What Are Invisable Braces?

Having crooked teeth can be quite problematic for someone — both aesthetically and functionally. You may be embarrassed to smile with your mouth open or you may find good oral hygiene difficult. Invisalign may be able to help! As dentistry continues to evolve, more and more dental practices are implementing Invisalign into their practices. The results that are produced from these clear aligners make them one of the best orthodontic treatment options available today. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign are clear dental aligners that are used to straighten a person’s teeth. They are almost always removable and are custom created for each person. Invisalign aligners can be used for either the top set of teeth or the bottom — depending on the need. 

Invisalign is one of many brands that creates and offers clear dental aligners to patients looking to straighten their teeth. They are a leading brand for clear aligners because they are efficient, simple, and produce great results. 

What Causes a Need for Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are typically needed when a person has crooked teeth. They may want to correct their uneven teeth for cosmetic purposes or for their oral health. Crooked teeth can cause a lot of problems within the mouth such as gum disease, tooth decay and even jawbone damage. 

When one’s oral health is at risk, it is important to consider orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. If there is a lot of buildup of food in between crooked teeth, Invisalign may be needed. Food that is built-up can cause rapid decay, bad breath, and plaque to build along the gum lines. This is because crooked teeth make it more difficult for the bristles of your toothbrush and even floss to reach those tight areas. Over time, built-up bacteria can cause the mouth odor. 

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign offers a lot of benefits that other teeth straightening methods don’t. They include the following:

• Straightens crooked teeth
• Removable aligners
• Clear in color which is discreet
• Custom-created for each person

Wearing Invisalign

When a person gets fitted for Invisalign, it is important for them to be well-informed of what’s involved in wearing them. While they are relatively straightforward and simple, there are a few important things to note. 

Invisalign aligners have to be worn at least 22 hours a day which can be difficult for some people, because they are removable. These clear aligners require quite a bit of discipline on the person’s part because without it, the aligners won’t be as effective. 

It is also important to understand that Invisalign aligners still require good oral hygiene. The aligners can be rinsed with warm water or mouthwash each day. And, the natural teeth must also be cleaned twice a day, at least. Some people opt to brush their teeth after eating each meal to ensure that the aligners don’t get caked up with built-up food once they are put back on. 

Flossing once a day and rinsing with mouthwash will also ensure that bacteria doesn’t build up in between teeth. Mouthwash will also keep the breath fresh which can be hard to maintain when wearing removable aligners such as Invisalign. 

Why Invisalign and not Traditional Braces?

A lot of people that consider orthodontic treatment don’t just consider one option. Invisalign is not the only method of orthodontic treatment that exists! Both traditional braces and ceramic braces are available today too. So, why Invisalign and not braces? 

Traditional metal braces consist of wires and brackets. The brackets are cemented to the front part of each tooth with a dental cement. Wires are then threaded through each bracket. Over time, the wires will work with the brackets to shift each tooth individually. Every few weeks, an orthodontist will go in and tighten the wires to adjust the way that they are threaded in between brackets. This tightening process is referred to as an adjustment and will help keep the teeth straight. Traditional braces are the most common method of orthodontic treatment because they have been around for many years.  

Another common orthodontic treatment that compares to Invisalign is that of clear braces. Invisalign is similar to clear braces because they are both clear in color and much more discreet than traditional metal braces. However, clear braces are made of ceramics and they still require brackets and wires to be put in place within the mouth. Instead of metal brackets, clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic ones which allows for less attention to be drawn to the teeth. The wires that connect each bracket is also clear in color. 

Traditional and clear braces function the same exact way, they just look different. Ceramic or clear braces are a bit pricier than traditional ones because ceramic materials aren’t cheap. However, both are much different than Invisalign aligners. 

Invisalign doesn’t require brackets or wires — clear or metal. They are relatively simple and don’t draw nearly as much attention to the mouth. However, Invisalign requires a lot of discipline. The timeline for treatment depends solely on the person’s decision to wear or not to wear their aligners for the necessary time. 

Deciding between Invisalign or braces comes down to the price, the look, the ease, and the patient! Most people are keen on having their orthodontic treatment be discreet. Invisalign aligners allow for almost 100% discreteness while both clear and traditional braces are still noticeable.

