Invisalign. Is it right for you?

Invisalign has been around since 1997 and most of us have heard of the name or know someone that has had this treatment done in the past, but is it right for you?  We have found that many people qualify for Invisalign and the program can solve all different types of teeth problems without the hassle, cost, breakage and plain hideousness of metal braces. So, as you may be considering something like this for you, here's a little checklist and information gathered from Invisalign, us (Uptown Smile Dental) and multiple reviews.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

1. Do you shy away from smiling because you are self-concious about your smile?

2. Do you have a "treatable case" for Invisalign?
     -Crowding  -Gapped Teeth  -Overbite  -Underbite  -Openbite  -Overly Crowded  -Crossbite

3. Do you care what you look like wearing clear braces?

4. Would food restrictions make life extremely difficult for you?

5. Are you okay with not chewing gum?

6. Would it bother you to keep them in for 20-22 hours each day?

7. Could you handle a $200-$300 monthly payment for straighter teeth?

 

8. Would a 12-16 month program be worth it for the smile you have always wanted?

What does the process entail?

Your doctor will photograph and mold your teeth to generate a 3-D image of your smile. They will use Invisalign software to show you how your teeth will gradually shift into place, and you’ll even get to see your expected outcome.  Each patient is different, though most adult treatment times last between a year and a year and a half. Your doctor will then predict how long your treatment will last based on your current alignment.

Invisalign will create custom plastic aligners especially for you. The plastic is clear and nearly invisible, thus the name Invisalign, so your friends and coworkers won’t notice they’re in place. You will be able to remove the aligners to eat and to brush your teeth and use mouthwash. During treatment your teeth will stay healthier and cleaner than they would with traditional metal braces. You will wear each aligner set for about two weeks, and then you will switch to a new set. The new set will move your teeth closer to your desired look. The bonus of Invisalign is that you will be able to see your teeth moving to their ideal positions each step of the way.

Straight teeth will also improve your dental health, as aligned teeth are easier for you to floss and brush. The easier your teeth are to clean, the healthier they will be. You can top off your Invisalign treatment with Zoom! in-house tooth whitening to achieve the beautiful straight and sparkling smile you have always wanted!

February - National Dental Health Month

February is National Dental Health Month!  Here at Uptown Smile we want to continually raise awareness throughout the month of February among our clients and their families about the importance of good oral health habits.  

National Dental Health Month actually began as a 1 day event on Feb. 3, 1941. The ADA held the first single day observance that year.  In 1955 it became a week long event.  It wasn't until 1981 that the ADA extended this event to a full month long observance.

Many people, young and old, believe that it takes a lot of effort to change your oral health habits, but we beg to differ.  Here are a few ideas to teach your children, and maybe re-teach yourself to create a happy and healthy mouth.

• Begin by making sure you and your family eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and vegetables. As much as you can avoid sugary foods.  Did you know that high fiber fruits and veggies such as carrots and apples help prevent tooth decay?
• Make brushing a "family activity."  This will encourage children that brushing isn't a chore, but something that the whole family can do together.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes.
• Floss once a day.  This assists in removing plaque from between teeth. Show your children the correct way to floss.
• Last, but not least, see your dentist regularly!

Citation: Disabled World News (2010-10-02) - National Dental Hygiene Month tips to help build good oral hygiene habits: http://www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/oral-health.php#ixzz2KYA6ezKZ