Invisalign offers a lot more than just a straight smile.

Invisalign is the most popular clear aligner system and the most in-demand alternative to traditional braces for teens and adults. Most people are attracted to Invisalign because it allows them to subtly straighten their smile without metal brackets and wires. However, the benefits of Invisalign go beyond its near-invisible aesthetic.

Here are 8 ways Invisalign benefits your overall health, including your mouth, body, and even your mind.

1. You’ll have cleaner teeth and fresher breath during treatment.

Being able to remove your Invisalign aligners means caring for your smile is a breeze. There are no difficult brackets or wires to navigate or to make you worry that you’re not reaching every spot. Your teeth will have less plaque buildup, though you will still need to see us every six months for a professional cleaning. 

2. Your mental well-being will improve as you gain self-confidence.

Mental wellness is just as important as physical health. In fact, poor mental and emotional health can take a physical toll on your body. Invisalign allows you to straighten your smile with a level of confidence you may not feel with metal braces. This combined with your smile becoming straighter every day will encourage your self-confidence to blossom.

3. Your teeth will be protected from premature wear and tear.

Teeth will naturally wear a bit with age, but misaligned teeth tend to experience wear and damage far more quickly than a straight smile. Your Invisalign aligners will offer some protection against tooth-to-tooth contact and grinding while straightening. Once your teeth are properly aligned and treatment is complete, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your smile is no longer at risk of experiencing premature wear and tear.

4. Your risks of periodontitis and tooth decay will decrease.

Did you know that straight teeth also tend to be healthier? Crooked or crowded teeth have uneven spacing between them, making it easy for food debris and plaque to become trapped in the tight nooks and crannies. Once your teeth are straight, your brushing and flossing habits will be much more effective, thereby reducing your risks of periodontitis (gum disease) and tooth decay.

5. You’ll find relief from TMJ symptoms like chronic headaches.

There are many possible causes of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), but bite misalignment is often at the top of the list. When your teeth are crooked, it causes your jaw to sit unevenly, causing pressure on the TMJ. This results in jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain. Straightening your teeth can alleviate these symptoms, making Invisalign a great option for treating bite-related TMJ pain. 

6. Your sleep apnea symptoms, such as snoring, can be stopped.

Similar to TMD, obstructive sleep apnea symptoms can also be reduced or stopped with Invisalign. Some cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be linked to poor jaw alignment, resulting in the soft tissue around your neck and throat falling back and impeding easy breathing during sleep. By aligning the teeth and fixing the position of the jaw, it’s very possible you’ll find symptoms like snoring to either become less frequent or cease altogether.  

7. You’ll be able to eat a healthy, varied diet during treatment.

It’s important to remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Being able to remove your clear aligners means you won’t have any of the dietary restrictions you would with traditional braces. You’ll be able to continue eating a healthy, varied diet throughout treatment, which benefits your physical, mental, and oral health. 

8. You’ll feel a renewed sense of motivation to prioritize your smile.

When you invest the time and money into Invisalign, you’re also motivating yourself to continue to prioritize your smile. Many patients feel a new sense of pride and excitement about their smile that encourages them to prioritize their oral health even after their Invisalign treatment is finished. You’ll look forward to seeing your dentist and getting your teeth cleaned. Knowing you can freely show off your new smile to others also means you’ll feel motivated to follow a great at-home dental care regimen.

Schedule your Invisalign consultation today to learn more about this clear aligner system.

The Ham, Dixon, & Boles dental team provides Invisalign as well as comprehensive dental care to patients age 14 and older in Wilson, NC, and the surrounding area. We welcome patients who are curious about Invisalign to schedule a consultation to meet our team, learn more about Invisalign, and discuss how to get their best smile yet.

You can book a consultation today by either calling our office or filling out our online form.