Benefits of Invisalign: Why Clear Aligners May be the Future of Orthodontics

The Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces: Why Clear Aligners May be the Future of Orthodontics

Dentistry on 88 • September 21, 2024

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 32% of patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the US and Canada are adults. The population of patients (This patient demographic) has increased by over 40% in the last decade. However, traditional metal braces are no longer the only treatment option available.

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional braces, you should consider clear aligners. Treatment with Invisalign can be discrete, comfortable, and effective.

Not sure how to choose between Invisalign and braces?

Read on to learn more.

Invisalign Fixes Alignment Issues

When misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, or malocclusion, isn’t addressed, they may have physical and psychosocial impacts. These include:

Oral health challenges (tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss)
Difficulty chewing
Speech changes
Progression of jaw discomfort or TMJ disorders
Physical changes
Self-esteem issues
Challenges during social interactions

About 15% of the adult population may experience negative social perceptions and functional issues due to malocclusions (National Library of Medicine). Between 57 and 59% of the population requires orthodontic intervention. However, many never receive treatment.

Thankfully, Invisalign is one option to resolve a range of malocclusions, like an overbite. Others include:

Crowded teeth
Gap teeth
Underbites
Crossbites
Open bites

Discretion With Clear Aligners

You may shy away from smiling if there are metal brackets and wires on your teeth. Instead, consider clear aligners as an alternative option.

Invisalign aligners are made of thin, clear plastic. They are capable of fitting snugly over your teeth and may not be noticeable.

This makes Invisalign an option for adults who are working in different settings. You can schedule your dental treatments to further enhance your smile.

Invisalign May Help You Avoid Oral Health Problems

Having gaps between your teeth allows food particles and bacteria to collect. Bacteria, saliva, and food can mix together to form plaque.

Plaque is the tacky, clear film that can stick to our teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar and release acid. Your risk of tooth decay could increase if you don't get the tartar professionally removed.

Tooth decay can cause painful symptoms. It also increases your risk of losing teeth. You may require extensive treatments to resolve the issue.

As plaque spreads below your gum line, your risk of gingivitis (gum disease) may increase. Your gums may appear red, bloody, and swollen. The advanced stage, periodontitis, can increase your risk of tooth loss.

These oral health issues may cause your teeth to shift further.

Beginning orthodontic treatment can close the gaps in your smile which leaves bacteria and food particles with fewer places to hide. Straightening your teeth also makes them easier to brush and floss, potentially reducing your risk of oral health issues.

Invisalign aligners can be removed and cleaned

You may struggle to keep your metal braces clean after meals. You can't remove your metal braces to eat, unlike Invisalign aligners.

Take them out before meals to avoid damage and discoloration. When you are not wearing them, you can soak them in an Invisalign crystal solution to clean plaque and bacteria away making them much easier to clean.

Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water (not hot, which can warp the plastic) and brush them gently. This will wash away lingering bacteria.

Talk to your dentist before you begin treatment. They can provide further tips to help you clean and care for your aligners.

Invisalign Can Be Comfortable To Wear

Wearing metal brackets and wires may get uncomfortable. You may need an adjustment period when you first begin treatment. You'll also need to visit your dentist to have your braces tightened every few weeks.

Alternatives like Invisalign is another option to consider. The aligners are made of a smooth plastic and usually don’t impinge on the inside of your cheek or scrape your gums.

Choose Between Invisalign And Braces Today

Invisalign clear aligners are discrete, and can shorten treatment time in comparison to metal braces on a case by case basis.

Visit Dentistry on 88 if you have mild to moderate bite issues. We will help you determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment with Invisalign.

