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It is a little known fact that Invisalign can help keep your teeth healthier in more than one way. By promoting better alignment, it makes it easier to clean the teeth, and it also improves the bite function. Here are some important ways that Invisalign can improve your overall dental health:

1. Improved Alignment

• Better bite and tooth positioning: Invisalign aligners gradually move teeth into more optimal positions, correcting misalignments such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and crowding. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and less prone to developing issues like cavities, gum disease, and wear from improper bite.
• Reduced wear and tear: When teeth are misaligned, they can cause uneven pressure and friction during biting, leading to tooth enamel wear or damage. Invisalign helps correct these issues, preserving tooth structure over time.

2. Easier Cleaning

• Removable aligners: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that the aligners are removable. This allows for much easier cleaning of both your teeth and the aligners themselves. With traditional braces, food can get stuck in brackets and wires, making it harder to keep teeth clean and contributing to plaque buildup and cavities.
• Less plaque buildup: With properly aligned teeth, you can brush and floss more effectively, which reduces plaque and tartar buildup. Maintaining oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and gum disease.

3. Prevention of Gum Disease

• Less gum irritation: Traditional braces can cause irritation to the gums and mouth due to brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners, being smooth and custom-fit, are less likely to cause these issues. Healthy gums are essential for overall oral health, and better gum health means fewer complications like gingivitis or periodontal disease.

4. Better Function

• Improved chewing and speaking: When teeth are properly aligned, it becomes easier to chew food and speak clearly. Misaligned teeth or bite issues can affect your ability to chew, which may lead to jaw discomfort or even digestive problems if food isn’t chewed properly. Proper alignment also helps balance the bite, reducing jaw stress or pain.

5. Reduced Risk of Tooth Damage

• Avoiding tooth grinding: Invisalign can help correct certain bite issues that may contribute to bruxism (teeth grinding), which can wear down enamel and cause jaw pain. Some aligners come with additional features, like night guards, to protect against grinding.

6. Long-Term Health Benefits

• More predictable long-term oral health: By aligning your teeth and improving bite function, Invisalign not only enhances aesthetics but also helps create a more stable oral environment. Proper alignment reduces the likelihood of issues like tooth movement, jaw pain, and wear-and-tear problems in the future.

By addressing both aesthetic and functional concerns, Invisalign can significantly contribute to overall dental health. While you are excited about a beautiful, new smile Invisalign can also contribute to your overall dental health in a big way! 

Did you have braces when you were young, but now, as you’ve aged, you notice that your teeth have been shifting? The natural aging process can bring about many changes for the teeth.  Over time it is normal to see teeth move slightly upward. The soft tissues and muscles around the mouth and face also change with age, which can alter the pressure on the teeth and contribute to shifts in position and contribute to crowding.

The crowding that occurs as we age can also be due to a variety of factors, some genetic, and others primarily related to changes in the jawbone, dental structure, and oral health. Here are some of the main reasons why the mouth changes and teeth shift and become crowded as we age:

Jawbone Changes - Over time, the jawbone can lose bone density decreases, especially in the lower jaw. This can cause the jaw to shrink slightly, leading to less space for teeth, which may shift and crowd together.

Forward Shifting of Teeth - As we age, the teeth naturally tend to drift slightly forward. This forward movement can cause the teeth in the front of the mouth to crowd together, especially the lower front teeth.

Narrowing of the Dental Arch - The dental arch (the curved shape of the row of teeth) can gradually narrow as we age, reducing the space available for teeth. This can lead to crowding, particularly in the front teeth.

Wear and Tear - Grinding or clenching of the teeth, often due to stress or sleep disorders, can wear down the teeth over time. This can also cause teeth to shift position and become crowded.

Tooth Loss: If a tooth is lost and not replaced, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to crowding or misalignment of the remaining teeth as the support for the remaining teeth diminishes it can lead to shifting and crowding.

Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede, and this also leads to the loss of the support structure which holds the teeth in place, as that happens the teeth can move out of alignment and become crowded.

Changes in the Bite or Jaw Alignment - As we age, changes in the alignment of the jaw, due to factors like bone loss or arthritis, can also contribute to crowding.

