by Dr Brody | Orthodontics
New Year, New Smile with Invisalign
As we welcome in 2018, many people will make resolutions to improve their health or enhance their appearance in some way. We have a solution that will cover both with very little effort–Invisalign! For many of us, having crooked teeth is a source of embarrassment and may keep us from having the self-confidence we desire. While this is enough of a reason to seek out teeth straightening treatment, there are a number of other health-related reasons as to why straight teeth are important for a person’s overall well-being.
As we welcome in 2018, many people will make resolutions to improve their health or enhance their appearance in some way. We have a solution that will cover both with very little effort–Invisalign! For many of us, having crooked teeth is a source of embarrassment and may keep us from having the self-confidence we desire. While this is enough of a reason to seek out teeth straightening treatment, there are a number of other health-related reasons as to why straight teeth are important for a person’s overall well-being.
Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall general health. Crowded or misaligned teeth not only look unsightly, but they can also make cleaning the teeth difficult. Teeth that cannot be properly cleaned can eventually contract periodontal or gum disease as well as cavities. And correctly aligned teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite such as speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. As the gateway to the rest of the body, if oral health problems are not addressed they can lead to more seriouos physical ailments. In fact, studies have shown that oral infections can lead to other more serious ailments such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and diabetes. There’s no question that correcting dental issues with Invisalign improves your oral health and makes you feel healthier all over!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is comprised of a series of virtually invisible, plastic trays that are custom-made for you to move your teeth in a sequence determined by the doctor. These trays are worn for 20-22 hours per day and gently shift the teeth through the placement of controlled force with each unique tray. Once movement has been achieved with a particular tray over a period of several days to two weeks, the next tray in the sequence is given to you to guide the teeth further into position. The length of treatment and number of trays depends upon the severity of your case, however, the average length of time to complete treatment is 6 - 9 months.
Getting Started
Are you interested in the benefits of Invisalign and wonder if it’s right for you? Determining if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign simply requires a quick appointment to take 3-D picture of your teeth. The days of goopy impressions are gone. Today we merely use a camera to create a digital model of your mouth and can easily allow you to see how your teeth will look at the end of your treatment.
With a new year here, there’s never been a better time to improve the quality of your life with a new smile! What are you waiting for?
It’s a wonderful feeling to have a healthy smile you’re not afraid to show off. You can start the new year off right by scheduling a free consultation with our friendly front office team! Call (303) 688-2229 today.
![Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces]()
by Dr Brody | Orthodontics
Comparing Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
If you are like nearly half of the population, your smile could benefit from braces, so you might be comparing Invisalign vs. traditional braces. Realigning crooked or incorrectly spaced teeth improves your overall appearance and boosts your confidence. In many cases, undergoing orthodontic treatment also improves oral hygiene and increases comfort. For many people, especially adults, getting traditional braces is not an appealing option. Fortunately, there is an alternative. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that aligns and straightens the teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. To determine which option is best for you, there are a few things to consider.
Braces: Basic Differences
Traditional braces align the teeth using a system of metal brackets and wires. They are adjusted frequently to move the teeth into the correct positions, and they are not removed until treatment is complete. The Invisalign system relies on a series of trays to move the teeth. The trays are transparent, and each one is worn for about two weeks then replaced with the next in the series.
Appearance
For many patients, the most appealing thing about Invisalign is that it is virtually invisible. Because the trays are transparent, it is possible to wear the trays without friends, colleagues and even family members even knowing. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are impossible to hide and can lead to a great deal of embarrassment, especially for adult patients.
Convenience
Wearers of traditional braces often have to avoid some of their favorite foods until the braces come off. Sticky, hard or crunchy foods can damage the braces, or they can become stuck and be very difficult to remove. Invisalign users, however, are still free to enjoy all the foods and beverages they love. Because the Invisalign trays are not fixed in place, they are removed before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Clear Braces: Low Maintenance
With traditional braces, patients need to revisit the dentist frequently to have the braces adjusted. Invisalign users are able to visit the dentist less frequently because they can take home multiple sets of trays at each visit. The need for fewer office visits makes Invisalign a more convenient option for busy adults who cannot take time off work for frequent appointments. For many adult patients, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces, but it is not for everyone. Good candidates for Invisalign are people with minor to moderate alignment or spacing issues. To learn more about Invisalign and find out whether you are a good candidate for this treatment, contact us today by calling 303-688-2229.
by Dr Brody | Orthodontics
Invisalign: Right For You?
If you have crooked or unevenly spaced teeth, you are probably already wondering what your options there are for fixing your problem. While traditional metal braces are the first solution that usually comes to mind, they don’t always seem like a very attractive solution, especially for adults. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that is an ideal choice for many individuals who are looking to improve their smiles.
