Invisalign has a lot of benefits when it comes to straightening your teeth and looking good while you’re doing it, but it also has a great number of benefits when it comes to your oral health.
Invisalign is a system used to straighten teeth utilizing clear plastic trays known as aligners. These aligners are applied in a series over time. When one aligner has done its job, the next tray in the series replaces it.
Invisalign is unique among orthodontia used to straighten teeth in that they are removed when the patient is eating food or cleaning his or her teeth. Because of this, no food becomes stuck inside the standard metal bands and brackets of typical braces, and the decay that begins in the trapped food never gets a foothold in the mouths of those wearing Invisalign.
Metal braces can make it difficult and time-consuming to brush and floss properly. The braces trap food particles and bacteria around the teeth and hidden in the rubber bands. In order to clean them properly, wearers must thread floss in between each bracket, one after another. Most people skip some teeth and only do part of the mouth. Brushing can also be a challenge, and brushes will wear out faster and can’t reach some areas of the mouth.
Invisalign aligners are removed during cleanings, so you are brushing and flossing your teeth just like you always did. Also, since the process takes a fraction of the time compared to metal braces, you’re far more likely to floss your whole mouth. This way, your mouth stays cleaner and you ensure your continued oral health.
Talk to your orthodontist to learn about all of the oral health benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces. What you learn might lead you to choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth.
Sherman Oaks Invisalign dentist
A family dentistry practice can do everything any other dentist is able to do, only they are able to do it for your whole family, sometimes at the same time! Family dentists recognize that your time is valuable, and they offer a variety of dental services to children as young as one year or to adults long past retirement. A family dentist knows your family’s complete dental history, and can give you the best advice and treatment based on that knowledge and their expertise.
A family dentist will do routine check-ups, x-rays, preventative care, and cleanings for your entire family. With a little planning ahead, you can schedule concurrent appointments for you and for other family members, such as your children, allowing you to have three or more appointments in the span of time allowed for one. Think of the time you will save!
A family dentistry practice will offer such services as dental crowns, dental bridges and tooth-colored fillings. They will also offer extractions, root canal therapies or emergency care, and can offer such cosmetic services such as veneers or tooth whitening.
You can trust your family dentist with your teeth for life. He or she will know important details about the formative years of your children’s teeth, including their dental hygiene routines and diet histories. Because your child won’t have to find another dentist as he or she ages, your child will be more comfortable and at ease with your family dentist. The surroundings and the staff will be familiar, leading to a greater likelihood of returning for routine preventative care.
Your family dentist may also offer sedation dentistry, especially to those patients who experience fear or anxiety about dental visits. Young, anxious children may benefit from sedation dentistry, allowing them to relax, to comply with the dentist’s instructions and to stay still.
Your family dentist is committed to you, the patient. They want to create and maintain a long-lasting relationship with you and your family, remaining your choice of dentist for years to come.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
The American Dental Association suggests that children visit a dentist by the age of one. Most experts recommend you take your child to their first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth’s eruption. When this time comes, you may wonder if your family dentist is an appropriate choice for your child’s dental health needs.
A family dentist sees patients of all ages and can treat a child from infancy through their teens and into adulthood. Your family dentist likely already has a well-established relationship with your entire family and has knowledge of any family health history which may apply to your child.
Most family dentists offer a full range of services, including many that are specific to children. Regular check-ups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, sealant application, and orthodontia assessment are all services your family dentist can provide.
Education is also a major part of any family practice. Your family dentist can help your child understand the importance of daily oral care, as well advise you on a broad range of other oral health topics specific to your child.
If you take your child for their first visit around the time the first tooth erupts, they will be too young to be nervous. However, if you wait until they are older, your child may be anxious when visiting your family dentist. Prepare your child for their first visit by taking them to one of your appointments to see you having your teeth cleaned and examined, or look for books geared to teaching children about dental visits. Make sure your child is well rested before the visit and plan plenty of time so the visit is not rushed. These simple steps will help your child feel relaxed and comfortable with your family dentist.
When the time comes for your child’s first dental visit, you can enjoy the convenience and flexibility of visiting your trusted family dental practice while feeling confident they will be receiving the best oral health care available.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Invisalign is a popular treatment for straightening teeth that avoids the hassle and unattractive appearance of traditional metal braces. Using custom fit clear aligner trays that fit over the teeth, Invisalign has an almost invisible appearance. Invisalign aligners are comfortable and are designed to be worn about twenty-two hours per day. The aligner trays should be replaced every two weeks.
Invisalign aligners are worn all day, and should only be removed when eating or for brushing and flossing of your teeth. To ensure the aligner trays work effectively, they should be worn even when sleeping.
Refrain from sugary foods and drinks when you are wearing the aligners to prevent teeth from developing cavities. Avoid chewing gum completely, as it will damage your aligners. Whenever possible, drink through a straw while wearing your aligners.
Your orthodontist should provide you with an official Invisalign cleaning kit. This kit contains a special cleaner that is dissolved in water and used to clear the aligners of debris, plaque, and odors. Every time you brush your teeth you should also brush your aligners. Removing the trays when you eat will also protect them from staining.
It is possible to wear your Invisalign aligners while playing contact sports. However, you may want to consider a mouth guard to offer additional protection to your teeth. Never leave your aligners in a place that is warmer than your mouth, as heat will do permanent damage to them. When not in use, always store your aligners in the case provided by your orthodontist.
With proper care, treatment with Invisalign will result in a beautiful, straight new smile you can enjoy for years to come.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Every member of your family needs a dedicated dental professional who is specialized in handling the oral health needs of each age group. Regular checkups, proper hygiene, and professional cleanings all contribute to a healthy and attractive smile. Whether it’s the parents, kids, or grandparents, everyone should visit the family dentist.
Children
Pediatric patients require special treatment based on their oral development as well as their emotional stages. Family dentists are familiar with the evolving needs of young patients, who grow from no teeth to baby teeth to permanent teeth. They teach children how to properly care for their teeth and gums, and advise on the do’s and don’ts related to diet and safety. The dentist and staff are also well-trained on keeping children happy and engaged while in the dental office. Family dentists can make kids feel comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair so they’ll have a positive dental experience for life.
Adults
With adulthood comes challenges such as increased risk for gum disease, tooth loss, decay that may require root canal treatment, cavities that need replacement, and more. Even with good oral hygiene, normal wear and tear on the mouth can cause issues. That’s why regular checkups are important to catch problems early, plus professional cleanings to combat the signs of age and environment on the teeth. Issues like heart disease or diabetes are also more likely during the adult years, and can impact your oral health.
Seniors
Older adults require regular dental care for their unique needs. Family dentists offer dental implants or dentures for missing teeth, and are experienced in dealing with dry mouth and other problems common with seniors. After having a long relationship with their family dentist, seniors are able to continue that into their later years so that they have the best oral health possible
If your family needs an orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, CA contact Dr. Fotovat today.
