When you think about straightening your teeth with clear aligners, you’re probably focused on how they will make your smile more aesthetically pleasing, right? And although clear aligner therapy is a great way to enhance your smile’s natural beauty, it’s also essential to helping you maintain your oral health.
Let’s find out how.
How Crowded Teeth Create Hidden Traps for Plaque
Did you know that if your teeth are crooked or crowded, food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate between your teeth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease? It’s true, but after clear aligner therapy, it will be easier to clean between your teeth and maintain a healthy mouth.
The Direct Link Between Misalignment and Gum Disease
Research shows that when plaque builds up in crowded areas, it can calcify and turn to tartar. This hardened tartar releases toxins that can irritate your gums, leading first to gingivitis and then to deeper periodontal pockets.
Without treatment, this gum disease can lead to bone loss.
Preventing Premature Tooth Wear and Fractures
Another oral health issue associated with untreated misalignment is premature tooth wear. Because your misaligned bite keeps your upper and lower teeth from coming together properly, it causes undue pressure when you bite down and chew.
As a result, you could eventually wear down your tooth enamel and chip or break your teeth.
Why Clear Aligners Are a Health Investment
We like to think of clear aligners as a long-term investment in your oral health for these reasons:
- Easier cleaning — Because you can remove your aligners to brush and floss, you can keep your mouth clean and healthy without worrying about bulky brackets or wires.
- Force distribution — As your aligners gradually shift your teeth into the proper position, your bite force will even out, reducing the stress on your teeth.
- Protective barrier — Clear aligners can act as a shield between your upper and lower teeth, so if you grind your teeth at night, they’ll protect your teeth from damage.
Oral Health Questions in Westfield or Fortville, IN?
If you’re looking for a dentist who can straighten teeth, you’ve come to the right place! With two convenient locations to serve you, Harmony Dentistry can assess your orthodontic needs and create a unique treatment plan for you.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our Fortville office at (317) 505-1208 or our Westfield office at (317) 793-2891.