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How Thumb-Sucking Affects Children's Dental Health

By Dentistry on 88 • March 14, 2025

Thumb-sucking is a natural and common behavior in infants, with about three-quarters of babies sucking their thumbs during their first year of life. This comforting habit helps them self-soothe and feel secure. However, when thumb-sucking continues beyond infancy, it can lead to dental issues that affect your child's long-term oral health. At Dentistry on 88, we understand the concerns parents may have about their child's dental development. In this blog post, we'll explore how thumb-sucking can impact your child's teeth, when it becomes problematic, and provide helpful tips on how to encourage your little one to stop. Let's get started with these dental health tips. What Is Thumb-Sucking? Thumb-sucking is a reflexive action that many babies and young children use to comfort themselves . It's a natural and instinctive behavior that begins in the womb and often continues after birth. Most infants will suck their thumbs to calm down, fall asleep, or simply as a source of comfort when they are feeling stressed or insecure. This habit is perfectly normal during the first few months of life and is a way for children to self-soothe. However, as children grow, thumb-sucking can become a repetitive habit that lasts longer than necessary. If it continues past the age of three, when permanent teeth begin to come in, it can lead to dental problems. Prolonged thumb-sucking can interfere with the proper alignment of the teeth and affect the development of the jaw. While it's normal for infants, parents should monitor their child's thumb-sucking habits as they grow to avoid future dental complications. Dental Problems From Thumb-Sucking The impact of thumb-sucking on teeth can be significant if the habit continues beyond the age of three. As noted above, while it's common for infants and toddlers to engage in this behavior, prolonged thumb-sucking can cause various dental issues as permanent teeth begin to emerge. One of the most common problems is tooth misalignment. Thumb-sucking can push the front teeth outward, leading to an overbite or open bite . It can also affect the shape and growth of the roof of the mouth, which can impact how the teeth come together. In addition to misalignment, thumb-sucking may put pressure on the jaw, which can affect its development. Over time, this can result in bite problems that may require orthodontic treatment. The longer the habit persists, the greater the likelihood of these dental issues, which is why it's important to address thumb-sucking early to avoid complications later on. When Should Thumb-Sucking Stop? Thumb-sucking should ideally stop by the time a child reaches the age of three. By this age, most children have started to develop their permanent teeth , which makes it a crucial time to address the habit. If thumb-sucking continues past this stage, it can begin to interfere with the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaw. While some children may naturally stop on their own, others may need encouragement or strategies to help break the habit. If thumb-sucking continues into the early school years, it can lead to more noticeable dental problems that may require orthodontic treatment later. Parents should watch for signs that the habit is becoming more than just a temporary comfort and consider intervening if necessary. If you're concerned about your child's thumb-sucking, it's a good idea to discuss it with your dentist . Our team can provide guidance on how to help your child stop before it affects their oral health. Tips for Breaking the Habit Breaking the habit of thumb-sucking can take time and patience, but with the right approach, it's possible. One effective method is using positive reinforcement. Encouraging your child with praise and rewards for not sucking their thumb can help motivate them to stop. Gentle reminders are also important, so if you notice your child sucking their thumb, calmly remind them to stop. You should avoid using punishment, as it may cause stress or anxiety, which could make the habit harder to break. Instead, try to redirect their attention to something else. Offering alternatives is another strategy. Thumb-sucking is often a way for children to self-soothe, so providing a soft blanket, stuffed animal, or another comforting item can help reduce the need for thumb-sucking. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help. Try replacing thumb-sucking with activities like reading a book or listening to soothing music before bed. If the habit continues, it may be time to consult your dentist. As noted above, at Dentistry on 88, we can offer guidance and support to help break the habit before it affects your child's dental health. With patience and consistency, you can help your child stop thumb-sucking and maintain a healthy smile . How We Can Help at Dentistry on 88 Here at Dentistry on 88 , we understand how challenging it can be for both parents and children when it comes to breaking the thumb-sucking habit. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you're concerned about your child's dental health, we offer comprehensive evaluations to assess any potential effects thumb-sucking may have on their teeth and jaw development. Dr. Virani and our experienced team can provide personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child's needs. We'll help you understand the impact of prolonged thumb-sucking and offer recommendations to prevent dental issues down the road. If necessary, we can also discuss gentle interventions or referrals to specialists who can further assist with breaking the habit. Our goal is to ensure your child's smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. Maintain Oral Hygiene for Kids To sum up, it's important to take steps to prevent thumb-sucking before it affects your child's dental health. Early intervention can help avoid long-term issues with teeth and jaw development. Our team at Dentistry on 88 is dedicated to supporting parents in ensuring the best possible care for their child's smile. If you're concerned about thumb-sucking or have questions about your child's oral health, schedule an appointment with us . Our team is here to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of children's oral care.