What is at Risk if I do not get Proper Treatment?

Healthy teeth are absolutely necessary in order to have a healthy mouth and body. Crooked teeth can result in excess buildup of plaque as well as a difficulty cleaning your teeth each day. Over time, this can affect the entire body in the following ways:

• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Bad breath
• Infection spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream
• Jawbone deterioration

Frequently Asked Questions: Invisalign

• Does Invisalign hurt? Invisalign aligners should not cause pain but with any orthodontic measure, some discomfort may be experienced. Discomfort comes from the teeth shifting into a straighter position. Any real pain may be abnormal and should be addressed by an orthodontist or dentist. 

• Is there a good time to get Invisalign? Most orthodontic specialists recommend that people get Invisalign (or other orthodontic treatment methods) during their younger years. Young people such as adolescents still have teeth that are growing and changing. The root system of their teeth isn’t fully set in which makes it much easier for the teeth to shift. 

• Is Invisalign expensive? Most orthodontic treatment methods can be pricey but the results tend to be worth it. Traditional braces and even clear ones are much more affordable than Invisalign but the ease of clear aligners often offsets the price. Skyline Dental Arts and many other dentist offices offer flexible payment plans so that patients can get the treatment that they need while also maintaining a safe budget. 

• How long do I have to wear Invisalign? Each person’s mouth is different, meaning that there is no one answer for a timeline. Come in for a consultation and we can determine how long you should expect to wear Invisalign. 

• Do I wear Invisalign while I eat? No! Invisalign aligners are to be taken out while eating and performing oral hygiene. However, these are the only times in which the aligners should be taken out. 

• What happens if my Invisalign aligners break? Thankfully, each Invisalign aligner is  part of a set. A person usually only wears a set of aligners for two weeks before tossing them for the next set. Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners also are “adjusted” every few weeks. Except with aligners, new ones are just worn! If an aligner breaks during treatment, the dentist will likely just suggest moving on to the next set. 

How can Skyline Dental Arts Straighten Your Crooked Teeth?

Fortunately, we have a team of well trained professionals to care for your dental needs. Let our caring team at Skyline Dental Arts get you on the path toward straight teeth and improved overall health. Give us a call at 540.513.4500 today and schedule an appointment.

After a thorough evaluation with our team, you may be able to get started with Invisalign aligners. It’s as simple as having impressions taken and then waiting! A dental lab will specifically create your Invisalign aligners for you so that they fit perfectly. 

Every few weeks, you will switch out your aligners for a new set. These will help keep up with the progression that your teeth are making. An orthodontist or Invisalign specialist will also need to evaluate the progression to determine how much longer treatment is needed. 

We have helped save patients’ teeth, and given them the smiles that they deserve and desire. However, the timeline will vary depending on each patient’s mouth. A well deserved and desired smile may take some time to achieve, but with the help of Skyline Dental Arts, that can happen, in no time at all!

The Results

We have had patients so excited about the treatment that they received from Skyline Dental Arts that they come back and tell us about their experience. It may be that their teeth are completely straight, or that when they chew, it is an even bite. Whatever it is, we are excited to be able to help people smile confidently each and every day. 

If you are interested in Invisalign with us then reach out to our office today. We can get you scheduled for an appointment!

Experiencing tooth pain? In need of a root canal? You may want to consider exploring endodontics. Endodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on the soft inner tissue of the teeth, which is often referred to as the pulp. 

Most people don’t ever have to see an endodontist, unless they have a pretty severe root canal. However, they do more than just treat root canals. Ever had a toothache that just won’t go away? Your general dentist may end up referring you to an endodontist. 

Endodontics is a special field of dentistry that can significantly help someone who is in pain. If you’re curious about endodontics or if you have questions about what an endodontist does then you may find this to be a helpful read. We discuss what you need to know about this field of dentistry! Read on to find out more. 

What Exactly is Involved in Endodontics?

The field of endodontics is essentially the study of the root or pulp of a tooth. When someone has a toothache, and the general dentist can’t find the source, they will refer the person to an endodontist because they have undergone an additional 2 years of specialized training..  

