When you are looking for a way to straighten your teeth past the age of 18, you may feel that the only option open to you are the traditional, metal braces. For many years, these heavy orthodontic options were the only options for many adults who wanted straighter teeth, often causing a lapse in confidence while they were worn. And, as you are probably wanting to straighten your teeth to boost your self-esteem, this is the last thing you would want.
Luckily, there are now many options available for adults who want a straighter smile without the fuss of a metal brace. If you are deemed suitable by your dentist, you can be given treatment with an invisible or clear brace! As the names suggest, these braces are visually discreet, easy to use and do not require the presence of an orthodontist for them to work. Brilliant!
However, many dental patients are surprised to learn that there are also many physical health benefits of using an invisible brace like Invisalign. Read on to find out the health benefits of this brace.
Improved dental hygiene
With traditional braces, many people notice a worsening of their oral hygiene; as the braces are fitted to their teeth, many people require additional appointments to visit a hygienist in order to maintain their overall levels of hygiene. However, with Invisalign, the brace is fully removable, allowing you to brush your teeth as you usually would with no negative impacts on your dental hygiene. Brilliant!
Improved digestion
It is easy to overlook the fact that teeth are the first part of the digestive system; when food is bitten into, correctly aligned teeth grind it up for digestion. If your teeth are misaligned, then you are unable to crush and grind the food correctly, resulting in secondary issues such as indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn. Wearing a brace like Invisalign will gradually move your teeth into a better position, allowing for improved biting, grinding and a reduction in issues such as acid reflux.
Improved nutrition
It goes without saying that if you have misaligned teeth, you may be less than eager to bite into harder (and healthier) foods like raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. Once you have undertaken treatment with invisible braces, your newly straightened teeth will be able to bite into the harder foods that may have been missing from your diet, without you having to remove bits of food that would typically get stuck between misaligned teeth. And as a result, your nutritional intake will improve!
Improved general health
A mouth that is misaligned, has gaps or overcrowding is a great place for plaque and bacteria to hide. Due to issues with brushing and flossing misaligned teeth, plaque can find its way into other parts of the body. As excessive plaque in the mouth has been linked to heart disease, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, strokes and even cancers, having a straightened smile can reduce your chances of becoming dangerously ill.
