Are you tired of having crooked teeth? Are you looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces?

If so, Invisalign might be for you!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Invisalign St. Louis.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatments utilize clear, virtually invisible aligner trays that straighten your teeth. They’re an alternative to braces that are smooth and comfortable. They can also be removed for brushing, flossing, eating, and special events.

Why do Straight Teeth Matter?

Besides looking nicer, there are a lot of other benefits that come from having straight teeth.

Some of these benefits include:

Easier Cleaning

When teeth are crooked, it’s harder to clean in between them, especially in areas where they overlap. Straight teeth can be flossed between more easily, and it’s also easier to ensure that all surfaces are being cleaned equally.

Healthier Teeth and Gums

When you can brush and floss your teeth more easily, they are likely to be healthier. Your risk for tooth decay and gum disease decreases when your teeth are straight.

Decreased Risk of Disease and Infection

Good oral health contributes to better overall health. When you take care of your oral hygiene, you decrease your risk for serious ailments like heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes. Straight teeth also reduce issues like improper speech, chewing difficulties, and jaw problems that are caused by an improper bite.

Why is Invisalign Better than Braces?

Okay, so you’re convinced that straight teeth are good for more than just an improved appearance. But why should you choose Invisalign over regular braces?

Invisalign is backed by data from 20 years of clinical research. Studies have found that this treatment comes with a number of benefits, including:

Better Appearance

Invisalign aligners look a lot nicer than traditional braces. There are no unsightly metal or wires, and you also don’t have to worry about food getting caught in them.

Most people don’t even notice when someone is wearing Invisalign!

Increased Comfort

Invisalign aligners can be removed easily, which makes them a lot more comfortable for things like eating and drinking. You don’t have to adjust your diet with Invisalign, and, as discussed above, you also don’t have to worry about getting food caught in the wires or brackets.

Since Invisalign utilizes just two smooth, clear trays, you don’t have to worry about wires coming loose or brackets breaking and cutting up your tongue and gums.

Furthermore, Invisalign puts a lot less force on your teeth than traditional braces. So, you’re less likely to deal with headaches and jaw pain when wearing them.

Improved Oral Health

Invisalign is also a lot better for overall health. As discussed above, straight teeth are easier to clean and, therefore, promote better overall health. Well, the method used for straightening your teeth also affects your health.

Because it is harder to clean traditional braces, they can result in the demineralization and decay of your teeth. When you use Invisalign over traditional braces, you’re less likely to deal with gum disease and cavities once the treatment is over.

Less Maintenance

It’s a lot easier to clean your teeth with Invisalign since you can just take the trays out and brush and floss like you normally would. The trays themselves just need to be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water or a cleaning solution that your dentist will provide.

Regular braces require extremely careful brushes, and you often have to invest in special mechanisms to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth thoroughly.

Shorter Duration of Treatment

Invisalign treatments usually only take between one year and a year and a half to work. Traditional metal braces can take up to five years!

Fewer Appointments

If you’re a busy person, you might not have time to visit the orthodontist every month, which is what’s usually required for traditional braces.

On the other hand, Invisalign only requires visits about every 6 weeks, with tray changes every 2 weeks.

More Predictable

There’s a lot more trial and error with traditional braces than there is with Invisalign treatments. The process is carefully planned and computerized, so you have a better idea going in of how long it will take for you to get the smile you’re after.

Invisalign St. Louis

When it comes to Invisalign St. Louis, you have lots of options. Remember, though, that not all Invisalign dentists are created equal. Keep the following tips in mind to find the right one for you.

Make Some Lists

Sit down and make a list of the dental ailments that you hope to fix with Invisalign. Some possible options might be a snaggle tooth, gaps in between teeth, and teeth overlapping.

You’ll also want to make a list of the dentists in your area who provide Invisalign treatments. Once you know who you have to choose from, the next step is to start narrowing down your search.

Investigate Dentists’ Credentials

Before you choose a dentist for Invisalign St. Louis, make sure they have an AACD (American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry) certification. Being a member of the AACD ensures that the dentist has had opportunities to gain experience working specifically with cosmetic dentistry.

Any dentist who is worth visiting will also list on their website information about where they received their training and whether or not they belong to any professional organizations.

You should also find out how much time your potential dentist has spent performing cosmetic dentistry procedures. This is especially important if the first list you made (the one about your specific dental needs) contains more complex issues.

Get Before and After Pictures

A picture’s worth a thousand words.

Before and after pictures will tell you a few things about your potential dentist. First, you’ll get to see what he or she is capable of. You’ll also be able to see if they have experience working on patients whose teeth are similar to yours.

Get Invisalign Today

If you’re ready to take the plunge and improve your smile with Invisalign St. Louis, look no further than Forest Park Dental. Our staff is made up of talented professionals who meet all the qualifications discussed above.

Contact us today by phone or online to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted!