Orthodontics – Page 3

The Importance of Your Smile

March 5, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

I think we can all agree that healthy, beautiful smiles are important, but did you know that 37% of people will notice your smile before they notice anything else about you? More than 117 million adults have at least a few crooked teeth, so you can understand why so many people are choosing to braces later in life. You are never too old to start working on your smile!

The following infographic from the American Association of Orthodontics explains just how important your smile really is, and why orthodontic treatment may be right for you.

AAO-Survey-Infographic_for-Web

Invisalign: Five Frequently Asked Questions

February 28, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

1. Does Invisalign really work?

Yes. Over one million patients with a wide range of dental problems have been successfully treated with Invisalign. The Invisalign system was created with orthodontists in order to provide an effective, convenient, and affordable alternative to metal braces.

2. How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a custom-made series of aligner trays, specifically created for you, to gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. The virtually invisible aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. Every two weeks, you just pop in a new set of aligners. While you wear them the majority of each day, most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!

3. What issues can be treated with Invisalign?

From mild cases of protruding or crooked teeth, to difficult cases involving malocclusion, overbite, or underbite, Invisalign is safe, effective option. Whether you’re dealing with widely gapped or overly crowded teeth, there is an affordable Invisalign treatment option for you.

4. How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign is often similar to that of traditional braces. Since the treatment cost will vary based on the complexity of the case, the exact cost of treatment will not be determined until you have had a consultation with a trained Invisalign provider. In many cases, if your family’s dental plan covers orthodontics, Invisalign may be covered. No matter the cost of treatment, remember to discuss affordable financing options with your doctor.

5. What happens after Invisalign treatment?

Most orthodontists recommend that anyone who has completed treatment, whether braces or Invisalign, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Every case is different, so please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers.

“What Would I Look Like in Braces?”

February 23, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

“What would I look like in braces?” We hear that question quite a bit around here. While our answer will always be “awesome!”, we found an fun app that takes all of the guesswork out. Brace Face lets you try them on for size… and even includes a few color options!

What do you think? Would you download the app and go for a trial run or would you rather skip right to the real thing?

Molars on the Move: My Pendulum Appliance

February 18, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

As a new Carter Orthodontics patient, and a first-time orthodontics patient in general, I really did not know what to expect when I decided to finally straighten my teeth. I’ve wanted to start this process for such a long time, but I didn’t want traditional braces. Invisalign sounded really appealing, so I reached out to Dr. Carter to learn more about how they could work for me. I made an appointment in January and crossed my fingers that I would be a candidate for the process.

After my initial appointment, I was told that I was in fact a candidate for Invisalign! Cue the happy dance. Come to find out, Invisalign can work for most people. I just assumed that my teeth were too far gone, you guys. The only downside to the process was that I would need to wear a pendulum first. What’s a pendulum, you ask? This beautiful thing, right here:

pendulum appliance

I promise it’s not as scary as it looks. The pendulum appliance is used move the back molars into the correct position. My back left molar was crowding my other teeth and needed to be adjusted before I could move forward with the plastic Invisalign aligners. The pendulum consists of a plastic piece that touches the roof of your mouth and wire springs that basically sweet talk your molars into moving further back into your mouth. I’ll have to wear this for several months before it’s removed and I can be fitted for my first aligners.

As far as wearing the pendulum goes, it’s definitely not as bad as I thought it would be. I speak a little funny now, some foods are slightly more awkward to eat (lettuce, I’m looking at you), and it was somewhat uncomfortable for the first week. Overall, I’m still extremely excited to continue the process of revealing my brand new smile!

Ten Reasons to Choose Invisalign Teen

February 10, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

1. Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes them practically invisible. Your teen will notice quickly that most people won’t even be able to tell they have them in.

2. Equipped with compliance indicators that fade with regular wear, the aligners are perfecting for monitoring your teen’s cooperation. Many of our teenage Invisalign patients end up being our most motivated and compliant patients.

3. Teens don’t have to panic over misplaced aligners. Invisalign offers up to 6 free replacement trays free of charge!

4. Invisalign Teen has been proven to be effective across a range of cases. Don’t count your teen out! Please ask if they are a candidate for Invisalign Teen Treatment.

5. Traditional metal braces have been known to lead to emergency visits. Invisalign Teen can result in less appointments over the course of your treatment by virtually eliminating that risk.

6. Since the aligners are completely removable, Invisalign allows your teen to eat all of their favorite foods whenever they want.

7. Invisalign Teen doesn’t disrupt their normal routine. Teens can continue brushing and flossing as they normally would.

8. In our office, Invisalign Teen costs the same as traditional braces. We provide parents with great payment plan options as well.

9. No sharp brackets or wires means there’s no worry about Invisalign aligners cutting your teen’s mouth. That’s one less thing to worry about!

10. If your teen is involved in sports or plays an instrument, a mouthful of metal can often prevent them from enjoying the experience. Invisalign Teen helps them focus on doing what they do best—being a teenager!