Author: cara

What You Need to Know About Oral Health in Your 40′s

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preventive dental careDepending on gender and a slew of life choices, the average American can expect to live well into their 70s. Yet while it may come to no surprise that the 40s may be considered the new 20s according to some social research, try telling that to your body. Modern middle-agers are healthier and more effervescent than ever but life can truly take a toll, especially on your oral health. Fortunately, you can easily get the jump on those changes if you know what to expect regarding your oral health in your 40′s.

Old Fillings Will Need to Be Replaced
Over 90% of Americans between 20 and 64 have dental cavities in at least some of their permanent teeth. So, it’s pretty likely that you will have fillings by the time you reach your 40s. If you’ve had fillings for a considerable amount of time, chances are those are silver amalgams. While those types of fillings are strong and provide fast treatment, they also contain 50% mercury by weight. Amalgams don’t affect everyone equally, but the metal used is not biocompatible to the human body and may lead to some serious bodily and dental health issues. Fortunately, your Moorestown Dentist can replace amalgams with tooth-colored fillings to improve your health and extend your smile for years to come.

Gum Disease Is No Laughing Matter
Gum disease is a serious condition that can destroy your smile and lead to chronic or even fatal diseases if left untreated. Gingivitis is the first stage which is easily corrected and reversed with proper home oral health care dental cleanings. However, it advances so easily that half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, the most advanced stage of gum disease. The advanced stage progresses slowly, so there are several obvious warning signs including infected pockets in the gums, bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, severe inflammation, and excessive decay. In most cases, however, your Moorestown Dentist can diagnose and treat gum disease before it becomes a serious problem.

Teeth Grinding is More Than a Bad Habit
Stress can affect anyone regardless of age, but when it settles in the mouth and causes repetitive clenching or grinding of the teeth, it often progresses to a condition known as TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and acts as a sliding hinge for easy and pain-free talking, eating, and general facial mobility. When stress causes the teeth to clench or grind and wear down that joint can become loose or locked and lead to extreme pain and bite issues. A simple treatment from your Moorestown Dentist may be all it takes to correct this issue.

Regular Checkups Are Important
The general rule of thumb is to visit a dentist twice a year, but over 100 fail to do that even once annually. Regardless of how strong your home hygiene habits are, a thorough dental exam is the only way to achieve preventive dental care that can diagnose and treat impending issues or reverse high-risk concerns. Dental check-ups are especially important if your teeth are sensitive to temperature, you’ve had any dental treatments in the past, you have persistent dry mouth or bad breath, you’re a smoker, or if you have any oral pain or bleeding gums. A call to your Moorestown Dentist can help you get the preventive care you need to avoid potentially serious problems in the future. 

3 Reasons Why You Should Replace Silver Fillings

Posted on by cara

non-mercury dental fillingsAccording to national research, approximately 25% of Americans have untreated dental caries and 96% of Americans have significant dental decay by the time they reach the age of 65. It’s no wonder why over 100,000 new amalgam fillings are placed annually. But while the ADA insists mercury fillings are safe and effective options for dental care, many medical and academic studies claim otherwise and back up those claims with scientific fact. Of course, each patient is different so individual resistance plays a large part in those final results. But here are a few reasons why you should consider replacing silver fillings with non-mercury tooth fillings.

Amalgams Can Cause Your Teeth to Break
Amalgam fillings contain several types of metal that combine together in the form of a putty. Once placed in the mouth that putty hardens to a solid metal consistency. Amalgams do not move or offer any type of flexibility once filled into the tooth. However, over the course of time, that metal can react to various temperatures. Ice, cold beverages, hot food, and even coffee can make the metal expand and compress inside an already weakened tooth. And if enough extremes are present, the weakened tooth can crack or fracture under the pressure. Non-mercury tooth fillings bond with the tooth and flex as necessary without reacting so drastically to temperature changes.

Amalgam Fillings May Be Corrosive and Stain
Amalgams have been the primary type of fillings used for over 150 years. They’re affordable and set quickly without needing to be customized or specially molded. But they do contain an alloy of specific metals. These metals include silver, tin, mercury, and copper as the main combination. Sometimes indium, palladium, nickel, and zinc are added to the mix. Amalgams are known to last a decade or longer, but they may eventually expand, compress, loosen, or even corrode due to a combination of life factors and bodily reactions with the metal. Once the metal loosens and begins breaking down, the silver fillings can leave behind blue or black stains on the previously filled teeth. And in some cases, those stains can be so severe that they’re confused with further decay or require the tooth to be completely removed. 

