Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease)
July 02, 2008 - New research is uncovering links between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight babies. One of the most common causes of periodontal disease is tooth crowding. Dr. Mike Hopkins is working to minimize this condition in patients by using Invisalign to straighten teeth. When teeth are crowded there are many unreachable areas in which bacteria can flourish. By straightening teeth with Invisalign, these unreachable areas are eradicated and bacteria can be cleaned out, significantly reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria accumulates in gingival pockets. If left untreated, this bacteria will actively destroy the gum tissue, moving next into the dental bone. Once periodontitis is contracted it is irreversible, the best a patient can do is maintain it. Approximately 15 percent of adults between 21 and 50 years old and 30 percent of adults over 50 have the disease. Studies show that these periodontal problems are related to larger, significantly dangerous medical conditions.
Periodontal disease can exacerbate heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight by releasing toxins into the blood stream. Studies suggest that oral bacteria in the blood stream can trigger the liver to produce an excess of C-Proteins, which are a predictor for cardiovascular problems.
Dr. Mike Hopkins is helping to eliminate this risk right at the cause of the problem. When teeth are in perfect alignment there are very few places that harmful bacteria can accumulate. Home Care Maintenance becomes far easier for the patient, also reducing the harmful bacteria.
Invisalign is a product of Align Technologies. It is the clear alternative to braces. Using a series of clear aligner trays, which are custom made for each patient, the teeth are gently shifted into the correct positions. Invisalign has additional patient benefits. Invisalign is gentle, and does not cause root resorption, as is common with traditional orthodontics. Invisalign treatment time is typically between 12 and 18 months which is slightly less than traditional orthodontics. There are also obvious cosmetic benefits as well.
###
