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Braces and transparent aligners, such as Invisalign, are orthodontic procedures used to correct malocclusion (crowded, protruding, or crooked teeth) and improve the appearance and feel of your smile. Both teeth-straightening treatments use pressure to realign the teeth and jaw, correcting a malocclusion, sometimes known as a "bad bite."

Traditional braces are typically made of brackets attached to a wire and fitted to your teeth. Clear removable aligners, like Invisalign, were developed more recently to solve some of the issues associated with traditional braces.

This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign and braces, covering procedures, costs, aesthetics, comfort, effectiveness, and care. Using this information, determine which one best meets your needs.

Comparing Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign and braces work similarly to fix tooth alignment and spacing issues. Examine the differences between these orthodontic devices in cost, appearance, comfort, efficacy, speed, and more.

Comfort

According to research, those who wear traditional braces report more pain and discomfort than those who use Invisalign, particularly in the first few weeks of therapy and whenever their orthodontist tightens them.

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, may take some getting used to. In the first few days of treatment, patients may experience increased salivation and speak with a lisp.

Braces can also be painful because the metal scratches or rubs against the inside of your mouth. Invisalign provides a smoother, softer feel.

Effectiveness and Speed of Straightening

The FDA has approved both Invisalign and braces for the orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.

Invisalign is primarily used to address mild to moderate dental issues. Braces are frequently preferred and more effective in challenging circumstances, such as rotated teeth, wide gaps, or significant crowding.

People usually wear Invisalign for 12 to 18 months. However, some may only need it for six months. Fixed braces, on the other hand, can take one to two years to work correctly. The length of time depends on various characteristics, so speak with your orthodontist about what to expect for your case.

Eating

Avoid foods that may stick to or damage the brackets if you have braces. Avoid hard foods such as apples, pears, carrots, popcorn, nuts, and sticky foods like chewy candy and gum.

One advantage of clear aligners, such as Invisalign, is that they are removable. You can (and should) take them out while eating or drinking. Remember to brush and floss before putting them back in to prevent tooth decay.

Care and Cleaning

Brush your teeth after every meal or snack, and floss daily if you have braces. To reach all the crevices, use an interdental brush (a small brush that fits between the teeth).

According to research, persons who use clear aligners to straighten their teeth have fewer cavities, tooth decay, and gum problems than those who use braces. Clean your aligner with Invisalign's cleaning solution after each meal to avoid germs and calcium accumulation.

Procedure

Traditional braces require a complete dental checkup and X-ray imaging. Your orthodontist will attach the brackets to your teeth using bonding adhesive, thread a wire through them, and fasten the wire and brackets with a series of bands.

Traditional braces may necessitate further follow-up visits to the orthodontist for tightening and adjustments. After removing your braces, you may need to wear a retainer for one to three years to keep your results.

Getting fitted for Invisalign begins with a comparable procedure that includes a dental exam and imaging. Then, your orthodontist will develop a mold of your teeth to create a series of custom-fit aligner trays. They can be temporarily fitted to your teeth using little attachments. You'll transition to a new pair of aligners every one to three weeks to gradually straighten your teeth.

To observe results, use Invisalign for at least 22 hours every day. If you frequently forget to put your aligners back on, they won't work.

Which Option Is Best for Me?

Invisalign and braces can straighten your teeth, improve your smile, and treat common dental issues, including an overbite or underbite. If you are self-conscious about bracing, particularly as an adult, you may prefer a more inconspicuous orthodontic device such as Invisalign.

However, Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. If you have previously received orthodontic treatment, you may not be eligible.

Clear aligners may not be effective if you have specific orthodontic issues, such as: 

• Severely crowded teeth
• Severe overbite
• Rotated teeth
• Dental intrusion or extrusion (tooth displacement)
• Significant gaps between the teeth

Braces are frequently more beneficial in more difficult cases. But if you are a candidate for Invisalign, you may want to search “Invisalign dentist near me” to find a specialist.

Invisalign aligners are a terrific solution for many of those wanting to straighten their teeth. Invisalign can easily correct the majority of teeth problems without the need for wearing any metal brackets. Most people won't even notice you're using Invisalign aligners, which is one of its best features.

