Getting your braces off is a great feeling. You’re finally free of the mouthful of metal. But even though your braces have been removed, your orthodontic care is not over. If you want to keep your teeth as straight and perfect as they are now, you’ll need to wear retainers.
After Invisalign® treatment, wearing retainers won’t be much different than what you’ve been doing the past few years. They are very similar to your plastic aligners.
Do you have some questions about retainers following braces or Invisalign? Here’s what you should know.
What are retainers?
Retainers are orthodontic appliances that hold the position of the teeth to prevent shifting. They are sometimes made of plastic, a combination of plastic and metal, or just metal. Here are the different types:
- Clear trays. These are made of clear plastic and fit over your teeth just like Invisalign aligners do.
- Hawley type. These are partly made of plastic that fits against the soft tissue behind the teeth with a metal wire that wraps around the front side of your teeth.
- Fixed retainers. These consist of a metal wire that is permanently attached to the back side of the lower teeth. This retainer has some distinct pros and cons. The pro is that the retainer is permanent so you never have to worry about remembering to wear it or risk losing it. The con is that it is more difficult to clean around, requiring you to thread your floss underneath the wire when flossing. Another consideration: if you’re going to have to wear a removable upper retainer anyway, why not just wear a removable bottom retainer as well?
Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer for you to keep your teeth in proper alignment for the long term, taking your lifestyle into consideration.
How much do I need to wear my retainers?
Retainers are typically removable and will only need to be worn at night after the first week or two, so they are barely even an inconvenience. During the first week it is recommended that you wear your retainers all the time so that you can get used to them and to keep teeth from shifting, as they are more prone to do so in the first week after having your braces removed.
What happens if I forget to wear my retainers?
If you forget to wear your retainers for too long, they may not fit when you put them in again, meaning your teeth have shifted. If they feel tight when you put them in, it could mean that you forgot to wear them the night before. In this case wear them for the night and also the next day to ensure your teeth shift back into place.
If your teeth shift too much, you may have to go through the entire process of wearing braces or aligners again, which is something no orthodontic patient wants to do. Be responsible about wearing your retainers and you can keep your teeth straight for the rest of your life.
How should I clean my retainers?
The best thing to do is brush your retainers after you brush your teeth every morning. It is important to brush both your teeth and your retainers to keep tartar and plaque from building up. Dry your retainers and store them in the case your orthodontist provided you. The case keeps them safe, especially from pets who seem to think retainers make a good chew toy.
Achieve and Maintain Straight Teeth With Andover Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is a team effort between the patient, the parent, and the orthodontist. Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics can help you to achieve straighter teeth, as long as you do your part to get them that way and keep them that way. It is necessary to follow your orthodontist’s instructions while wearing your braces and about wearing your retainers afterwards. Cooperation is the key to success.
Call 978-475-0450 or request an appointment today. We look forward to helping you transform your smile and keep it looking great for years to come.
You had things all planned out. You’ve been wanting straighter teeth and you were ready to visit an orthodontist for a consultation when you got an unexpected surprise: you’re expecting! Now you may be wondering, can I continue with my plan to get braces? Should I wait until after the baby is born? Will I have more time now or later?
These are common questions many people have regarding pregnancy and orthodontics. At this time, there is no medical evidence to show that getting braces put on while pregnant would have any negative impact on your health or your pregnancy. However, there are some things to consider that may help you determine whether or not this is still the right time to start orthodontic treatment.
For a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan, it is necessary to take some X-rays. This would best be done before you become pregnant; however, we may be able to utilize some older X-rays from your dentist and/or postpone the X-rays until later in treatment. At Andover Orthodontics we are always ready to give you options.
This Could Be the Best Time to Get Braces
If you expect that your life will be busier once your baby is born, you are right. Starting the process now will likely be much easier than waiting.
Getting braces put on requires a consultation, an appointment to receive spacers, another appointment to have the braces put on, and then a series of follow-up appointments (about once a month) for adjustments and monitoring. The highest concentration of visits to your orthodontist will occur at the beginning of treatment, making this a more ideal time to get started.
Also, considering the average timeline of braces or aligners (1-3 years), if you start now you’ll likely be done with treatment by the time your baby is a toddler.
