Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the tooth pulls back, exposing the root surface. But why would your gums be receding under your dental crown? Let’s look at the potential causes of gum recession under dental crowns and discuss possible solutions to this problem.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Tooth decay and gum disease are two factors that can both contribute to receding gums. If you don’t keep up with your oral hygiene—including brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every six months—plaque can accumulate around your dental crown. Plaque buildup can irritate and inflame gum tissue, causing it to pull away from the dental restoration [1].

Improperly Fitting Crown

Other patients may have an improperly fitting dental crown or a misaligned bite that can put uneven pressure on the crown, leading to excessive force placed on the surrounding gum tissue, resulting in gum recession. Patients with a misaligned bite or ill-fitting crown may also experience pain or discomfort around their restoration.

Teeth Grinding

Patients who grind their teeth are at higher risk for issues with their dental crowns, including crown fracture and gum recession [2]. Teeth grinding puts unusual pressure on the teeth, which can cause tooth pain, chips, and cracks. However, gum tissue can also become inflamed, contributing to gum recession.

Harsh Tooth Brushing

Another cause of gum recession is brushing your teeth too aggressively or with the wrong type of toothbrush. You should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth, including your dental crowns. Using a firm-bristled toothbrush and applying too much pressure can irritate the gum tissue and cause it to pull away from the teeth, especially over time [3].

Solutions for Gum Recession Under Dental Crowns

Gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity and impact your appearance, so if you notice gum recession around your dental crowns, it’s essential to consult with your dentist to address the underlying causes and determine the best course of action.

Depending on what’s causing your gum recession, your treatment may vary. For example, if gum disease is causing the recession, you will need periodontal treatment. However, if your bite is misaligned, you may need a new dental crown or orthodontics to resolve the issue.

Your treatment may be as simple as adjusting the dental crown, or it may be more multi- faceted. Your dentist will let you know what to expect based on your symptoms, underlying causes, and oral health.

Do You Have Receding Gums Under Your Crowns?

If you have receding gums under your dental crowns, it’s imperative to follow up with yourdentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can help you address the underlying causes of your gum recession and repair your dental crown, if necessary, so you can get your smile back on track!

Sources;
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4944726/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5997850/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753713/

The post Why Are Your Gums Receding Under Your Dental Crowns? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental bonding is a versatile and cost-effective cosmetic dental treatment that can address a variety of dental concerns, from chipped or cracked teeth to discoloration and gaps.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. So who would benefit the most from dental bonding? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to qualifying for this versatile restoration technique.

Those With Mild Cosmetic Dental Issues

Dental bonding is an excellent option for individuals with mild cosmetic dental issues. It can effectively fix small chips, cracks, and fractures in the teeth, restoring their natural appearance.

Bonding can also be an ideal solution for those with minor gaps between their teeth, unusually shaped teeth, or tooth discoloration that cannot be remedied with teeth whitening alone.

Patients that have shortened teeth may also benefit from dental bonding [1]. However, it’s important to note that dental bonding is a more appropriate solution for one or two shorter teeth rather than an entire smile restoration.

A good candidate for dental bonding is someone who understands that bonding is an effective solution for minor cosmetic issues. Therefore, people who need a complete smile makeover may need to consider alternative procedures, or additional restoration treatments in combination with dental bonding.

Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth, but it may not create the same level of esthetic transformation as other treatments like veneers or crowns. Your dentist can help you decide when and if bonding is appropriate for restoring your smile!

Those Who Have Sufficient Tooth Structure

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the affected tooth, which is bonded and shaped to achieve the desired appearance. For successful bonding, the tooth should have sufficient enamel and a healthy tooth structure.

In cases where teeth have lost some or most of their enamel, alternative treatments such as dental crowns or veneers may be more appropriate. This is because the material used in dental bonding does not bond as well to dentin, the layer underneath the tooth enamel, as it does to enamel [2].

