Did You Know that Having Bad Teeth Could Lead to Heart Disease?

Did You Know that Having Bad Teeth Could Lead to Heart Disease?

Exclusive research conducted on behalf of Invisalign Australia, pioneers of the invisible-orthodontics market, has revealed that only 6% of Australians are aware that having crooked teeth can lead to many serious health problems.

Teeth that are not aligned properly are more likely to develop severe periodontal infection, which if untreated, may increase the risk for atherosclerosis-induced conditions such as:
Coronary heart disease and stroke
Complications of diabetes
Adverse pregnancy outcomes
Respiratory diseases

The latest survey revealed that 45% of Australians aged 18-39 years associate crooked teeth with tooth decay and 38% with bad breath, but very few, only 6% realise that having crooked teeth can actually lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease.

Dr Fadi Yassmin from Broadway Dental in Sydney said 'We understand that a trip to the dentist isn't at the top of everyone's to do list, but it's just as important as any routine cholesterol or blood pressure check. Only heading to the dentist when -something's wrong' is as naive as only having a pap-smear if you're in pain. 70% of the adult population have periodontal disease in its early stages and the symptoms can be easy to miss. Properly aligned teeth are often healthier teeth because they're easier to clean – reducing the chance of periodontal disease and associated systemic effects. Straightening a smile has long been heralded as something patients say they want, but the fact is it's actually what they need."

The survey also revealed there is a stigma associated with crooked teeth – with two-thirds of Australians believing they reflect a lack of proper dental care and around half associating them with poor dental hygiene. For many, the association extends beyond these functional factors with 34% of Australians taking the view that crooked teeth is a sign of poor diet and lifestyle, and a lack of pride in physical appearance.

Dr Suzy Green of The Positive Psychology Institute says that these findings from Invisalign are pretty concerning. 'Whilst the saying suggests "ignorance is bliss", these results suggest that ignorance may lead to significant negative outcomes to both our mental and physical health and well-being. Research has shown that having a great smile can lead to a range of positive outcomes for our mental health, these results also suggest clear benefits to our physical health".

As many as 65% of 18-39 year olds in Australia describe themselves as having teeth that are either not straight or have gaps between them, so it's not surprising that the majority of the adult population suffers a degree of periodontal infection.

Dr Yassmin added, 'When you think about the thousands of dollars many women spend each year on their hair and other cosmetic indulgences, it's hard to comprehend why more of them aren't investing in the long term aesthetic and health benefits of correcting their teeth early. Especially now that we have non-invasive and virtually invisible solutions like Invisalign. You only get one set and it's a simple way to help you keep them for life. Plus, you'll have a killer smile at the end!"

Invisalign® – the clear alternative to braces
Developed with orthodontists and used in dental practices around the world, Invisalign is the fastest growing orthodontic company in Australia, recognised worldwide for its modern approach to straightening teeth.

Invisalign is the modern and hygienic way to straighten teeth. It uses a series of clear, virtually invisible and removable aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired position, without the use of metal or wires. It combines 21st century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customise a treatment for each individual patient.

In most cases, the cost and treatment time of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces. However unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed to allow patients to brush and floss their teeth as usual, making it a healthier alternative for teeth and gums. The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of an individual case and treatment time varies from anywhere between six months to two years, with the average treatment taking around 12 to 14 months.

Invisalign uses state of the art, 3D computer imaging technology to depict the series of movements a patient's teeth need to go through to achieve a beautiful smile. A series of custom-made -aligners' are then produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

There are four primary benefits of Invisalign:

1. Invisalign is nearly invisible – you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
2. Invisalign is removable – you can eat and drink what you want during treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Invisalign is comfortable – there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation. No metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
4. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start – so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Sold in more than 50 countries worldwide, Invisalign is a well-established brand name among consumers and has helped doctors achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for over 1.5 million patients worldwide. There are already over 1,100 orthodontists and dentists accredited and trained to use Invisalign in Australia and New Zealand.
www.invisalign.com.au