Fixing Gaps With Invisalign

Dental gaps, often referred to as diastemas, can occur for various reasons, including a mismatch between teeth size and jaw size or due to missing teeth. While gaps don’t always pose serious health concerns, many people seek to close them for aesthetic reasons.

Invisalign is highly effective in treating gaps and spacing issues [1]. Through a series of aligners customized for gradual movement, Invisalign gently shifts teeth to fill in spaces. This precision alignment ensures that gaps close over time without causing undue stress on nearby teeth. The process can lead to a balanced smile and improved overall oral health.

Addressing Crowding Challenges

Teeth crowding happens when there is insufficient space in the jaw for all teeth to fit normally, causing them to become misaligned or overlap. Left untreated, crowding can lead to oral health issues, including difficulty cleaning, an increased risk of decay, and gum disease.

Invisalign aligners are designed to systematically move teeth into better positions [2]. The clear trays apply consistent pressure on various teeth to make room for an orderly arrangement. This method effectively alleviates crowding without the need for more invasive procedures like tooth extraction, which is often associated with traditional braces.

Correcting Overbites With Ease

An overbite, where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, can cause wear on tooth enamel and lead to jaw pain or biting difficulties. It is a common concern that many people seek to correct for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

Invisalign can also effectively address overbites [3]. The aligners work to gradually reposition both the upper and lower jaws, thereby reducing excessive dental overlap. This tailored approach not only improves the bite but also positively impacts facial aesthetics by realigning the jaw.

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign

While traditional braces can address these dental issues, Invisalign offers several distinct advantages:

• Aesthetics. The clear design makes them nearly invisible, offering a discreet way to enhance your smile.
• Comfort. Custom-made to fit your teeth, these aligners reduce irritation typically associated with metal brackets and wires.
• Removability. Aligners can be taken out, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss with ease.

Is Invisalign the Right Choice for You?

Modern orthodontic treatments like Invisalign have made it easier and more accessible to achieve a healthy, straight smile without the discomfort and visibility of traditional braces. If gaps, crowding, or overbites affect your confidence or oral health, consider Invisalign as a solution.

If you’re considering Invisalign to enhance your smile, reach out to your dentist to discuss your orthodontic options. A consultation can provide personalized advice and help you start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10597356/
2. https://www.jrmds.in/articles/the-effectiveness-of-invisalign-treatment-and-its-disadvantages-among-orthodontic-patients-in-ksa-89448.html
3. https://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406(16)30886-1/abstract 

The post Can Invisalign Fix Gaps in My Smile, Crowding, or Overbites? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, a common question among potential and current users is whether the straighter teeth benefits of Invisalign are permanent. Here’s what you need to know about the permanency of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

Post-Treatment Retention

Your newly straightened teeth after Invisalign can be permanent—if you follow your orthodontist’s instructions for post-treatment care.

After completing Invisalign treatment, you will typically be advised to wear a retainer—this is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your teeth remain in their new positions. 

Retainers hold your teeth in place as they adjust to their new alignment. The initial months after treatment are crucial, as your teeth can easily shift back to their original positions without the support of retainers.

However, orthodontists advise wearing retainers at least a few times a week for life, as your teeth will naturally try to shift back into their positions over time [1].

Oral Hygiene and Health

Good oral hygiene plays a significant role in maintaining the results of your Invisalign treatment. Gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss can all contribute to the movement of teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups with professional teeth cleanings are essential to ensure the health of your teeth and gums, which helps in holding the teeth in their new positions [2].

Ensuring Permanent Results With Retainers

Here’s how to ensure the best results with your newly straightened teeth after your Invisalign treatment:

• Wear your retainer regularly. Initially, you may need to wear it all day, transitioning to nighttime wear. It’s crucial to wear your retainer as directed to prevent teeth from shifting.
• Maintain your retainer. Keep it clean and replace it as recommended to ensure it remains effective at preventing teeth shifting.
• Regular dental visits. Keep up with dental visits to monitor your teeth positions and get professional advice on retainer usage.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

The benefits of maintaining straighter teeth are not only aesthetic but extend to overall oral health [3]. Proper alignment makes it easier to clean your teeth thoroughly, preventing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, improved alignment can alleviate unnecessary strain on your teeth, jaws, and facial muscles, reducing the risk of jaw pain and headaches.

Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

While Invisalign provides a discreet and effective way to achieve straighter teeth, the permanence of its benefits largely relies on consistent post-treatment care. Committing to using retainers and maintaining oral hygiene are key components of preserving your beautiful new smile! Take the first step toward a permanent radiant smile by consulting with your dentist or orthodontist about Invisalign.

Sources:

1. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9174873/
3. https://aaoinfo.org/resources/why-orthodontics/ 

The post Are the Straighter Teeth Benefits of Invisalign Permanent? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Crooked teeth affect more than just your appearance. When teeth don’t align together properly, they can cause oral health consequences that impact your smile. Here’s how misaligned teeth can affect your oral health as well as what you can do about it!

Crooked Teeth Are Difficult to Clean

When teeth are crowded or overlap, they’re difficult to properly clean. Even with the right tools and habits such as daily brushing and flossing, misaligned teeth make it more difficult to adequately remove plaque to prevent oral health problems.

If plaque is left on the teeth—especially near the gumline—it can build up and form into a hardened substance called tartar. Both plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. Having misaligned teeth influences your risk of developing gum disease in your lifetime [1].

Misaligned Teeth Can Increase Your Risk for Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is when you consciously or unconsciously grind your teeth. Bruxism is incredibly damaging to your teeth and could happen due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite [2].

When teeth don’t sit properly in the jaw, it can place stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to tension and pain. The relationship between bruxism and TMJ disorders is complex, but misaligned teeth are a risk factor for both conditions.

Potential Jaw Issues

Misaligned teeth can also exist with an improper bite, which can place stress on the jaw. This could lead to TMJ symptoms such as jaw stiffness and pain as we’ve seen, or it could even lead to problems with speaking and chewing [3]. Typically, people who correct their misaligned teeth experience a decrease in their symptoms and are able to chew and speak more comfortably.

Treatment Options for Misaligned Teeth

There are many treatment options for crooked teeth to help improve your appearance, your oral health, and your bite. Your choices will all depend on your unique case which makes getting an assessment with your dentist or orthodontist an important step.

You may have the option of going with a retainer-type device that helps move your bite or teeth into their proper positions, or, more commonly, you’ll have the option of braces or Invisalign. Your oral healthcare professional can let you know more about your treatment options during your consultation!

Are Misaligned Teeth Impacting Your Oral Health?

If you have misaligned teeth and your oral health has been impacted, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what can be done. Crooked teeth can influence your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw discomfort, and straightening your teeth can be an influential form of treatment to help improve your oral health!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#Risk
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/

The post How Misaligned Teeth Affect Your Oral Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Immediately Following Treatment, Wear 24/7

Immediately after getting your braces off or ending your Invisalign therapy, you’ll need to wear your retainer full-time, or, as recommended by your orthodontist. Some orthodontists may recommend a minimum of four to six months of full-time wear, while others will recommend a year [1]. This means that you’ll need to wear your retainer as often as possible both throughout the day and while asleep to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their original positions.

You can remove your retainer for eating and cleaning, but otherwise, try to wear it at all times!

You Must Continue to Wear Your Retainer for Life to Prevent Teeth Shifting

After the recommended full-time period of wearing your retainer is up, you will still need to continue to wear your retainer to stop your teeth from shifting. You won’t need to wear it 24/7, but you should aim to wear it nightly for the best results. Yes, this means for life! The good news is that there’s evidence to suggest that wearing your retainer part-time is just as effective at wearing it full-time, so even if you can only manage a few nights a week, it’s better than not wearing your retainer at all post-treatment [2]!

What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

If you neglect to wear your retainer—either immediately following your treatment or after you’ve worn your retainer full-time for several months—your teeth will begin to slowly shift back into their original positions, undoing all your orthodontic work. It’ll take time, but eventually, you could end up with an overbite, crowding, or alignment issues [3]. These are all reasons people seek orthodontia in the first place, and if you’ve spent months or years getting treatment, it’s likely you’re not anxious to have crooked teeth again!

Wear Your Retainer!

Wearing your retainer may feel like a chore at first, especially since you want to enjoy your beautiful new straight teeth once the braces are off! However, it’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions post-treatment to keep your teeth straight. Make a commitment to wear your retainer as instructed to help keep your smile in alignment for a lifetime of straight teeth!

