Invisalign- Clear Braces

Invisalign- Clear Braces

Instead of wires or bands

In the past, getting braces has meant struggling with self-image due to the visible metal brackets and wires. But since 1999, Invisalign has literally changed the face of orthodontics for over half a million satisfied patients.

Instead of wires or bands attached to the outside of your teeth where the world can see them, Invisalign utilizes cutting edge technology to fabricate a series of aligners, or clear plastic trays, that are used to move your teeth into a more ideal position. Every few weeks, we will check on your progress and give you the next aligner to keep your treatment on track.

The aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush and floss.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, even more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw. Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial to keeping teeth clean and the jaw comfortable. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment:

Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue)
Crowding – rotated teeth or malpositioned teeth
Deep Overbite – The upper teeth bite over the lower teeth hiding much of the lower teeth
Disfiguring of the face & mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth
TMJ pain
Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay or inherited problems
Overjet – protruding upper teeth
Self-image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.
Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small for the jaw
Speech, chewing or biting problems
Underbite – protruding lower teeth

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children get an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. Though orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, timely treatment ensures maximum dental health.

With all of the recent advancements in orthodontics, wearing braces has never been easier. State-of-the-art appliances and treatments are now available, from traditional metal braces, to clear and tooth colored brackets, to NASA type wires that are heat activated and require fewer adjustments! Some patients may even be candidates for treatment with the above Invisalign, a revolutionary way to straighten teeth using clear, retainer type aligners that require no braces or wires!

If treatment is necessary, we will thoroughly discuss which treatment option is best suited for you!

Specific to children:

Finger or thumb sucking – These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth, and mouth breathing. Habit breaking appliances are available to prevent teeth from being pushed in a non-ideal position.
Teeth erupting out of position – Can be guided to proper alignment.
What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontic treatment involves three phases:

1. Planning Phase – Your first couple of visits may include the following:
A medical and dental history evaluation.
Impressions or “molds” of your teeth.
Photographs of your face and mouth.
X-rays of the teeth and jaws.
2. Active Phase – Dr. Moore will inform you how often you will need to be seen to track your progress. On average, this is about every 4-6 weeks.

3. Retention Phase – When treatment is completed, appliances are removed and a retainer is used to maintain the ideal position of your teeth. Usually these retainers are removable and will maintain the changes made to your teeth.

Treatment and retention times vary depending on each individual case.