Is Invisalign a treatment alternative for malocclusions?
A malocclusion is basically when teeth are not aligned properly. When teeth are not in alignment, the top and bottom teeth do not meet where they should to provide the optimum bite action. One ideal solution is Invisalign.
Invisalign is a teeth straightening method that brings a multitude of advantages. Invisalign can correct most dental malocclusions including cross bite, under bite, overbite, and unsightly gaps between teeth.
Invisalign is a series of clear, soft plastic aligners that gently shift the teeth to their correct position by updating the aligners every few weeks with the next in the series.
If you are a candidate for Invisalign, the first step is to have x-rays, photographs and impressions made that will be sent to the Invisalign laboratory. Through the use of 3-D imagery, your Invisalign aligners are designed to work specifically for you.
Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional metal bands and brackets:
- Since the aligners are made from plastic, they are transparent making them virtually undetectable.
- The soft plastic aligners eliminate wires that can poke creating sores in the soft tissue in your mouth and gum tissue.
- Invisalign aligners are removable … this allows you to keep all your favorite foods on the menu. Nutritious fruits and vegetables that can be difficult to eat with traditional braces are back on the table.
- Excellent daily oral hygiene maintenance of brushing and flossing are simplified as they can be done without braces in place. With traditional braces, flossing can be difficult and time consuming. Consequently many wearers will skip this step which can contribute to dental decay and periodontal problems.
It is important to keep the aligners in place a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours per day to achieve the desired results in the prescribed time frame. For most adults, this is six months to two years. Younger Invisalign patients can expect the time frame to match that of wearing traditional braces.
Being able to remove the aligners also makes it easier for both the dentist and the patient to monitor the progress being made. As you move forward with each new aligner, you know you are one step closer to perfectly aligned teeth, and the beautiful smile that comes with them.
To learn more about this innovative orthodontic treatment option, call Active Dental, serving Irving TX, and schedule your consultation.
Invisalign: A convenient and safe way to improve your smile
How many times have you thought to yourself that if you could change one thing, it would be your smile? And it’s not your actual smile that bothers you, but the teeth behind your expression that keeps you from flashing that big smile. Now help is on the way with Invisalign in Las Colinas.
Invisalign is a process in which your dentist can straighten crooked teeth, eliminate a cross bite, close spaces or gaps between teeth, eradicate an overbite or do away with an under bite.
By the use of clear plastic aligners, your dentist can produce the smile you’ve always wished for. The process starts with your dentist taking pictures and pouring up models of your existing teeth alignment. Through the use of digital technology, a set of aligners are made that gently, but effectively, re-align your bite.
Every few weeks, another aligner is introduced that continues to work to safely shift your teeth to their correct position.
There are no metal brackets or rubber bands to contend with that can cause uncomfortable abrasions in your mouth. And because the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat the foods you love without any discomfort. It is important to note, however, that the aligners must be worn twenty to twenty-two hours per day to achieve the desired result.
Additionally, being able to remove the aligners allows you to maintain excellent dental hygiene like daily flossing and brushing for better protection during the straightening process. This is not the case with traditional metal braces.
But the true beauty of the Invisalign system is clear, soft aligners that make them almost impossible to detect. This makes the process of straightening your teeth very convenient and aesthetically pleasing.
And Invisalign has proven itself to be a safe and effective avenue to improve your smile. While most adults can expect to achieve results in six months to a year, the time frame for youngsters is consistent to the time spent in traditional braces.
So instead of hiding your smile, call Active dental at 972-556-0600 for a consultation and get started on the path to the big smile you’ve always wanted.
Is it Too Late to Have Braces if I am an Adult?
Braces and other orthodontic treatment are considered commonplace for adolescents, but many adults feel that they are too old for this kind of treatment. However, many adults can benefit from braces to correct misaligned teeth. If misalignment is relatively minor, Invisalign offers an alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment in Irving, here are some facts about this innovative orthodontic technique.
What is Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to move your teeth into their proper position. The trays are smooth and comfortable, unlike metal braces, which can have sharp edges and irritate the lips and gums. Many adults also feel that traditional braces are unattractive, and feel self-conscious about wearing them for the long periods of time that treatment requires.
