Invisalign®

Most malocclusions are inherited. However, they can also be caused by childhood habits like thumb sucking. Malalignment isn’t just a childhood issue. Evidences shows that as we age, our teeth can shift position. There are several issues which can arise from misaligned teeth:

• Speech problems: Tongue movements and air flow are vital to how we speak. Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can prevent certain tongue movements causing issues like a lisp.
• Biting & chewing problems: Some more severe alignment issues make biting down a struggle. Some people also notice they frequently bite their cheeks or tongue.
• Oral hygiene: Having overcrowded or rotated teeth can make it near impossible to clean between them. The bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach and even floss may not fit. This allows plaque and bacteria to build up which leads to gum disease and decay.
• TMJ & grinding problems: A poor bite can force your jaw into an unnatural position causing inflammation and deterioration of the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint a.k.a. the jaw joint). Overtime, this can lead to a condition known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) which causes headaches, jaw clicking, and pain in the jaw, shoulder and neck. There is also evidence which links misaligned bites to grinding.
• Dental treatments don’t last: We tend to find that for people who have malocclusions, their fillings or crowns might not last as long. A misaligned bite can put an abnormal amount of pressure in unusual places which can wear away restorations quicker than normal.

Invisalign® Vs. Braces

Both Invisalign® and braces are used to align teeth to an ideal position. Invisalign® can be used for most orthodontic work. However, complex cases will need to be seen by an orthodontist and require braces. Your general dentist can advise and refer onto an orthodontist.

Reasons people prefer Invisalign®:

• Invisalign® is far more discrete than traditional braces. Rarely can the aligners be spotted in photos or out and about.
• The aligners are made of a thin, soft plastic which many find more comfortable than metal braces. They are less likely to irritate the tongue and gums.
• Invisalign® does not require regular in-person consultations with your dentist unlike braces which require monthly appointments for adjustments. The progress of your Invisalign® is monitored by your dentist through an app where your dentist can advise you when to move to your next aligners.
• It is easier to maintain good oral hygiene as the aligners are removable. There is no worry about food getting stuck between wires and on brackets.
• There are no restrictions on your diet because the aligners can be removed to eat. There are a lot of foods which are not recommended with braces. These include apples, carrots, chips, nuts, popcorn & lollipops.

A Word Of Caution Regarding Online At-Home Aligners

Something that has popped up recently, are ‘do-it-yourself aligners’, whereby the consumer makes a DIY impression of their teeth and are then sent clear aligners to change every week. They are cheaper but there is a reason. There is no consultation with a dentist or essential x-rays to ensure the jaw bone is healthy enough for orthodontist. The Australian Society of Orthodontist strongly recommends you do your research before committing to at-home orthodontic treatment. You can read more about what they say by clicking here.