Your orthodontist will design your Invisalign aligners to fit your teeth perfectly, and you will be given instructions on how to care for the aligners. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to remember these particular guidelines at times. This is why many people make mistakes when taking care of their orthodontic appliances. 

Keep reading for a list of common mistakes with cleaning your Invisalign to avoid them in the future.

1. Not cleaning your aligners daily 

Think about your present cleaning routine for a moment. How frequently should your aligners be cleaned? Do you follow a schedule for that?

The best way to maintain the aligners fresh and odor-free is to clean them daily. A wonderful cleaning habit you should consider developing is cleaning your aligners every time you brush your teeth before going to bed.

You brush your teeth every day to remove food debris and bacteria. However, if you don't clean your aligners properly, food particles will be passed to your teeth. Cleaning your aligners while brushing and flossing your teeth is the most effective way to avoid this.

2. Using soap and mouthwash as cleaning products 

What cleaning products do you use to keep the surfaces of your aligners free of plaque and bacteria? Are you using toothpaste, soap, or mouthwash to clean them? This is one of the most common mistakes.

Some of these products have the potential to not only damage or stain your aligners but may also be inefficient in keeping them clean. Consult your orthodontist about the best cleaning products for your aligners.

3. Not rinsing your aligners when removing them 

One of the numerous advantages of opting for clear aligners is the ease with which they can be removed when necessary and replaced. For example, you can take out your clear aligners before meals and put them back in afterward. Also, you'll take them off every day for brushing and flossing.

The aligners must be cleaned each time you brush your teeth at night, but you also need to remember to rinse them each time you take them out. Remember that simply rinsing your trays is not enough to keep them clean. 

4. Not using the cleaning tray

When you get your new aligners from the orthodontist, make sure to ask about the different cleaning tools and solutions made specifically for them. Cleaning your aligners can be made simple using the right cleaning products and tools.

One mistake would be to avoid purchasing these products and tools. Rubbing alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, and antiseptic are all cleaning products typically used for Invisalign. Most cleaning kits will advise you to mix these products in the cleaning tray. After soaking the aligners in the tray for the recommended time (about three minutes), rinse and pat them dry with warm water.

5. Not storing them in a container 

What do you do with your aligners once you take them out? Are you making sure that you keep bacteria from getting to them? A bacterial buildup within your aligners might damage your teeth. To prevent this, put them in an airtight container when not in use. You will get a plastic box to store your aligners in. Carry this little box with you wherever you go so you always have a place to store your aligners that is both secure and safe.

Invisalign isn't just for show. It's ironic that such a powerful product that has advanced orthodontics by leaps and bounds is marketed using such frivolous principles.

It's not about being able to eat candy while straightening your teeth or avoiding a metal-mouth smile in photographs.

Aside from near-invisibility and convenience, here are the top ten most important reasons to use Invisalign.

1. Aesthetics

I know you're surprised, and I know the people selling Invisalign are upset, but improved aesthetics is the icing on the cake!

2. Aligners double as the protective gear you can use for the rest of your life

Using your Invisalign aligners, you can whiten and protect your teeth from grinding at night or during sporting events (such as mountain biking and weight lifting) - the device has many functions!

3. Shorter, more efficient dental cleanings with the hygienist

Teeth that are properly aligned are more self-cleaning and maintainable. They're easier to floss and easier to clean for the hygienist!

Crooked teeth are tough to clean. For example, when teeth are twisted and crowded, the dental hygienist's instrument becomes ineffective, allowing bacteria to evade removal during the cleaning process.

4. Speech and phonetics – better speech and pronunciation  

The position of your teeth greatly influences your ability to pronounce words correctly.

I have patients in the film, comedy, voice-over, and music industries who have benefited from Invisalign by improving their speaking voices.

If your two upper front teeth are too long, or if you have an open bite, you may lisp, have difficulty pronouncing certain words, or even whistle slightly as you speak.

5. Misaligned teeth suffer from food impaction and make it more difficult to brush and floss properly.

When teeth do not fit tightly enough against each other, it is likely that a piece of stringy meat or vegetable will get caught in between the teeth and remain there until removed by floss.

