Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth that have been lost due to decay, gum disease, or injury. They’re very solid and can last for many years with proper care. Read on to learn what dental implants are and how to take care of them.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Teeth that are clean and straight can make your smile stand out. But, what do you do if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have gaps? Is the only solution braces? No! Invisalign® is a revolutionary system that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, not brackets or wires.
At Skyview Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seti Byrd, DMD, and Jennifer D’Silva, DDS, are experts in providing Invisalign aligners. In this blog, they explain what Invisalign is and how you can get the most out of your treatment.
When it comes to treatments for straightening teeth, most people are familiar with traditional metal braces. While braces work well, they can be uncomfortable, ugly, and take a long time. Invisalign offers a much more comfortable, discreet, and speedy option for straightening teeth.
With Invisalign, you’re given a series of clear plastic aligners, each set slightly adjusted. Every two weeks or so, you replace one set with another, and by the time you take off your last set, you have the smile of your dreams.
To make your aligners, your dentist takes 3-D images of your teeth and uses them to plan out your treatment. Your aligners are then made based on the 3-D scans of your teeth. At home, you’ll wear them all day and night except when you eat, drink, brush your teeth, or for special occasions.
While Invisalign aligners can give you a great smile, there are some things you can do to help your treatment succeed.
The clear plastic aligners are removable, but you’ll need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. If you wear them for less time than this, your treatment time may take longer.
Your dentist will provide you with a number of aligner sets. And, as mentioned earlier, you’ll switch out one set with another every two weeks or so. Your dentist will give you instructions on when to switch out your sets. Changing your aligners as scheduled will ensure that you stay on track.
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, your aligners will be pressed against your teeth day and night. So, it’s imperative that you brush and floss your teeth so bacteria won’t get trapped and cause tooth decay.
It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but it’s especially important when you’re wearing aligners. When wearing aligners, you may not produce as much saliva, and therefore you’ll need to drink more water to compensate.
Among other things, saliva helps sweep away acids and small bits of food. You should only drink water while your aligners are in your mouth. If you drink any other beverage, be sure to take out you aligners and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
To learn more about how Invisalign can give you straight teeth and a great smile, book an appointment online or over the phone with Skyview Dentistry today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth that have been lost due to decay, gum disease, or injury. They’re very solid and can last for many years with proper care. Read on to learn what dental implants are and how to take care of them.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can be very uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat, talk, and even sleep. Read on to learn what can cause TMJ issues and the treatment options that are available.
Veneers can give you a gorgeous smile. With a few tips, your veneers can look great for many years. Read on to learn more.
Professional teeth cleanings are essential to keeping your smile beautiful and your teeth and gums healthy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of professional cleanings.
Most people don’t have perfectly straight teeth. Teeth can be overcrowded, they can have gaps, or the top teeth may not perfectly meet the bottom teeth. These alignment issues can cause oral and overall health problems. Read on to learn more.
Having a great smile can allow you to feel attractive and confident. However, few people have teeth that are naturally straight and white. Learn some of the myths and facts about veneers and how they may be able to improve your smile.