Invisalign
For those who wish to straighten their teeth without having to worry about wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be just the solution for you! Invisalign aligners are a convenient, effective, and aesthetic treatment option. Over a period of time and a series of custom-made aligners, Invisalign will comfortably straighten your teeth. Invisalign can correct:
- Gaps
- Problems with the bite
- Misalignment
- Crowding
Invisalign is an incredible alternative to metal braces. Please contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation with the dentist. We will be happy to help you discover if Invisalign is right for you!
For more information, visit the Invisalign website!
The Orthodontic Process
Many orthodontic problems are inherited and can be caused by a variety of factors, including jaw size, tooth size, irregularities, overbites, underbites, and missing or extra teeth. In addition, orthodontic problems can be caused by accidents, thumb sucking, dental disease, and premature tooth loss. Habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, lip or pacifier sucking, and fingernail biting can cause bad bites, which also cause orthodontic problems.
We recommend an orthodontic evaluation as soon as the permanent teeth begin to come in. We have found that early intervention often provides the best results. During an initial exam, certain habits and problems will be evaluated. If necessary, orthodontic treatment will be recommended. If early treatment isn’t required, periodic follow-up exams will be scheduled so that we can make sure the teeth continue to come in properly.
When you do need orthodontic treatment, impressions, X-rays, and photographs of your teeth, face, head, and smile will be taken to evaluate your mouth. We will also review your medical and dental histories. This exam will help create an appropriate, effective orthodontic treatment plan so you can enjoy healthy, aligned teeth.
Foods to Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment
- Whole apples (cut into wedges first)
- Bubble gum
- Chewy or gummy candies such as caramel, taffy, nut brittles, etc.
- Carrot sticks (eat thin curls)
- Corn on the cob (but it is perfectly fine to eat off the cob!)
- Corn chips or crisp tacos
- Hard foods
- Ice (don’t crunch!)
- Lemons and lemon juice
- Nuts
- Outer edges of pizza crust or crusty breads
- Popcorn
- Large, hard pretzels
- Sticky foods
- Sugary foods
During Orthodontic treatment, remember to continue your daily home hygiene routine. This will help ensure that your teeth remain healthy. A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth within five minutes of eating anything. This helps to keep your teeth cavity-free. And as always, remember to keep your six-month cleaning appointments with the dentist.
With Invisalign, you have the convenience of flossing easily unlike with the typical metal braces with wires. It is a good habit to floss daily to remove any food particles in spaces between teeth that can not be removed by brushing alone.