Curious About Invisalign?

-
Back in the day, braces were not something to covet. But nicknames of "metal mouth" to uncomfortable wires are a thing of the past. There are other alternatives to the traditional braces, one of which is Invisalign. But the real question, what is Invisalign?

 Invisalign is a clear hard retainer system that fixes a lot of problems with your smile. Some of the things that can be fixed are crowding, spacing, some overbites and underbites, crossbites, and crooked teeth.

 Impressions and photos are taken and models are made of your teeth and then your case is planned. The final results are available to view before you even start treatment. If there is something you don't like or want to change, you are able to do so before beginning. 

 Once the final results are approved, clear retainers are made and an appointment is set for you to pick them up. At this appointment a few small pieces of composite or "buttons" that blend with your teeth may be placed to aide your retainers in moving your teeth to the correct positions. After your initial visit, you and your dentist will set up a check-up schedule every few weeks to receive new trays and to make sure things are moving correctly. These are just quick 5-10 minute appointments but they are important. The number of trays you will go through and the length of your treatment depends on the complexity of your orthodontic case. Every smile and every case is different.

 Invisalign trays need to be worn at least 22 hours per day. Patients should only remove the trays to eat and drink and must brush their teeth before putting trays back in. 

 Once you have completed all of your Invisalign trays you get to enjoy your beautiful new smile. 
Are you wondering if Invisalign is right for you? Take this quick test to find out: Should I Get Invisalign? or speak with your dentist.

Still unsure of retainers versus wires? Check this comparison chart out: Comparison of Invisalign to Wire/Bracket Braces.

 Keep smiling!
~Cyrus M. Larson, DMD

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is Fluoride Good or Bad?

-
Image
Fluoride.  One of the heavily debated topics of dentistry.  I have read a lot of information on both sides of the story. I'll start out by saying from the research I've done and the evidence I've seen as a dentist I am pro-fluoride.  As with most things fluoride is useful in moderation. (For studies and more information on fluoride click here .) Even water can be “toxic” in high enough doses. High levels of fluoride can cause dental or skeletal fluorosis. Dental fluorosis occurs from very high levels of fluoride as a child and results in mottling (spotting) of the teeth (and no cavities). (Click  here for more information on fluorosis.)  My patients that grow up in areas with high fluoride exposure often have NO cavities into their 20's, 30's and 40's. Fluoride is  found naturally in most water sources. The amount and concentration of naturally occurring fluoride in water is due to different types of soils and rocks found around a water source. Flu...
Read more

Are You Valentine’s Day Ready?

-
Image
Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Date Night There are many different things that can contribute to having bad breath!  Some causes might be obvious like which foods you may be eating or having poor oral hygiene, but some might not be so evident. If you have date night or an important event coming up, here are some tricks to help you keep your breath fresh. Common Foods to Avoid: Garlic or Onions - The distinctive smell is caused by sulfur-containing chemicals in the garlic and onion. The smell can linger on a person's breath for hours and even overnight. Dairy - Naturally occurring bacteria from your tongue feeds on the amino acids in milk and cheese, which can result in an odor that is foul. Coffee - The caffeine in coffee can actually dry out your mouth by slowing saliva production which can be a trigger for bad breath This should be a little more obvious for most, but staying on top of your oral hygiene is the easiest way to keep your breath fresh. Ma...
Read more

Why are my teeth sensitive?

-
Image
Happy Independence Day! Nothing says summer more than celebrating our freedom with fireworks and ice cream! For those of you who just cringed at that sentence, it may be because the thought of having something cold hit your teeth sends preliminary phantom pains into the nerves of your teeth. If that's the case, you probably have sensitive teeth. There are a few different reasons why you might have sensitive teeth, but the good news is you can treat it!  Possible Causes: Cavities Gum Recession (Exposed Roots) Worn Enamel Fractured Teeth The treatment depends on the cause, so it is important to discuss with your dentist your sensitivity issues. The fix may be as easy as switching toothpaste! When worn enamel is the culprit, using a toothpaste targeted towards sensitivity can help with symptoms. I personally recommend Sensodyne brand. Sensitive toothpastes work because they contain potassium nitrate which calms your tooth's nerves and help...
Read more