An orthodontist’s treatment for you or your family member is something that will impact the rest of your lives. A smile isn’t something you want to put at risk, so choosing the right healthcare professional is important. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping around, or getting a second opinion, when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
The main reason most patients seek a second opinion is to increase the confidence in the treatment plan and the provider’s ability to successfully carry it out. If your treatment plan is straightforward and the orthodontist comes highly recommended to you by friends or your dentist, you may feel comfortable pursuing treatment without getting a second opinion. Remember to consider all aspects of the practice, such as the staff, environment, cost, appointment times, and emergency policies.
If you choose to obtain multiple opinions, you may be given several different treatment options. This can be confusing, but it just means that you need to do your research and decide which plan and which specialist you feel most confident in. Different orthodontists use different procedures or techniques to address the same issues, and that doesn’t mean that one way is absolutely wrong. You just need to determine which plan fits best with your goals and lifestyle.
If you are uncomfortable with the proposed treatment, ask lots of questions about the reason for it and why other options aren’t recommended. If you are still uncertain, be sure to get another opinion. Also make sure that a provider doesn’t push you toward treatment that you get the feeling is their “only” or “favorite” method. For example, if an orthodontist says that teeth “always” must be extracted as part of every patient’s treatment, that is a reason to get a second opinion.
You should never feel pressured by an orthodontist to begin treatment immediately or rush into anything. Your healthcare is always your decision, so consult orthodontists until you are happy and confident with the plan and the provider.
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It may seem that there’s a target market for just about everything, and it turns out that Invisalign braces are no exception. This revolutionary method for improving smiles has introduced Invisalign Teen that provides all of the benefits of the Invisalign system, but adds a few more perks for teenagers.
Invisalign gently moves teeth using a clear plastic tray that fits over the top and/or bottom teeth. A series of trays is created for each patient as they progress through treatment. An advanced computer program is used to identify where the teeth are initially and where they should be moved to create a beautiful smile. Each aligner is custom-made using the computer data, and then the patient wears each one in the order that they are provided in the series.
Aligners should be worn 22 hours a day for effective and timely results. You may think this is impossible for teens, but not with all the benefits of Invisalign. They are made from clear plastic that is nearly invisible in the mouth, so teens don’t complain about unattractive braces. The aligners are removed for both eating and cleaning, meaning no diet restrictions or difficulties performing dental hygiene tasks.
Other benefits of Invisalign Teen include very high comfort level with no concerns of wires poking the mouth or painful adjustments. There is also little time spent in the orthodontist’s office because checkups are only needed about every six weeks. Overall treatment time with Invisalign is usually about one year, depending on the severity of the patient’s orthodontic issues.
How does Invisalign Teen differ from adult Invisalign? To address concerns that teens won’t wear the aligners enough, Blue Dot compliance indicators have been added. The dots fade away with wear so that the teen will know it’s time for a new aligner when the dot is gone. For teens who might still have permanent teeth coming in, eruption tabs have been added to hold space for teeth that are not yet fully in.
Invisalign has become an increasingly popular treatment option for adults, and now teens can join in by selecting Invisalign Teen. More and more teens are choosing this approach every day.
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A revolutionary method for improving smiles without the hassles of traditional braces is called Invisalign. These clear plastic aligners are used to correct a variety of dental issues, such as teeth overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. Patients like Invisalign because the invisible aligners allow smile improvement without the embarrassment of a mouth full of metal. Also, easy maintenance is a big draw.
Invisalign aligners are removeable for eating and cleaning. This allows patients to eat whatever foods they desire; there are no diet restrictions with Invisalign. The aligning trays also facilitate simple oral hygiene. Patents can brush and floss normally without having to maneuver around cumbersome wires or brackets. There is no food debris in the aligners themselves since they are removed for eating.
Proper maintenance of Invisalign trays is important to treatment success. Cleaning is simple, but if it is not performed regularly it can allow plaque and bacteria buildup.
Here are some tips to help ensure good condition of the Invisalign aligners during treatment:
- Clean both your teeth and aligning trays before wearing them. Brush and floss your teeth properly. Then gently brush the aligners with regular toothpaste that does not contain any harsh abrasives or chemicals, or use an Invisalign cleaning kit if your dental professional has provided it.
- Do not chew gum while wearing your Invisalign trays. It can become stuck to the aligners and be difficult to remove, as well as damage the trays.
- Avoid eating or drinking hot foods or drinks when wearing your aligners. It is acceptable to drink cool water while wearing the trays, but remove them for drinking anything else or while eating any foods.
- When the aligners are out of your mouth, store them properly to avoid damage or loss. Your dental professional will provide a secure storage case that is best used to house your aligning trays whenever they are not in use.