Studying, diagnosing, and treating pain within the teeth is the primary focus of endodontics. Endodontists seek to  improve techniques that are used in pain management procedures such as root canals.

What to Expect During Endodontic Treatment

The most common  endodontic treatment is a root canal because it directly involves the root of a person’s tooth. Knowing what to expect from a root canal can be helpful. Historically, people have said that root canals are extremely painful but as time has passed, the technology has improved which has allowed for less pain to be felt. Read more to find out what to expect from a root canal and other endodontic treatments. 

Each person’s endodontic treatment will vary based on their pain or inflammation but typically, a similar process is followed. 

1. A local anesthetic is administered which ensures that pain isn’t felt. 
2. Isolation of the tooth will take place through a latex sheet. This ensures that the tooth remains clean and dry during the procedure. 
3. The infected portion of the tooth will be removed through laser treatment or a drill. 
4. An endodontist will clean out the interior portion of the tooth, removing any leftover debris. 
5. The tooth will then be filled and sealed off with a dental crown, thus preventing any further damage. 

The process of endodontic treatment may not be completed within one visit. Often times, the endodontist recommends multiple appointments so that pain is minimal. However, depending on the severity, the root canal therapy may be able to be completed in one appointment. It all depends on each person’s situation. 

Ultimately, it is best to consult with a dentist who has experience with endodontics, specifically root canals. They can evaluate you to determine what your treatment process may look like. 

What a Dentist Can do

Dentists undergo extensive training in order to best prepare themselves for anything urgent. Toothaches and pains tend to be emergent which can easily be addressed by a general dentist. 

Endodontics is a field that all dentists get trained in so that they can perform root canals and other necessary therapy to relieve a person of any pain or discomfort that they are experiencing. Root canals are often necessary for endodontic therapy because they clean out the pulp as well as prevent any further damage. 

Dentists can provide their patients with necessary pain management tools so that during therapy, they can find relief. Root canals are said to be pain-inducing but with the help of pain management from a dentist, endodontic therapy may be easier to get through. 

After Endodontic Therapy

Traditionally, a lot of people are under the impression that root canals are extremely painful and unbearable but that is far from the truth. While you may experience some sensitivity or inflammation, that doesn’t necessarily mean pain. Thankfully, modern improvements in pain management have made dentistry and endodontic therapy much more comfortable. Plus, most dentists specialize in pain management – they want their patients to be comfortable! 

Again, a lot of people are different, meaning they will likely react differently to the aftercare process, but for the most part you can expect a much more comfortable experience than even 10 years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Endodontics is a field of dentistry that doesn’t get discussed a lot which means there tend to be a lot of questions. Below, are some of the most common ones!

• What causes toothaches? Toothaches tend to occur because the interior portions of a tooth are infected. Infections occur due to bacteria build ups or lack of oral hygiene. An endodontist can easily reduce your toothache or at least manage it so that it is bearable. 

• Can a general dentist perform endodontic treatment? Yes, but not as advanced. General dentists undergo some training in endodontics but it is always best to see a specialist because they study endodontics more in depth. 

• Do root canals hurt? Yes and no. After a root canal procedure is over, there may be slight discomfort but thankfully, the technology has improved which allows for less invasive methods of treatment. And, pain management has increased significantly.

• How can my pain be managed? Pain can be managed through the use of oral medications as well as numbing agents. 

• Can I be sedated for a root canal? Yes! And, it is actually recommended. There are numerous forms of sedation including light, moderate, and extensive. 

Contact our Office Today!

Are you in need of endodontic therapy? If your toothaches are unbearable then it may be time to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Our office full of dentists can help you explore endodontic therapy so that your pain is reduced and manageable. Give us a call or stop by, we are here to help you in any way that we can.  

Biography

Dr. Selim is a certified general dentist who studied at Cairo University, where he was also certified as an endodontist. He completed his AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) residency in Maryland and today, he practices general dentistry in order to keep his patients healthy and happy! Aside from dentistry, Dr. Selim also focuses on overall health to help improve everyone’s well-being.