At Swenson Family Orthodontics, serving Lewiston, Idaho, Clarkston, Washington, and the entire Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, we know that achieving a straight smile with braces or Invisalign offers far more than just aesthetic improvements. While a dazzling smile is often the primary motivator, correctly aligned teeth are a valuable investment that profoundly enhances your overall oral and systemic health. Many people are surprised to learn the extensive health benefits that orthodontic treatment provides.
Braces and Invisalign go beyond cosmetics to deliver significant health advantages.
Straight teeth are fundamentally easier to clean. When teeth are aligned, brushing and flossing become more effective, drastically reducing your risk of:
By aligning your teeth, you significantly reduce the risk of oral health complications, ensuring your natural teeth stay healthy and firmly rooted.
Misaligned teeth can hinder proper chewing, making it difficult to break down food adequately. This forces your stomach to work harder and can slow down digestion. When your teeth are straight and you can chew efficiently, your digestive process improves correspondingly, leading to better nutrient absorption.
Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to issues like gum disease and bacterial infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to the erosion of the jawbone. Properly aligned teeth reduce these risks, helping to preserve the integrity of your jawbone and ensuring your teeth remain firmly supported.
A beautiful, straight smile often translates directly to increased self-confidence. Feeling good about your smile can empower you in social situations, public speaking, and even simply smiling for pictures. Improved psychological well-being is a wonderful, often underestimated, benefit of orthodontic treatment.
As your teeth shift into their correct positions with braces or Invisalign, the relationship between your lips and jaws also harmonizes. This can subtly refine your facial features, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing profile. The improvements can extend beyond just your teeth, enhancing your overall facial appearance.
Misaligned teeth can sometimes lead to speech impediments, including whistling sounds or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Orthodontic treatment can permanently correct these issues, leading to clearer articulation and improved communication.
When you think of braces, you might picture traditional metal ones. However, modern metal braces are far from the bulky designs of the past. Today's metal brackets are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and streamlined. They are incredibly durable and effective for treating a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, making them a reliable choice for achieving excellent results. Advanced archwires now utilize your body heat to move teeth more efficiently and with less discomfort than ever before.
Start your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile. Contact Swenson Family Orthodontics in Lewiston, Idaho, today!
Have questions about getting braces or Invisalign in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley? We've got answers!
A: There's no single "best" type of braces; the ideal choice depends on your individual needs, orthodontic issues, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Dr. Brendon Swenson will conduct a thorough examination during your complimentary consultation and discuss all options, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, to recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your unique smile.
A: Getting braces or starting Invisalign treatment does not typically "hurt." However, it is entirely normal to feel some mild discomfort, pressure, or soreness in your teeth and jaws for a few days after your appliances are placed or after adjustments. This is a sign that your teeth are beginning to move. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet.
A: The duration of orthodontic treatment varies widely from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of their case and the specific problems being corrected. Some minor treatments may be completed in as little as a few months, while more complex cases can take up to several years. On average, most treatments with braces or Invisalign range from 12 to 36 months.
A: The cost of braces or Invisalign in Lewiston and Clarkston is customized for each patient. It depends on factors such as the type of appliance chosen (metal, ceramic, or Invisalign), the complexity of your orthodontic needs, and the estimated length of treatment. During your initial complimentary consultation, we will provide a detailed breakdown of your treatment costs and discuss flexible payment plans and insurance options.
A: If you have braces, you will most likely need to visit our Lewiston office every four to eight weeks for adjustments and to ensure your teeth are progressing as planned. For Invisalign patients, appointments may be slightly less frequent. Dr. Swenson will determine the optimal schedule for your specific treatment plan.
A: While undergoing braces treatment, your orthodontist will provide a comprehensive list of brace-friendly foods. As a general rule, it's crucial to avoid anything too crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy, as these types of foods can damage your brackets or wires. Examples include hard candies, sticky caramels, popcorn, nuts, ice, and very crusty breads. With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners to eat whatever you like.
A: Excellent oral hygiene is paramount throughout your orthodontic treatment and beyond. The most important steps are to consistently follow Dr. Swenson's recommendations regarding brushing, flossing, and retainer wear, and to attend all scheduled checkup appointments. Diligent brushing after every meal, careful flossing (using a floss threader if needed for braces), and avoiding certain foods and drinks (especially sugary or acidic ones) are critical for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
A: While good dental hygiene is always important, you will need to be particularly meticulous about brushing and flossing correctly when you have braces. It's essential to ensure you thoroughly remove all food particles from between your teeth and around your brackets to prevent plaque buildup and maintain optimal oral health. We will teach you the best techniques for brushing with braces.
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You can also just give us a call at 208-746-0479. Dr. Brendon Swenson and our team can't wait to meet you!