Those Who Are Committed to Their Oral Hygiene

Before considering any cosmetic dental treatment, it’s essential to have good oral health. A suitable candidate for dental bonding should have healthy teeth and gums, free from decay and gum disease. Any underlying oral health issues should be addressed and resolved before the bonding procedure.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of dental bonding. The bonded material can stain or break down faster over time without proper oral care [3]. Ideal candidates for dental bonding should be committed to regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings to ensure the longevity of the bonding material and their overall dental health.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is an excellent option for individuals with mild cosmetic dental concerns who have good oral health and sufficient tooth structure. By addressing minor imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration, dental bonding can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. Are you a candidate for dental bonding? Find out if your smile could benefit by scheduling a consultation with your dentist today!

Sources:
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3148178/
3. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/9/2313

The post Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bonding? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what exactly can dentists learn about you by looking in your mouth during your regular exam? Here are a few things they can determine during your next checkup!

Oral Health and Hygiene Habits

A dentist can learn a great deal about your oral health and hygiene habits simply by examining your mouth. They can tell how well you brush and floss or if you floss at all. They can tell if you’re using the proper type of toothbrush based on how healthy your tooth enamel is, as firm-bristled brushes can cause enamel damage over time [1].

They can also tell if you haven’t been spending as much time as you should caring for your smile. For example, if you have significant plaque or tartar buildup and inflamed gums, you may not be brushing and flossing properly. By assessing your oral health and hygiene habits, a dentist can provide personalized advice and recommendations to improve your dental care routine.

How Healthy Your Body Is

Your mouth can provide valuable insight into your overall health and well-being. Dentists are trained to identify signs and symptoms of systemic health conditions or diseases that may present in the mouth.

For example, certain oral lesions or abnormalities can indicate autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, or even oral cancer [2].

Additionally, a dentist may observe signs of acid reflux, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea during a dental examination. Detecting these oral indicators can prompt further evaluation or referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals for a healthy body and a healthy smile!

Lifestyle Factors and Habits

Your mouth can reveal important information about your lifestyle habits. For instance, dentists may identify the effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use on your oral health.

These habits can cause problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, or oral cancer [3]. Dentists may also observe signs of certain dietary choices, like frequent consumption of sugary snacks or acidic drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Understanding these lifestyle factors can help dentists provide guidance and education on improving oral health and making healthier choices for a strong and beautiful smile.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being

Visiting the dentist can also provide insights into your psychological and emotional well being. Conditions such as anxiety, stress, or even dental phobia can be evident during dental examinations. Dentists may notice signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or unusual wear patterns related to stress and anxiety [4].

By recognizing these signs, dentists can tailor their approach and provide a supportive environment for patients. Dentists can also help patients protect their teeth from the consequences of emotional or occupational stress, as teeth grinding related to stress and anxiety can lead to fractured, worn-down, or sensitive and discolored teeth over time.

Don’t Put Off Your Next Exam

By thoroughly examining and understanding what your oral cavity may reveal about you, dentists can provide comprehensive dental care and contribute to your overall health and well-being. Don’t put off your next dental exam so your dentist can help you properly care for your beautiful smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8597153/
2. https://health.osu.edu/health/dental-health/health-issues-a-dentist-can-identify
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3125650/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656610000504

The post What Dentists Can Learn About You By Looking in Your Mouth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Poor oral health is also a major cause of periodontal disease, also called gum disease. So are COVID-19 and gum health linked? The answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know about the link between COVID-19 and periodontal health.

Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Although the term may be a mouthful, this is simply a type of periodontal disease that comes on more suddenly than traditional gum disease. Necrosis refers to the death of tissue, while ulcerative means there may be ulcers present.

While not quite as severe as necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, this is often a painful and sudden infection that requires professional treatment.

COVID-19 has been linked to necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis [2]. Symptoms may include moderate to severe pain and gum bleeding as well as bad breath, fever, and white, yellow, or gray discharge from the gums.

