No more metal mouth, only discreet, convenient, fast Invisalign®
It's been a long time coming, but one day you look at yourself in the mirror and you decide you are ready. You are ready to take your oral health seriously and it's time to straighten your crooked, misaligned teeth.
While you might have some reservations and concerns about time, cost, pain, and all the traditional worries associated with orthodontics, let us re-assure you we've come a long way from the metal mouth you are thinking about.
You think about orthodontics and chances are you conjure up images of lengthy, tiresome processes involving braces, headgear and other awkward appliances. Today, the options are so much more effective and advanced there's a chance some people won't even notice you are wearing "braces".
Another benefit to straightened teeth? Aesthetics aside, you need to look at the health of your mouth. Crooked and misaligned teeth could result in a myriad of problems ranging from sleep apnea to neck and back pain to migraine headaches. Little Rock cosmetic dentist, Dr. Khullar is trained and certified to help you decide if you do indeed require braces and, more so, what option is best suited for you.
What is Invisalign®?
One of the first concerns people have about braces is how it's going to impact their looks. Especially as an adult, the idea of sporting unattractive metal braces for what feels like forever, can be extremely discouraging. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.
Invisalign® treatments are a series of custom-made aligning trays. Every several weeks, cosmetic dentist Dr. Khullar, will change the trays to fit your new tooth configuration. A huge advantage to this treatment is what we refer to as patient-controlled. Invisalign® aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions. You can decide if, or when, to temporarily remove the trays.
Can my bite be corrected with Invisalign®?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.
Commonly corrected problems - solved with Invisalign®:
OVERCROWDING - When there isn't enough space for your teeth to normally align in your mouth, it leads to overcrowding. This can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
LARGE GAPS BETWEEN TEETH - This can occur at times because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
CROSSBITE - This frequent problem occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
OVERBITE - This problem happens when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
UNDERBITE - This is the opposite of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.
Invisalign® vs. traditional braces
Invisalign® aligning trays and traditional dental braces are two different ways to align your teeth. There are different things to consider when deciding which treatment is best for you...
Invisalign® is different from traditional braces because aligning trays are completely and fully removable. This means more discipline and commitment is required on your end, however, this generally isn't a problem since the trays are comfortable and almost invisible. Nearly identical results can be obtained by using either treatment.
What does Invisalign® treatment involve?
The first thing cosmetic dentist, Dr. Khullar will do is devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays. Next, three-dimensional digital images are taken of your entire jaw. These images allow us to use a computer screen to move specific teeth, view the jaw from various angles, and also project what your face might look like in years to come. Essentially, this technology can show how Invisalign® trays will change your facial aesthetics.
A unique set of aligners is made once planning is complete. The total amount of aligners required depends on your individual case but 20 - 29 sets per arch is typical.
What are some considerations when wearing Invisalign® trays?
Living with Invisalign® aligning trays might take a few weeks to get used to. Besides the occasional special event, the only time the trays should be removed is when you're eating or drinking. It's important to do this because food can become trapped between the teeth and the tray which can lead to tooth decay.
Typically new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be monitored with the naked eye. Clearly, Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics for being both comfortable and effective.
Straighten teeth quietly, comfortably and beautifully
Unlike traditional braces of the past, Invisalign® can straighten your teeth quickly and without any noticeable metal braces or awkward, expensive headgear. They are more comfortable than metal braces, they require no tightening and they are less visible than the chunky, clumsy braces of yesterday. The best part is you are able to remove them so they don't interfere with eating, brushing and flossing. And in about a year's time, all you're left with is a beautiful, radiant smile.