Food impaction is a condition that can be extremely damaging to the gums and teeth. The misaligned teeth hold the food in place so that the bacteria can feast on it. Accelerating their growth in your mouth will result in accelerated gum recession and dull, throbbing pain.

Proper tooth positioning allows for easier and more effective flossing and brushing. There is less for you to do and less to worry about if your teeth are all lined up correctly and in the proper position.

6. Invisalign aligners can fix facial, jaw, and neck pain.

Patients who suffer from sore facial muscles and the effects of grinding can benefit not only from a better bite but also from wearing an aligner for several months. Wearing an Invisalign aligner is a great way to deprogram the muscles involved in grinding and relieve TMD symptoms as long as there is no joint pathology.

7. Proper tooth positioning causes better bone architecture and gum positioning, which leads to a self-maintaining mode for oral health

It's not just what's visible on the surface! When teeth are crooked, the bone that supports them is also crooked, which causes complications. This is referred to as bone architecture, and it is nearly impossible to have good gum and tooth health without optimal bone architecture.

8. Better digestion by more efficient chewing and breakdown of food particles in the mouth

The mouth is in charge of the first stage of food digestion. Improper mastication of food in the mouth has consequences for the entire process of nutrient absorption throughout the body. Simply put, without a proper bite, you will get less nutrition from your food.

9. Proper positioning of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw

The jaw is like a door with two hinges, one at each ear, with the door jam and strike plate representing your teeth. In an ideal mouth, the door should be able to open and close smoothly and easily. The door strikes the strike plate and the door jam simultaneously, with no excessive friction or sticking.

TMJ or TMD refers to joint pain, clicking, and popping, misaligned jaws, inefficient and painful chewing, or the inability to chew. Perfectly aligned teeth will allow that door to open and close freely, without pain or slow deterioration of the jaw.

10. A good bite

So, what's the big deal about a good bite? Look at everything above!

This is why orthodontics and braces were developed - not to give you a pretty smile, as you may have been told, but to improve your overall health and allow you to live pain-free!

We, as dentists, study it as a science, but when we present it to our patients, we fail to educate them and instead sell it to them as a piece of fluff. There is no doubt that a beautiful smile inspires confidence and self-esteem, but the former is meaningless without good physical health!

Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause self confidence issues for some. Finding the right orthodontic treatment to enhance your smile can sometimes be challenging. Invisalign ha become one of the most popular orthodontic options due to the ease of use and esthetics. Marielaina Perrone DDS can help you determine IF Invisalign is the right option for you.

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Most people are familiar with traditional braces and their metal wires and brackets. Invisalign represents an improved esthetic way to straighten teeth and to correct your smile.

Custom clear aligner trays are fabricated that slowly move misaligned teeth into the proper position. These trays are designed to be worn in sequence, with each successive aligner making slight changes through gentle pressure on your smile. Once treatment is complete you can enjoy the brilliant and beautiful smile you have always wanted.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Smile?

Invisalign is a great choice for many patients. It is not the ideal choice for all patients, however.

Invisalign is not a good choice for the following smiles:

• Patients who have severe misalignments or problems with their bite typically will need to undergo traditional braces.
• Younger children who are still growing may experience changes in the shape or the size of their jaw and their teeth during the orthodontic process. This can require taking additional molds and restarting the Invisalign process, which can be 
  • More expensive compared to traditional braces.
  • Patients who cannot wear their aligners for a minimuk of 20 hours per day are not good candidates for Invisalign.

  What Is the Process for Invisalign?

  Treatment typically begins with an orthodontic consultation. This will allow Dr Perrone to determine the best course of treatment for your orthodontic issues. 

  If Invisalign is right for your smile, you will use several different aligners that you will wear in sequential order. Each of these aligners will apply small amounts of pressure to your teeth to move them into the right position. After going through all of your aligners, your teeth will be in proper alignment.

• During this process, periodic dental visits are needed. Most people will recognize cosmetic results from Invisalign treatment within a few weeks. The entire course of treatment could take as long as 12 to 18 months. Each patient will follow a different timeline depending on amount of correction needed.

