Teeth Contouring – A Part of Orthodontics

Teeth contouring can help them appear less crowded, free of cracks and fractures, and decrease overlaps or pitting and groves in the enamel. The procedure is painless and creates a beautiful smile. Before deciding to contour one’s teeth, it should be discussed with a cosmetic dentist and should not be used in cases with severe misshapen or damaged teeth. Most patients see a huge difference after having the procedure done. It’s a convenient procedure with many patients only needing one treatment; others may need to come back for a second and third treatment.

Contouring is also known as tooth reshaping and is one of the few immediate treatments available in cosmetic dentistry. It only takes one session for results, in most cases. Under certain circumstances it can be used as an alternative to braces. The changes are subtle, yet effective. A few millimeters of reduction and tooth-colored laminate are involved in the process. Another common use for the procedure is tooth lengthening, shaping or positioning.

Before the dentist begins the procedure, he will determine if the defects are minor enough to be corrected with the contouring. Then he will x-ray the teeth to make sure they are healthy enough to withstand the small amount of enamel that is removed. The tooth may become weak if too much of the enamel is removed. The dentist will mark each tooth that is to be reshaped with a pencil. Sometimes the dentist may take a “before” picture to use as a reference. The pencil marks are used as a guide for sculpting with a sanding drill or laser. Rough strips are moved back and forth to shape the sides of the tooth, and then it is smoothed out and polished. It usually takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes for each tooth. An “after” photograph may be taken to compare and display the difference to the patient. Anesthetic is not usually required as the amount of enamel removed is not enough to cause pain or discomfort. There may be some sensitivity to hot or cold substances for a few days afterward but the slight irritation is temporary.

The result that the patient desires and dentist strives for is to change the shape or size of the teeth so that those which are not proportioned or slightly damaged can be brought into alignment with the others. Generally, this is considered a cosmetic procedure and usually involves the upper central, lateral and canine teeth. Sometimes it is performed after the removal of braces to fix any minor problems that were left unresolved by the braces. Contouring can also be used in conjunction with veneers and bonding.

One of the benefits besides a nicer looking smile is that the teeth become easier to clean after the overlaps and repairs have been made. This will ultimately reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. It is a safe procedure with little to no risk to the patient. In some cases, the procedure may be covered by dental insurance in the case that the chipping or damage is the result of an accident. For those who are interested in contouring for purely cosmetic reasons, they can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 per tooth.

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Orthodontia Sure Has Come A Long Way

Orthodontia Sure Has Come A Long Way
The world of orthodontia has definitely taken a turn for the better. Never again will you need to be embarrassed to show off your smile while wearing braces!
Invisalign has become the darling of the dental world, and celebrities are at the top of the list of those clamoring to wear them. Since public image, and the ability to look good in a close-up, is vital to the survival of the careers of public figures, anything that will improve their looks while not drawing negative attention is always sought. They definitely do not want to be caught dead in metal braces! So chic, even celebrities like actress Kathryn Heigl and supermodel Giselle Bundchen think they are “cool” and have been photographed while secretly wearing
Invisalign, while no one was the wiser. It’s been widely rumored that Tom Cruise and even Oprah have worn Invisalign (Rumored, since no one could tell they had them on!). With
Invisalign, their smile is always ready for a close-up, even while wearing braces!

Invisalign is not just for the rich and famousAlthough celebrities are the most photographed, and probably the most vain, everyone wants to be attractive and have the self-confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. The corporate executive wants to be confident that he or she looks their best when confronting a room full of board members. The soccer mom wants to look good so her family will be proud to show her off to friends. Teenagers, who already have enough angst in their lives, don’t want the humiliation of ridicule from wearing metal braces. And of course, the single man or woman does not want to tackle the grueling world of dating while they have metal appliances in their mouth – it takes a lot of the romance away. Hundreds of thousands of “everyday” people, since
Invisalign’s invention in 1997, can attest to the wonders of this remarkable advance in technology.

How it works
Although the Invisalign aligners are not for everyone, over 80% of people can wear them. Only your dentist can determine that for certain, and the first step would be an evaluation of your needs and personal circumstances. After a 3-D computerized analysis is completed, treatment goals are established for your individual situation. Your unique situation will determine the type of treatment course to take. The Express treatment course is structured for those with lesser problems and a shortened program. You may only need 10 aligners or less, with less overall time to make the corrections. The Regular treatment where you will wear your clear, plastic aligners for approximately 23 hours a day from 2-24 months. Approximately every two weeks, after your teeth have fit perfectly into the spacers, you will replace those aligners with new ones – and the process will continue. Every six weeks you will meet with your dentist to have your progress checked. During the intervals you will have the flexibility of removing the aligners to eat, drink coffee or alcohol, brushing, flossing – and for a romantic interlude if you want. Keep in mind that the longer you wear your spacers the more effective they will be.

It’s all about the 5 C’s

There are numerous advantages to wearing the clear Invisalign aligners. The five main ones are:

Confidence – appearance/self-esteem
Comfort – painless
Concealment – invisibility
Culture – lifestyle
Cost – affordability
Confidence
People who have crooked, gaps or other noticeable and unsightly tooth problems usually are self-conscious. They cover up their mouths with their hands, biting their lips, or avoiding smiles altogether. Some are mistaken for rude or shy, and often are avoided by others. A mouth with straight teeth allows them to open up and exude the confidence and positive self-image they have been without. A person with a bright and open smile makes a good impression, and opens doors to some remarkable opportunities that may not have been available before. You can be assured that your needs will be diagnosed and treated by experts in their field. Imagecare Dental dentist are Dr. Steve Thompson is a Certified Invisalign Provider. He has performed over 50,000 cosmetic procedures, has over 10 years of experience in traditional orthodontics, and four years of advanced training experience in aesthetics, TMJ and bite correction. They also provide conventional braces treatment, if that is what is needed.

Comfort
The Invisalign braces are nearly painless. Although there may be a slight discomfort at the beginning, they are nowhere near as painful as old-fashioned metal braces. You will not experience the ulcerated gums, wires poking into your skin, or rubber bands snapping in your mouth. There also is the advantage of fewer appointments needed with the Invisalign. What would have taken two years with traditional braces can often be accomplished in far less time with the clear spacers, and with fewer visits to the dentist to disrupt your schedule.

Concealment
Since Invisalign is comprised of two clear aligners – one on top and one on the bottom, they are virtually camouflaged in your mouth. You can wear them at work, or play, and unless you point them out to someone will usually not be detected. You also can avoid the mental anguish and embarrassment associated with wearing metal braces – and the cruel remarks passing as jokes when someone draws attention to you with terms like “metal mouth,” “tin grin,” or “braceface.” Some people do not want others to know they are wearing braces, for whatever reason. With Invisalign your privacy is concealed. You only have to expose your secret if you want to.

Culture
There is no disruption of your lifestyle while undergoing treatment. You do not have to remove your Invisalign braces to work out at the gym, or even speak in public. You do not have to avoid certain food or drink, can speak without slurring, and can take them out if you absolutely need to for special occasions. You take the plastic aligners out when you eat, drink and brush your teeth. There is no worry that food will get caught in these braces, and you can eat apples, caramel and other sticky foods without anything getting caught in wires. Even kiss another person without sticking them with your braces is not a worry with Invisalign.

Cost
In the long run, your particular plan of treatment will determine the cost. With Invisalign you can almost guarantee that you will be saved years of time and pain, and possibly thousands of dollars. Your dentist and his staff will work with you to fit your plan into your budget. For those patients in need of assistance, financing through CreditCare, a third-party health care financing company that offers monthly payments, with no annual fees, prepayment penalties or upfront costs is available. It’s also possible that your insurance company covers your orthodontic treatment – and Imagecare Dental will be happy to do the paperwork for you.

Teen Treatment
Since teens are especially vulnerable to ridicule and peer pressure, the Invisalign offers so many positive alternative to traditional braces the possibility of their use can’t be ignored. The fact that celebrities think they are “cool” is definitely a plus, but nothing is more important than making vital corrections to dental health early, while the cost is less and vital adjustments are made before any damage from incoming wisdom teeth or jaw problems go untreated. As an added bonus for parents, six free spacers are included in your teen’s course of treatment, and a special blue button is inserted in a teen’s spacers that will allow the dentist to keep track of whether the teen is complying with the treatment, or not. This will help keep the treatment on track, and ensure the parent’s investment.

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Orthodontia Has Come a Long Way

The world of orthodontia has definitely taken a turn for the better. Never again will you need to be embarrassed to show off your smile while wearing braces!
Invisalign has become the darling of the dental world, and celebrities are at the top of the list of those clamoring to wear them. Since public image, and the ability to look good in a close-up, is vital to the survival of the careers of public figures, anything that will improve their looks while not drawing negative attention is always sought. They definitely do not want to be caught dead in metal braces! So chic, even celebrities like actress Kathryn Heigl and supermodel Giselle Bundchen think they are “cool” and have been photographed while secretly wearing
Invisalign, while no one was the wiser. It’s been widely rumored that Tom Cruise and even Oprah have worn Invisalign (Rumored, since no one could tell they had them on!). With
Invisalign,their smile is always ready for a close-up, even while wearing braces!

Invisalign is not just for the rich and famousAlthough celebrities are the most photographed, and probably the most vain, everyone wants to be attractive and have the self-confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. The corporate executive wants to be confident that he or she looks their best when confronting a room full of board members. The soccer mom wants to look good so her family will be proud to show her off to friends. Teenagers, who already have enough angst in their lives, don’t want the humiliation of ridicule from wearing metal braces. And of course, the single man or woman does not want to tackle the grueling world of dating while they have metal appliances in their mouth – it takes a lot of the romance away. Hundreds of thousands of “everyday” people, since
Invisalign’sinvention in 1997, can attest to the wonders of this remarkable advance in technology.