Pregnancy and Dental Health
Another consideration regarding braces and pregnancy revolves around dental health. Due to a variety of factors (such as calcium deficiency and morning sickness), you may experience an increase in tooth decay during and after pregnancy. Sometimes your gums may feel sore or bleed easier. Orthodontic care will not cause decay or gum disease as long as you take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing are vital to your oral health with or without braces. If you are careful to brush and floss around your braces you should have no greater risk of tooth decay than you would have otherwise, and if you choose aligners you remove them to brush and floss so it is very easy.
Pain and Sensitivity Increase During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause your nerves to be more sensitive. As a result, some people may experience greater pain while pregnant with braces. The good news is that it is usually short term discomfort which goes away in a day or two, and you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while you are pregnant to help relieve that pain.If the pain of braces concerns you, an alternative treatment would be Invisalign. This teeth alignment system uses clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them into place. You simply wear each smooth plastic aligner for a few weeks at a time and switch to the next one according to your orthodontists’ instructions. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you will find them to be more comfortable and easier to get used to than traditional metal braces.
Pregnant and Contemplating Braces? Andover Orthodontics Will Work With You
If you’re expecting and still want to pursue the option of orthodontic treatment, Andover Orthodontics is willing to treat you. As long as your doctor deems it safe, you can start treatment with braces or Invisalign during your pregnancy. We will do our best to ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.
Most of the time braces work properly and stay in place. But sometimes problems happen such as loose brackets and broken wires. What do you do if you have a problem with your braces?
The first step should be to call your orthodontist and explain the issue. You will most likely need to make an appointment to come in and have the problem fixed. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to minimize your discomfort until your appointment. If the problem occurs outside of your orthodontist’s business hours, you may need some advice on what to do until you can call in.
Here are some common problems with braces and how to fix them.
Pain
It is common to experience pain in your teeth and jaw-related to braces. As your braces push and pull your teeth around in your mouth, it will cause some pain from time to time. The worst of the pain is usually in the first few days after you get your braces put on. You may also have a day or two of discomfort after each visit to your orthodontist to have your braces adjusted.
This pain can usually be managed using over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Take it as directed until the pain subsides and eat a softer diet. You should feel better within a few days.
Irritation
The metal parts of your braces can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth, such as the inside of your cheeks and lips and sometimes even your tongue. This is normal at first and usually goes away as your mouth gets used to the braces.
For the initial irritation, it can help to use orthodontic wax over your brackets to block the metal from rubbing against your cheeks, lips, and tongue when you eat and talk. We gave you some wax in your initial kit, but you can usually find some at a drugstore if necessary. You can also treat the sore spots with topical oral pain relievers, such as Orajel. Another cure for the sores in your mouth is to swish with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of lukewarm water).
Broken Bracket
It is common for a bracket to pop off of a tooth now and then. Cement is used to attach them to the front of your teeth, but it is only so strong. Sometimes a bracket will break off of a tooth from eating hard candy, chewing ice, or biting into an apple (all things that are advised against while wearing braces). Other times it may come off on its own even if you are following all of the rules.
If the bracket is still attached to the archwire, leave it in place until you can get to the orthodontist. If it comes off completely, save the bracket and bring it to your appointment. It is usually not a major emergency but calls us so we can decide if we should make a new appointment to replace it or wait for your next visit.
Loose Band
A loose band can occur from chewing on something sticky or hard, or grinding your teeth. One can also fall off due to regular wear and tear or a breakdown of the cement holding it in place.
If one of the bands from around a molar comes loose you can push it back down. If it falls off completely just keep it in a baggie. Either way, you need to call your orthodontist and make an appointment to have it replaced.
Poking Wire
It happens often; you’re between appointments and suddenly there’s a wire that’s poking you where it wasn’t before. This can happen as a result of the teeth shifting or from eating something that bent a wire.
You can cover it with wax. You could also attempt to bend the wire back into place using a pencil eraser. If you are unable to fix it in a way that will do until your next scheduled appointment, call and make a new appointment to have it corrected. You don’t have to suffer the irritation of a poking wire for weeks until your regular appointment.