• 

•  

  Will My Invisalign Aligners Impact My Daily Activities?

  Most patients wear their aligners for between 20 and 22 hours a day. This is necessary to achieve the optimal cosmetic and functional results.

• You will be able to to remove the aligners to eat, drink and brush your teeth.

  Maintaining good dental hygiene is important throughout the process to keep your teeth and gums health while you are undergoing Invisalign treatment.

  What Happens Following Completion Of Invisalign in Henderson NV?

  Once your treatment is completed, a retainer may be needed to maintain your new smile.

  Are You Looking For The Top Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist?

  Dr. Marielaina Perrone DDS is a highly educated and experienced cosmetic dentist specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Her attention to detail and continued training are second to none.

  In her Las Vegas practice, Dr. Perrone is a well-known and trusted general and cosmetic dentist practicing cosmetic dentistry for over 20 years. She frequently performs her advanced art of cosmetic dental procedures on patients that have been with her from the start.

  Every patient is valued equally, as well as the professional standard of care Dr. Perrone and her cosmetic dentistry team provide is waiting for you at the Top Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentists Office. Contact us for a consultation or browse our website for those critical before and after photos, patient testimonials, and more about the possibilities that await your own stunning, dream smile.

  Each smile design is highly personalized, taking into account facial shape, bone structure, oral health, and patient desires. The initial consultation will help us achieve natural results for your new smile. Then, we discuss the cost of a smile makeover before the cosmetic process is to begin.

  We ensure that all your concerns and questions are answered in a comfortable, relaxed environment and help you further educate yourself about your dental health.

  Finally, creating the smile you have always dreamed of will be an exciting journey, as well as a journey that can be a bit nerve-wracking. It’s a big step to take, after all!

  Marielaina Perrone DDS wants you to experience the comfort and confidence that comes from a beautiful, healthy smile. Dr. Perrone takes a gentle, individualized approach to all dental care coupled with advanced technology to provide you with a convenient and pleasant visit every time we see you walk through the door.

  Contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no-cost cosmetic consultation appointment if you are ready for smile makeovers, teeth whitening, or dental implants. We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Henderson, Summerlin, and Las Vegas, NV.

• Marielaina Perrone DDS

  2551 N. Green Valley Pkwy #A405

  Henderson, NV 89014

  United States (US)

  Phone: 702-458-2929
  Fax: 702-458-0831

Can Invisalign fix an anterior Open Bite? 

Invisalign was first introduced in 1997 by two Stanford University students that invented the first complete clear aligner system. At this point in time correcting an open bite with Invisalign was not recommended. As the years passed, a better understanding of how modified Clear Aligners can direct the necessary force in a predictable manner allowed for more orthodontic corrections such as open bite to be possible. 

Although Invisalign has made a lot of progress over the years, it is still limited when it comes to more complex cases such as posterior open bite. In this case, Invisalign may not be the best option. It is always best to consult with an experienced orthodontist in order to determine if Invisalign can fix your open bite. 

How can Invisalign correct an Open Bite? 

In order to correct an open bite Invisalign trays are designed and programmed by an orthodontist to fix an open bite. 

This process may include all of the following:                                                                                  

• Extrude the anterior teeth making sure the teeth align with your smile line.                                                                                     
• Intrude the posterior teeth with possible wisdom teeth extraction in some cases.                                                                                     
• Mini-Implants may be required in the upper posterior area if a more posterior intrusion is needed.                                                                                     
• Use rubber bands of rubber bands inducing a counterclockwise mandibular rotation[iii].                                                                                    
• Interproximal reduction (IPR) may be used if the tooth varies in size and shape. 

How long does it take for Invisalign to correct an Open Bite?

The treatment time will depend on the age of the patient and also the size of the open bite. Adult patients with a moderate open bite (2-3 mm) will have a time frame of approximately 18-24 months. Younger patients with the same moderate open bite will take between 12-18 months. If an open bite is much bigger ( more than 4 mm) the use of mini-implants will be required and the length of treatment will be 24-28 months or more. 

About how many trays are needed to fix the anterior open bite?

Past research has revealed that an average of 73 clear aligners are needed to get the open bite fixed. However, this number can vary from patient to patient possibly ranging from 40 to 100 trays. 