How it works
Although the Invisalign aligners are not for everyone, over 80% of people can wear them. Only your dentist can determine that for certain, and the first step would be an evaluation of your needs and personal circumstances. After a 3-D computerized analysis is completed, treatment goals are established for your individual situation. Your unique situation will determine the type of treatment course to take. The Express treatment course is structured for those with lesser problems and a shortened program. You may only need 10 aligners or less, with less overall time to make the corrections. The Regular treatment where you will wear your clear, plastic aligners for approximately 23 hours a day from 2-24 months. Approximately every two weeks, after your teeth have fit perfectly into the spacers, you will replace those aligners with new ones – and the process will continue. Every six weeks you will meet with your dentist to have your progress checked. During the intervals you will have the flexibility of removing the aligners to eat, drink coffee or alcohol, brushing, flossing – and for a romantic interlude if you want. Keep in mind that the longer you wear your spacers the more effective they will be.

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Questions From Patients – Orthodontic Treatment

Questions From Patients

How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.

Ask your child to open their mouth, and let you look at their teeth. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your child’s teeth or overlapping teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Ask your child to bite all the way down, but keeping their lips open so you can see their teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? All these are indicators for potential orthodontic treatment.

Look at the alignment of your child’s jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem, which requires early orthodontic intervention.

These are only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.

What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Can you be too old for braces?
No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

Will it hurt?
Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort. We use the latest in miniature braces and the highest quality of orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth ?
Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems from happening and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

Questions About Treatment

What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
Phase I or Interceptive Treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth and a few of their permanent front incisors. This stage in development is usually about the age of seven. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal dysplasias, crossbites and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better long term results and treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment in order to achieve an ideal bite.

Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later. Usually we are waiting for 12-16 more permanent teeth to erupt before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal occlusion with all of the permanent teeth.

What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?

This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition at any age. It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.

Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.

Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?
This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increase costs.

What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?

Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the degree of movement possible.

What are extraction and non-extraction therapy, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Extraction therapy is a technique where some teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in your child’s mouth. This is in contrast to non-extraction therapy where one expands a patients’ jaw and shave down some teeth to make everything fit.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are mounted behind a patient’s teeth. They were used many years ago, before the advent of orthocosmetic ™ braces. Lingual braces are rarely used anymore. Generally, lingual braces are more uncomfortable than standard braces. Orthodontic treatment takes twice as long and is more costly. In addition, some people have trouble talking with lingual braces. Presently, Lingual braces are only used in special clinical cases.

Will I pay extra for designer braces, colored ligatures and brackets or flavored rubber bands?

Yes, but your stress levels will drop when your child looks forward to their visit at our office! In addition, the cost for these braces is a minor fraction of the cost of orthodontic treatment. Considering the time spent, orthodontics is regarded as dentistry’s best value.

Is orthodontic care expensive?

When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later.

Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. Financing is usually available and our office offers many payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.

Questions About TMJ Disorder and Wisdom Teeth

Can orthodontic treatment help me with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems?
There are some associations with a bite that is not correct (malocclusion) and TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to be effective. Drs. Graver, Marshall and Underwood can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. Or, you may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noises when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes,” the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they’re treated.

There are various treatment options that we can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, we will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care as well as professional care.

Do wisdom teeth affect crowding of teeth after braces have been removed?
Unfortunately, the answer is not entirely clear. There are data to support and refute the claims that wisdom teeth cause crowding after braces have been removed. For this reason, we recommend wearing retainers full time after removal of braces. The orthodontist will tell you when you can switch to nighttime only wearing. Each patient is different so the time interval to go to nighttime only depends on the individual case. Always follow exactly what the orthodontists have told you to do.

The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen: sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces while the back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems.

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Why Invisible Braces Are Beneficial

Why Invisible Braces Are Beneficial For Both Oral Hygiene And Self-Confidence

In my last article I explained the immediate and most apparent advantages of invisible braces or clear braces compared with traditional metal or wire braces. Clearly for most people the obvious word is ‘invisible’, and being able to wear braces which are virtually impossible to see unless you actually look directly at someone’s teeth has to be of huge benefit to most people.

Wearing traditional, metal braces can certainly be damaging to a person’s confidence. The fact that statistically the majority of people who wear braces are in their teens, a time when people’s confidence is at its weakest, wearing braces which are invisible is certainly of great benefit. For many people the reason why they choose invisible braces is simply because of this fact alone, but there are many other advantages with wearing invisible braces other than the fact that they are hard to spot.

In this article going to look at another of the advantages which clear braces offer those people who feel their teeth could do with some alignment. Many traditional metal braces are fixed into place, so that they can provide consistent level of pressure against the teeth over the period of time they need to be worn. This offer represents a problem to people, because clearly having metal braces fixed your teeth for two or more years makes it difficult as far as oral hygiene is concerned.

Cleaning teeth is not easy with a metal brace in place, and there are even some foods which can be tricky to eat. If you’re someone who enjoys eating seeded buns then you may find that whilst you’re wearing a metal brace you choose not to eat that particular item, simply because it is too easy for the seeds to become lodged or trapped within the metal brace. Not only does this feel awkward and uncomfortable, but of course it does represent an issue as far as dental hygiene is concerned.

But of course there’s also the fact that there may possibly over the next couple of years be occasions when you really don’t want to have a metal brace defining who you are and what you look like. Perhaps you’ve been wearing a metal brace throughout your time at university, and you really don’t want all your graduation photographs to be dominated by a metal framework grinning at anyone who ever sees your picture.

