Invisalign, a method of straightening teeth without traditional braces, involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth. Obviously, the goal is straight teeth and an aligned jaw. While achieving these goals, Invisalign provides some additional benefits. Let’s find out how Invisalign actually can improve your overall oral health.
Healthy gums
When your teeth are straight, they fit securely with your gums. This gives you the best chance of fighting off gum disease. Stress on your gums is decreased, as is redness and swelling that can accompany crowded or gapped teeth. By wearing the comfortable Invisalign aligners, your teeth gradually move into their ideal positions and your gums reap the benefits.
Easy cleaning
Because Invisalign retainers are removable, you avoid the hassles of trying to clean around the brackets and wires of traditional braces. It’s often difficult to remove plaque and food particles when braces are glued to your teeth, which is important in avoiding tooth decay. With Invisalign, brushing and flossing is accomplished normally and it’s easier to maintain a healthy mouth.
Better chewing and speech
Straight, correctly aligned teeth allow you to speak clearly, which sometimes can be affected by crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw. Chewing can also be more comfortable and effective when your upper and lower jaws are properly aligned.
Tooth structure
A correct bite and straight teeth play a part in healthy gums and protection of your tooth structure. Your jaw and teeth may experience added stress when the structures are out of alignment, causing pain and abnormal wear on your teeth.
Overall Health
Healthy teeth and gums, and an attractive smile, show that you take good care of yourself. Your self-confidence improves, and your general health can too. Invisalign can do more than just help you achieve a great smile.
Burbank Invisalign Orthodontist
Most problems that happen with your braces or other orthodontic appliances can be treated as soon as you can schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. You should contact their office if you have severe pain or a painful problem with your appliance that you can’t remedy yourself. In the meantime, there are some solutions you can try that offer temporary relief until you can get into the office. Here are some common problems that occur with appliances, and solutions that may help.
Loose bracket or band
Leave the bracket or band in place if it’s loose but still attached. Place some wax on it to hold it steady. If the bracket or band falls off completely, wrap it in a tissue to take with you when you see your orthodontist.
Loose wire
Try using tweezers to put the wire back in place, and cover it with wax. If neither of these help, use a fingernail clipper to trim the wire after the last tooth to which it’s attached. Place wax over that until you see your orthodontist.
Loose appliance
Place wax over any part of the appliance that is loose and poking you.
Poking wire
Use a pencil eraser to push down the wire that is poking you, or place wax on it so it’s not uncomfortable.
Headgear discomfort
If you haven’t been wearing your headgear as instructed, that may be causing your discomfort. The more you wear it, the more comfortable it becomes. If any portion of it is bent, such as the facebow, call your orthodontist.
Soreness
It is normal for your mouth to feel sore for the first three to five days after getting braces. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may help, as does taking ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever.
Burbank Orthodontist
If you think you’ll be the only parent wearing braces on your teeth at the same time as your teenagers, think again. One out of every five patients wearing braces is an adult. Advances in orthodontic treatment have allowed wearing braces as an adult to become an appealing and realistic option. It’s not too late to change your smile so that you look and feel your best.
Do braces work for adults?
Braces can be successful on patients of all ages. The process of moving your teeth into more healthy and attractive positions is the same whether you’re 15 or 50. There’s still time to correct problems that may have been bothering you for many years, including crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, or jaw issues.
Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a reputable orthodontist in your area. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. During your initial appointment, the orthodontist will usually assess your oral health, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Cost and insurance issues will be addressed, and initial photos, x-rays, and impressions might be taken if you choose to pursue treatment.
What are the benefits of adult braces?
Enhancing your smile through orthodontic work can improve you appearance, self-esteem, and your oral health. There are many options available today so that you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Braces are more comfortable, effective, and inconspicuous than ever before. If straightening your teeth has been your dream for a long time, consider making it a reality because age doesn’t matter.
Invisalign can improve your smile!
Wearing braces on your teeth can be a hassle, so you certainly want to have both a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth at the end of your treatment. That means you must be diligent about taking care of your teeth while wearing braces, so that you don’t develop cavities in the process. If you are a braces patient, you should know the hazards that increase your risk for cavities, as well as how to avoid getting them.
