Patients who decide to seek orthodontic treatments in Sherman Oaks, CA have more than just the choice of whether or not to get braces. You also must decide what type of braces are right for you. Two of the most common types are traditional metal braces or clear Invisalign braces. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, so in the end it’s a matter of choosing which meets your goals the most.
Appearance
Obviously, traditional metal braces are much more noticeable than clear braces. Even though advances have been made in metal braces to make them look less unsightly, some patients still don’t want to have a mouth full of shiny metal. On the other hand, some patients find it fun to select bright colors to customize their look to favorite shades or school spirit. Invisalign braces are made from clear plastic so that they are hardly visible. The main concern about appearance with Invisalign is learning how to remove the aligners carefully so that it’s not an unappealing process to take them out in front of other people.
Maintenance
Traditional braces are known to trap food debris in the brackets and wires, so it’s important to clean them properly. This not only looks better, but also helps avoid tooth decay. Brushing and rinsing with mouthwash are good ways to maintain traditional braces. Invisalign aligners can accumulate bacteria if not cleaned well, which is both unsanitary and stinky. The aligners should be removed and gently brushed as directed by your doctor, or sometimes a special cleaning solution is advised in addition to regular brushing.
Results
Both traditional and clear braces provide similar results for nearly all of the reasons that patients seek treatment. Traditional braces may have the advantage in correcting serious misalignments, but Invisalign is advancing to treat alignment problems also. Ask your dentist for recommendations about the best treatment for you.
More and more people are improving their smiles these days with Invisalign orthodontics instead of traditional braces. Invisalign consists of clear aligning trays that fit right over your teeth to gradually move them into better position. One of the most unique features of Invisalign is that the trays are removable so they can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
It’s important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and sanitary. It is not difficult to clean them, because usually no special tools or products are needed. You can use a regular soft-bristled toothbrush, or your dentist may provide a retainer brush instead. Either way, with a brush and regular toothpaste you are on your way to clean aligners.
All you need to do is remove the aligning trays from your mouth and rinse them well with tepid water. This is water that is not hot or cold, just in between. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush, and use small circular brushing motions to clean the aligners. Brush the entire aligner, both on the inside and outside surfaces. Once you’ve completed brushing, rinse again with tepid water to remove all of the toothpaste and debris.
After you’ve finished brushing, inspect the aligners to make sure they look clean and there is no calcium or tartar buildup. This might look like a cloudy white film over the clear plastic. It is sometimes more difficult to brush away calcium buildup, so ask your dentist for tips on removing it. Some experts recommend using a retainer cleaning solution or denture bath available at your local drugstore. Invisalign also offers a cleaning system from the manufacturer that some patients choose to use.
Do not be tempted to soak your aligners in mouthwash with the idea of disinfecting or freshening them. Mouthwash is not made for this purpose and can damage your aligners, especially since most mouthwashes are colored and can tint the clear plastic. Your aligners may no longer look clear if you use mouthwash.
After your aligners are clean and you have brushed and flossed your teeth as well, you can put the Invisalign trays back in your mouth and go on with your day. It only takes a few minutes to ensure that your aligners are maintained in good condition and sanitary for ideal results.
If you live in the Sherman Oak area and you area and you are considering braces, contact our orthodontic practice today.
Having straight teeth is a goal from young people through mature adults, and achieving a great smile without having to wear braces is a wonderful benefit. Awkward moments of a mouth full of metal, food particles stuck in your smile, and painful wires poking your cheeks are all erased. How do you make this happen? The answer is Invisalign.
Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners that fit right onto your teeth, and move them using slow pressure. They are nearly invisible and can be removed at any time, allowing you to follow your usual eating and hygiene routines.
The first step is taking impressions of your teeth and making a digital 3-D image so that an exact treatment plan can be created. You will be able to see how your teeth should look at each treatment stage. Your customized aligners will be made in a lab so that they fit comfortably yet do their job.
You will need to wear your aligners during the day and while you sleep, but remove them for eating and hygiene. You can even remove them for special occasions, as long as you strive to wear the aligners 22 hours each day. Roughly every two weeks, you will change to a new set of aligners that will advance you to the next stage of treatment. You will see your dentist about every six weeks for checkups.
Invisalign treatment lasts about a year for adults and about two years for teens. Your progress will be visible throughout treatment, motivating you to continue wearing them to transform your smile. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have beautiful straight teeth and very few complaints about your orthodontic experience.
Invsalign dentist for adults and teens in Sherman Oaks CA
Unlike traditional methods of straightening your teeth, the innovative technology of Invisalign allows orthodontic patients to obtain a beautiful smile without all the hassles. Invisalign straightens your teeth and aligns your jaw with very little impact on your daily lifestyle. This type of orthodontic treatment offers advantages that other treatments cannot.
Appearance
One of the most obvious benefits of Invisalign is the fact that there are no wires or permanent appliances in your mouth. Instead, a series of removable clear aligners are worn over your teeth that are virtually invisible. You will not attract unwanted attention to your mouth when wearing Invisalign.
Comfort
The aligning trays are customized for your mouth, and progressively straighten your teeth without the need for unpleasant metal brackets and wires. Invisalign provides a relatively comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the irritation of traditional braces.
Removable
The fact that the aligners are removable is an appealing benefit. This allows you to remove them for important occasions like events or pictures. Keep in mind that the trays should be worn as much as your orthodontist advises for ideal treatment, but removing the appliances for certain occasions is possible.
No food restrictions
There are no restrictions about the kinds of food you may eat during treatment. You can still enjoy your favorite foods without risk of breaking wires or getting food particles lodged in your braces.
Oral care
Taking care of your teeth and gums is easy with Invisalign. You simply take out the aligners to brush and floss as usual. Also, there is no worry about food becoming caught in your braces. This helps alleviate the concerns of excessive tooth decay, bad breath, and other dental hygiene issues.
Invisalign dentist in Sherman Oaks, CA – schedule an appointment today with an Orthodontist for your Invisalign.
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