Invisalign & Surgery For Open Bite Treatment

In very complicated open bite cases, surgery can become the only solution. Braces are required before surgery is performed to align and straightened the teeth to ensure the open bite is corrected properly. Only a specialized orthodontist with years of experience using Invisalign offers the option to use aligners instead of braces in this unique circumstance.

To recap this post, Invisalign can be used to correct open bites with advancements in Invisalign technology. A patient should always consult with an experienced orthodontist, preferably one that has many years working with Invisalign. The orthodontist will be able to determine if Invisalign can be used to correct open bites on a case-by-case basis.

Your dentist in Brooklyn talks to you about the Invisalign cost and investment you’ll benefit from when you straighten teeth without braces. Whether you need teeth straightening yourself or have a teen who wants a straighter smile, your family dentist Dr. Khabensky, DDS is here for you. We offer invisalign near me for teens and adults that come with little or no pain.

If you’re looking for a way to straighten teeth without braces, the Invisalign retainer is a great choice. Your general dentist also provides cosmetic dentistry services, so you don’t have to go anywhere else. Invisalign is an orthodontic method of teeth straightening that uses clear removable aligners. You’re able to see your teeth improving without the discomfort of braces.

Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. There’s a good chance that other people won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing them. Unlike braces, you can remove the aligners to eat, drink and brush your teeth, as well as for special occasions. Whether you’re an adult or teen, Invisalign teeth treatment improves your smile without the discomfort of braces.

Getting Ready for Invisalign
Your dentist begins your treatment by examining your teeth to confirm that Invisalign attachments are the right treatment option for you. A consultation with your dentist includes a discussion about the cost and any other questions you may have. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend that you have a dental cleaning before treatment begins.

The average cost of Invisalign is usually slightly higher than the cost of braces, but the investment is worth it. Your dentist can give you a better idea of the total cost, including payment options, but consider:
- The aligners are less visible
- The treatment takes less time than traditional braces
- You end up with a smile makeover

Teeth Straightening with the Invisalign Process
A digital scan is taken of your teeth to create a 3D model, and you’ll be able to see an animation of where your teeth will move. Using the 3D model of your teeth, your unique clear aligners are created specifically for you using flexible plastic.

The aligners are designed to fit snugly while applying the appropriate amount of force, according to your treatment plan. You change the aligners every two to three weeks. Throughout the process, your dentist follows your progress to make sure you have a comfortable fit.

Levels of Invisalign Pain
When you straighten your misaligned teeth, pain or discomfort is a possibility. Some people report they have no pain, while others experience tenderness or feelings of pressure, sometimes in just one or two teeth.

Normal pressure means that your treatment is working and your teeth are beginning to straighten. When you switch to a new set of aligners, you may experience some pain because the pressure is greater. The pain usually lasts only for a few days. Switching aligners at bedtime may help to reduce the amount of discomfort you experience while you’re awake, and over-the-counter pain medicine relieves any mild pain.

Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Brooklyn
2148 Ocean Ave, Ste 401,
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 339-8852
Web Address https://www.dentistinbrooklyn.com/

Our location on the map: https://goo.gl/maps/ryGk7UuvoUBX4xX77

https://plus.codes/87G8J25V+C8 Brooklyn

Nearby Locations:
Midwood | Marine Park | Madison | Homecrest | Mapleton
11230 | 11234 | 11229 | 11204

Working Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Payment: cash, check, credit cards.

What Is Invisalign?

Choosing an orthodontist in Houston with more than 100 orthodontic specialists should not be hard. However, finding an orthodontic engineer who can design your complex case to get the best beautiful smile with the most economical price is not easy! Dr. Kanaan is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with additional special training to treat complex cases of orthodontics that require dental implants, surgery for impacted teeth, cleft lip and palate and other special cases. Dr. Kanaan completed a mini-residency program at Harvard Dental school in 2002 and graduated from St. Louis University in 2005 with a Master's degree in Orthodontics. He has been an active member of the American Association of Orthodontist AAO since 2003. 

