Catering to Teens with Invisalign

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.

More Adults Are Straightening Their Smiles

More Adults Are Straightening Their Smiles

It’s a common misconception that it’s harder for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment as children and teens do. Orthodontics can be successful at any age! We are proud to say that our practice, Mehdi Fotovat, DDS, offers many treatment options with the needs of adults in mind.

What treatment options are available to adults?

There are more aesthetically-pleasing yet effective choices available today than ever before. We offer state-of-the-art treatment options such as Invisalign, the virtually invisible straightening system, and Clear In-Ovation braces, brackets that use high translucency and rhodium-coated clip technology, making the braces appear less visible. We also specialize in traditional metal braces. Today, this style of bracket is also available in a“tooth colored” material.

What are the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment?

1. A confident smile: There is nothing like wanting to show off your smile. Misaligned teeth cause many adults to feel self conscious about their smile
2. Healthier gums: Food is more likely to get trapped and cause plaque buildup, which is harder to brush and appropriately floss, increasing the chances of gum disease. Further, crowded teeth can cause redness and swelling of the gums.
3. Stronger teeth: First, teeth are constantly put under pressure and crooked teeth can undergo more wear and tear than a straight bite. Second, a misaligned bite can mean uneven force on your jaw causing damage and/or pain. Last, trapped food in misaligned teeth can cause the tooth decay.
4. Overall Improvement of health: A misaligned bite can make it more difficult to fully chew food, causing gastrointestinal problems. In addition, inflammation of the gums has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

At our practice we know that your time is valuable. Many adults think that they don’t have time in their busy life to undergo treatment. We respect that and will work with you to design a treatment plan that is quick, comfortable, and fits into your schedule.

Have you hesitated to take the first step towards achieving the straight smile that you’ve always dreamt of? The answer is clear. Scheduling a complimentary consultation is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy, attractive smile. Call us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.

We look forward to meeting you!

Invisalign Teen: Stress-Free Braces

Moody teenagers can be hard to please, and sometimes finding out that they need braces can send them reeling. If you have a teen who needs orthodontic treatment but is fighting the idea of having a mouth full of metal, consider the latest innovation called Invisalign.

This revolutionary treatment involves wearing customized clear plastic aligners over your teeth. About every two weeks, you’ll transition to a new set of aligners in a series designed to gently move teeth into better positions. Invisalign corrects a variety of problems like overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and bite issues.

If you’ve already heard about Invisalign, it may have been associated with adults. Although many adults love this treatment method, teens can enjoy it just as much. Others hardly notice you’re undergoing treatment and your self-esteem is not negatively impacted. It’s easy to smile your way through the process and end up with a perfect smile when treatment is done.

What are some aspects about Invisalign that make it such a low-stress orthodontic alternative?

• Traditional braces are unsightly and bulky, but Invisalign aligners are lightweight and practically invisible. Nothing beats Invisalign for the most aesthetic approach to treatment.

• It’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean since the retainers are removed for brushing and flossing. Normal dental hygiene tasks are possible with this treatment method.

• There are no diet restrictions since the aligners are removed while eating. Teens can enjoy their favorite foods without being hampered by rules.

• No worrying that food is stuck in the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.

• Emergency visits to the orthodontist are eliminated since there’s no chance of breaking a bracket or having a wire stabbing you in the mouth. Invisalign even provides extra retainers if one is lost to ensure uninterrupted treatment.

• The pain associated with traditional braces is not a factor with Invisalign, which uses gentle movement to reach your smile goals.

• Treatment time is typically not as long with Invisalign compared to traditional methods, with the average patient reaching their end goal in less than 18 months.

Learning about Lingual Braces

The most common treatment method for straightening teeth and correcting bites has been braces for many years. However, new types of braces have been developed as technology has advanced. One example is lingual braces, sometimes also referred to as incognito braces.

Like traditional braces, lingual braces are made of metal. There is one major difference from braces that have been available for a long time; lingual braces are fitted on the inside of your teeth instead of the outside. This provides the benefits of braces without the embarrassment of visible metal braces.

Many patients are candidates for lingual braces, although they might be considered most popular among adults who especially want to hide the fact that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment at a later age. A consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate, or if a different option might be more effective.