Amalgam Fillings Contain Mercury
Metal of any kind inside the body can corrode, break down, and release gases or contaminants into the bloodstream. Mercury, one of the most toxic substances on the planet, is the primary metal in amalgams accounting for approximately 50% of the metal overall. Some metals are less harmful than others and there’s a huge difference between inorganic and organic metals. But science has proven that the main metals in amalgams can attack neurotransmitters in the brain. Even if the mercury in amalgams is inorganic, it can convert to organic once it begins breaking down. However, the combination of silver, zinc, tin, nickel, and copper can result in more problems at first. And many of those problems can end up being periodontal issues such as gum disease, oral lesions, bone loss, sinusitis, TMJ, and oral cancer. Fortunately, a call to your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist can eliminate these concerns once and for all by replacing your silver fillings with non-mercury tooth fillings.

 

 

Resolutions for Healthy Teeth in the New Year

Posted on by cara

preventive dental careAs the holiday season comes to a close, Americans are considering new goals for the new year. But fewer than 10% actually reach their resolutions within the year they’re set. Whether saving money, finding love, or losing weight, the top resolutions almost always involve extreme or advanced expectations for self-improvement. And that’s a major reason for such high failure rates of annual resolutions. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case. Specific preventive dental care efforts can go a long way towards significantly improving your life during the upcoming year. But what are some of the easiest and most effective options?

Commit to Better Home Oral Health Habits
Brushing twice a day is essential for cleaning teeth and gums while minimizing plaque and bacteria build-up. But it’s not enough on its own. Flossing is also an important element of proper dental care. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 40% of Americans don’t floss daily and 32% never floss. The problem with that decision is that food sticks between teeth and provides plenty of sustenance for bacteria and decay. Even the priciest electric toothbrush can’t get between teeth to remove built-up food and plaque, but a $1.50 pack of dental floss or floss sticks can. So brush twice a day and floss once daily to keep your teeth healthy at home.

Improve Your Diet and Cut Back on Sugar
Weight loss is a major goal for many Americans, but you don’t have to lose 50 pounds to reach some significant resolutions and improve your preventive dental care in the process. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on refined sugar, so the more sweets, sodas, desserts, processed food, and even alcohol you consume, the more decay you’re at risk for developing. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional treat, dessert, soda, or a glass of wine. But increasing natural foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and increasing water intake help increase saliva and enzyme levels in the mouth which, in turn, flush away extra plaque and bacteria between brushings.

Become Victorious Over the Vices
Implementing better food and beverage choices can take care of a lot of food addictions and alcohol habits, but what about smoking? Fewer Americans light up nowadays, but it’s still a bad habit that weakens the immune system and leads to dental issues over time. In fact, those who smoke are twice as likely to develop gum disease, lose their teeth, and even develop oral cancer as a result. The best thing to do is never start smoking. But if you do smoke, quitting is the first step. Increase water intake, brush and floss daily, and make sure you visit your dentist regularly to catch and reverse any unexpected issues.

Schedule Check Ups with Your Johns Creek Dentist
Improving home habits, cutting the vices, and changing your diet go a long way towards improving your life. But dental issues can still arise and once trouble starts, it can spread quickly. Visiting your Johns Creek Dentist twice a year adds an extra protective layer to your preventive dental care and can help ensure you keep smiling throughout the year. Give us a call to get that ball rolling on a healthier new you for the New Year.  

New Year, New Dental Implants, New You!

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dental implantsAs the New Year approaches, most Americans at least dream of having a better year than the previous one and personal improvements are major resolutions for those who set them. A new smile makeover can help anyone reach their goals in record time, depending on the issues involved. But when edentulism is the culprit, the options are somewhat limited. Approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and over 36 million are completely toothless. Over 90% of those missing teeth rely on dentures, and while that’s a workable option it’s not always the best solution due to a number of factors including comfort, care, and confidence concerns. Dental implants can be an easy replacement solution to achieve the new smile of your dreams during the coming year. But why should you consider dental implants?

