My Dentist recommended that I get Invisalign, but I like my smile.

When Dr. Thomas and Dr. Mathew prescribe orthodontic treatment like Invisalign or traditional braces they are seeing something you might not. Orthodontic treatment is more than just for cosmetic reasons. Some of the things we hear from our patients when we recommend orthodontic treatment is “But I like my smile” or “ I am known for my gap!” .

We get it, we like it too! There is good news, in some cases we can keep your gap. Aligning (straightening) your teeth can help with various thing that we may not think about.

Crooked teeth often have many spaces for plaque and calculus to hide, that can cause problems like cavities or gum disease. One of the biggest benefits that our patients see after getting orthodontic treatment is that it is much easier to keep your teeth clean when they are aligned. Our patients notice that their checkups with the hygienist get a lot easier too. If Diane and Vicki are getting on your case about flossing, braces may help.

Another thing that our patients notice is its easier to chew and talk. When your bite is off, it can make it hard or even painful to eat things. Aligned teeth function best when we are chewing. Patients notice less fatigue after eating things, especially chewy things like bagels and steak.

One thing that you might not know about that Invisalign can treat is Occlusal Disease.

What is Occlusal Disease? Occlusal disease is a destructive process that can result from a bite in which the teeth are not properly aligned. Forces are applied to the teeth every time they meet, so if they are not aligned and they hit the wrong way there can be irreversible damage to your teeth, gums and jaw.

Some of the signs of Occlusal Disease that Dr. Vineetha Thomas and Dr. Priya Mathew look for are:

• Wear on the biting surface of teeth (the occlusal surface).
• Teeth are covered with enamel which is the hardest surface in the body. Once the enamel is worn through the dentin, which is the next tooth layer and softer than enamel, is exposed and wears away faster. This can often be seen when the front teeth wear and look smaller in appearance or back teeth wear and become flat.
• Teeth can become loose and move or even fall out.
• Teeth can become sensitive oftentimes to hot and cold.
• Teeth can hurt after biting.
• Teeth are breaking.
• The muscles, which work the jaws, can become sore and painful. Some people call this TMJ or TMD.
• Having headaches often.
• Noise such as popping and clicking during eating or jaw movement is common.

Give us a call at our Jenkintown office for more information about occlusal diseases and what steps you can take to prevent them. (215) 892-1438