Invisalign – Invisible Braces To Straighten Your Teeth For People on the Move

For those of us who had the wire braces as kid, you can remember the countless trips to the orthodontist office to get the wires tightened.  Then when you were finished with treatment, you were given a retainer that you were suppose to wear regularly.  Of course those retainers have a way of either becoming lost, broken or the dog’s chew toy.  As we get older and without the retainer, the teeth will shift and move back to their original position.  Then there are those of us that fortunate enough to avoid the pain of the brace and wires in our youth and learn not to smile as big to hide our crook smile.  Whatever the case maybe, there is a solution to correct that imperfect smile be it for your first time or to refine it a second.  The answer is with Invisalign – clear alternative to braces.

The Invisalign system is comprised of a series of clear, thin, customized aligners that fit over your teeth, progressively straightening them. This system is an effective alternative to metal braces when used in appropriate cases. This procedure is especially popular for adults who previously had orthodontic treatment when they were younger and have experienced regression as they’ve aged. Rather than repeat the inconveniences and discomfort of braces all over again, Invisalign provides an appealing alternative.  The main benefits of the Invisalign system are greatly improved appearance and comfort. The Invisalign aligners are removed during eating, and when brushing and flossing. This may reduce the risk of both cavities and gum disease when compared to traditional braces.

The first step in the process is scheduling an appointment with us.  After an initial evaluation, we will inform  you whether you can benefit from the Invisalign system. Impressions (molds) of the teeth are taken and then sent to Invisalign.

In the process of planning, the lab will send us a preview or prototype via the Internet of how the appliances will straighten your teeth. This information is used to design a series of clear aligners. Depending on each individual, 12 to 48 aligners may be needed to achieve the required result.

One of the great advantages of Invisalign for boaters who travel is our office can deliver the whole treatment of clear aligners to you in the beginning to take with you.  You simply change the aligners every two weeks.  This avoids hassle of having to schedule visits to our office for refinements.

So if you have ever wanted to correct your crook teeth without having to wear those unsightly wires and braces, now you can with Invisalign.

Ways in Handling Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies may be categorized as toothaches, injuries or broken appliances.

• Toothache If a toothache develops, using a brush and floss, clean the suspected area. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the gums or tooth [this may cause a burn]. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. Take ibuprofen (advil)  and call your dentist as soon as possible.

• Avulsed Tooth If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.  It is critical to get the person and their tooth to us within one half hour.  This makes it possible to re-implant the tooth with a high degree of success. Find the tooth, and holding it by its crown, gently rinse it to remove dirt and/or debris.  Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, you can transport the tooth in a cup of milk, salt water, or place tooth between cheek and gum, unless child is too young.  If none of these are available, use a cup of plain water.

• Extruded Teeth If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition the tooth using light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth into its socket.  Try to get the injured person to us as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a moist tissue or gauze on the way over.

• Fractured Teeth First rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Immediate dental care is necessary.  The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and could range from smoothing out the chip to bonding with a composite material to placing a crown.  If there has been nerve injury, root canal may be necessary at that time or at a later date.

• Soft Tissue Injury The tongue, lips or cheeks may be bitten, cut or punctured.  If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth.  Stitches may be necessary.  Clean the area with warm water on a gauze or clean cloth.  Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area. Contact us for further instructions.  If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, bring the person to your dentist or the hospital emergency room.

Are Your Teeth a Sensitive Subject?

Dentin hypersensitivity, commonly referred as sensitive teeth, is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. One in five people in the US experience it at some point in his or her life.  Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within microscopic tubes (pores) located in dentin, which results in nerve irritation. You can avoid it by reducing excessive consumption of acidic food and beverages like sport drinks, soda, citrus juices. Conditions such as bulimia nervosa and acid reflux also have similar erosive effects on tooth enamel. Abrasion of enamel from aggressive tooth-brushing can lead to dentinal sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste brushing in circular motion will minimize enamel abrasion and thus tooth sensitivity. In-office treatment, such as topical agents, sealants, fluoride can be applied. Interesting research associated with dentin hypersensitivity suggest that mouth sensitivity may be associated with sensitivity in other areas such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, or touch. Sight sensitivity, specifically to sunlight, was the most common association. Notify your dentist if you experience tooth sensitivity to monitor and help remedy the sensitivity.

Dr Yani McConnell

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