Dr. Kanaan has been voted the top orthodontists in Houston. His dental experience and knowledge are unsurpassable! He takes the time to meet with you and address all your concerns to set your mind at ease. Dr. Kanaan also has patented and innovative inventions that are utilized in his unique dentistry. 

When it comes to orthodontic correction a patient will most likely require some type of braces. The type will be determined depending on the individual person's dental needs.  Traditional metal braces are amongst the most common and are still as effective as ever.  

Throughout the years, orthodontics has developed different types of braces to cater to people's cosmetic appearance. In this post, we will cover the differences between the variety of braces available. 

Traditional Metal Braces | The Original Braces 

Metal Braces are a great choice for anyone looking to get a straight smile. These braces can be for kids and adults but are generally the go-to option for children. Metal Braces are made of a very strong stainless steel alloy. They are super strong and durable.  

Metal braces are by far the best option to correct severe cases and can also cut your treatment time down. Other teeth straightening options like Invisalign can take longer to achieve the same result.  

Advantages: 

• Less expensive than clear braces or Invisalign
• Better at treating severe overcrowding of teeth
• Durable and Strong
• Better for more difficult orthodontic cases 
• Faster treatment time 

Disadvantages: 

• Metal Braces are more noticeable than other braces types
• Can be harder to clean 

Clear Braces | Also Known as Ceramic Braces  

Clear Braces are much less noticeable than metal braces. These braces are favored by teens and adults who are self-conscious about the way braces look. Ceramic Braces are still effective at treating your orthodontic problems and do not increase your treatment time. 

 This is a more expensive treatment option than traditional metal braces. They do cost more to purchase and often take more visits and more time to install also.  

 Advantages: 

• Less noticeable than metal braces.
• It does not increase treatment time. 
• Effective at treating most orthodontic problems 

Disadvantages:  

• More expensive than metal braces
• Can take more time to install
• The patient is required to qualify 

Incognito Braces | Also Known as Hidden Braces 

Lingual Incognito hidden braces are a unique treatment option in orthodontic dentistry. The braces are customized to be placed on the backside of your teeth so they are completely hidden from view. The price range can be about the same as metal braces or can cost up to $5,000 more. You will have to consult your orthodontist to determine a final price.  

Advantages:  

• Completely invisible 
• The cost can be about the same as metal braces
• Easy to keep clean
• Effective Treatment Option 

Disadvantages: 

• Will take getting used to and affect your speech initially
• Cost may exceed metal braces 

Invisalign | Also known as Clear Aligners 

Invisalign is one of the more modern approaches when considering orthodontic treatment. Clear Aligners now addresses many cases, from simple to more complex. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.  

Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. You need to wear them at least 22 hours each day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they're virtually invisible, most people won't even notice you're wearing them 

Advantages:  

• More comfort than metal braces
• More attractive and less noticeable than metal braces  
• Can be removed to eat, brush and floss
• Minimal Maintenance 

Disadvantages:

• More Expensive than traditional metal braces
• Patients are responsible for wearing them 22 hours a day 
• Brushing is required after removing to eat

In the past, orthodontics was routinely an early teen event that began once all of the baby teeth were gone and permanent teeth were in. Recent advances in the understanding of a child development as well as modern materials have re-evaluated the time for orthodontic treatment to an earlier age. It is now recommended by the American Association of Orthodontiststhat every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. But Why?

Common Orthodontic Problems Found At Age 7

1. Buck Teeth. Do the upper front teeth stick way out of line?

2. Deep Bite. Do the upper teeth cover the lower teeth?

3. Underbite. Do the upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth?

4. Open Bite. Do only the back teeth touch when biting down?

5. Crowded or overlapped teeth. Do the teeth have too much or too little space in certain areas?

6. Misaligned front teeth. Do the spaces between the upper two front teeth and lower two front teeth not line up?

7. Crossbite. Do the lower teeth fit properly inside the upper teeth?

8 .Missing teeth. If there are baby teeth that never developed, there will not be a permanent tooth to follow. Jaw x-rays may also find that certain permanent teeth are not  presently formed or are unable to come down on their own.