- Quit smoking because tobacco can stain not only your teeth, but also your aligners. If nothing else, do not ever smoke while wearing the trays.
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The nearly invisible way to straighten your teenager’s teeth while avoiding diet restrictions and cleaning difficulties is Invisalign Teen. Instead of traditional metal brackets and wires, Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that gently shift teeth into better positions. Many parents and teens have questions about the process, so let’s get the facts.
What are the advantages? The aligners are removable to make eating and cleaning easy. There are no foods to avoid during treatment, and normal brushing and flossing are all that’s required. Your teen can even remove the aligners while playing sports or musical instruments. Invisalign Teen is a practical way to improve your teen’s smile.
Does it work as well as traditional braces? Yes, when worn consistently for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign treats most orthodontic issues. This includes crowding, gaps, and bite issues that commonly send teens to the orthodontist. Look for a certified Invisalign Teen dental professional in your area to find out if your teen is a good candidate.
What if my teen is irresponsible? Invisalign Teen has a built-in check system to make it easy to know when it’s time to change aligners. Each tray has a blue indicator that fades over time, so the orthodontist will know if your teen is wearing the aligners as directed. Computer imaging also tracks your teen’s progress, allowing you to see how the teeth are moving and what the end results will look like. This spurs many teens on to see how great their smiles will be if they comply to the guidelines! Also, if your teen is one who tends to lose things all the time, don’t worry. Invisalign Teen provides six replacement aligners for free.
What about my teen’s busy schedule? Invisalign Teen requires less office visits than traditional braces since there are no adjustments or broken appliances. A checkup every 4-6 weeks is all that’s needed. Plus, the average overall treatment is often complete in as little as one year.
Research shows that self-conscious teens are happy to have an orthodontic option that is less embarrassing than traditional braces. This incognito approach, along with the other benefits, makes Invisalign Teen a solution worth checking out.
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Part of the hassle associated with improving your teenager’s smile with braces is getting your teen to buy into the process. Many teens are very resistant to wearing braces because they don’t want a mouth full of metal, food stuck in their braces, or restrictions placed on their diets. Invisalign Teen is here to help!
Invisalign Teen involves wearing a series of aligners over the teeth that gently shift them into better positions. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, which thrills teenagers who don’t want to bring attention to their braces. This also rules out the potential for food becoming stuck in wires or brackets, a common hazard that teens wearing traditional braces fear.
Another plus to Invisalign Teen is the aligners are removeable. They are removed for eating, so there are no restrictions on your teen’s favorite foods. They still have the freedom to eat treats like popcorn or hard candy without concern. Aligners are also removed for cleaning, so normal brushing and flossing win out as opposed to the difficulties cleaning around metal braces.
You won’t have to listen to your teen complain about discomfort with braces when you choose Invisalign. There are no painful adjustments and no pointy wires to poke them in the mouth. You also don’t need to worry that your teen doesn’t know when to change sets of aligners, because Invisalign Teen has a special Blue Dot Indicator that lets you know it’s time to switch. And if your teenager tends to be irresponsible, Invisalign Teen offer six free aligner replacements when one is lost.
The benefits of Invisalign Teen are obvious: invisible, removeable, comfortable, customized and effective. Your teen can’t complain that their social life is negatively impacted by wearing braces when you choose Invisalign as the method. It seems that teenagers face enough hardships and change in their lives; Invisalign Teen offers a stress-free, unique approach to a beautiful smile.
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Chances are you’ll be under and orthodontist’s care for a number of years, so you’ll want to choose the right doctor. Also, a very visible part of your body is being treated and you want the highest level of skills. Follow these guidelines in your search for an orthodontist.
Training
Orthodontics is a specialization within dentistry, which requires a degree in dentistry plus an extra 2-3 years in an accredited orthodontic program. Completing the residency program provides an orthodontic specialty certificate and often a master’s degree. Ask if the doctor you are considering is a specialist with the required training. You can verify this information by checking to see if the doctor is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO).
Certification
Many qualified orthodontists are certified through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), which orthodontists voluntarily join in order to have their skills and competency evaluated. This certification demonstrates the orthodontist’s dedication to excellence and continued proficiency in this specialization.
Referrals
Your general dentist can be a great resource for referring you to a qualified orthodontist. Ask your dentist about a specialist in your area who has a good reputation.
Recommendations
Friends, neighbors and coworkers are all good sources for orthodontist recommendations. Take note of those you know with braces or whose children have braces, and ask them about their experience with that provider.
Research
The internet, magazines and newspapers are good places to look for ratings of orthodontists. Find specialists in your area and scheduled consultation appointments to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
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