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.

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.

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.

5 Things Parents Need To Know About Invisalign Teen®

Many parents know about Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. But I’m often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen.

In short, rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—most often every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.

Here are the answers to the top five questions I’m asked about Invisalign Teen. I hope you find it helpful!

  1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.

When worn according to the customized plan I set in place, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Call us at (718) 848-6900 to set up an appointment to find out for sure.

  1. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.

With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.

  1. AN INVISIBLE SOLUTION CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE.

Research shows that parents underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about their smile—and their appearance in general. Wearing braces can often make this lack of confidence even worse. Invisalign Teen removes a potential source of anxiety, giving them more confidence during what can be a challenging time in their lives.

  1. YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.

Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every two weeks. In fact, Invisalign Teen aligners have blue indicators that fade over time when used as directed so I can track compliance.

  1. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.

Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. There are no adjustments to make, no brackets to re-glue and no broken wires to fix. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks.

Dr. Fotovat offers complimentary new patient exams. You can reach us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.

Tips for Success with Braces

Your teeth and gums require extra special attention while wearing braces. Otherwise, the risk increases substantially for developing decay, gum disease or teeth staining. It’s also important to take special care of the braces themselves to prevent damage. If you aren’t diligent about following the guidelines provided by your orthodontist, your treatment may not be successful.

First and foremost, brushing your teeth after meals is imperative. You might get away with only brushing a couple of times a day without braces, but wearing orthodontic appliances means going the extra mile. Food particles are easily trapped by brackets and wires, and the longer the debris is present, the higher your risk for decay will be. After rinsing your mouth with water, use a soft toothbrush with round bristles. Start by brushing every tooth at the gum line, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle. Then brush the brackets from both an upward and downward angle, followed by more rinsing.

Even though it can be a daunting task, it’s important to floss daily between the braces and under the wires. It may be helpful to use a floss threader, and waxed floss often slides more easily between your teeth and braces than unwaxed floss.

Sherman Oaks orthodontist Dr. Fotovat may suggest using an oral irrigator that has a stream of pulsating water that targets plaque and debris. An interdental brush that inserts between teeth instead of flossing may also be an option. Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash after other dental hygiene tasks can help kill bacteria left behind.

In addition to proper hygiene, pay attention to your diet. Avoid sugary or starchy foods that are prone to cause plaque or decay. Steer clear of eating overly chewy or sticky foods that can damage braces or become trapped in your mouth. Avoid hard foods like ice, popcorn or nuts that can break your brackets or wires. If you do want to eat crunchy foods like raw carrots or apples, cut them into bite-sized pieces first.

Taking good care of your braces and your oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment is a key to success. You don’t want to wear braces for an extended period and then end up with a smile that still makes you unhappy. Follow these tips and you’ll be more likely to be smiling with delight.

In-Ovation Clear Braces

The radiant smile you’ve always wanted is possible faster and more comfortably than with traditional metal braces. In-Ovation Clear braces, or In-Ovation C, offers a discrete, convenient and painless way to achieve your smile goals.

In-Ovation C braces differ from traditional braces in a number of ways. These are created using translucent ceramic that allows the orthodontics to blend in with your teeth. You are able to maintain a natural-looking smile throughout treatment. Also, the free-sliding technology that In-Ovation C employs is so gentle that you won’t even notice your teeth being corrected. Whereas traditional braces use pressure to move teeth, In-Ovation C provides results without the discomfort.

Self-litigating brackets are used with In-Ovation C, which means a clip is built into the bracket to support the wire. The clip and wire work together to control movements during the process of repositioning your teeth. This differs from traditional braces that use wire or elastic bands to tightly hold the wire and create pressure. Without those uncomfortable methods, there is less pain involved with wearing In-Ovation C braces.

This innovative type of braces was developed for patients of all ages, but adults are especially excited about them. Grownups who have always wanted to improve their smiles but were embarrassed to have a mouth full of metal, or those who already had orthodontic treatment earlier in life but whose teeth have drifted out of alignment, are able to revitalize their smiles with In-Ovation C.

In-Ovation C braces offer faster results than traditional orthodontics. Depending on your case and specific treatment requirements, you may be able to complete treatment months earlier than with other braces. Shorter and fewer appointments are needed as well.

In-Ovation C is a proven system for you to consider when choosing orthodontic treatment. The smile of your dreams is within reach through this cutting-edge technology that provides great results in the shortest time frame and with maximum comfort.

Dr. Fotovat offers In-Ovation braces in his Valley Village orthodontists office