Invisalign trays are practically invisible, and can be removed for special occasions. Your dentist makes casts of your teeth so the trays are custom made specifically for your mouth, and to achieve your individual goals for orthodontic treatment. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, and most patients see results beginning after about four to six weeks.
The Importance of Proper Alignment
It might seem that orthodontic treatment is unnecessary for minor misalignment, especially if you have made it to adulthood without braces. However, even minor misalignment can lead to uncomfortable side effects. These can range from headaches, teeth grinding, earaches, clicking in the jaws or ears, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Correcting the alignment of your teeth can greatly reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
With Invisalign, you can treat minor misalignment without self-consciousness, in a more convenient and flexible way that will not interfere with your everyday life. The trays must be worn for an average of twenty-two hours each day for the best possible results. They should be removed while you eat, and should not be exposed to hot liquids or beverages that could stain them.
For more information about Invisalign treatment and how it can give you a perfect smile and improved alignment, please call Active Dental at 972-556-0600 for a consultation.
Invisalign: How Long Before I Start to See Results?
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that uses clear, custom-molded vinyl trays to shift your teeth a small amount at a time until they reach the desired alignment. Because the vinyl trays are clear, treatment remains virtually invisible.
Seeing Results With Invisalign
As with many orthodontic procedures, teeth are moved gradually with Invisalign. Movement at the beginning of the treatment might be less noticeable than changes later in the treatment, or vice versa. This depends entirely upon which teeth are being moved during different parts of the treatment, and how much movement is expected.
Many people begin to see visible results with Invisalign within the first month or two of treatment. If the first phase of treatment focuses on front teeth, these results will be easier to see than if it focuses on teeth situated toward the back of your mouth. Movement is gradual, as it is with traditional braces, so it might take some time before the movement is visible. However, you will probably feel movement taking place right away. As teeth move, they can become uncomfortable or slightly loose. If your bite is being modified, you might feel a difference in the way your teeth fit together while you are biting or chewing.
Advantages of Invisalign
One advantage of Invisalign is that the trays are removed for cleaning and to brush your teeth. With the trays out of the way, it is easier to see changes in the position of your teeth. With traditional braces, the braces and bands often obscure the outlines of the teeth, making it harder to see the shifting alignment of your bite and your individual teeth.
Since Invisalign trays are both clear and removable, it will be easier to follow the progress of your treatment. Each time you look in the mirror, you might see slight changes in the way your teeth look or the way they fit against each other, giving you a preview of the beautiful smile you’ll have when treatment is complete.
To find out more about Invisalign in Irving, please contact our dental office for an appointment or a consultation.
Invisalign Clear Braces: Am I a Candidate?
Clear or “invisible” braces are becoming a more popular option for orthodontic work, especially for adults. Invisalign clear braces are an effective alternative for many adults who wish to have a straighter smile but do not wish to have traditional metal braces applied to their teeth. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced Invisalign dentist in Grand Prairie is the best way to determine if Invisalign will work well for you.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is best suited for certain types of orthodontics, so it is important to consult with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. In general, Invisalign works best with work involving moderate correction. If the teeth need to be moved a great deal, or if other issues exist, traditional braces might prove to be a better option.
Other factors to be considered regarding Invisalign treatment include:
- Aligner trays must be kept scrupulously clean to prevent decay
- Trays must be worn at least twenty-two hours out of every twenty-four
- Trays must be carefully cared for to prevent breakage, melting or staining
The patient must be willing to follow the guidelines provided by the dentist to achieve the best possible results. In addition, the patient must be willing to wear a retainer for a certain amount of time after Invisalign treatment is completed. Your Invisalign dentist will provide guidelines regarding the use of a retainer.
Your Invisalign Consultation
When you initially discuss Invisalign with your dentist, he or she will evaluate your bite and the condition of your teeth, gums, and the bones of your jaw and mouth. The dentist will then discuss how Invisalign can help straighten any misaligned teeth and correct your overall bite. He or she will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign, how the treatment will work, and the approximate length of your treatment.