Invisalign Maintenance

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.

We look forward to seeing you in our Sherman Oaks dental office

A Unique Approach with Invisalign Teen

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.

Schedule your appointment at our Sherman Oaks dental office

Redesigning Your Smile with a Makeover

When you want to improve the way you look and feel, makeovers are often a great place to start. There are many ways to accomplish this, such as changing your hairstyle or wardrobe or obtaining plastic surgery. Consulting a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover is another great way to change your look.

What is a smile makeover?

A cosmetic dentist works with you to create a plan for your smile that helps you achieve your goals. The dentist will examine the position and condition of your teeth and gums, and consider how your smile fits with the rest of your features.

What kinds of procedures are performed?

There are many types of treatments that can be done to improve smiles. A very popular one is teeth whitening, which can dramatically improve your look in just an hour when professionally done in a dental office. Severe teeth stains or other flaws like chips, gaps, or misalignment can be hidden with dental veneers. These porcelain shells fit right over the fronts of your teeth to give you a perfect, natural-looking new smile. When your gums don’t line up ideally, such as showing too much or too little of your teeth, gum contouring or a gum lift are options to create a more appealing look. For teeth that are misshapen or the wrong size, bonding with a composite resin material can help. These are not the only options in smile makeovers; your cosmetic dentist can present more solutions that might be right for you.

What is the process for getting a smile makeover?

The first step is having a consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist. You can explain your smile goals, identify what you like or dislike about your smile, and undergo a thorough examination. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan and you’ll be able to ask all of your questions before making a decision on any procedures. Finally, you will set appointments for the treatments you choose and then have the dental work done so that you can enjoy your new smile.

Schedule your appointment at our Sherman Oaks dental office

Does Invisalign Affect Your Social Life?

Chances are you’ve probably heard of Invisalign, the clear plastic aligners that straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional metal braces. Their incognito appearance allows you to get the smile you’ve always wanted without having to sacrifice elements of your life. For example, how does Invisalign affect your social life?

One of the best things about Invisalign is that you can keep living your life as you’re used to doing. Because the aligners are removed for eating and cleaning, you don’t have to alter your diet. If you like eating popcorn at the movies or chowing down on buffalo wings with your friends, you can continue doing those things. Without wires and brackets, you also don’t need to worry about food becoming stuck in your braces. Just brush and floss your teeth normally, and put your aligners back in to continue achieving your new smile.

Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners will not negatively impact your self-esteem. Your confidence level will get a boost as your smile improves and you don’t have to suffer through the hassles associated with many other kinds of orthodontic treatments.

Since the aligners are removeable, you reserve the right to take them out for special occasions. You’ll want to wear them for the recommended 20 hours a day for optimum results, but you can remove the aligners for a special party, event, or work function. It’s wonderful to have this option for those most treasured memories.

Your social life also won’t suffer from having to miss out on things due to orthodontic appointments. Invisalign treatment requires fewer office visits than most other methods, plus there are no painful adjustments that put you out of commission as your mouth gets used to the new treatment. Instead, Invisalign moves your teeth gently and consistently throughout treatment.

Invisalign transforms smiles for most patients in only about a year. This faster treatment time will get you the end results you desire without having to wait for years to achieve them. With Invisalign, you can transform your smile without harming your social life.

We look forward to seeing you in our Sherman Oaks dental office

Potential Outcomes of Orthodontic Treatment

You may not realize it, but orthodontic treatment can drastically change people’s lives. A healthy, straight smile improves your appearance and increases self-esteem and confidence. Insecurities about your smile could be holding you back from all kinds of things; a beautiful smile might give you just the edge on life that you need.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60, a great smile is important. Age is really not a consideration for orthodontic treatment, especially with new advancements making treatment more and more discreet. So if you’re unhappy with your look and wonder if orthodontics can help, schedule an appointment with a qualified and experienced orthodontist to learn about the possibilities for your smile.

Most orthodontists offer a variety of options for treatment. These may include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign clear aligners and other appliances as appropriate. Ask your orthodontist about the best way to improve your smile, making sure to voice your concerns about treatment and the lifestyle that you hope to have during the process. For example, if diet restrictions are a big deal to you, then Invisalign removeable aligners might be appealing.

Some common issues that orthodontics helps with include:

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Spaces or gaps between teeth
  • Overbite where the upper front teeth protrude over the lower ones
  • Underbite where the lower teeth cover the upper teeth
  • Open bite where the teeth do not touch normally

A good orthodontist will work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that achieves your smile goals. You’ll learn how to care for your mouth during the process so that your teeth remain healthy and strong. Then when treatment is complete, you’ll be able to display your new look proudly and enjoy it for a lifetime.

We look forward to seeing you in our Sherman Oaks dental office