Whether it’s still photographs, family photographs, passport photographs or any other kind of photograph that is important to you, it is certainly beneficial if you can make do without having a metal brace which is highly visible. The advantage then with invisible braces or clear braces is that they can be removed at any time, very easily.

Invisible braces are actually clear trays which simply fit over your upper or lower teeth. These clear trays are not only quite comfortable to wear, and almost completely invisible, but can easily be slipped on or off at any time. I should point out that taking invisible braces off is not recommended, and you must always remember to put them back on again as soon as possible. Wearing invisible braces for anything less than 23 hours a day could well result in your teeth actually shifting back into their original position, making it almost impossible to fix the invisible braces back. This could mean having to start the process all over again.

So being able to remove invisible braces for particular times such as a special meal, for cleaning your teeth, or the special photographs, is an advantage which has often been one of the deciding factors for many people who have chosen to have invisible braces or clear braces fitted rather than traditional metal or wire braces. In my next article I will explain more about how invisible braces really work.

If you’d like to find out more about invisible braces or would like information and advice on whether clear braces are the right choice for you, visit The Invisalign Guide Blogs on this website will help you find all the information you need

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When wearing Braces – What you need to pay attention to

Brushing and Braces

It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly during orthodontic treatment so teeth and gums remain healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients may find it advantageous to schedule frequent visits to their general dentist for a professional cleaning.

Patients who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

General Soreness

When the orthodontic appliances are placed, there may be a feeling of general soreness in the mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for a few days. This can be improved by rinsing with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water and rinse vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take whatever is normally taken for headaches or similar pains. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated as they become accustomed to the surface of the braces. Wax can be placed on the brackets to lessen irritation. After the appliances are placed, we can provide instructions in proper appliance care and tooth brushing.

Loosening of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Teeth must loosen so they can be moved.

Loose Wire or Band

Don’t be alarmed if a wire or bracket comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon) and carefully push the irritating wire under the arch wire. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Callus as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.

Braces & Sports

If sports are played, it’s important to consult Dr. Rose or Dr. Malik to learn about the special precautions needed while playing sports during orthodontic treatment. A protective mouth guard specifically designed for use with orthodontic appliances must be used while playing contact sports. Discuss sports activity with Dr. Cochran and they will select the appropriate mouth guard. In case of any accident involving the face, check the mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat any discomfort as any general soreness would be treated.

Emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but we can help when they do occur. If there is severe pain or if there is a painful appliance problem that can’t be taken care of by the patient or parent, call us to schedule an appointment. When describing the appliance, it is helpful to know the names of the orthodontic appliance parts to explain what may be broken or out of place. It is very important you call as soon as possible to schedule a time to assess the problem.

Allowing the appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to the treatment plan. Ask us to demonstrate how to handle minor orthodontic appliance problems. Many times, a bit of wax can be placed in an area of discomfort to provide temporary relief. The following solutions may help relieve discomfort:

Poking Wire

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to reduce the discomfort. Wax can be applied on the braces to help reduce mouth irritation. Ask Donna, Karen, Maria, or Randa to demonstrate how to apply the wax and how to handle minor orthodontic appliance problems. You may also call the office to schedule an appointment to resolve the poking wire issue.

Loose Bracket or Band

If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue and notify the office right away.

Loose Wire

Using tweezers or a small pair of needle-nose pliers, try to place the wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which the wire is securely fastened. If discomfort continues, place wax on it, and call the office to schedule a repair appointment.

Contact Dr. Cochran DDS, MS, in San Antonio, Texas, for more details about our orthodontic appliance care and their impact on your life.

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Invisalign Can Work For You

Invisalign Can Work For You, Just as it has for over half a million smiles

Not only is Invisalign versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues, but it really works. And there are over half a million smiles to back that up. But a confident smile isn’t the only benefit of correcting your dental issues with custom-made Invisalign aligners—your health can be positively impacted as well. Learn more about several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign doctor can work with you to correct.

Overly crowded teeth : This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, an increase in chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth.

Widely spaced teeth : This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues in teeth can cause some periodontal diseases.

Crossbite : This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.

Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an “overbite” is known to dental professionals as “overjet.” It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Our Invisalign orthodontist will work with you to create a custom-designed program that will treat your specific dental or orthodontic issue(s). Your treatment program will consist of a full set of aligners, made for you, and only you. While it’s important that you visit an experienced Invisalign doctor to see how well Invisalign fits your specific needs, you can get a head-start now by taking our self assessment.

And of course, there are other considerations when making the decision to straighten your teeth. Think about how Invisalign can fit in your life by providing a virtually-invisible option to getting the smile you want.

What is Invisalign®?

The Invisalign® system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the dazzling smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor, based on your specific needs.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are practically clear. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible “braces,” making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.

Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires with the Invisalign system that could cause irritation to your mouth. Plus since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair.

And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

Just make an appointment with Dr. Chong Lee & Dr.Joseph Oh, an Invisalign trained doctor for an initial consultation.

Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Invisalign?

While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend and complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign providers before cases will be accepted from their office. Close to 30,000 doctors worldwide are already certified to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an experienced Invisalign-trained doctor near you.

How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.

What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to tooth-whitening trays. Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you and only you to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.

How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
More than 500,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.

Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology, Inc.has held the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA since 1998 to be able to sell and market the Invisalign syst

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Does Invisalign Work

The question you often hear is

Does Invisalign Work?

Great things in life have their price. If you dream about having a perfect smile, and currently experience problematic teeth, you will need to try one of the braces systems mentioned on our blog, and be persistent. It will most likely take time and your patience, trust in your orthodontists skills and knowledge, but you will most likely get there.

The best answer might be found when you compare Invisalign and Braces.

Invisalign vs Braces ?

If you are considering buying invisalign, there are a few factors you should be aware of. There is no good for all product. Even such technological marvels like Invisalign might not suit you.

This site has been designed to help you make the final decision. We will offer you a comparison of Invisalign vs Braces, so you can make the final choice.

You will be able to see the advantages and disadvantages of both products, and through the comparison it will be much easier to decide.

Invisalign is made out of high quality, strong and transparent plastic.

An interesting story is related to the human face proportions. According to the most accomplished plastic surgeons, who study the proportions if beauty, the difference between a sparkling beauty and an ugly face is measured in millimetres. About the distance between your mouth and nose, eyes and mouth, the shape of your jaw. Braces by correcting your teeth, can reshape your face, and align the proportions properly. When your jaw works well, your face muscles can achieve harmonious balance. You use all the necessary one for a particular action, it also means less wrinkles in the future. The plastic surgery professionals say that the distance between a gorgeous face and an ugly one is one or two millimetres. Of course we know that the beauty standards are never stable, and what we call be beauty really means what makes us happy, and we all are gorgeous. But those who like to step us the standards, and put people on shelves, decided what an amazing face really means.

Unbelievable thing is that a very small change can completely transform your physical presence.

And there is another factor. Properly aligned teeth, make you healthy, help you digest food, and swallow it in smaller chunks. This way you look after your liver, stomach, cells and consequently the whole body.

Healthy and strong mind comes as a result of an optimally working body.

By going to other pages on our website you have most likely read about the two major orthodontic systems: Invisalign Braces and Traditional Braces. They differ in some areas highly (like the price, length of treatment, the ability to tell the end date), and the results people are getting are at times substantially different.

According to those who have worn Invisalign braces, there are many pros and cons, and every case is different. Most of the times, the traditional braces deliver the results the patients want. While in case of invisalign, the situation is not that clear.

Both systems work differently, and depend on the skills of the practitioner that deals with your teeth.

People who experienced invisalign say that for more complicated cases, braces work the best, also because of the time and cost- are cheaper. Patients say that invisible braces are not that invisible. During the treatment, very often you need to have attachments glued onto your teeth. (What are those? Attachments are simply tooth coloured blobs of material glued onto your teeth). Usually people need some time to adjust themselves to wearing them, but it helps.

It is important for you to realize that if you do not live in the USA, where there head quarters of Invisalign company is based, and al the manufacturing takes place, it will take some longer time to deliver your retainer. But it should not be a big problem, as long as it fits well.

Like with all new and different, you will need some time to learn to remove them, and you need to keep personal mouth hygiene to prevent the development of the bacteria and bad smell.

The another issue is that after a long treatment, when you have had let’s say 20 liners that took 40 weeks, you may hear about another several months and liners.

You need to be aware of the fact that the results vary, and there are patients who are very happy with their results and the way the treatment goes. It is very much dependent on the severity of your case. Your best choice is to find a respected and accomplished orthodontist, who will be able to give you an honest advice.

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What are Lingual braces?

Lingual braces work in much the same way as their traditional counterparts. However there’s one important cosmetic difference; the lack of the usual metal supports on the front of your teeth. In the past braces could only be fit in a certain position; right on the front of your teeth but due to developments in dental technology this is no longer the case. The key difference with Lingual Braces is that they can be placed on the rear of your teeth, hiding the majority of the metal parts. This means that they can realign your teeth just as effectively as a traditional brace but without the aesthetic worries.

How are Lingual Braces fit?

Firstly, your dentist will need you to press your teeth into a mould in order to take an impression of them. This mould is then sent off to a specialist laboratory where each bracket in your lingual brace is custom made to fit your teeth. In order to help the brackets remain in the correct shape they are usually set in wax and kept safely inside a plastic applicator. During your follow-up visit your dentist will transfer the brackets to the back of your teeth and cement them in place. It’s usual to have several follow up visits with your dentist in order to monitor your progress.

Lingual braces have several advantages over their traditional counterparts. The main advantage is cosmetic, as Lingual braces aren’t visible from the front which makes them an excellent option for patients who wish to avoid the highly-visible traditional braces. In addition to being completely invisible, your lingual braces will strengthen and realign your teeth in the same time frame as traditional braces (which can vary from case to case but usually requires braces to be worn for a number of months). In many cases traditional braces aren’t suited to patients who play contact sports or certain wind instruments making Lingual braces the safest and most convenient option. Lingual braces can be used on patients of any age (as opposed to other types of invisible brace which have to be used early on in life) and are increasingly popular in older patients who want dental treatment without the orthodontic equipment interfering with their day to day life. Also, lingual braces can be a great alternative to patients who are sensitive to plastic and as such, can’t use any invisible braces made of it.