Cavities
Cavities result when plaque accumulates on your teeth and gums. Acid from the plaque develops holes in your teeth, and these cavities start out small but can grow into big problems. Small cavities may go unnoticed, but as they progress it can cause pain and tooth sensitivity.
Higher risk
Braces do not cause cavities, but patients wearing braces are at higher risk for developing them. This is due to the increased amount of food that gets caught in your teeth and wires. When bacteria attacks the food debris, it causes plaque buildup and higher chances of cavity formation as well as gum disease.
Cavity free
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, see your dentist for a full examination of your mouth to make sure no cavities are present. If so, the cavities need to be treated prior to any orthodontic work. Once you are cavity-free, braces may be placed on your teeth.
Avoiding cavities
Here are some tips to avoid cavities while you wear braces:
• Brush after each meal and snacks.
• Floss every day, even though it can be tricky around wires. Use flossers or other tools your orthodontist suggests to help make flossing easier.
• Use a mouthwash to combat bacteria left in your mouth.
• Some patients like using oral irrigators like waterpik to cleanse their mouth and wash away food particles.
• Limit the amount of sugar you eat and drink because it increases your risks for tooth decay.
Wearing braces on your teeth can transform your smile into what you’ve always wanted. To achieve beautiful results, you may have to experience a little discomfort and a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common problems with braces, and suggestions for handling them.
Loose bracket
If a bracket becomes loose, remove it to take with you to the orthodontist’s office. If it’s not easily removed, leave it on your tooth if it is not causing irritation. Make an appointment to have the bracket glued back in place as soon as possible.
Poking wire
There are several things you can try if a wire is poking your cheek or gums. Place a ball of wax on the wire, or cut the piece of wire that is sticking out with a nail clipper. Another option is to bend the poking wire down with a pencil eraser or other smooth object so that it no longer pokes you. See your orthodontist to have the wire properly repaired.
Poking hook
Some patients have brackets with small hooks on them to attach rubber bands. These hooks can poke or irritate your lips or cheeks. Use a pencil eraser to push the hook in, or put a ball of wax on it.
Wire missing from back brace
Hard or sticky foods are often the culprits of bending or breaking the wires on your back braces. If this occurs, use tweezers or needle nose pliers to reinsert the wire into the hole in the back brace. If that’s not possible, clip the wire to lessen the irritation. See your orthodontist as soon as possible to have the wire replaced.
Sore teeth
It is normal for your teeth to be sore at the start of treatment, when wires are changed, or when appliances are adjusted. Discomfort should go away in 24-72 hours. It may help to rinse your mouth with warm water, eat soft foods, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact your orthodontist if pain persists more than a few days.
Sherman Oaks orthodontist for braces
If you have been waiting your whole life to have your teeth straightened, there’s no reason to think it’s too late to have them corrected as an adult. The wait is over with Invisalign. Offering the same benefits as traditional braces as far as transforming your smile, Invisalign clear aligners also accomplish these goals without causing embarrassment or hassles. Let’s learn how Invisalign can benefit you.
Clear
The clear trays you wear during Invisalign treatment are barely visible to others. They are made of transparent plastic that allows your teeth to show as they normally would, instead of being covered with metal like traditional braces. You are able to smile and speak naturally, so others often don’t notice anything different about your teeth during treatment.
Removable
As opposed to metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth, Invisalign trays are removable. You can take them out of your mouth as you wish, making everyday activities like eating and playing sports simple and safe. You should wear the trays as much as possible to achieve the fastest straightening results, but it’s beneficial to have the option to remove them as needed.
No food limitations
There are no restrictions on the foods you can eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Culprits commonly known to endanger metal braces, such as popcorn and sticky candy, are acceptable for Invisalign patients because the trays will not break or become brittle.
Easy oral hygiene
Since the trays are removable, taking care of your teeth is the same as before Invisalign treatment. Simply remove the trays, perform your brushing and flossing routine, and then replace the trays when you are ready. There are no hassles of cleaning around metal brackets and wires, which is a common frustration with traditional braces.
Invisalign offers all of these benefits to you, while giving you the smile you’ve dreamed about. Consult Dr. Fotovat to find out how this teeth straightening method might help you.
