Blog Post

There are plenty of instances in which a cosmetic boost and greater health go hand in hand. Staying physically active, for example, helps you both look and feel your best. A healthy diet plays a huge role in your skin’s appearance. 

Your mouth is no outlier here. A straight smile doesn’t just look good; it also helps you avoid a wide range of oral health complications. Having your teeth properly aligned goes a long way toward defending against issues like tooth decay and gum disease. 

If your teeth aren’t as straight as they could be, Sandi E. Silva, DDS, and our team offer Invisalign® to help you correct the issue. These clear aligners give you a way to move your teeth without the hassle, discomfort, or visibility of metal braces. For a convenient path to a straight smile, visit Dr. Silva and our team at our office in Tustin, California.

How misaligned teeth impact your oral health

Keeping your mouth healthy relies heavily on your at-home care. By brushing and flossing on a daily basis, you clear away the bacteria that make up plaque. This prevents the bacteria from having the opportunity to eat away at your teeth and damage your gums. 

When your teeth are straight, it’s relatively easy to clear plaque from their surfaces. But when they’re misaligned, it creates more opportunities for bacteria to hide. If one tooth overlaps another, for example, bacteria can get in the space in between. Your toothbrush and floss might have difficulty getting into that tight area. 

It’s unsurprising, then, that misaligned teeth increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

If you notice that your teeth don’t line up like they should — and particularly if that makes it hard to brush or floss certain parts of your mouth — it’s time to talk to Dr. Silva. 

Your options for straighter teeth

Getting a straight smile doesn’t have to mean mounting metal brackets in your mouth. Today,  you have other options. 

Specifically, Dr. Silva offers Invisalign. These are clear plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into alignment. You wear one set of aligners for the prescribed time (usually, 1–2 weeks), then switch to the next set. As you move through the aligners — which are tailored to your mouth — your teeth slowly shift into position. 

Invisalign gives you a way to correct tooth misalignment without the discomfort and visibility that comes with mounting a bunch of metal in your mouth. But its benefits don’t stop there. 

Because you can take the aligners out easily, you can brush and floss normally while you’re doing Invisalign. In fact, a recent study recommended aligners like Invisalign over traditional braces because they make it easier to maintain your oral hygiene during treatment. 

If you’re ready to get the oral health boost and cosmetic improvement that comes with a straight smile, call our office or book your appointment online today.