Sources:
1. https://cao-aco.org/long-need-wear-retainer-braces/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26824885
3. https://www.angle.org/doi/10.2319/010210-7.1

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Why do some people need their wisdom teeth removed but others don’t? Essentially, people who don’t have enough room in their jaw to accommodate all four wisdom teeth will need to have these teeth removed. For people who have larger jaws to accommodate all their teeth, they may not need to have them extracted.

Here’s what else you need to know about who needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted.

When Removal Is Necessary: Impacted Wisdom Teeth

People whose wisdom teeth never fully erupt—also called impacted wisdom teeth—will need to have these molars removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth may partially come in through the gums, or they may come in at an angle that will disrupt the neighboring teeth. These impacted molars can result in infections and an increased risk for tooth decay, as they’re difficult to clean due to their status of being trapped in the gum tissue [1].

Wisdom teeth that are impacted will push against nearby teeth and can cause crowding, which could affect any orthodontic work you’ve previously had done, or make it harder to properly clean your teeth.

When Wisdom Teeth Can Stay: Plenty of Room in the Jaw

Some people will have their wisdom teeth come in completely without any issues. In cases such as these—provided there are no adverse symptoms—wisdom teeth may be fine to leave alone [2].

However, some patients who have plenty of room in their jaw for their wisdom teeth to erupt still experience symptoms that could necessitate removal. For example, wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth and be difficult to clean, increasing the chances that these teeth would experience tooth decay.

Have Questions? Schedule an Exam

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted or require removal is with a professional exam and x-rays from your dentist [3]. X-rays can reveal if these third molars are present and whether they’re coming in crooked. Some patients don’t even have wisdom teeth, or some people may only have two instead of four!

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure that can be done by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon. Recovery time typically only takes a few days, and the discomfort is minimal. Whether or not your wisdom teeth have already come in, your dentist can let you know if they’re healthy or if they could require an extraction in the future!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/expert-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
3. https://www.livescience.com/34755-impacted-wisdom-teeth-removal-oral-surgery.html

The post Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Extracted? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gapped teeth are common, and are usually the result of tooth misalignment or the size of your jaw as related to the size of your teeth. While some patients have aesthetic and functional concerns about their gapped teeth, others won’t. Either way, orthodontic treatment is typically a very straightforward way to fix gaps for most patients [1].

But do you really need to fix the gaps in your teeth? Here’s what you need to know.

A Gap Between the Front Teeth Can Cause Crowded Teeth or Bite Problems

For some people with a larger gap between their two front teeth, this spacing may not leave enough room for the neighboring teeth to come in properly, which can cause issues with tooth alignment and corresponding bite problems [2].

These issues can cause jaw pain, crooked or crowded teeth, or even an increased risk for tooth decay or gum disease. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to properly clean each tooth, which can cause plaque to build up in the mouth.

If you have chronic or intermittent jaw pain, or have crooked or crowded teeth along with your gap, it could be time to seek an orthodontic evaluation.

For Some Patients, Gapped Teeth Could Be a Sign of Gum Disease

If you notice your teeth are changing and gaps in your smile are either developing or existing gaps are becoming wider over time, this could be a sign of gum disease.

When plaque and bacteria irritate the gum tissue, it can lead to chronic inflammation and infection, which are seen in cases of more advanced gum disease. As gum disease progresses, the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place is damaged, and teeth can become looser [3].

All of this in addition to receding gum tissue can cause your teeth to appear more gapped than usual. Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own, and will require professional treatment from your dentist to remedy!

Your Gapped Teeth May Be Fine

There are many reasons a person’s teeth might be gapped, from genetics to lifestyle factors to even oral disease as we’ve seen. But for some people, gapped teeth don’t cause problems, and many people choose to keep their gapped teeth and forgo orthodontic treatment.

If you have any adverse oral health symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. He or she may refer you to an orthodontist for a more comprehensive evaluation of your gapped teeth to determine if they could be causing a problem.

Depending on your unique smile, gapped teeth may not be an orthodontic concern, although for some, they can be a cosmetic one. Getting treatment for gapped teeth is ultimately your choice, and your oral healthcare professionals can let you know more about your smile when you go in for an appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/diastema
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-gapped-
3. https://www.efp.org/patients/what-is-periodontitis.html

The post Are Gapped Teeth Really an Orthodontic Concern? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

These devices are custom made for your smile and typically involve metal wires and plastic—it might sound uncomfortable, but since it’s made for your unique smile, retainers are comfortable when worn properly!