Genetics - Genetic factors can play a role in the alignment of teeth and the structure of the jaw. Some people may be more prone to crowding due to their genetic makeup, and this can become more pronounced with age.

As these factors combine, they cause teeth to shift, leading to the crowding that many people experience as they get older. Regular dental care, including orthodontic check-ups, can help manage or prevent some of these changes. There are several options available today to help manage and correct these changes.  It is important to address any concerns early so that you can keep a healthy and beautiful smile! 

Social media's latest viral trend, known as "mewing," is raising concerns within the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) due to its potential for causing unintended, and potentially harmful, side effects. 

Mewing, named after controversial orthodontist John Mew, a British Orthodontist, who lost his license due to unsupported claims, refers to a set of oral and facial exercises proposed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist. The technique is primarily focused on tongue posture and facial muscle exercises with the goal of achieving proper tongue posture and encouraging facial development. The term "Mewing" itself comes from Dr. Mew's last name.

The central idea behind Mewing is that maintaining the correct tongue posture, which involves placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, can positively impact facial appearance and contribute to overall health. Advocates of Mewing claim that it can potentially lead to benefits such as improved facial symmetry, jawline definition, and even changes in the appearance of the nose over time. However, it's important to note this unregulated practice lacks scientific backing and carries risks of: 

• Dental Issues: Chronic pressure from mewing can loosen teeth, misalign bite, and contribute to tooth wear and tear.
• Speech Impediments: Altered tongue placement can affect speech patterns and clarity, causing slurring or pronunciation difficulties.
• May require complicated treatment to resolve issues caused from mewing

"While proper tongue posture plays a role in oral health and development, mewing oversimplifies the complexities of facial structure," emphasizes Myron Guymon, DDS. MS, AAO President. "There's no scientific evidence to support its claims of reshaping the jawline, and the potential risks outweigh any unproven benefits."

The relationship between tongue posture, facial development, and overall health is a complex and multifaceted topic. It's crucial to approach these ideas with caution and to recognize that the scientific evidence supporting mewing and its specific impact on dental health is not established. If you have concerns about your oral health, dental alignment, or facial development, it is recommended to consult with a qualified orthodontist. These professionals can provide personalized advice and guidance based on a thorough assessment of your specific situation.

Taking care of braces is essential to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is effective and that your teeth and gums remain healthy. Here are some tips on how to take care of braces:

• Oral Hygiene:

  • Brushing: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime. Brush gently but thoroughly, making sure to clean around the brackets and wires.
  • Interdental Brush: Consider using an interdental brush to clean between the wires and brackets.
  • Flossing: Floss daily using a floss threader or a special orthodontic floss designed for braces. This helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the wires.
  • Mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and strengthen your teeth.

• Diet:

  • Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage your braces. These include popcorn, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, and sticky candies.
  • Cut fruits and vegetables into small, manageable pieces to prevent damaging your braces.

• Orthodontic Wax:

  • Keep orthodontic wax on hand to cover any sharp or irritating edges of your braces. This can help prevent sores and discomfort in your mouth.

• Regular Orthodontic Appointments:

  • Attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments and check-ups. These appointments are crucial for the success of your treatment.

• Mouthguard:

  • If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from injury.

• Avoid Bad Habits:

  • Avoid habits like nail biting, chewing on pens, or chewing on ice, as they can damage your braces.

• Pain Management:

  • It's common to experience some discomfort or soreness when braces are first put on or after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help manage this discomfort.

• Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water to help prevent dry mouth and maintain oral health.

• Maintain Good Habits:

  • Be consistent with your oral care routine and follow your orthodontist's instructions. Compliance with wearing rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances is crucial for the success of your treatment.

• Emergency Care:

  • In case of a broken bracket, wire, or any other issues, contact your orthodontist immediately for guidance and repairs.

Remember that proper care of your braces not only ensures a successful orthodontic outcome but also promotes good overall oral hygiene. Neglecting your braces can lead to complications and prolong the treatment process. If you have any concerns or questions about caring for your braces, don't hesitate to ask your orthodontist for guidance.