Tips from Andover Orthodontics
At Andover Orthodontics, we want your experience with braces to be as comfortable as possible. We recommend the above tips to help you troubleshoot any problems you may have. Your first days in braces can be especially difficult, but it doesn’t take long at all to get used to them. Your pain and irritation will lessen with each day.
If you are experiencing any problems with your braces, call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a visit or request an appointment to address the issue.
Do you find yourself wishing for straighter teeth? Maybe you have a few crooked teeth or gaps that you’d like to correct to improve your smile. Or perhaps your dentist has recommended braces due to some alignment issues that may be causing damage to your teeth or making it more difficult to keep your teeth clean.
Whatever the reason, you have probably wondered whether getting braces as an adult is really the right decision. Maybe you’re unsure about the look or you don’t know whether or not they are worth the cost. Here are some things to consider to help you decide if adult braces are right for you.
Reasons Adults Get Braces
There are a number of reasons adults choose to get braces, and for many it’s a combination of different reasons, such as:
- Improve your smile. If you’ve ever looked at a picture of yourself and felt dissatisfied with your smile or critiqued your teeth in the mirror, you know what an effect it can have on your overall self-image. Your smile is a significant part of the first impression you make on other people, so you want it to be a positive one.
- Straighten misaligned teeth. Beyond cosmetic reasons, if your teeth are misaligned it can cause all sorts of problems from premature wear to more serious damage to your teeth. Crowded teeth can cause problems beneath the gum line and in the jaw. Straightening your teeth will alleviate these issues and more.
- Correct bite problems. A misaligned bite pattern can cause many of the same issues as misaligned teeth as well as some additional problems. Whether you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, any of these problems can cause jaw pain and damage to the teeth among other issues.
- Make it easier to keep teeth clean. Misaligned teeth can be hard to keep clean because your toothbrush may not be able to reach all of the surface area of each tooth. Crowded teeth or gaps between your teeth can make it easier for food to get stuck between the teeth and make it more difficult to clear out.
If any of these situations apply to you, it would be in your best interest to get braces. Braces can improve jaw pain and headaches, give you a terrific smile, and help you to preserve your teeth for the rest of your life.
Worried About the Look of Braces? Here’s Why You Don’t Need to Be
Sadly, many adults forgo the benefits of braces because they are worried about how they will look with braces on their teeth. But the good news is that advancements in technology have led to some options that are less noticeable. Some alternatives to traditional metal braces include:
- Clear Braces. Clear braces are made of ceramic and are the same color as your teeth so that they are barely noticeable. However the archwire that links the brackets together is still metal and visible, so they are not 100% clear. Still, they are much more subtle than metal braces.
- Invisalign. Consisting of clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth, Invisalign is the least noticeable option for teeth alignment. Virtually invisible, the clear aligners are digitally designed to fit snugly on the teeth. One major advantage to Invisalign over traditional metal or clear braces is that they are removable for eating and oral care.
Thinking Adult Braces May Be Right for You?
If you’re interested in getting braces, Andover Orthodontics offers complete orthodontic services for patients of all ages. Metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign are all offered at our office so that you can choose the option that is best for you. When you come to Andover Orthodontics, we will evaluate the current state of your teeth and make a recommendation for care that will give you the best overall results. Then you can decide if you’re ready to undergo the recommended plan for orthodontic care.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Invisalign is referred to as the clear alternative to braces. As opposed to metal or clear brackets, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and gently shift them into proper alignment. Since Invisalign was created and due to its success, other clear teeth alignment products have come about. If you’re thinking of trying one of these other teeth alignment systems, here’s what you should consider.
Key Characteristics
Each of the clear alignment systems on the market have key characteristics that set them apart from the others and should factor into your decision about which type would be best for you.
- In-office monitoring or at home only.
- Cost.
- Orthodontist vs. dentist.
- Length of treatment.
- Diagnostic methods.
These are the major differences between the different types and how they are administered. It’s up to you to decide what considerations are most important to you when it comes to choosing a treatment system.
In-Office Monitoring of Progress, Self-Treatment, or Video Consulting
Some clear alignment systems allow you to completely treat yourself at home. You do your own impressions and order the system online. Then you follow the treatment plan and wear your aligners as recommended. Some of these self-treating systems have office locations you can visit if you need assistance and others don’t. Some systems offer video conferencing with an orthodontist or dentist for assistance or to monitor your progress as you go.