Gingival Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which the skin gets darker because of increased melanin production in the skin, typically due to damage or inflammation. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark spots on the skin.

Cases of gingival hyperpigmentation—or hyperpigmentation of the gum tissue—have been reported with COVID-19 [3]. In some cases, periodontal tissue lesions were present along with the hyperpigmentation. Gingival hyperpigmentation can present as dark areas on the gums that look different form the rest of the gum tissue.

Although not a common symptom, and generally not a cause for alarm, hyperpigmentation of the gum tissue can cause aesthetic concerns. It’s not known how the virus can cause gingival hyperpigmentation.

Oral Ulcers Similar to Canker Sores

COVID-19 has also been linked to oral ulcers similar to canker sores that can cause pain and discomfort [4]. Aphthous-like ulcers (aphthous ulcers is the technical name for canker sores) have been found in patients with COVID-19 on the periodontal tissue, specifically on the gums.

The virus has previously been linked to non-specific mouth sores. These lesions generally heal on their own and don’t require further treatment. However, a biopsy may be necessary if the ulcers do not heal on their own within two weeks.

Although it’s not known what causes these sores, researchers suspect that COVID-19’s impact on the immune system may be the culprit. In addition, some anti-viral drugs can cause dry mouth and canker sores [5].

Take Care of Your Gums

Since COVID-19 severity has been linked to poor oral health, taking care of your gums may just help you have a healthier body and greater resistance to disease. If you need a gum health checkup or are experiencing any of these periodontal signs or symptoms from a COVID-19 infection, don’t wait to follow up with your dentist for an appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9088593/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7301037/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220307001
4.
https://opendentistryjournal.com/VOLUME/17/ELOCATOR/e187421062301240/FULLTE
XT/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517300/

The post The Link Between COVID-19 and Gum Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although this may sound like a long time, you will have a temporary dental crown in the meantime, so your appearance won’t be affected.

However, what should you expect in the months following dental implant placement? Here’s a timeline to help you understand more about the healing process and how long it may take.

The First Month

The first month will include the initial healing after your dental implant procedure and a follow-up appointment with your dentist to ensure the surgical site is healing as expected. Most people find that any discomfort and swelling after a dental implant placement subsides after a few days, with four days being the average [1].

Your dentist may still advise you to eat soft foods for the remainder of the first month or avoid biting down on the side of the mouth with the implant until the initial healing period is over.

Months Two and Three

During months two and three, your dental implant will still be fusing with your jawbone. This is a crucial healing time because osseointegration, the process of your implant fusing with your bone, is necessary for a strong and secure dental implant [2].

By this time, you should be able to eat most of your normal foods again, and you may not think much about the healing implant.

Your dentist may ask you to come in so they can take impressions of your smile for your final dental crown, which will be the permanent restoration that is placed when the entire process is complete.

Since lab-fabricated custom crowns can take several weeks to make, this process is done well before you actually need the permanent crown.

Months Three to Six

Although your implant will be mostly—if not completely—healed by the six-month mark, you will have one more minor procedure to complete before your dental crown can be placed. The abutment placement happens a few weeks before your final dental crown placement.

The abutment is a small metal component that will connect your final dental crown to your implant. This small piece will require a tiny incision in your gums to place. Once you heal from this procedure, which can take two to six weeks, your dentist will have you come in for the final crown placement [3].

Your permanent dental crown will be placed when your implant is fully healed and ready to sustain the pressure of biting and chewing with a permanent crown. After the permanent crown placement, your smile is restored.

Dental Implants Are an Investment in Your Smile

Although the entire dental implant process can take a few months, dental implants are an investment in your smile that will last a lifetime with proper care. Are you considering dental implants? Ask your dentist about this life-changing restorative procedure and what you can expect for your unique smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538387/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3602536/
3. https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/89711

The post What to Expect in the Months Following Dental Implant Placement appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Orthodontic treatment is worth considering because it can improve your appearance. However, getting braces or Invisalign doesn’t just help you have straighter teeth—it has a few other important benefits as well.