However, many people don’t realize that they need to wear their retainer for much longer than expected. Depending on your unique case, most orthodontists recommend wearing these devices full-time for approximately one year after your orthodontic treatment is complete.

But do you need to wear your retainer forever? The answer may surprise you.

Yes, Because Your Teeth Will Shift!

Your teeth are vulnerable to shifting throughout your lifetime. Forces naturally exerted by the jaw when chewing and the aging process can cause the teeth to shift forward in the mouth, towards your lips.

This effect is amplified if you’ve received orthodontic treatment, as teeth can shift back to their original positions in the mouth. In order to maintain your newly-straightened teeth, you must wear your retainer for an indefinite amount of time after your treatment [1].

Don’t Worry, You Don’t Have to Wear Them 24/7

Generally, most orthodontists will recommend wearing your retainers nightly once your year or other specified time of wearing your retainers full-time is up. So while you won’t have to wear them during the day forever, you can and should still wear them every night to help maintain the alignment of your smile for the rest of your life [2].

Make Your Retainer Use Part of Your Oral Care Routine

It sounds like a big commitment to wear your retainer every night, but consider the consequences of not wearing your retainer.

For too many adults, having to invest in orthodontia again is an unfortunate reality of not wearing their retainer. For many, they had braces as a teenager but neglected to wear their retainer, forcing them to consider orthodontic treatment again as an adult.

It can feel difficult to get into a routine of wearing your retainer, especially if you haven’t worn it in a while. But the best way to commit to your straight smile is by incorporating your retainer use into your nightly oral care routine [3]. Keep your retainer case by your toothbrush to remind you to wear it!

Don’t Forget About Your Retainer!

It can be tempting to think that you’re finally done with orthodontic appliances, especially if your treatment was lengthy. But wearing your retainer is the best way to keep your smile straight and prevent the need for future treatment. Even if you wear your retainer only a few nights a week, it’s better than not at all. Stay invested in your beautiful new smile by wearing your retainer regularly!

Sources:
1. https://cao-aco.org/long-need-wear-retainer-braces/
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=retainers-keep-teeth-from-
3. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/post-treatment/

The post Do I Really Need to Wear My Retainer Forever? (And Why) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

You have modern options besides traditional metal braces if you’re concerned about your appearance while receiving treatment. Many adults are finally getting the treatment they need to have a pain-free, straight smile they can enjoy for life!

So what are some of your options for getting straighter teeth as an adult?

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for adults who may not want others to know they’re receiving treatment [2].

How does Invisalign work? Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear aligners that are custom made for your smile to gently shift your teeth into place. Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable and easier to wear than braces.

Another advantageous feature of Invisalign is that it’s removable. You can take the aligners out when eating and cleaning your teeth, which not only means you’ll have better oral hygiene during your treatment as opposed to regular braces, but you also won’t have the eating restrictions that come with regular braces.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are self-litigating braces, meaning they self-adjust and don’t require regular adjustments the way normal braces do. In fact, research shows that patients with self-litigating braces reported less pain and discomfort during their treatment than those with regular braces [3].

One of the features adults love about Damon braces is their clear brackets, minimizing their appearance on the smile while still allowing you to receive effective treatment. Their discreet presence means some people may not even realize you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance!

Lingual Braces

For a unique orthodontic option, you may consider lingual braces. Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but instead of the brackets being placed on the side of your teeth that people will see, lingual braces are placed on the backs of your teeth—meaning no one will see that you’re getting treatment!

Lingual braces provide patients a way to take advantage of all the benefits of traditional braces but without the appearance of them. With lingual braces, each bracket is customized to fit your unique smile, and some patients find the customized brackets more comfortable than those with regular braces [4].

To qualify for lingual braces, your teeth will need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets on the inside. Only your professional orthodontist can tell if you’d qualify for this form of treatment!

Schedule an Appointment with Your Orthodontist Today

With all the options available to you as an adult for straightening your teeth, why wait? Schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist today to learn more about each of these and more treatment options for finally getting your smile straight!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/adult-orthodontics/
2. https://progressinorthodontics.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40510-018-0235-z
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151365/ 4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273813387_Lingual_Orthodontics_simplifie

The post It’s Never Too Late for Braces: Check Out Your Options appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

These unique braces are made with the same surgical steel as traditional orthodontic brackets, and so are considered safe and effective to wear [1]. They provide fun bracket designs for your child to choose from!