What’s it like living with Lingual Braces?

As not all orthodontists are trained in the use of Lingual braces there can be some issues which occur with access to treatment for follow-up visits. Wearing any kind of brace will have some affect on certain parts of your lifestyle and in addition, lingual braces usually tend to cost more than their traditional counterparts. This is due to the fact that the treatment requires specialist training, customised brackets and computer-aided design technology. Therefore it’s important to take all these factors into consideration and discuss them with your dentist before deciding to have the treatment. As lingual braces are placed on the inside surface of your teeth, they may take a while longer to adjust to than traditional braces. There can be issues with food getting trapped and catching your tongue on the brace but most patients fully adapt to having the brace within a few days. Patients with lingual braces can eat relatively normally but it’s important to avoid certain foods and snacks such as chewing gum or sticky toffee. Similarly it’s important to avoid hard foods and fizzy drinks and in some cases an excess of fruit juice can also cause damage your braces. It’s usual for your dentist to advise regular visits to the hygienist as it’s easier for food to become trapped in lingual braces, due to their position. Lingual braces may affect your speech and some patients develop a slight lisp or have problems forming certain words but this is usually temporary.

It may be necessary at some stage of the treatment to be assigned some extra dental gear to wear in the evenings or at night in order to provide extra pressure to your teeth to help them move in the right way. After the initial treatment period is finished you’re usually required to carry on using a retaining brace so your teeth won’t revert to their former position. This can either be fixed or removable and the length of time you’ll need to use this for varies greatly from case to case. Most patients wear braces for between 1 to 3 years before a positive result is achieved.

What results can I expect?

Your lingual brace will help aid your teeth to grow straight by applying small but continuous pressure to your teeth. After treatment you should see a noticeable cosmetic difference in the appearance of your teeth and any problems with crowding, gaps, overbites or underbites should be fixed.

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Invisalign or Traditional Metal Braces, what is your Choice

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to get invisalign or traditional metal braces. Several of the key comparisons are the following:

Visibility

The great advantage of invisalign over metal braces is that it is barely visible. This is obviously not the case with metal braces, as they are visible the moment you open your mouth.

Cost

Invisalign tends to cost more than metal braces, as the technology behind it is more expensive. If pricing plays an important role when deciding between the two, do some thorough research. The cost of invisalign varies patient to patient and depends on your geographical location and the severity and duration of your case. Most orthodontists do offer payment plans, many of which are interest free, so consult and research beforehand!

Duration

On average, treatment is quicker with invisalign than with traditional braces. The reason why this is the case is because of frequency of movement. With metal braces, you come into your orthodontist’s office approximately every 6 weeks to get your braces tightened. With invisalign, you change trays every 2 weeks, thus causing your teeth to shift at three times the pace. The average invisalign treatment is 12 months.

Pain

Invisalign doesnt involve metal that can irritation your teeth and gums, while metal wires and brackets used in braces can cause irritation. Pain is generally minimal with invisalign. Most patients feel pain only in the first day or two of each new tray change. Because invisalign trays are changed more frequently than metal braces are tightened (2 weeks vs. 6 weeks), the adjustment and movement with invisalign is more gradual, and so there is much less pain to bear. What I prefer to do each time I need to change trays is to change in the evening before bedtime. I take 2 tylenols, put on the new tray, and by the morning time, the tray has had time to loosen up and becomes a bit easier to remove.

Hygiene

Teeth hygiene is very important, and in this case, invisalign is the clear winner. Because invisalign is removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as you normally would. Unfortunately, this is not the case with braces. You cannot floss for the whole duration of your braces treatment. This results in food particles getting stuck in between your teeth and very possibly resulting in decay. This is not to say that there are no risks with invisalign. In fact, in my research through dental blogs and forums, I have come across some people who reported getting several cavities during their invisalign treatment. This could be just coincidental, or it can be a result of the invisalign. If you practice good hygiene and follow the basic instructions of invisalign, you should be fine. You are not supposed to eat or drink anything while wearing your trays with the exception of water. If you drink a soda or anything other than water, that sugar will get trapped in the trays and as you may know, wetness is a breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to adhere to the water only rule AND to remember to brush after every meal so that food and sugars do not linger and cause possible cavities or decay.

Eating

Since you remove your invisalign trays for all meals, you can go on eating and drinking anything you’d like. Traditional braces limit you in what you can eat since certain foods are more likely to get trapped and stuck in the wire.

Speech

When first starting invisalign, you might have a slight lisp for a few days until your tongue gets adjusted to the new material in your mouth. This usually passes pretty quickly for most people and is hardly noticeable to others.

