Health Benefits of Invisalign Release

FRANKFORT, Ill. - Oct. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- News Release

Media Contact:

Deborah Foster

Dental Boutique

815-806-1451

dentalboutique@att.net

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PERFECT SMILE

Many patients view crooked, crowded, or poorly aligned teeth as cosmetic problems, but according to Dr. Eric Klein,  there are health issues – some serious – that should be considered when determining if tooth straightening is called for.

“I see patients of all ages who suffer from malocclusion – or crooked teeth, tooth crowding or overlapping teeth, and who only think about their smile from a cosmetic standpoint,” observed Dr. Klein of Dental Boutique in Frankfort, IL.  “But there are many reasons that patients of all ages can benefit from addressing these conditions.”

According to Dr. Klein, health conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease can occur due to an inability to reach between teeth for proper cleaning. Dr. Klein added that there is also new evidence that shows that poor oral hygiene can also result in digestive and heart health issues as well.

Bone loss and jaw pain are also frequent side effects to misaligned teeth, a condition that Dr. Klein warns may get worse over time.

Part of the resistance to treating misaligned teeth, Dr. Klein believes, is that many adult patients still view tooth straightening as a painful process, requiring intrusive, old-fashioned metal braces that they associate with their teen years and some embarrassment as an adult.

“It is true that these traditional methods are still used in some instances, but new advances in treatment with products such as the Invisalign^® system, allow adults – and teens – to undergo the process of re-aligning teeth in a manner that is practically invisible to others,” said Dr. Klein.

The Invisalign^® system involves a series of custom-designed plastic “aligners” that fit over teeth to gently move them to their desired position. With Invisalign, patients are able to remove the aligners for social or professional situations and for daily dental hygiene, something Dr. Klein has found to be very appealing to his patients.

“Many of my patients have been shocked at how easily this system fits into their lives,” he said. “I’d encourage anyone who is less-than-happy with their smile to ask their dentist what options exist for them, and to consider not only the cosmetic, but the health issues around misaligned teeth.”

Below, Dr. Klein lists several common tooth alignment conditions and the resulting health risks associated with them.

Overly crowded teeth: This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, an increase in chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth.

Widely spaced teeth: This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues in teeth can cause a variety of periodontal diseases.

Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.

Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an "overbite" is known to dental professionals as "overjet." It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It's typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It's usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Patients with questions on any of the above should contact Dr. Klein at 815-806-1451 to discuss Invisalign treatment options.