Of course the risk with any self-treatment system is that there could be unrecognized error built in, from the diagnostics at the start of treatment through wearing the aligners until the end of the treatment. An orthodontist is trained to recognize any problems that may pop up and adjust the treatment accordingly. If you don’t end up with the results you were hoping for with self-treatment, there may not be any recourse other than to start all over with a different system.
With Invisalign the diagnostic records and digital scans are evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist and they design your aligner treatment. Progress is monitored at regular intervals along the way to ensure the most effective results. This ensures that not only does your smile look great, but it functions correctly as well.
Cost Considerations
Some of the alternative brands out there are comparable to Invisalign and others are priced lower. If cost is your only consideration, you may find that choosing the least expensive option may not give you the best results. You may end up having to pay for retreatment with an orthodontist negating any initial savings. It is worth talking to an orthodontist to understand your options. Sometimes an alternative treatment may be available which is even less expensive than the self-treatment option. Don’t forget, an orthodontist will have payment plans available to make your treatment affordable.
Monitoring by an Orthodontist or Dentist
What’s the difference between having your treatment system monitored by a dentist or an orthodontist? Both a dentist and orthodontist are experts in occlusion and oral health. They are able to recognize when something is going wrong with the alignment. An orthodontist has two to three years of extra education in how teeth move. An orthodontist can recognize difficult movements and make the appropriate aligner adjustments, even designing a new set of aligners part way through treatment if the teeth aren’t moving the right way. An orthodontist can even offer hybrid treatment for particularly difficult movements which may not be able to be treated by aligners alone. This hybrid treatment could involve placing a clear button or bracket on a few teeth for a short period of time while still using the aligners.
An orthodontist has the expertise to determine if the patient’s orthodontic issues would be best corrected via clear aligners in the first place. Some patients may ideally be treated with traditional braces. An orthodontist can explain the limitations of aligner treatment for your specific case so that you can make an informed choice of treatment methods. Choosing a system with periodic in-office orthodontic monitoring has distinct advantages.
Length of Treatment Differs Between Systems
Some alternative clear alignment systems list longer average treatment time frames than Invisalign and others shorter. In actuality, the length of treatment cannot be accurately determined until diagnostics are done, and even then it is just an estimate. Be wary of any system that claims to straighten teeth in a significantly shorter length of time than Invisalign. For example, 3-6 months is probably not a realistic estimate.
Diagnostic Methods
Another major difference between clear alignment systems is the method that the original diagnostics are collected. Some systems are done completely online, while others require a visit to an orthodontist or dentist. Doing your own digital impressions or images of your teeth may be convenient, but the margin for error is high. Professional assistance with this crucial part of the treatment plan is recommended.
Andover Orthodontics Recommends Invisalign
Among all the clear alignment systems, Andover Orthodontics recommends Invisalign for the following reasons:
- Diagnostics are accurately done in-office. A digital scan is used to create the aligners
- Treatment plan is designed and approved by an orthodontist before the aligners are created
- Small, clear attachments can be placed on certain teeth to improve how well the aligners will work
- Progress is monitored with regular in-office visits
- Length of treatment is average and realistic
- Cost is comparable to other treatment systems
We believe in this system because we’ve seen it work for many satisfied patients.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a more beautiful smile.
When your child uses a pacifier beyond the age of one year, you worry about your child’s teeth, you stress over the judgment from other parents, and you agonize over how to take away an object from your child that he or she has become emotionally attached to. Before we get into whether pacifiers are good or bad, we want to make it known from the outset that we sympathize and we don’t judge.
There’s also some good news: the science on pacifier use tells us something very different than what parents hear from busybody friends and relatives. Here’s what you should know.
Why the Controversy About Pacifiers
The arguments against pacifier use are three-fold: first, pacifiers may interfere with breastfeeding by causing confusion about latching. Second, pacifiers can cause acute ear infections. Third, pacifiers cause dental problems. Because we’re an orthodontic practice, we’ll leave the first two topics for your pediatrician and focus on the third.