How else can orthodontics benefit your overall health and wellbeing?

Lower Risk for Jaw Pain

Misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite can cause discomfort that goes beyond being self- conscious of your smile. If your bite is out of alignment due to misaligned teeth, you may develop jaw pain around your temporomandibular joints or in the muscles that support them [1].

Bringing your teeth into alignment and correcting your bite can help lower your risk for developing jaw pain and TMJ-related issues, giving you your best chance to have not just a beautiful smile, but a pain-free one too.

Better Oral Health

Receiving orthodontic treatment to bring teeth into alignment can also result in better oral health post-treatment [2]. When your teeth are crowded or crooked, it can be more difficult to properly clean them when brushing and flossing, which can predispose patients to tooth decay and gum disease.

However, by straightening your teeth, you make it easier to brush and floss so you can have a cleaner, healthier smile and potentially reduce your risk for oral disease.

Improved Speech and Digestion

Some patients struggle with their speech as a result of misaligned or crowded teeth. Getting braces or Invisalign helps shift teeth into their proper positions, which can make it easier to properly pronounce words and correct speech impediments post-treatment [3]. If you have had trouble chewing because of misaligned jaws or teeth, orthodontics may help here, too.

People with malocclusions may have less bite force, reduced chewing cycles, and reduced chewing stroke count, which can impact how well food is chewed and prepared for digestion [4]. Therefore, orthodontic treatment may just help improve your chewing and digestion post-treatment.

More Confidence

Of course, orthodontic treatment can give you straighter teeth and a more natural-looking bite. But it can also result in a significant increase in self-esteem and improve your quality of life [5]. After all, having beautiful, straight teeth with a lower risk for tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and speech or digestion issues is certainly something to smile about!

Considering Straighter Teeth?

Are you considering orthodontics for straighter teeth? There’s no better time than now to have the smile of your dreams. Book a consultation with an experienced orthodontist to see how your smile will look post-treatment and what benefits you can expect from straighter teeth.

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3484829/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22299107/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6851783/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8600842/

The post Orthodontics: Not Just for Straighter Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures do not rely on suction between the gums and the prosthesis to work. Instead, a few dental implants will support the denture, allowing for a secure smile restoration that combines the strength of dental implants with the cost-effectiveness of dentures.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of implant-supported dentures and how they can change your smile for the better.

Implant-Supported Dentures Offer More Stability

Since dental implants are directly anchored into your jawbone, they provide greater stability than dentures alone. In implant-supported dentures, the denture is securely attached to the dental implants, so there is no risk for the prosthesis to slip, slide, or become loose.

This improved stability allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods, including ones you may not have been able to eat with dentures alone [1]. Implant-supported dentures also allow you to speak and smile confidently because you won’t have to worry about your denture being noticeable or even falling out.

Enhanced Facial Aesthetics and Jawbone Preservation

Both full and partial dentures don’t replace lost bone in the jaw as the result of missing natural teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth restoration option that actually helps preserve and even augment bone that is traditionally reabsorbed after the loss of natural teeth.

Therefore, an implant-supported denture uses enough dental implants to help preserve some of the bone in the jaw [2]. This jawbone isn’t just important for supporting the implants and creating a durable smile restoration—it can also reduce the sunken appearance that comes with dentures, especially when they are removed.

Ultimately, even having a few dental implants to support a denture can impact facial aesthetics, giving more volume to the face and potentially giving you a more youthful appearance.

A Low-Maintenance Restoration Option

Dentures require daily cleaning and soaking and need to be replaced every few years in order to maintain a realistic-looking smile restoration. However, with implant-supported dentures, you’ll simply brush these restorations just as you would your natural teeth, which makes them a low-maintenance restoration option.