Dental Implants Help Protect Teeth and Encourage Bone Health
Most solutions for tooth loss are aesthetic options that are affixed above the gumline. While that works for general life purposes, at least until they need to be replaced or adjusted, it does little to nothing to help repair the bone loss due to the original loss. Dental implants are the only solution that helps improve bone health due to their root-like structure. As long as the bone health is decent heading into the procedure, a single implant or mouthful can be performed. They function just like natural teeth so attachments to surrounding teeth aren’t necessary. And since the materials resist bacteria, they actually help protect healthy teeth.

Dental Implants Are Permanent Replacements
Whether you’re born without a tooth or lose one during life, tooth loss can cause all sorts of problems. Dentures work in a pinch and are far better than nothing, but they require a lot of upkeep and generally need replacing or adjustments over time. That’s not the case with dental implants. This two-part invasive procedure involves drilling a root into the mandible to permanently replace the missing tooth and re-anchor the jawline. A prosthetic tooth is then applied, and the result is a fully functional replacement that won’t fall out or need to be removed for any reason.

Dental Implants Are Durable
The last thing anyone wants is to have issues with their dental treatments, especially when it can take years to muster up the necessary courage to get the work done in the first place. Bridges and dentures are created to last a few years or up to a decade when taken care of properly but eventually, they will need repairs or replaced. Dental implants, however, are made to last several decades and when taken care of correctly can even last a lifetime.

Dental Implants Can Help Add Life to Your Years
Dental implants are surgically implanted, so they’re completely secure and fully functional once the healing process is completed. So unlike dentures that often flap around or need adhesive to stay in place that’s not an issue here. Dental implants allow you to eat what you want without worries, improve breathing concerns, and help confidence levels soar. Caring for implants is as easy as caring for your own teeth. Simply brush and floss like always and visit your New York City Cosmetic Dentist for checkups and annual cleanings. Give us a call when you’re ready to see if dental implants are the right solution for a new you. 

Start the New Year Off Right with a Smile Makeover

Posted on by cara

cosmetic dentistryAs the holiday season heats up and starts to come to a close, thoughts of New Year’s resolutions spring forth. Annual goal makers tend to have the best intentions and approach the new year wearing rose-colored glasses and sometimes even blinders. But according to a recent study, however, fewer than 75% of resolutions were actually kept or achieved for the previous year. A lot of that has to do with the type and difficulty level or amount of goals made early on. Personal improvements are often right at the top of the resolutions list. And while weight loss and financial improvements are often top dogs in that race, expected numbers rarely materialize. Fortunately, there are some simple resolutions anyone can make and achieve, and some of the most effective and positive life improvements begin with a visit to your New York City Cosmetic Dentist and a combination of dental procedures known as a smile makeover. But what options may be best for you?

Professional Teeth Whitening
Whitening and brightening the teeth is one of the easiest, quickest, and most affordable ways to make a major difference in your appearance. The sheer number of tooth strip and bleaching kits on the market attest to that fact. But these one-size-fits-all solutions are more often than not anything but. Minimal amounts of lightening solution or potentially dangerous chemicals can lead to overuse and even extensive damage to gums and enamel. Your New York City Cosmetic Dentist can customize a whitening plan to your specific needs and have you leaving the office an hour later with a brighter and more attractive smile without potentially causing more trouble in the process.

Crowns and Bonding
Sports or rough play, vices, and even eating the wrong foods or chomping on a hard item can lead to cracked enamel as well as jagged, discolored, chipped, or fractured teeth. The good news, however, is that these issues can be easily repaired and your teeth can look better than ever. Porcelain crowns can be molded and affixed to fit on top of moderately to severely chipped or broken teeth. And if your cracks or chips are new, minimal or moderate, bonding may be easier and just as effective. Bonding requires minimal prep time, it’s non-invasive, and it involves dental resin and curing lights to create a molded and polished finish comparable in strength and appearance to the original teeth. 

Composite Fillings
Anyone at any age can get cavities, and most Americans do at some point. Cavities can be reversed and avoided if caught quickly enough, but once discolored spots, serious tooth pain, and holes in the teeth are noticed, dental care and treatment are imperative. Fillings may be required at that point, but long gone are the days of amalgam and silver filling requirements that all too often lead to hiding your smile and future health concerns. Avoid the mercury trap and opt for tooth-colored composite fillings that will stop the decay and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.

Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers
If an instant dream smile is the ultimate goal, porcelain veneers or Lumineers can be the way to achieve your dream smile makeover within just a couple dental visits. Veneers are porcelain shells about the width of a contact lens that fit directly over existing teeth. They’re minimally invasive and an irreversible procedure since some enamel must be filed away to affix the shells. Lumineers, however, are thinner and usually require no extra prep or filing, so they can be reversed if necessary. Give us a call when you’re ready to discover how your New Year can shine with the right smile makeover. 

Restore Your Natural Smile with Dental Implants

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dental implants Adult tooth loss, or endentulism, is a serious condition that can cause far more problems than simply a loss of confidence. Approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while over 36 million Americans are completely endentulous. And those numbers are only expected to grow. Left untreated, toothlessness can lead to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even oral cancer. While many diseases can be easily treated, there’s only a 50% survival rate past five years of diagnosis once oral cancer sets in. Loss of teeth is also almost always a major sign of advanced gum disease, a serious condition that affects over 50% of American adults. Fortunately, your Johns Creek dentist can restore your smile with dental implants. But what are the benefits of going that route in your tooth loss treatment?

Dental Implants Improve Bone and Facial Structure
Natural teeth act as anchors to the face. They literally grow out of the mandible, or lower jawbone. The rest of the face forms around the teeth and bone structure. So when even a single tooth dislodges, the mandible weakens, and the face follows. Concave or sunken cheeks and deep wrinkles around the lips, eyes, and forehead may be age-related. But when premature aging is an issue, it’s often due to tooth loss. Dental implants replace natural teeth from the root to the cap. So they re-anchor the jawline and the face conforms once more around them. Wrinkles and premature aging almost instantly fade away.

Dental Implants Improve the Abilities to Eat and Breathe
The symptoms of gum disease can come on quickly and lead to serious consequences such as sudden tooth weakness and loss. Each missing tooth further compromises the strength of the jawline. As the jawline weakens and the facial features fall inward, sinuses tend to sink. Once that occurs, breathing, vision, and hearing are often affected. The weakened jawline and loss of teeth also make eating a real challenge. Finding yourself suddenly unable to eat your favorite food because of pain and lack of chew strength can make an important part of life lose its luster. Dentures can help, but they’re removable in most cases and can easily slip. Dental implants provide a permanent replacement option to your natural teeth, so life can continue without issue.

Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural
Dental implants consist of two parts: an orthodontic anchor and a porcelain or composite prothetic. The anchor is drilled directly into the jawbone to act just as the missing tooth once did. The prosthetic is then applied to resemble and perform like the original tooth. Chewing, breathing, and smiling quickly become organic once more. And since they’re customized to each patient’s personal needs, they always look and feel completely natural once the procedure is completed and the mouth is fully healed.

Dental Implants Are Strong and Durable
Dental implants are carefully designed, constructed, and fitted to each patient’s needs to ensure years worth of durable functionality and enjoyment. Meant to function just like real teeth, implants are strong enough to handle all of life’s needs including eating, socializing, and even playing sports without concerns of slipping or breakage. Some studies report dental implants of having up to a 98% success rate. And when taken care of correctly, implants can last 25 years or longer. When you’re ready to restore your natural smile permanently, contact your Johns Creek dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

 

Fall is the Best Time for a Dental Check Up

Posted on by cara

dental check-up Summer’s an exciting time for kids and parents alike, but it often feels too short… at least on the kid end. By the time the nights start cooling and the weeks of freedom head toward fall, parents tend to scramble to get everything ready for the new school year. The warmer months are popular times for preventive dentistry appointments, yet as over 50 million kids prepare to head back to school, summer appointments fill quickly. It’s easy to push those dental appointments to the end of the to-do list, assuming you’ll get to them eventually. Of course, waiting too long can lead to all sorts of extra unnecessary issues. The truth is, fall really is one of the best times to get a jump on your household dental check-ups. But why is that the case?

A Better Smile Leads to Success
Research proves time and time again the mental powers behind a good smile. From decreasing depression to being an addictive quality in others, the act of smiling alone can be a life changer. Kids are especially pressured at the beginning of a new school year to fit in and stay uplifted in order to succeed. And their smile or lack thereof plays a big role in the final outcome. New schools, classes, friends, and social opportunities all create a sense of welcoming or foreboding to the typical adolescent. The more confident they are, the more they’ll smile… and vice versa. And it’s not just kids. A healthy smile increases trust and sets a great first impression between adults which can translate to better social, romantic and professional opportunities and success.