From a dental perspective, pacifiers have been long thought to cause cavities, gum recession, and malocclusion (bite problems). Parents are told to stop using pacifiers as early as possible—or not at all—in order to avoid the dreaded “pacifier teeth,” which usually involves crooked teeth and a bite that does not close in the front.
What Science Actually Says About Pacifiers
Studies have found that many of the supposed consequences of pacifier use only exist when pacifiers are used after the age of five or when pacifiers are used inappropriately, like being dipped in honey or sugar before use. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children stop using a pacifier by age three; the American Dental Association recommends ending the habit by age four.
In other words, the fact that your two-year-old still uses a pacifier to fall asleep at night is not a big deal. There are differences in teeth between children who stopped using pacifiers by 12 months and those who continued to use them at 24 and 36 months, so kicking the habit by around age 2 is a good idea. Still, the worst problems are associated with pacifier sucking that continues far beyond that age; they will likely need to be corrected with interceptive orthodontic treatment.
It’s also important not to forget that pacifiers have benefits beyond quieting a fussing baby. They have been shown to reduce the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and they provide babies with a means of soothing themselves in stressful situations.
How to Wean Your Child from Pacifiers
The earlier you cut off the pacifier habit, the easier it is for the child to cope with the change. Around the one-year mark is recommended. For older children, it’s important to keep in mind the emotional attachment that’s at play—instead of forcing your toddler to go cold turkey, start with having your child use the pacifier when sleeping, then shift to nighttime only. Remove the pacifier from their mouth as soon as they fall asleep and be consistent—don’t allow other caregivers to give your child the pacifier while you’re trying to wean them from it. Praise and prizes work too, and if your child wants the pacifier during stressful times, provide them with emotional support instead.
Learn More About Pacifier Teeth
Are you concerned that your child has orthodontic problems from prolonged pacifier use? Contact us today at 978-475-0450 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Broccoli.
Have you heard of Invisalign? It is a method of straightening teeth that was created as an alternative to traditional braces. Alternative doesn’t necessarily mean better, it just means there’s another way. There are pros and cons to any method you consider for aligning teeth and bite patterns for best results. But if you’re thinking about trying Invisalign, here are 5 benefits to this method.
1. Virtually invisible.
Invisalign corrects your teeth and bite using a series of clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth, similar to retainers. These aligners are specially designed to move your teeth to the desired positions in a gradual process. When you are wearing your aligners, it’s almost impossible for anyone to tell that you’re wearing them. They won’t show or affect your speech.
2. Comfortable.
The plastic aligners are smooth and slightly flexible, which allows them to fit snugly over teeth without causing pain. They won’t irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue the way metal braces can. There are no brackets or wires to cause sores and no need for messy orthodontic wax to protect the soft tissues in your mouth.
3. Convenient.
Invisalign is hassle-free because the aligners can be removed when you eat, brush, and floss your teeth. You don’t have to restrict your diet. You can simply remove your aligners and still eat hard foods and candy, then put them back in afterwards (though you might want to brush your teeth first). You can forgo the tedious process of threading floss under wires between each tooth in order to floss your teeth while wearing braces.
4. Faster results.
Invisalign can often straighten your teeth and bite faster than traditional braces. But, in order to achieve these fast results, you must wear your aligners as instructed for at least 22 hours every day. It’s also important to switch aligners when your orthodontist recommends it. The gradual process of moving through the series of aligners is how Invisalign works to correct your teeth.
5. Improved treatment.
The technology behind Invisalign has significantly improved over the time since it was invented so that patients experience better results. As patients, dentists, and orthodontists have used Invisalign, the results are turned into feedback that translates to adjustments in the method and design technology. Constant improvement means more effective treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Now that you know the benefits, if you’re interested in trying Invisalign, here’s how it typically works.
The orthodontist will evaluate your teeth to determine if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign (in other words, will the method be effective for you). If so, digital impressions will be made of your teeth and entered into the computer system. Computer software can be used to show how your teeth will move throughout the process and what the final results will look like.
Next, your clear aligners will be made. You will come to the office to pick up your aligners, and have any needed attachments placed. Attachments are small clear dots of glue placed on some teeth to secure the aligners. You’ll need to wear the aligners as instructed for a certain period of time and visit your orthodontist occasionally for evaluations of your progress. As your teeth move you’ll be instructed to change to each consecutive aligner until the process is complete and your teeth and bite are properly aligned.
