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

Watch Your Citrus Intake! (how citrus affects oral health)

-
Image
How Citric Acid Affects Oral Health  Citric acid is found in many different things most people probably use or eat or drink daily! Some of these common culprits might surprise you. Cosmetics, gels and liquids, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and even dietary supplements commonly contain citric acid. It's even frequently added to various food products to boost flavors or help with preservation.  Citric Acid found naturally in :  Limes Oranges Lemons Pineapple Cherries Tomatoes Added Citric Acid:   Cheese,  Milk,  Soft-drinks,  Powdered drinks,  Frozen treats, and even s ome candy There are a few things to be aware of if you are eating or drinking a lot of these acidic items on a regular basis. Over time foods and drinks with high citric acid content can lead to the erosion of the enamel on your teeth.  When erosion has progressed into the softer, inner layer of your tooth (called the dentin) you will start to experience sensitivity and pain. If
Read more

A Caregiver’s Guide to Oral Health

-
Image
There are many aspects of being a caregiver, and some are certainly more challenging than others. This post is to help you with an often forgotten aspect of care: oral health. Taking care of a person's teeth is important. It will greatly increase their quality of life. For example, being able to eat has been linked to heart health.  Remember that maintaining healthy teeth through preventative measures is always easier and more cost effective than waiting for a problem to arise and then addressing it. By staying regular with dental check-ups and cleanings, many big problems can be avoided through early intervention. These check-ups and cleanings should be scheduled twice per year, unless the hygienist has specifically said to come in three or four times per year. Make sure  to bring a list of all current medications to update in your chart each time. Home dental hygiene care is also important. Brushing twice per day (for two minutes) and flossing once per day will help to
Read more

6 Tips For Coping With Dental Anxiety

-
Image
New Year's Resolution: Go to the dentist If you are like most people, you read that statement and your anxiety level starts to rise. If this is you, there are things that can help. Here are a few suggestions and tips that I give my patients to help calm their nerves before and during an appointment. Breathe. This may seem obvious, but it isn't when you are in a state of panic. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on your breathing. When your mind is on breathing, it isn't on your appointment. Sometimes it helps to visualize yourself in a "happy place." That happy place may be sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere, or surrounded by family and friends in front of your grandma's fireplace. Wherever and whatever it is for you, we encourage the daydream while you are in your appointment. Know what sets you off. It may be the sound of the drill or just the feeling of dental instruments on your teeth. Talk about it with your dentist whatever it might be. The
Read more