How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Cosmetic dental work doesn’t last forever, and you need the facts so you can make plans for future restorations or replacements. Learn why porcelain veneers are a long-lasting cosmetic dental solution.
5 Significant Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth
Straightening your teeth with traditional braces or Invisalign® can make your smile look straight and even, but how do these orthodontic treatments benefit your general health?
At Lancaster Dental Care Associates in Lancaster, California, cosmetic and family dentist Kamran Saidara, DDS, and his team offer Invisalign as the preferred form of teeth straightening, making your smile more attractive and also contributing to better health.
Invisalign basics
Invisalign is a system designed to straighten teeth without needing metal braces and wires attached to your teeth. Instead, multiple sets of clear aligners slowly shift your teeth into position — often more quickly than traditional braces.
With Invisalign, there are no tightening appointments, and you won’t have to worry about broken brackets. You’ll wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat and brush and floss your teeth.
By the time you finish with your final set of aligners, your smile should be straightened. But that’s not all Invisalign has to offer!
5 health benefits of straighter teeth
Straighter teeth don’t just add to your aesthetic. They can also provide significant health benefits. Here’s how:
1. A better bite
Teeth straightening can help improve your bite, offering multiple oral health benefits. Malocclusion (uneven bite) can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, and in many cases, straighter teeth can help resolve symptoms.
2. Improved digestion
Improperly aligned teeth can make it difficult to chew your food correctly or completely, making it hard to digest when it reaches your stomach. Straightened teeth can lead to improved mastication and improved gut health.
3. Clearer speech
Better tooth alignment can help clear up speech issues like a lisp, making your day-to-day life better. If you’ve been bullied for a speech impediment and suffered depression or anxiety as a result, Invisalign could be a real benefit to your mental health.
4. More restful sleep
There’s a strong connection between poor jaw or teeth alignment and sleep apnea. When you have an obstructed airway, it can cause repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night — often without you even realizing it. These interruptions, along with your body’s natural startle response, can significantly disrupt your sleep. In many cases, improving jaw alignment and straightening teeth can help alleviate mild sleep apnea.
5. Lessened risk from oral bacteria
Straight teeth without crowding or gaps are much easier to keep clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Keeping oral bacteria in check is important — not just for your mouth, but for your whole body. Bacteria from decaying teeth or inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including heart disease and even some forms of cancer.
To learn more about tooth straightening solutions like Invisalign, or to schedule an evaluation, call 661-215-8130 or request an appointment online today at Lancaster Dental Care Associates.
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