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Initial Examination

When you visit our office for an initial orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed and present the initial findings to you that same day. During the exam the doctor will evaluate jaw, teeth and facial growth to determine if now is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment. If additional growth is recommended, prior to beginning orthodontics, the orthodontist will place your child in the practice recall system and continue to monitor your child as necessary as the permanent teeth erupt and the jaws and face continue to grow. This service is complimentary. If your child or yourself is ready to begin orthodontics immediately the doctor along with the practice treatment coordinator will explain to you the recommended treatment plan, show you the types of appliances available to treat your particular case, review estimated length of treatment, provide a cost estimate and work with you to customize a payment plan that fits your needs, and scheduled to have your appliances placed.

Early Treatment

When necessary early treatment or interceptive treatment may be recommended to guide facial growth and tooth eruption to prevent more serious problems from developing. Early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time consuming. A variety of early treatment appliances are now available to help your child correct an orthodontic problem. One example is an appliance that expands the palate while the jaw and face are still growing to make room for more teeth and create a broader smile. The following early warning signs may indicate that your child should have an orthodontic examination as soon as possible:

Difficulty in chewing

Open-mouth breathing

Thumb or finger-sucking

Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth

Jaws that tend to pop or click

Developing underbite, overbite, protruding front teeth, or other abnormal bite development

Diagnostic Records

Following the initial examination, diagnostic “Records Will be taken on each patient. Records confirm the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan and serve as documentation of the position of your teeth, lips and profile when you started treatment. Typically records include the following five items:

Panoramic x-ray – This type of x-ray takes captures an image of your teeth and jawregion. It helps in identifying any extra teeth, blocked out teeth, missing teeth, or any problems with your jaws, jaw joints or roots. Depending on your particular problem you may have to have several Panoramic x-rays taken throughout treatment.

Cephalomatic x-rays – This type of x-ray captures an image of your entire skull and profile. It is used to identify any potential growth problems and for recording diagnostic measurements.

Bite registration – Typically your bite registration is taken by having you bite your teeth together into a piece of thin wax. This allow your orthodontist to evaluate how well your top teeth line up with the bottom teeth.

Impressions/ Study Models – In order to make plaster models of your teeth (study models), you will need to have impressions taken as part of the records process. This entails biting into a tray of soft toothpaste or pudding like material (alginate) for about one minute. The material becomes set (or hardened) to a consistency of silly putty and then is taken out. Impressions are taken one at a time and you need one for the top and one for the bottom. This process is painless but can sometimes taste bad. In order to make this more enjoyable we offer a variety of alginate flavors for you to choose from.

Diagnostic photographs – These are pictures taken of your smile, profile, face, teeth and mouth. These pictures are again used to document your current status and will help the doctor track your progress and see how your smile is changing.

Final Treatment Plan
After the records have been reviewed, we will discuss with you and your child the final orthodontic treatment plan including what orthodontic appliances will be used, how long treatment will last, what foods to avoid, proper care of the appliances and teeth during treatment, etc.

Length of Treatment
The length of treatment for each patient varies based on the patient’s age, severity of the bite, and correction needs, but most cases can be completed in approximately 18-24 months. After the braces are removed, a retainer is prescribed and is to be worn continuously for a few months to a few years in order to set the tissues surrounding the newly straightened teeth. When ready, your orthodontist will inform you that you can now just wear the retainer at night or occasionally to make sure the teeth do not shift. In some cases, a permanent retainer can also be prescribed, which is a metal wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth to insure that the teeth remain in proper position.

Patient Cooperation
Patient cooperation is the key to successful orthodontics. Braces are strong enough to withstand the normal forces created during chewing, however, if they are abused, the braces can break. Broken braces and wire may poke into the cheek or tongue and cause sores in the mouth. Broken appliances can also lengthen the treatment time. Appliances must also be worn as prescribed to achieve the desired results.

Dental hygiene is also very important to prevent tooth decay or decalcification during treatment. Certain foods should be avoided to prevent breakage of appliances and also reduce the chance of tooth decay. We will discuss this with you in more detail on the day the appliances are placed, but for more information, please go to the “Caring for Braces” section.

Financial Arrangements
You will be pleasantly surprised that orthodontics may not be as expensive as you thought. The total cost will vary by case and complexity, but we offer a number of flexible and affordable payment plans that will fit your individual needs. These will be discussed with you on the day of your new patient examination. Options include, but are not limited to the following:

25% Down and monthly payments spread out over the remaining treatment time. No interest.

Courtesy Booking discount for payment in full prior to the day appliances are places.

No down and low monthly payments spread out over the time of treatment. Interest based on credit history.

Direct Debit from your checking account monthly

Direct Debit from your credit card monthly

Most major insurance carriers accepted

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Frequently Asked Questions about Braces

1. Why do people need braces?
There are many reasons one person may need braces: crowded teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, jaws not growing right, bad overbite, open bite and the list continues. Not everyone needs braces if they go early enough to the orthodontists and have their teeth checked out.

2. What is the best age for braces?
There is NO best age for braces as all ages can be treated. However, the best time to be seen by an orthodontist is around 7 years old. At 7, any jaw growth problems can easily be corrected.

3. What is Phase I Treatment?
It means that if a problem exists (such as a bad overbite or a lot of crowding of teeth) treatment can or will be started as early as 7 or 8 to correct the problem. Most of the time, Phase I Treatment can save the patient from extraction of good permanent teeth, headgear or major jaw surgery.