Braces that require wires and brackets on your teeth have a reputation for causing discomfort. Lingual braces are no different, and in fact, they tend to be a bit more uncomfortable due to their placement on the inside of your teeth. It feels somewhat unnatural having the metal inside your mouth where your tongue brushes against it often. For the first week or so, your tongue may feel a little sore as you get used to it having to share space with the braces.

Talking and eating may be awkward after you initially get lingual braces. A slight lisp or whistling sound is common when speaking at first, but disappears as you grow accustomed to the braces. The same goes for eating, as you’ll get used to how the braces fit in your mouth.

Because of their location, lingual braces are difficult to clean. Food tends to get stuck in the braces and it’s hard to remove, especially since you can’t see behind your teeth well. It’s hard to know how dirty or clean your braces and teeth are. Regular brushing and flossing is key to maintaining good oral health while wearing lingual braces.

If achieving the perfect smile while hiding treatment is important to you, talk to an orthodontist about the possibility of lingual braces.

Invisalign: The Characteristics

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can make even the most confident person self-conscious. No matter your age, Invisalign orthodontic treatment can repair your smile without the sometimes annoying and embarrassing characteristics of traditional braces. This revolutionary method provides a hassle-free orthodontic experience that gives you the same end results as you might achieve with other techniques.

Appearance
Perhaps the most well-known characteristic of Invisalign is the fact that they are nearly invisible. The clear plastic aligners are transparent when worn over your teeth, so that others likely won’t even realize you’re wearing them. Your teeth may appear shiny or glossy, but that just provides a polished look without giving away the secret that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Flexibility
The removeable aligners give you the freedom to take them in and out as you please. They should always be removed while eating and cleaning, but can also be taken out as desired. However, it’s important to remember that the trays should be worn at least 20 hours a day for ideal results.

Comfort
Invisalign is probably the most comfortable orthodontic solution available. The trays are customized so that they fit comfortably, and movement is gradual so that you don’t experience significant discomfort like is common with traditional orthodontic adjustments.

Maintenance
The trays should be removed for regular cleaning, which is simple using a regular toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When the trays are out of your mouth, normal dental hygiene tasks of brushing and flossing your teeth are advised. It’s easy to maintain good oral health without having to work around cumbersome appliances.

Personalization
The process for Invisalign involves creating customized trays to fit your mouth structure perfectly. The aligners are replaced with new sets at regular intervals, usually about every two weeks, as your progress continues. Your progress can be monitored using special computer software so you can actually see your smile improve and the expected end results.

Advantages of Invisalign

Nearly two million people worldwide have discovered Invisalign, the latest technology for improving smiles. Treatment involves wearing a series of customized clear plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into better positions. This revolutionary method is appealing to patients because it eliminates some of the aspects that people dislike about traditional orthodontic solutions.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to Invisalign is that the aligners are invisible. The clear plastic makes the trays almost undetectable in your smile. This gives patients the confidence to smile throughout treatment instead of being embarrassed by a mouth full of metal.

You can remove your Invisalign aligners at any time. Although for best success they should be worn at least 20 hours per day, they should be removed while eating or performing oral hygiene tasks. This means that there are no diet restrictions during treatment, and maintenance is simple because it involves normal brushing and flossing.

Invisalign aligners are comfortable since there are no wires or brackets that might poke or tear your skin. They also are safer than some other orthodontic options when playing sports or other activities. Invisalign aligners gently move teeth so there is typically less pressure or pain during treatment than with traditional braces.

The aligners are customized for every patient to treat your specific issues. Different sets of aligners are provided for adults, adolescents and children, plus different sets are worn during each stage of straightening. This personalized solution means that treatment is very precise, and it is even created and monitored using special computer software to increase the accuracy of treatment. Also, many patients find that the duration of treatment is less for Invisalign. The average treatment time is often about one year, as long as you wear the aligners as recommended.

With all of the advantages that Invisalign offers, it’s easy to understand why it has become such a popular choice in orthodontic treatment. If you’re interested in seeing if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a consultation with a dental professional who is trained and qualified in providing this type of treatment.