Having a beautiful smile is a great way to make good first impressions. But a great smile is also a healthy smile. You see, tooth misalignment can actually lead to some serious issues with dental wellness. In fact, one of the leading causes of tooth grinding is tooth misalignment. Left unaddressed, the tooth grinding can cause TMJ disorders and tooth damage.

It's for those issues of wellness and aesthetics that many people seek out orthodontic care. If you visit with your cosmetic dentist, you may hear about a great new option for orthodontics known as Invisalign. It's been growing in popularity over the years, and we'd like to take a few minutes to go over it right now.

About Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic care system that some people classify as invisible braces. Rather than use brackets and wires as was done in the past, the Invisalign system uses clear plastic aligner trays that are custom molded to the patient's teeth. These trays are worn at all times throughout the day save for when a patient is eating, drinking, or cleaning his or her teeth.

When the Invisalign trays are in place, they are virtually invisible, meaning that there is no self-consciousness about visible orthodontic equipment while you undergo expert care.

General Candidacy for Invisalign

The best candidates for Invisalign are people who suffer from malocclusion generally related to the position of the teeth and common issues of bite alignment such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. These patients should be in good overall dental health and not suffer from serious structural problems with the dental arch or jaw. We will carefully consider your dental health history when determining candidacy for Invisalign or another kind of orthodontic care.

Invisalign for Teens

Since the Invisalign trays are invisible and removable, the treatment has proven especially popular with teenagers. They can get great a great smile without anyone noticing. The same considerations of the type of malocclusion as well as dental wellness will apply.

Invisalign for Adults

As with teens, many adults are looking to undergo Invisalign treatment rather than getting braces. When you discuss these matters with a cosmetic dentist, you will find out if you are an ideal candidate for care. Again, the same considerations of the type of malocclusion and overall dental wellness will apply for adult patients.

Alternatives to Invisalign

If you are not considered an ideal candidate for Invisalign, don't worry. There are plenty of ways that you can get the smile that you've always wanted.

For some patients, traditional orthodontic care will be the ideal option for improving dental wellness. For other patients with minor issues with spacing and alignment, sometimes the careful use of porcelain dental veneers is all that is required for a better smile.

Learn More About Invisalign and Other Options for Care

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and your many other options for effective orthodontic care, be sure to contact our Worcester, MA cosmetic dentistry center today. During your consultation, we will be sure to assess all of your options for effective dental care and come up with the best solution that will meet your needs.