Recently at a dental seminar on Long Island an Invisalign dentist talked about a good oral hygiene and a new procedure for straightening teeth, now available for teenagers by Invisalign, the company famous for its invisible braces. Orthodontic treatment has evolved significantly since the days of traditional metal braces. Now many teenagers have the option of teeth straightening without having to live through the embarrassment of bulky headgear and heavy metal brackets.
At the seminar, the basics of oral care, maintenance and disease prevention were stressed. Anyone wearing braces, Invisalign or otherwise, must be careful about dental hygiene, and about keeping their braces clean. We've all heard this before and it is very important to brush and floss teeth every time after eating. It's also important to keep teeth strong and healthy by avoiding foods that are too starchy or sugary.
Sound advice for braces wearers of any age, especially teens, is to stay away from bad habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking, as they lead to tooth decay and dehydration. They also discolor teeth and destroy tooth enamel. Also it's a good idea to avoid oral piercings, as they can lead to dental hygiene issues such as chipping and cracking of teeth, as well as increasing a person's susceptibility to mouth infections.
Most people who are planning on getting braces find that these new clear braces ease self confidence issues and provide other benefits such as:
1. Healthier Gums: Studies show that too widely spaced or crowded teeth can lead to red and swollen gums, which usually is a sign of periodontal disease. With Invisalign for Teens, the risk of developing periodontal diseases is greatly reduced.
2. Better Oral Hygiene: Since they are removable, the wearer can remove the aligners while flossing and brushing teeth. No more having to worry about getting food stuck in it.
3. Durability and Comfort: Invisalign braces easily fit into the activities that teens are involved in. For example contact sports can be very difficult to engage in when wearing metal braces Invisalign braces are smoother, with no sharp metal edges that could cut and scrape the gums and cheeks.