What is Invisalign?
In short, Invisalign is a system that, like traditional metal braces, is used to straighten the teeth and correct spacing issues such as gaps or overcrowding. Unlike traditional braces, treatment with Invisalign is discreet and does not interfere with your normal day to day life. Rather than wires and brackets, the Invisalign system straightens the teeth using transparent trays that are virtually invisible once in place. The trays are removed for eating and drinking, so you are still free to enjoy all your favorite foods and beverages without worry. Each tray is worn for about 2 weeks, then you move on to the next one. While traditional braces require frequent visits to the dentist for tightening, you can take multiple sets of Invisalign trays home with you and change them out as needed, reducing the number of trips you need to make to the office. Because Invisalign is convenient and the trays are nearly impossible to detect once in place, this system is a very attractive alternative to traditional braces.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. In general, the best candidates are people with teeth and gums that are in overall good, healthy condition. Invisalign is best for patients with teeth that are only slightly crooked or misaligned as the system does not work well in cases where the teeth are severely misaligned.
Invisalign is most often recommended for adults and older teenagers. Children and younger teens generally are not good candidates because many of the structures in their mouths are still growing. Invisalign also is not for people with underbites or overbites. If you have other dental modifications, such as a bridge, Invisalign may not work properly. Crowns, however, usually are not a problem. In some cases, though, it may be necessary for a dental composite known as an attachment to aid in the movement of the teeth.
What to Expect
Only a dentist can fully assess whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign, so the process begins with an Invisalign consultation, but you can start with this online smile assessment. If you are a good candidate, photos and detailed molds will be taken of your teeth and uploaded to a computer to create a 3-dimensional model. Using advanced software, your dentist works with Invisalign to create your perfect smile. Then, trays are manufactured and shipped to the office. When you receive your first set of trays, you will be given two to three additional sets. Change sets every two weeks or as your dentist recommends. The entire process takes less than a year in most cases.
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and find out if you are a good candidate, give us a call today at 303-688-2229 to schedule your appointment.
![Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces]()
by Dr Brody | Orthodontics
A Straighter Smile
A beautiful, straight smile is something many of us desire. Dealing with a mouth full of metal, however, is not an appealing idea, especially to adults. The field of adult orthodontics has come a long way, though, and when you visit Castle Rock Family Dental, you can get a straighter smile without the need for embarrassing wires and brackets.
Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontics isn’t just for kids and teens. In fact, more and more adults are opting to undergo orthodontic procedures for numerous reasons. Having a nice smile leads to increased confidence that can make one more successful in relationships and even at work. Because there are now alternatives to traditional braces, adults are feeling increasingly more comfortable with undergoing tooth straightening procedures. Invisalign, one of the most popular alternatives to traditional metal braces, is an excellent choice for adults for numerous reasons.
Why Invisalign?
When adults come into my office seeking treatment for crooked or incorrectly spaced teeth, I often recommend Invisalign. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign offers numerous benefits:
- It’s discrete. Though it is possible to get tooth colored brackets instead of traditional metal brackets for braces, they’re still impossible to hide. Invisalign is transparent, and, in many cases, no one will even know you’re going through treatment.
- You can eat what you want. While certain foods can become stuck in or even break traditional braces, the Invisalign trays are removed while eating or drinking, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages.
- Hygiene is easy. Invisalign trays also come out when you brush your teeth, so keeping your mouth clean is easy. The trays are also much easier to clean than traditional braces.
- It’s convenient. Once you’ve been fitted for Invisalign, I will give you 2-3 sets of trays at a time. This makes follow-up visits infrequent and convenient.
How it Works
Once I have determined that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, I will make a mold of your teeth and take some pictures to send to Invisalign. They use this information to create a detailed digital replica of your smile. I then work with Invisalign and, using state-of-the-art software, we turn your existing smile into a straighter, more beautiful one.
Once the digital version of your new smile has been perfected, Invisalign manufactures the necessary trays and ships them to my office. This only takes about a week. Once they arrive, I will make sure the first set of trays fits properly and, if necessary, place a few tooth colored attachments to ensure proper tooth movement. You wear each set of trays for about two weeks before switching to the next. Most patients require 10-20 sets of trays, so the entire treatment ranges from a few months to less than a year.
Regardless of your age, there is no need to live with crooked teeth. With Invisalign, you can have the beautiful, straight smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 303-688-2229 to schedule your appointment, and you will be on your way to improving your appearance and boosting your confidence!
Invisalign Preferred Provider
