When you visit a holistic dentist for teeth straightening and orthodontics, they often recommend Invisalign clear aligners over traditional metal braces. While traditional braces used to be the only solution to straighten teeth, metal-free options are now more available than ever!
If you want a metal-free solution to straighter teeth and a healthier mouth, Invisalign may be your best choice. Buy how exactly does Invisalign fall under the holistic dentistry philosophy? Let’s dive in and discuss what Invisalign is, its advantages over traditional braces from a holistic view, and why natural dentists recommend it.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth from their current, misaligned position to a straighter, properly functioning alignment. Each set of Invisalign aligner trays is custom-designed to fit you comfortably.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. There are also no restrictions on what you can eat. Many patients also find it easier to maintain good oral hygiene as the removable aligners don’t require special tools to keep their teeth clean.
Why do Holistic Dentists Love Invisalign?
A biological or holistic dentist uses a whole-person, health-centered approach to dentistry. This means they consider their patients’ overall health and wellness and understand that oral health is fundamentally connected to overall health. Simply put, a holistic dentist seeks to restore your mouth’s natural function and health while working in harmony with your entire body.
Here’s why Invisalign is the best holistic approach for straighter teeth:
- Invisalign is Metal-free and Hypoallergenic. A holistic dentist practices individualized, whole-person care and understands that every patient is different and needs to be treated according to their specific needs. They consider that some patients have metal allergies that can cause local and systemic problems throughout the body. Moreover, many metals contain harmful agents that are not good for anyone—even if you do not have a metal allergy! Invisalign avoids using metals in the mouth, making it the preferred holistic approach to straightening teeth without the risks.
- Invisalign Promotes Superior Oral Health. Holistic dentists also recommend Invisalign because of its superior oral health and hygiene benefits. One of the biggest challenges with traditional braces is that they are difficult to keep clean. Food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped in the wires and brackets, leading to plaque buildup and potential cavities or infection. With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth as usual, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, infection, and gum disease.
- Invisalign is Comfortable and Convenient. Traditional braces can be uncomfortable, irritating the gums and cheeks (not to mention the frequent trips to the dentist to tighten wires!). Alternatively, Invisalign aligners are smooth and custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, making them more comfortable to wear. Plus, there are no wires or brackets to deal with.
- Low-radiation X-rays and Scans Can be Used for Invisalign. To get started with Invisalign, your dentist will take digital impressions and X-rays of your teeth to create the custom aligners. Holistic dentists choose to use low-radiation X-rays, minimizing your exposure to harmful radiation. At Integrative Dental Solutions, we take this one step further by utilizing the iTero intraoral scanner. This radiation-free and completely safe digital impression scanner is certified for Invisalign connectivity, allowing dentists to plan out each stage of treatment more accurately.
- Invisalign Supports a Healthy Diet. Holistic health is all about nourishing your body with whole, unprocessed foods. Traditional braces often come with a long list of restricted foods—no crunchy apples, chewy granola, or hard nuts. With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners during meals and enjoy your favorite healthy foods without any restrictions.
- Invisalign Promotes Airway Health. Properly aligned teeth don’t just make your smile better looking. They also improve the form and function of your teeth. Your teeth need to be in a healthy position so you can breathe well, sleep well, and speak well. Invisalign can be used to achieve moderate palatal expansion, creating more space for the tongue to fit in the mouth and promoting better breathing and airway health. This can help with problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, leading to better sleep quality.
- Invisalign is Non-invasive and Gentle. Invisalign’s gradual approach to shifting teeth aligns well with holistic principles. Instead of forcefully moving teeth, the aligners gently guide them into place, supporting the body’s natural ability to adapt and heal.
The Holistic Invisalign Journey: What to Expect
Embarking on your holistic Invisalign journey is an exciting step towards achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Assessment and Consultation. Your holistic dentist will assess your teeth and discuss your goals to determine if Invisalign is the right option for you. They’ll take digital impressions and x-rays of your teeth to develop a customized treatment plan.
- Receiving and Wearing Your Aligners. Next, clear Invisalign aligners will be made for you. Once they are ready, you’ll receive a series of aligners, each designed to be worn for about two weeks. For optimal results, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Your dentist will instruct you on how long you should wear each set of aligners and proper care for the aligners and your teeth.
- Regular Check-ins. You’ll have periodic check-ins with your dentist throughout your treatment to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. This ensures that your teeth are moving as planned.
- Completing Your Treatment. Depending on your specific needs, Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years. Once you’ve completed your treatment, you’ll usually need to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new positions.
If you’ve been on the lookout for an effective, metal-free, and holistic solution to straightening your teeth, Invisalign may be a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign aligns with many holistic and biological dental principles such as being metal-free, gentle and non-invasive, and supportive of oral and airway health.
Integrative Dental Solutions offers state-of-the-art, whole-person, minimally invasive biological and holistic dental care for your family in a relaxing, caring, and safe environment. Contact our office today to learn more about natural smile improvement with Invisalign, or to schedule a holistic Invisalign consultation. A beautiful, healthy, and functional smile is waiting for you.
