A naturally beautiful smile seems to be the one thing that never seems to go out of style and it classes up any look. Getting a naturally beautiful smile can take some work though, and, in some cases, quite a bit of time to achieve. However, the multitude of health benefits that come along with having a straight, white smile are far too good to pass up, and will last you the rest of your life with proper care.
Health Benefits
Let’s discuss the score of health benefits when it comes to straightening your teeth. A straighter smile makes it easier for you and your dentist to clean up your chompers. This means less bacterial growth that can cause gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Having straight teeth is also beneficial to your digestion. When your teeth are aligned, chewing is more efficient, and this helps you to absorb nutrients and can ease gastrointestinal issues. It also helps you speak more efficiently and can be the difference between ‘normal’ speech patterns and a lisp. Finally, straight teeth reduces your risk of injury. You are less likely to chip a tooth or cause jaw problems when your teeth come together as they are meant to. Not to mention the decreased stress and increased confidence this all brings. In a nutshell, having nice teeth does a body good.
Options
So what are your options when it comes to straightening your teeth? Braces are the tried-and-true standard when it comes to teeth realignment, but many crooked teeth candidates are put off by the unsightly metallic chunkiness of braces. For adults who are looking to improve their smile, braces can come off as juvenile. If you are looking to straighten out your smile without the “look” of braces, then look no further than Invisalign. Invisalign is similar to an invisible retainer, but is made with a special material that effectively helps to move your teeth into alignment – without all the wires and brackets.
What to Expect
Not all orthodontists offer Invisalign, but many do. This is because Invisalign requires some pretty state-of-the-art technology for proper fitting. A 3-D mould of your teeth have to be made at each stage of realignment (generally weekly) and this calls for the use of special cameras to map out your teeth. The material used is flexible, sturdy and virtually invisible, so hardly anyone will notice when you are wearing them. You can take them out when you eat and brush your teeth, bypassing any off-limits foods or flossing nightmares that come with traditional braces.
While Invisalign sounds almost too good to be true, it does come with a cost. The cost of Invisalign will vary with your treatment, depending on how misshapen your teeth are. However, dental insurance will often cover at least a portion of the cost and your orthodontist office will offer payment plans that work with your budget. A straighter smile is an investment in your health and happiness that will last a lifetime.