What’s Different About WildSmiles Braces?

WildSmiles are designer braces that allow children and teens to get creative with their orthodontia. These special brackets give patients the freedom to choose from different bracket shapes, including stars, hearts, flowers, footballs, sports balls, and diamonds.

While WildSmiles braces allow kids to be expressive, they are first considered a form of professional orthodontic treatment. WildSmiles are just like traditional braces but with the ability to help patients choose their bracket style and get excited about braces!

Get a Custom Look with the Benefits of Regular Braces

While some kids dislike wearing braces, WildSmiles give children and teens a fresh take on orthodontia. In the past, braces have focused exclusively on correcting smiles, but with WildSmiles, kids can have the confidence of a custom look while still straightening their teeth.

WildSmiles doesn’t change the length of time or quality of treatment, and it won’t affect comfort either. Remember, the length of your child’s orthodontic treatment will depend on their unique smile as determined by a professional orthodontist.

The average treatment time for braces is approximately 24 months, but every case is different. Some patients will only need to wear braces for a few months while others will need them for a few years [2].

What Cases Can WildSmiles Braces Treat?

Since WildSmiles brackets work just like regular braces, they can treat all cases that traditional braces with standard brackets can treat. The only difference is that WildSmiles brackets extend beyond the “wings” on the bracket—the metal above the slot where the wire goes through—so you can see the shape, and doesn’t affect the cleaning of your child’s braces.

Regular braces are an excellent treatment option for all types of issues with your child or teen’s smile, including misaligned teeth, an irregular bite, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth. This means WildSmiles can work for nearly all orthodontic cases!

Contact Your Orthodontist to Learn More!

While not every orthodontist is a WildSmiles provider, you can ask your orthodontist if WildSmiles brackets are an option for your child. There’s typically no additional charge for these fun shapes, and they can make your child’s treatment time feel more fun and personalized than standard brackets. Ask your orthodontist about WildSmiles today!

The post Make Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment Fun with WildSmiles Braces appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Your kids aren’t limited to choosing just one type of treatment anymore. Where traditional braces were the only choice years ago, your children have more orthodontic options than ever. What types of treatment are available today?

Damon Braces

Damon braces are effective at correcting crowded teeth among other issues, and some studies even show that damon braces result in a faster treatment time than traditional braces [1]. But why is this, exactly?

Damon bracesare self-litigating, which means they adjust themselves as the teeth move into their proper positions. What this means for you is fewer orthodontic visits and a sustainable orthodontic treatment that requires fewer adjustments.

Another benefit to damon braces is that they feature clear brackets, which means they are less noticeable on the teeth than traditional braces, making them a popular alternative.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but with a twist—the brackets go on the backsides of teeth. So while your child will be getting effective orthodontic treatment, these braces will be invisible from the outside of their mouth!

Not everyone will qualify for lingual braces, as the backsides of the teeth need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets, but studies have shown lingual braces to be an effective form of orthodontic treatment [2].

Invisalign

Invisalignis a form of orthodontic treatment that uses various sets of clear aligners that are swapped out as your treatment progresses and your teeth shift into place.

Treatment with Invisalign can tackle a wide range of orthodontic issues. Children, teens, and adults all love Invisalign because the treatment is virtually invisible when you’re wearing the aligners, which need to be worn for at least 20 hours every day.

Although Invisalign has some limitations with what issues it can treat, it’s easy to use, comfortable to wear, and allows patients to remove the aligners to clean their teeth—resulting in “superior” oral hygiene compared to traditional metal braces [3].

What Treatment Is Best for Your Child?

Your professional orthodontist can evaluate your child’s smile to determine which form of treatment would be best for them. Whether you love the idea of being able to remove the Invisalign aligners for cleaning or want a more traditional form of treatment like damon or lingual braces, your orthodontist can help you make the best choice!

Sources:
1. http://www.tmj.eg.net/article.asp?issn=1687-
8574;year=2016;volume=13;issue=1;spage=18;epage=27;aulast=Sayed
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26359019
3. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-73/issue-3/263.pdf

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