October is National Hygiene Month! During this month, we want to focus on how improving the health of your smile can impact your overall health. If you suffer from misalignment, correcting the issue can not only help your teeth stay healthy, but also improve gum health as well. Does fixing misalignment really improve gum health?
Quiz: Improving Gum Health with Clear Aligner Systems
- True or False: Clear Aligner Systems uses aligners to correct misalignment.
- True or False: Straightening teeth can improve gum health.
- True or False: Preventive dentistry can help you maintain healthy gums.
- True or False: We can offer a free cosmetic consultation.
Answer Key
- True. Metal braces require brackets to be placed on the front of the teeth and connected with an arch wire. Tension is then adjusted to reposition the teeth. With Clear Aligner Systems, brackets and wires are replaced with clear plastic aligners. The patient wears them daily, upgrading to a new set once every two weeks. For adults, a straighter smile is possible in about a year. Teens may need up to 18 months.
- True. Crooked or crowded teeth offer plenty of places for food to become trapped. Bacteria can then break down food particles, coating the teeth in plaque and irritating the gum tissue. Patients then develop a greater risk of gingivitis. In addition, metal braces can make brushing and flossing difficult, also leading to a greater risk of gum inflammation. However, clear aligners can be removed when you brush and floss.
- True. In order to avoid gum inflammation, you need to remove plaque from your smile and prevent serious buildup. To do this, you need to have your teeth cleaned once every six months. You also need to brush and floss your teeth every day.
- True. We offer new patients a free initial cosmetic consultation to see if you benefit from Clear Aligner Systems, veneers, or teeth whitening.