Implant-supported dentures can either be fixed or removable based on your preferences and your unique smile. However, whether or not your dentures are removable, they make for easy cleaning and don’t need to be replaced as often as dentures. And if you opt for a fixed option, no removal of the denture is necessary for proper cleaning.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures the Right Choice for Your Smile?

With the proper planning and care, implant-supported dentures can be an excellent alternative to traditional dentures [3]. But are implant-supported dentures the right choice for you?

Find out more about this smile restoration option by booking a consultation with your dentist.

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28666845/
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cre2.521
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1991790214000786

The post What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what exactly are these professionals looking for during a routine exam? Here’s what your dentist will check during your appointment.

Tooth Decay

Since early tooth decay generally doesn’t cause symptoms, one of the best ways to identify cavities in the making is with a routine dental exam. Your dentist will carefully check each of your teeth for evidence of decay, which can present as unusually white areas on the teeth or dark areas that look like stains [1]. Part of checking for cavities typically includes x-rays, as these allow your dentist to identify decay in areas they can’t see with their eyes alone.

Gum Disease

Your dental team will also check for evidence of gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can be identified by red or irritated gum tissue that is pulling away from the teeth. However, your dentist will also check the pocket depth between your gums and your teeth to evaluate gum health and diagnose gum disease. A pocket depth of between one and three millimeters is considered normal [2].

Oral Cancer or Lesions

Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco products, your dentist will conduct an annual oral cancer screening during your regular appointment.

This screening is painless and involves your dentist checking the inside of your mouth for any unusual coloring or lesions. Your dentist will also feel the side of your face, neck, and jaw for any lumps or bumps that could be indicative of oral cancer.

Dentists are often the first professionals to come into contact with oral cancer, and will let you know if they find anything suspicious during your exam [3].

Checking Salivary Glands and Tonsils

Did you know your dentist can check your salivary glands to determine if you have dry mouth?

During your exam, your dentist will gently palpitate your salivary glands to determine if you have adequate saliva flow, as dry mouth is a risk factor for oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral thrush.

Your dentist will also check your tonsils to be sure they are not infected or do not show any signs of irritation that could indicate illness.

Bone Loss in Your Jaw

If you are missing teeth and haven’t had them replaced, some missing bone in your jaw is to be expected. However, bone loss in the jaw can also result from arthritis, osteoporosis, and jaw or facial injuries.

X-rays allow your dentist to see if you are lacking quality bone in your jaw, which could be an indication of an underlying health problem, especially if you are not missing any natural teeth.

Keeping your jawbone strong and healthy is important for a beautiful smile!

Don’t Skip Your Next Checkup!

A dental checkup is an excellent opportunity for your dentist to evaluate your oral health and for your hygienist to do a professional cleaning to keep your smile healthy. So don’t skip your next dental checkup—it may just save your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay#diagnosis
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease#diagnosis
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-
diagnosis-staging/detection.html

The post What Are Dentists Looking for During a Routine Exam? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What would cause teeth to suddenly become sensitive? The following are a few reasons why tooth sensitivity may suddenly be causing you significant discomfort.

An Injured Tooth

Injury to the teeth can cause tooth sensitivity. If you already have tooth sensitivity, an injury can cause it to get worse. Types of damage include chipped or fractured teeth, loose teeth, and compromised tooth enamel.

When a tooth is injured, dentin—the layer below tooth enamel—becomes exposed. Enamel is designed to protect teeth, but when it is compromised, dentin allows the temperature of what you eat and drink, and even the air you breathe, to access the nerves inside your tooth [1]. When this happens, sensitivity is the result.

Tooth Decay or Infection

Although tooth decay does not show many early symptoms, once it progresses to involve the nerves inside your tooth, it can cause sudden sensitivity. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity because it results from enamel damage [2].

Likewise, a tooth infection can also cause sensitive teeth to happen suddenly. A tooth infection can result from tooth decay or an injured tooth—both causes of sensitivity to begin with.

