According to findings from an online survey conducted by OnePoll, about 76% of people base their first impressions on someone’s smile. Unfortunately, three in five people hate how their smile looks in photos. About 60% think they’d benefit from teeth straightening treatment.
Getting Invisalign in St. Paul, MN can improve your appearance, oral health, and self-confidence. Not convinced you need clear aligners? Read on to discover Invisalign benefits in MN before deciding!
1. Dodge Tooth Decay
Food particles, bacteria, and saliva can mix together to form plaque. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that clings to our teeth. When left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar.
You can’t remove tartar from your teeth at home. Instead, you’ll need a professional teeth cleaning. When left unattended, the tartar can release acid, eroding your protective tooth enamel.
Cavities may develop. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 21% of adults aged 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. Having gaps between your teeth gives plaque and tartar more room to hide, making it easier for cavities to form.
If you have noticeable gaps between your teeth, explore your teeth straightening options. Invisalign aligners can close those gaps, giving plaque fewer places to hide.
Otherwise, schedule regular dental cleanings every six months. Your dentist can spot the early signs of tooth decay before it progresses. Seeking treatment now can help you avoid painful symptoms and complications later.
2. Healthier Gums
As plaque and tartar form, your risk of developing gum disease (gingivitis) may increase. Symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Sensitivity
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that recede from teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Changes to your bite
Gum disease may cause your teeth to shift. Your risk of losing teeth may increase.
After losing a tooth, the remaining teeth may shift toward the gap. This can cause teeth to appear crooked or lead to changes in your bite. You may struggle to chew or feel self-conscious about your smile.
Delaying treatment may cause a bacterial infection to spread through the bloodstream. This can increase your risk of health conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
Consider wearing clear aligners in St. Paul, MN. These aligners will slowly shift your teeth into the proper alignment.
Straightening your teeth can make it easier to brush and floss. You’ll have an easier time maintaining good oral health, reducing your risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
3. Avoid Bruxism
Are the top and bottom rows of your teeth in perfect alignment? If not, you might start grinding your teeth, which can wear away protective enamel.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, may increase your risk of tooth decay and painful symptoms. Grinding your teeth may cause:
- Tight jaw muscles
- Sensitivity
- Headaches
- Sleep issues
- Soreness
- Pain and discomfort
- Chipped or loose teeth
Wearing clear aligners at night can protect your teeth from bruxism damage. Treatment will ensure proper alignment, potentially ending your bruxism.
4. Chew and Digest
Having crooked teeth may make it easier to chew food. Your digestive system will have a more difficult time breaking down large chunks. This may cause digestive issues, including gas and stomach aches.
Thoroughly chewing food ensures your body receives essential vitamins and minerals. Invisalign treatment can straighten your teeth, making it easier for you to enjoy and benefit from nutritious meals.
While wearing traditional metal braces, you’ll need to avoid certain foods. With Invisalign, however, you can remove your aligners. This allows you to eat or drink whatever you want.
Make sure to remove your plastic aligners before eating or drinking. This ensures you won’t stain or damage the aligners.
After eating, brush and floss your teeth before wearing your aligners again. Make sure to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to avoid delaying your treatment plan.
5. Space for Implants
Remember, your surrounding teeth may shift toward a gap left by a lost tooth, causing teeth to become crooked. Your dentist may recommend using a dental implant to fill the gap in your smile.
Before receiving your dental implant, explore your teeth straightening options. You can straighten your smile to make room for the implant. Pairing these two treatments will restore the functionality and appearance of your smile.
6. Discretion
Many patients are wary about wearing traditional metal or ceramic braces, which can change the appearance of their smile. One of the top benefits of getting clear aligners in St. Paul is their discretion.
Invisalign trays are made of a thin, clear plastic. No one will notice when you’re wearing them. You can receive orthodontic treatment while feeling confident in your appearance.
The clear, plastic aligners are also comfortable. They won’t scratch the inside of your mouth. However, you may feel some discomfort as you adjust to wearing them.
For some patients, choosing Invisalign over traditional metal braces shortens the length of their orthodontic treatment. The average treatment duration for metal braces is between 18 and 24 months. Invisalign treatment can last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the severity of your orthodontic needs.
Consult the best orthodontists in St. Paul. They’ll provide a more accurate timeline.
7. Stronger Self-Confidence
Having crooked teeth or an uneven smile may impact your self-confidence. You may start hiding your smile, stop taking photos, or avoid social settings.
Straightening your smile with Invisalign can boost your self-confidence. You’ll feel more comfortable in both social and professional settings.
As you start smiling more, your body will produce more serotonin. This neurotransmitter can boost your mood.
Smiling more can enhance your quality of life. After straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you won’t hesitate to show off your beautiful smile!
Choose Invisalign in St. Paul, MN
Starting treatment with Invisalign in St. Paul, MN can improve your smile, oral health, and self-confidence. Consider talking to the best orthodontists in St. Paul to discover your teeth straightening options.
Look no further than our team at Zirbel Orthodontics! We’re a Platinum Invisalign provider, allowing us to straighten your smile quickly and discreetly while providing care in a fun, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere.
With over 250 years of combined experience, we’re happy to custom-craft your individualized treatment plan. Contact us now to schedule your complimentary exam.