smaller than you feel on the inside. Not only does your smile look smaller than it is, but it also can be more difficult to clean. That’s because crowded teeth may be more difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. The gaps between your teeth can also trap food particles and bacteria, making your smile look less healthy.
Invisalign treatment can correct all of these problems by gradually moving your teeth into their correct positions. This aligns your teeth, making it much easier to clean them and preventing plaque from building up.
Reducing Your Risk of Tooth Decay
When teeth are misaligned, it can be difficult to brush and floss them properly. If bacteria are allowed to linger on the teeth, they can cause cavities to form. By straightening teeth that are misaligned, the risk of cavities decreases.
Improving Your Bite
When you close your mouth your teeth should fit together properly. If one or more of your teeth are misaligned, your bite can be adversely affected. Misaligned teeth may become more sensitive to heat and cold, and you may experience jaw pain. Invisalign in St. Louis, MO, can help.
Removability
Invisalign aligners are removable. Unlike braces, which can only be removed by a dentist in St. Louis, MO, you can remove Invisalign aligners whenever you want. This could be when you’re eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, or going to a special event. Invisalign aligners also let you continue doing all the things you love without worrying about food restrictions.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
Taking care of your Invisalign in St. Louis, MO, is essential to ensure the success of your treatment.
- It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth before putting the aligners back in. This helps prevent bacteria buildup that can lead to decay or bad breath.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners to prevent staining and warping. Clean your aligners regularly using a soft toothbrush and mild soap, ensuring they stay clear and invisible throughout the treatment process.
- When not wearing your aligners, store them in their case to protect them from damage or loss. Avoid exposing them to hot temperatures, as this can distort their shape. Regularly check for any cracks or damages and consult with our dentists, if you notice any issues.
By following these simple care tips, you can keep your Invisalign aligners clean, comfortable, and effective in achieving the smile you desire.
To learn more about the advantages of Invisalign, get in touch with Karen J Harris & Associates at 2000 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103, or call (314) 231-4893. Our team will be happy to see you!