9. Extra teeth. When there are double teeth, extra teeth or malformed teeth.

Generally, orthodontic treatment does not begin at age 7 but it is good to get a head start to avoid any complications down the road. However, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary before age 7 if the following appear:

-Problems Speaking

-Proper Chewing Is Difficult

-Abnormal bite development

-Clicking or popping in the jaw

-Permanent teeth that are erutping into the mouth crowded or overlapped

-A thumb sucking problem

-A teeth grinding problem

-Issues biting cheeks or biting into the roof of the mouth

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic evaluation provides both timely diagnosis of problems and increased opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention gives the ability to guide growth and development, preventing more serious issues later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Early orthodontic treatment is also referred to as interceptive treatment or Phase I treatment. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment include the following:

-Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

-Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

-Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

-Preserving space for teeth that are coming in

-Reducing the need for tooth removal

-Reducing Phase II treatment time with braces

Phase II orthodontic treatment begins when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces and not just a localized treatment plan.

Orthodontic Conclusion

While not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, it is best to know in advance what the options will be going forward. It is important to remember, orthodontics is not strictly a cosmetic endeavor, bite alignment is the ultimate goal. The issues presented above can all be corrected fairly easily if done in a phased approach. However, allowing this early intervention time to pass can complicate treatment requiring more extreme measures (i.e. teeth removal or surgery) to fulfill the same goal.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Reposted From Dentistry IQ

A beautiful smile is important to many. With so many adults in our practices with misaligned teeth, shouldn't cosmetic orthodontics become a bigger part of your treatment planning? In the past, many adults were afraid to wear orthodontic braces because they were either embarrassed to wear brackets or did not want to spend the time and money. Cosmetic orthodontics has addressed these concerns. Below you will see some common questions and fears about cosmetic orthodontics, which can help you help your patients with their concerns.

“I’m just too old for braces. Braces are for kids.”
When your patients make statements like these, they expect you to agree with them. Instead, you should take this opportunity to reassure your patients that it is never too late to have the smile they have always wanted. There is no age limit for adults with a healthy periodontal condition to undergo orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics lets you have the perfect smile you have always wanted without putting your life on hold. These new options allow you to look great throughout treatment. FACT: One out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult.

“I’ve already had braces; won’t they just move again?”
Explaining to a patient the importance of retention after movement is key. If they understand why that fixed retainer or clear stent needs to be worn during bone fill after movement and that they need to be continually monitored at each recall appointment, they are more likely to be compliant with their retention. For many, they need to understand retention as a protection of their investment.

“Braces take too long.”
For many adults, cosmetic orthodontics can be completed in as little as six months. Depending upon the appliances used and the amount of movement required, treatment can be quite short in length. When addressed in this manner, a patient should understand that treatment may be completed by the time of the next recall visit.

“Orthodontic treatment is painful.”
There is a huge difference between discomfort and pain. All appliances take some getting used to, but it is only for a matter of months. Most of the discomfort is short-lived, lasting a few days after an adjustment appointment. Some of the discomfort has to do with the metal aspects, which may poke or pinch, but this can be reduced drastically with a quick application of wax. In general, the discomfort does not get past the point where a Tylenol does not bring relief.

“Orthodontic braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Will this cause cavities?"
Good oral hygiene will take a bit more attention than it did before appliances were in place, but is very manageable with the right tools. Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, fluoride rinses, and threader floss can make it much easier to keep everything clean and cavity-free.

“Isn’t it expensive?”
Your patients need to understand that cosmetic orthodontics is usually the most conservative way to fix a cosmetic issue. Very often, the need for full bonding or veneers may reduce to just a few teeth or none. It may also be the only way to achieve optimal cosmetic dentistry results. The cost factor can be overcome using payment plans through your dentist or using a third-party provider such as CareCredit.

Cosmetic orthodontics conclusion
Whether you practice limited orthodontic movement in your office or not, cosmetic orthodontics should be offered as a treatment option for patients who would benefit from it. Orthodontic treatment can transform your patients' smiles and attitudes about their dental health. You will be surprised at the positive results and referrals!

Marielaina Perrone DDS, is a family, cosmetic, and implant dentist creating and enhancing beautiful smiles in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Cosmetic Dentist Las Vegas