Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Dental Excellence.
How exactly does Invisalign work?
Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
Will I experience pain during treatment?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.
Can other people see that I'm in treatment?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?
You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.
What about chewing gum?
We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.
How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.
Will my speech be affected by the aligners?
As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.
How do I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
How often must I visit the office during treatment?
For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.
If you have additional questions about the Invisalign treatment, please give our office a call.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Mr. Bean goes to the dentist!
How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. We loved it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean-At the Dentist”!
If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!
- Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, Wiley and team
If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!
- Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, Wiley and team
Labels:
Dental Excellence,
dental humor,
Independence dentist,
mr. bean,
video
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ask Dental Excellence: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?
Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.
Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.
However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give Dental Excellence a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.
Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.
However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give Dental Excellence a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.
Labels:
Dental Excellence,
dentist Independence,
pediatric dentist independence,
thumb sucking,
tooth alignment
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What’s On Your Summer Reading List?
With summer in full swing, the Dental Excellence team wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!
Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our team would be happy to provide a few suggestions.
Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!
Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our team would be happy to provide a few suggestions.
Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!
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