Crooked teeth affect far more than your appearance. They create hard-to-reach areas where bacteria flourish, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. For countless adults who grew up believing straight teeth were purely cosmetic, modern orthodontics reveals a different truth: proper alignment serves as your mouth’s first line of defense against oral health problems.
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to consider orthodontic treatment as an adult. At White Pine Family Dental, our doctors have been providing comprehensive dental care to Reno patients for over 30 years. As a Platinum Invisalign Provider, we help adults achieve healthier smiles through clear aligner therapy while maintaining their confidence throughout the process.
The Hidden Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
When teeth overlap or crowd together, they create pockets where plaque accumulates beyond the reach of your toothbrush and floss. This bacterial buildup leads to inflammation and infection, setting the stage for serious oral health complications. Properly aligned teeth allow for thorough cleaning, reducing your risk of periodontal disease and cavities.
Orthodontic research shows that most patients wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them for meals and oral hygiene. This consistent wear pattern helps teeth move gradually into their correct positions, eliminating the tight spaces where harmful bacteria thrive.
Straight teeth also distribute biting forces evenly across your jaw. When your bite is misaligned, certain teeth bear excessive pressure, leading to the following:
- Premature wear
- Chips
- Cracks
Correcting these alignment issues protects your teeth from unnecessary damage and reduces your need for restorative treatments down the road.
Why Adults Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces once represented the only option for adult orthodontics, but their visibility made many people hesitant to pursue treatment. Invisalign changed everything by offering nearly invisible correction through custom-made clear aligners.
The removable nature of Invisalign aligners allows you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. You can brush and floss normally, preventing the plaque buildup that often occurs around metal brackets and wires. This advantage becomes especially important for adults who may already have gum disease or other oral health concerns. Most adults appreciate that Invisalign doesn’t interfere with important meetings, presentations, or social events. The clear aligners remain virtually undetectable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.
What Are Medical Reasons for Invisalign Treatment?
Misaligned teeth contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. When your bite doesn’t align properly, your jaw muscles work harder to compensate, leading to strain and discomfort. Invisalign treatment can help restore proper jaw function and alleviate these symptoms.
Speech impediments often result from tooth positioning problems. Gaps between front teeth or severe crowding can affect how your tongue moves during speech, causing lisps or other pronunciation difficulties. Correcting these alignment issues through Invisalign may improve your speech clarity and boost your confidence.
Sleep apnea and snoring sometimes improve when orthodontic treatment addresses narrow arches or crowded teeth. While Invisalign isn’t a primary treatment for sleep disorders, correcting certain bite problems can contribute to better airway function.
Understanding The Invisalign Treatment Process
To ensure you are able to proceed with the Invisalign treatment process with confidence, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the various phases you can expect:
Comprehensive Examination
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive examination and digital impressions of your teeth. We use advanced 3D imaging technology to show simulation and potential outcomes. This technology allows you to visualize your expected results before treatment begins.
Progress Appointments
Each set of aligners moves your teeth slightly closer to their final positions. You’ll receive multiple sets of aligners at once, switching to a new set approximately every two weeks. Regular progress appointments ensure your treatment stays on track and address any concerns that arise.
Treatment Duration
Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of your case, but most adults complete Invisalign treatment within 12 to 18 months. Simple cases may require only six to eight months, while complex corrections might take up to two years.
Experience the White Pine Family Dental Difference
Choosing the right provider for your Invisalign treatment makes all the difference in your results and experience. Our doctors combine decades of experience, in fact, Dr. Prince began using Invisalign in 2004, just 5 years after it became available in the market. We use the latest orthodontic technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients. As a Platinum Invisalign Provider, we’ve successfully treated hundreds of cases and understand the nuances of adult orthodontics. We don’t rely solely on our experience, we also pursue education from some of the top invisalign providers in the world.Your initial consultation includes a thorough evaluation of your oral health, a discussion of your treatment goals, and a clear explanation of what to expect throughout the process. We’ll answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic care. Ready to discover how Invisalign can improve both your smile, your oral health, TMJ and facial pain and in some cases headaches? Contact White Pine Family Dental at (775) 825-6655 or schedule your consultation online today.