Finally you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in the proper alignment. You may only have to wear them at night to hold teeth in place.
Ready to Try Invisalign?
If you’re looking for an Invisalign provider, call Andover Orthodontics today at (978) 475-0450 to make an appointment for a free consultation. Dr. Anthony Broccoli will evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan to align your teeth and bite so you can smile with confidence. Proper alignment is crucial for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Is thumb sucking normal? Absolutely! Is it desirable? Well, that’s another story. The American Dental Association’s official stance on thumb sucking is that, if your infant has a thumb sucking habit, it’s best to redirect them to a pacifier. Pacifiers are easy to take away when it’s time for a child to be weaned from them; thumbs don’t work that way! That said, while it’s good to be aware of the potential problems that can be caused by thumb sucking, it’s also important not to over-react either.
Yes, Thumb Sucking Is Normal
Many children start their thumb sucking habits while still in the womb. In fact, you may even have an ultrasound image showing the earliest evidence of your child’s habit. Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that helps infants self-soothe. This habit often continues throughout childhood, with children sucking their thumbs to fall asleep, out of boredom, to help them concentrate, and as a coping mechanism.
When Thumb Sucking Is a Problem
Thumb sucking can create significant orthodontic problems. Thumb sucking habits tend to cause overbites, open bites, narrow jaws, and misaligned teeth. It can also impact the shape of the roof of the mouth. While these are all possible outcomes of thumb sucking, the science on the matter tells us that they only happen when thumb sucking extends far beyond the preschool years. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children stop using a pacifier or thumb sucking by age three; the American Dental Association recommends ending the habit by age four.
Most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. When the habit is stopped by four years of age, it’s unlikely to have caused any permanent damage to the teeth. Even when thumb sucking continues beyond the age of four, the amount of damage it causes can vary; children who suck their thumbs hard will have different outcomes than children who simply rest a thumb or finger in their mouths passively.
How to Stop Thumb Sucking
If your child has reached an age where thumb sucking should stop or their dentist has noticed potential issues that raise concern, it’s important to treat breaking the habit as a process. It’s not going to happen overnight and there will be bumps in the road.
Use positive reinforcement, praising your child for not sucking their thumb. If your child turns to thumb sucking for comfort during times of distress, provide them with the reassurance they need. Older children can also be motivated with a reward chart and other incentives, like working towards a special activity or toy.
A bitter spray or thumb shield can discourage the habit if behavioral modification hasn’t helped, and we may also consider using a habit device to stop thumb and finger sucking as part of an interceptive orthodontic treatment plan.
Learn More About Thumb Sucking and Orthodontics
Are you concerned about your child’s thumb sucking habit? Contact us today at 978-475-0450 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Broccoli.
You may have heard of Invisalign, perhaps seen commercials on TV or ads on social media. But do you know exactly what it is and how it works? Read on for a more in-depth look at Invisalign to determine if it may be the right treatment for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment for teeth that need to be realigned (straightened). It can also correct a variety of incorrect bite patterns such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It is a relatively new treatment that was invented as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
The teeth are aligned using a series of clear plastic trays called aligners that fit over the teeth and are virtually invisible. Certain teeth will have a small, clear dot of composite placed on them to help the aligner grab the tooth. These clear dots are called attachments. Rather than using metal or clear brackets and wires to move teeth, the aligners and attachments gradually shift teeth into their correct positions.
How Does it Work?
Invisalign clear aligners are strategically designed to move teeth into proper alignment. The patient is instructed to wear one aligner for a specific period of time, followed by the next aligner, and the next until the teeth are in the desired positions and the bite is properly aligned. There is not a set number of trays for each patient, it depends on each patient’s individual needs and the severity of the misalignment.
A Step by Step Guide to the Invisalign Process
If a patient is interested in Invisalign, the following steps are typical.
- Find an Invisalign provider, such as an orthodontist and make an appointment for a consultation.
- The provider will assess the patient’s teeth to determine whether or not they are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. This process may involve taking X-Rays and photos of the teeth.
