Is Invisalign® only for Cosmetic Issues? 

Modern orthodontics offers the chance to achieve a straight and healthy smile, with shorter treatment times and less discomfort than the options available in decades past. If you’re thinking about braces or aligners systems, you should give some attention to Invisalign®, an option that can cover a lot of bases.

Leslie Azran, DDS, works hard to ensure that the individuals in her care have access to the very best treatment systems on the market. That’s why she chose to include Invisalign among the services on offer through her practice at BH Dental NY. If you reside in or around the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City, we encourage you to come in for a personalized orthodontic consultation. 

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays to gradually move your teeth into enhanced alignment. Where traditional metal braces use a system of metal brackets and treatment wires to place gentle pressure on your teeth, Invisalign uses comfortable plastic trays that “snap” into place over the surface of your teeth. 

The trays are crafted using information gathered during intraoral scanning. That technology enables the fabrication of aligners that meet the exact specifications of your smile. Every couple of weeks you shift to a new set of aligners, which keeps your treatment plan moving forward. 

What kinds of issues can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign can treat most of the same alignment problems as metal braces. Some examples of treatable cases include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Cross bite
• Open bite
• Partially erupted teeth
• General misalignment

There are some cases in which metal braces offer a better fit, but you’ll learn whether Invisalign is right for you during your initial consultation. 

Is Invisalign only for cosmetic issues?

Many people only focus on the aesthetics of orthodontic care. While there’s a lot to be said about the benefits of improving the cosmetic aspects of your smile, Invisalign goes far beyond mere looks. 

Invisalign can correct numerous issues with your bite, which is the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down or chew. An improperly aligned bite can place undue pressure on some of your teeth, which can cause abnormal wear. 

A poorly aligned bite can also cause issues with the muscles in your jaw and the underlying bone tissue. Over time, these problems can lead to pain and the need for more invasive treatment options like surgery. 

In the case of crowding or partially erupted teeth, Invisalign can help make the room needed for teeth to come in fully and have plenty of room. That not only enhances the appearance of your smile, it also makes it far easier to keep your teeth properly clean, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

In short, Invisalign can resolve dental health issues that go far beyond the appearance of your smile. So if you’re considering your orthodontic care options, our team at BH Dental NY is more than happy to sit down with you and discuss how Invisalign aligns with your treatment needs and goals. 

We offer online booking in addition to phone-based scheduling, so you can always connect with our booking calendar, no matter the time of day. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can partner with you to help you achieve a happy, healthy, and beautiful smile.