4. What is Phase II Treatment?
Phase II Treatment is treatment with “braces”. Patients who have had Phase I Treatment to take care of a major problem (severe overbite or crowding) may need some type of Phase II Treatment with braces to detail their bite. However, not everyone needs Phase II Treatment. For someone who does not have Phase I Treatment but needs braces, they go directly to Phase II Treatment (that is, treatment with full braces).

5. How do braces work?
Braces work by putting light forces on teeth through special wires. Orthodontists also use special rubber bands to bring teeth into the right position. Treatment takes some time because teeth move slowly (only 1mm a month or less) into the right position.

6. Does it hurt to put braces on?
No, the braces are put on with special cement. However, in the beginning, teeth may become a little sore once they start moving.

7. How long does it take to put braces on?
The appointment to put the braces on is 1½ hours but to actually cement the braces in place will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

8. How long does treatment take?
Depending on the severity of a case, it could take as little as 6 weeks or up to 20-24 months for complete treatment. Once treatment is started, a patient would be seen every 8-12 weeks depending on their needs.

9. Do you talk funny with braces?
Just like anything new, it takes about a week to get used to the feeling. Most people adjust very well and have no problems.

10. Can you play sports with braces?
Yes, but with much care. You may need a mouth-guard to prevent injury and damage to the braces, your teeth and gums. We will gladly provide one for you.

11.Can I eat anything with braces?
No. There are some restrictions. We ask that you avoid sticky or hard foods (such as caramel, sticky gum, candy, popcorn, etc.). A little extra care with what you eat can go a long way and can prevent braces from breaking or becoming loose.

12.Can you get a “shock” if braces are touched with something metal (fork, spoon, etc.)?
Usually not.

13.Can the braces set off alarms in stores or airports?
No, the metal is stainless steel and does not set off alarms.

14. What are rubber bands and why do people need them?
Rubber bands bring the teeth together to make them fit perfectly. Most people need them at the end of treatment for a couple of months.

15. What are retainers and who needs them?
After treatment is finished, retainers are given to hold the teeth in position until they become used to their new “home”. All patients need retainers and Dr. Petrol will instruct you to wear them according to your personalized needs.

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Braces vs Invisalign – which is better?

If you or your child needs braces, you probably have a lot of questions when it comes to using braces versus using Invisalign as your orthodontic treatment. There are various differences when it comes to effectiveness and cost, but we understand that you will want to choose the orthodontic treatment that will best suit your needs, even if it’s more expensive.

Facts of Braces and Invisalign

Invisalign came to the market in 2000 designed to do the same as braces, which was to straighten teeth while improving your oral health and your smile. The main difference between them is the visibility of the treatment, as braces are metal brackets that are glued to your teeth and connected by tiny rubber bands and wires.
While the traditional option is metal, there are other options available, such as clear or tooth-colored ceramics. On the other hand, Invisalign was designed to be nearly invisible. The aligner trays you wear over your teeth are made out of comfortable and smooth BPA-free plastic. In order to create the trays, we use pictures, impressions, and X-rays, thereby creating a precise 3D image of your teeth to configure your aligner trays properly.

Which Will Work Best For You?

Both Invisalign and braces will straighten your teeth, and there are some of the things you need to take into consideration:
● Time of treatment: Braces are irremovable, and they will be worn 24/7 for around two years, depending on the needs of the patient. Invisalign braces can be removed, and for them to work their best, they need to be worn around 22 hours a day for six to eighteen months, depending on the patient’s needs.
● Maintenance: Braces will need to be brushed regularly with the help of a water pick, while you will need to use an Invisalign cleaning system to clean and rinse your trays.
● Follow-up visits: With braces, you will need visits around once a month. With Invisalign, your aligner trays will need to be changed every two weeks, with visits to the orthodontist around every six weeks.

Pros and Cons of Braces
● Braces can be more useful for more intricate issues
● They can’t be removed, so there is no temptation to remove them and not wear them on certain days or occasions
● Only regular brushing and cleaning is required, no extra cleaning steps are needed
● Some soreness, pain or discomfort can be experienced from teeth moving, brackets or wires
● Some tooth discoloration is possible
● You may experience some difficulties when eating hard or sticky foods
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
● Invisible, so they do not change your appearance
● There is no issue with food getting caught between your braces, so there is no difficulty with any food types
● Patients don’t experience any discomfort from brackets or wires
● There can be some discomfort when the teeth move
● They need to be removed before drinking or eating anything but water
● The teeth must be brushed after each meal to prevent stains

Comparing Invisalign vs. braces is a tight race, and the choice will ultimately have to be based on you or your child’s individual needs and desires. If the patient will be self-conscious with the visibility of braces, the Invisalign may be the best option, coupled with the fact that you can remove it, so eating, drinking, brushing and flossing is more convenient and feels more natural.
You need to be aware that Invisalign is not an option for everyone, but if you are interested in this orthodontic treatment, we’ll be happy to sit down with you, discuss your options and recommend the best course of treatment.

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