It’s impossible to tell which one could be causing your sudden sensitive teeth without visiting your dentist for an exam.

Damaged Dental Restorations

A missing, damaged, or loose dental restoration has the potential to cause sudden sensitive teeth because the restoration is protecting more vulnerable natural teeth underneath it. Sudden sensitivity can happen when a filling falls out, a bridge becomes loose, or a dental crown is damaged.

Fillings, bridges, and crowns will all need to be replaced at some point, and if you suffer from teeth grinding or misuse your teeth, the restorations will be more at risk to become damaged and fall out. Your dentist can check the integrity of your restorations during your regular checkups.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is another common cause of sudden tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can progress without treatment to cause painful sensitivity and chewing as the result of gum recession and loose teeth [3].

Warning signs of gum disease include puffy, tender, or red gum tissue along with bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. The earlier you address and treat gum disease, the higher chance you have of reversing the condition and painful tooth sensitivity.

Overuse of Whitening Products

Although having whiter teeth can improve your smile, using whitening products as directed is crucial to protecting your teeth. Some people may overuse over-the-counter whitening products in an attempt to get whiter teeth faster, which can result in sudden tooth sensitivity [4].

The best way to safely get a whiter smile is with your professional dentist, who can whiten your teeth in just one day with brighter and more even results than store-bought kits.

Are You Experiencing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

If you have sudden tooth sensitivity, don’t wait to see your dentist. Sudden sensitivity is not normal and is usually indicative of a problem with your smile that would benefit from treatment sooner rather than later. Protect your teeth and prevent your sensitivity from getting worse by contacting your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)65480-5/fulltext
2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/tooth-decay
3. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#Warning
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23846062/

The post Why Are Your Teeth Suddenly So Sensitive? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Where regular braces apply force to the teeth through the wire that connects all the brackets, Invisalign applies pressure to specific areas of the teeth through a series of clear aligners. Let’s take a closer look at how exactly Invisalign works and what you can expect from you treatment.

Map Your Treatment Step by Step

Meeting with your orthodontist for an Invisalign consultation allows them to take a 3D digital scan of your teeth to map your potential treatment step by step [1]. Your provider will let you know how long your treatment will take, how many aligners will be used in the series, and what your smile will look like when the process is complete.

With Invisalign, each patient has a specific, customized series of aligners. Each set is designed to move different teeth and account for the changes the previous set of aligners has made as you progress through your treatment.

Aligners are changed every few weeks as your teeth move into their correct positions and you begin to see your smile come together.

Aligners Shift Your Teeth Into Place Over Time

As your teeth shift with Invisalign, your body compensates for the change by modifying the bone as the teeth slowly move. It will break down the bone and ligaments that hold the tooth in place and help it shift in the proper direction, where new bone and attachments will form [2].

Your Invisalign provider will see you for checkups when the aligners are swapped out to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are moving as intended. For some patients, Invisalign will result in a faster treatment time than conventional braces.

Your provider will let you know what to expect before you begin treatment so you can make the best decision for your orthodontic care.

Some Treatment Cases Will Include Attachments

Invisalign works by using clear aligners to shift teeth. However, some patients may also benefit from Invisalign attachments and buttons, which can help increase the efficiency of tooth movement in certain cases [3].

Attachments are tiny “dots” made with a composite resin that are bonded to your tooth enamel. These attachments, sometimes called bumps, give the Invisalign aligners a more secure grip and can accelerate tooth movement. There are also attachments called buttons, which can work with elastic bands to move teeth.

Even if you need Invisalign attachments, it will not alter your treatment process. Your aligners can still be removed and you will still have a clear, discreet system to shift your teeth.

Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

The only way to know if Invisalign treatment is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with an Invisalign provider. Your provider will let you know if you qualify, what your treatment will look like, and what you can expect. Is Invisalign the best choice for your orthodontic care? Find out by consulting your local provider today.

Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X17307647
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778413/

The post How Exactly Does Invisalign Work? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.