Dental Care
Invisalign is a clear braces system used by cosmetic dentists to straighten your teeth using clear plastic molds that are created to gradually straighten your teeth over time. These invisible braces eliminate the metallic smile that is characteristic of traditional braces and do not cause the pain and irritation that are associated with the braces of yester year. The appeal of Invisalign is that they are invisible braces custom-molded to fit your mouth perfectly.
These almost-invisible braces gradually reposition your teeth into the straighter, more attractive smile you have always dreamed of having. The convenience and ease of Invisalign have made it the choice hundreds of thousands of cosmetic dentistry patients in recent years. One of the most appealing aspects of the Invisalign system is that there are no metal wires or bands constantly irritating your mouth. Invisalign’s popularity can also be attributed to the fact that most people will not even notice your new braces and they won’t affect your busy lifestyle.
Your Very Own Invisible Braces
After you and your cosmetic dentist decide that Invisalign is the best option for you, he will use computer imaging to create your invisible braces. After taking bite impressions of your mouth, the dentist will use the Invisalign computer system to create a series of clear retainers. The very first one will fit the current configuration of your teeth, and each successive retainer will apply gentle pressure to move your teeth to their target alignments.
The number of applications will depend on your unique situation, but the average number is between 18-30, and each retainer is worn for two weeks, 24 hours a day (except during meals and brushing and flossing), and then the next aligner is put in. The complete Invisalign teeth straightening process takes the same amount of time as traditional orthodontics.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of Invisalign are numerous. The clear Invisalign system was created to introduce much-needed aesthetics to the field of orthodontics, replacing the old, unattractive metal braces of years past. This system also allows you to brush and floss as you normally would, reducing the chances of staining and decay that often occur with traditional braces. Food and drink limitations are not necessary; if patients wish to eat or drink foods that may interfere with the braces, you can just remove the retainer.
The disadvantages of the Invisalign system are few. People who do not wear the retainers as directed will probably not see the results they envisioned. Some patients who have sensitive teeth and/or gums may feel some discomfort when they switch to a new retainer. These problems are certainly minor and rare, and most patients say the benefits far outweigh any problems.
The cost of Invisalign may be higher than traditional braces, and the cost depends on how many aligners need to be created for you to achieve the desired results. Your dental insurance may cover the treatment, but you should ask your insurance company directly what they cover regarding dental/orthodontic procedures before committing to anything.
Posted by admin | Posted in Dental Care | Posted on 29-07-2009
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason such as disease or decay.
While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural looking and feeling, you may forget that you ever were missing a tooth. We all know that our confidence regarding our teeth affects how we feel about ourselves, both personally and professionally. With dental implants, you no longer have to hide your smile due to missing teeth.
Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is a solution out there for you that a highly trained cosmetic dentist can perform. Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own. Under proper conditions, such as perfect placement by your dentist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.
What Can Implants Do?
· Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
· Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
· Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Different Types of Implants
· Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
· Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease since dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.
As you know, your own teeth require diligent at-home care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply as directed by your cosmetic dentist.
After treatment, your cosmetic dentist will work closely with you to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth, and gums to make sure they are healthy.