The Kids Can’t Play without the OK
Team sports and activity-based extra-curricular options are rites of passage for many kids. But they can be dangerous without proper safety equipment. Moreover, active or rough play can damage not only expensive orthodontic materials but also existing teeth and sensitive mouth tissue during treatment. The last thing anyone wants is to lose their teeth or extend their dental treatment for months or years due to trying to cut corners or shave a few bucks on the cost of upfront athletic equipment. Therefore, most dentists strongly suggest at least wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. In fact, many school athletic programs nowadays require preventive dentistry check-ups and proof of mouth protection prior to letting the kids play.

It’s Treat Season
The end of summer doesn’t mean festivals are over… not by a long shot. Tons of festivals occur in fall and sweet, sticky treats are often a major part of the fun. Unfortunately, those sweet baked goods, sugary sodas, and sticky confections can wreak havoc on dental health and existing orthodontic procedures like braces, bridges, and fillings. On top of that, over 75% of U.S. homes pass out or otherwise participate in Halloween candy hauls. And over 70% of parents share in their kids’ goody bags. Preventive dentistry in the form of cleanings, full exams, and general check-ups are essential to maintaining proper dental health for a lifetime. Call your Manhattan dentist when you’re ready to prioritize your family’s smiles.

How to Ease Your Dental Fear

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dental anxiety Every American needs to prioritize their oral health, and regular dental visits are an essential part of that plan. But studies show less than 65% of Americans actually go to the dentist. There are several reasons for that, but dental anxiety and fear are among the most common. Many people assume they have an actual phobia, but anxiety and general fear are quite different from a paralyzing dental phobia. In fact, approximately 60% of people avoid the dentist due to anxiety and dental fear while only 5-10% suffer from true dental phobias. Nonetheless, dental worries and fear of any kind are very real for the sufferer. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to ease your dental fear and experience no stress dentistry.  

Speak Up and Communicate
The only way to release anxiety is to get it off your chest. And the only way your dentist can know your fears is if you’re upfront and honest about them. Often times the fear is completely unnecessary and all concerns can be avoided with the right forethought and planning. Express your fears and concerns to your dentist to see what can be done to adapt the treatment to your specific needs. Successful treatment includes making sure trust and communication are there at all times. So speak up to help kick your fears to the curb.

Get Some Personal Reviews
Good businesses reflect their success with happy customers. And those closest to you will always be the most trustworthy sources of business information. So check with your friends and loved ones prior to your appointment. Ask about their experience with the dentist. Dive into whether they’ve heard any specific pros or cons and pay close attention to the answers. Glowing reviews from people you trust can go a long way to alleviate anxiety.

Use Distraction Techniques
If the concept of the exam still makes you nervous after talking to the dentist, a little distraction may help. Load a playlist to your phone or mobile device and bring headphones to the exam. Music can block out all sorts of things from the sounds of drills to chatter. Stream a show or borrow some magazines or other reading material right from the lobby. Using a fidget spinner or stress ball can also help physically release and reduce stress through cognitive distraction.

Engage in Deep Meditation or Mindfulness
Just playing the waiting game can be stressful on its own. If your early or your appointment is pushed even just a few minutes, time can seem to slow to a crawl. Instead of letting anxiety take over, breath in deeply through your nose, hold the air for a few counts, and release it through your mouth. Repeat five times and check on your anxiety. If it’s still present, repeat. If further relaxation is required, close your eyes and perform a mental body scan. Focus on each body part and mentally coerce each muscle group to relax, beginning with your head and ending with your toes. Don’t forget tension areas like your forehead, eyes, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and feet. Give us a call when you’re ready to ease into stress-free Holistic Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale. 

 

 

Mind the Gap with Porcelain Veneers

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porcelain veneers Most people long for the perfect smile, but beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Take gaps for instance. You may have seen them everywhere during childhood and there’s a reason for that. According to research, up to 97% of American children develop a front tooth gap, officially known as a diastema, by the time they reach 6 years old. By the time adulthood hits, however, most gaps close naturally or are permanently closed via cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic procedures. Therefore, the adult diastema total narrows to about 20%. People generally fall into one of two camps regarding gapped teeth: they either accept it or hate it. As such diastemas trend based highly on celebrity tolerance. However, in other areas of the world, a tooth gap may be a beauty or status symbol, signify wealth or luck, or even sexual allure. Americans are usually more focused on the aesthetic appeal or lack thereof. And if you don’t like your gap, your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown can offer a few simple but effective solutions to give you the smile of your dreams.

Dental Bonding and Contouring
If the gap in question isn’t too wide, bonding can be the easiest and most affordable solution to close it. In bonding, a composite resin is applied and contoured usually between the front teeth to conceal the gap. Once it’s shaped and colored to match the surrounding teeth, it’s cured to ensure strength and durability. Composite materials used for bonding are strong but they’re also porous and can stain easily. So certain foods, beverages, and vices can cause permanent discoloration that may lead to replacement bonding. Nonetheless, it’s a good affordable solution that won’t cost a small fortune and multiple treatment visits. 

Invisalign Treatment
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, almost 5 million kids wear braces on their teeth at any given moment. Not everyone has that opportunity, however, and by the time they can repair their orthodontic work many adults don’t want to deal with traditional metal braces. The metal appearance can also be professional and social distractions or deterrents. Fortunately, Invisalign can eliminate those concerns. The clear aligners are custom-made to fit right over existing teeth. As the treatment progresses, the aligners pull the teeth together for a more uniform appearance. This option is often just as effective as traditional braces but offers far more freedom as the aligners are clear and removable for eating and cleaning purposes.

Porcelain Veneers
Looking for that perfect celebrity smile? Porcelain veneers can be a quick, easy and effective way to achieve it. These porcelain shells are customized to match the contour, shape, and shading of the surrounding teeth. Usually completed in two or three visits, molds are made, temporaries are fitted, and then the permanent shells are affixed for a seamless and stunning smile makeover solution. Porcelain veneers are not reversible since a small amount of enamel usually needs to be removed during the treatment. However, when taken care of correctly, they can provide decades worth of confidence. Contact your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown when you’re ready to fix that gap once and for all.

4 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen       

Posted on by cara

Few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth. But even fewer continue that luck once the baby teeth fall out. Over one-third of Americans admit to being unhappy with their smiles, and those feelings often begin during adolescence. Braces are rites of passage for many kids and the suggested age for that treatment is usually between 10 and 14. It’s hard to pinpoint how many kids undergo orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists reports at least 4 million Americans are wearing braces at any given time. Braces aren’t right for everyone and they’re certainly not the only option for orthodontic correction. Invisalign teen can be a great solution as an invisible way to get straighter teeth. But what are some things parents need to know about Invisalign teen?

Invisalign Teen Invisalign Offers More Freedom than Other Orthodontic Options
The Invisalign treatment includes aligners that are removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning purposes. Orthodontic work can be expensive and become damaged if mistreated or taken care of incorrectly. Kids with braces are restricted from enjoying certain foods and even playing sports and instruments in some cases. Protective mouth guards can’t be used with braces. However, Invisalign allows the patient to eat whatever they like in moderation and even play sports and engage in band or music lessons with certain simple adjustments.

Invisalign Needs to Be Worn Most of the Day
Braces are a permanent solution during the time they’re worn, but Invisalign can be removed. That doesn’t mean there aren’t rules to getting the most out of the treatment. Invisalign teen aligners have to be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Invisalign Teen aligners have little blue dots on the molar impressions to indicate they’re being worn correctly. As the treatment time advances, the dots fade similar to toothbrush stripes. That way, the users, parents, and your Red Bank dentist can track compliance and progress.

Invisalign Can Be Just as Effective as Braces, But There Are Limits
Invisalign is a completely customized treatment plan. And when the specific patient rules are followed to a tee, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces. Most common issues are easily treated by both options, but Invisalign does have some limits. Invisalign is not a good fit for people with existing bridgework. And those with serious malocclusion such as back bite issues, tooth lengthening needs, or twisted or rotated canines and incisors require more intense cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic options. Still, Invisalign teen can help repair most issues without worry as long as the treatment is followed correctly.

Invisalign Can Greatly Improve Your Teen’s Confidence
According to research, almost a third of teens are seriously self-conscious about the condition of their teeth. But confidence issues extend to other areas of their body in approximately 96% of those cases. Traditional braces tend to have a negative impact on peer pressure-related confidence issues. But that’s not an issue with Invisalign. The clear aligners are the invisible way to get straighter teeth which means teens can laugh, smile, and even engage in social activities and pictures without feeling the need to shy away. Your Red Bank dentist can help determine if Invisalign Teen is right solution for your kids.