- If the patient is a candidate, the provider will then make digital impressions of the patient’s teeth.
- Using advanced computer technology, the orthodontist will design a customized plan to correct the teeth and bite.
- The aligners are created.
- The aligners and attachments are placed, and the patient is instructed on how to wear the first aligner (how long, how often, and how to care for it).
- The patient returns for follow-up appointments at strategic times throughout the treatment (anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks). At each appointment the provider evaluates progress and instructs the patient on when to switch to the next aligner.
- When the treatment is complete and the teeth are in their desired position, it will be necessary to wear a retainer (often just at night) to keep the teeth in their proper alignment. Failing to wear retainers following treatment will allow teeth to return to their previous undesirable positions.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are quite a few benefits of Invisalign that cause more and more patients to choose this option, such as:
- Virtually Invisible. The clear aligners are almost completely unnoticeable and are far less conspicuous than traditional metal braces.
- Comfortable. The aligners are made with a high-tech material that is comfortable to wear.
- Convenient. You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth and daily wear does not affect your regular activities.
- Fast Results. When you wear your aligners as directed your total treatment time may be less than the time traditional braces would require.
- Effective. Invisalign has proven to be an effective treatment for the same issues that braces correct, such as overbites, cross bites, crowding, gaps, and more.
Andover Orthodontics is a Certified Provider of Invisalign
Are you looking for an orthodontist who offers Invisalign treatment? Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics has completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program and has successfully treated numerous satisfied patients. Are you ready to be another one? Call (978) 475-7780 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment.
Invisalign is the new alternative to traditional braces. The name Invisalign comes from the word “invisible” because they are clear and “align” because they move teeth into proper alignment. In addition to how they look, one of the biggest differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that dental offices offer them, making it unnecessary to see an orthodontist to get this treatment.
Although you could get Invisalign from a dentist rather than an orthodontist, the real question at hand is whether or not you should. What’s the difference and does it really matter? Let’s look at a few important considerations.
How Invisalign Works
The first step is an initial consultation where the dentist or orthodontist evaluates the patient’s teeth and determines whether or not they are an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment (in other words, deciding whether or not Invisalign would be successful in correcting the patient’s teeth). X-Rays and photographs will be taken of the patient’s teeth and mouth to help make this determination.
If the patient is a candidate, a digital scan will be taken of the teeth and a custom plan will be designed by the dentist or orthodontist to align the teeth using a series of clear aligners (similar to retainers). Designing the aligners for optimal tooth movement using Invisalign’s software is a critical step. Since orthodontists do extra training to learn how teeth move they are very comfortable with this design process. Most importantly, if the patient is not an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment an orthodontist can explain why and you will know what outcome to expect. Since the orthodontist is an expert in tooth movement, they can discuss different treatment options and therapy combinations to get you the results you want.
Patients then come in to get their aligners and any necessary attachments placed, and are instructed on how to wear the aligners for ideal results. The entire process typically takes from 6 to 18 months depending on how much movement is needed.
Training and Experience are Key to Choosing a Provider
When it comes to choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist for this treatment, one important factor is experience. You should look for a provider who has not only completed the required training, but who has used Invisalign to successfully treat a large number of patients.
Dentists and orthodontists must complete a training program in order to be certified to provide Invisalign to patients. An orthodontist already has advanced education in the alignment and correction of teeth, two to three years in addition to dental school. An orthodontist focuses on just moving teeth, whereas a dentist needs to focus on the repair and care of teeth and may not have the same concentrated expertise in the tooth moving field. An orthodontist can use many methods to align teeth and understands each method’s strengths and shortcomings. A dentist may only be able to offer basic Invisalign treatment.
The Final Verdict
The answer to the original question, of “Do you need to see an orthodontist for Invisalign?” is no. You don’t need to. But should you? The answer here is up to you. But is there a greater chance that an orthodontist will have more experience using Invisalign and treating the misalignment of teeth? Yes, because orthodontics is their main focus.
Andover Orthodontics
Dr. Anthony Broccoli has completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program and has successfully treated numerous patients including adults and teens using Invisalign. If you’re interested in trying this alternative to braces, call (978) 475-0450 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment.