Benefits of Invisalign

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

For many people looking to fix their crooked teeth, image is their main concern. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other dental issues can affect your self-esteem and make you feel bad about your appearance. If you don’t feel confident about your teeth and smile, you won’t feel confident in yourself.

Invisalign is a new way to straighten your teeth. Created with a medical-grade polyurethane resin, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Every aligner is a custom fit, made exactly for your teeth to slowly shift them into place.

There are many benefits to using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. You can conveniently straighten your teeth at a comfortable pace while cleaning your teeth, eating, and drinking normally. You will grow in confidence with your teeth and smile as you straighten them in a way that is hardly noticeable.

Invisible Appearance - Invisalign aligners are completely clear, so they do not detract from your face or smile. This is an especially great option for adults and teens who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

Comfort - Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign more comfortable than traditional metal braces. There are no sharp/extruding edges or pieces of Invisalign, and the trays are custom made to fit your teeth and mouth.

Non-Invasive - Due to technology advances, Invisalign does not use invasive measures to detail your teeth. Using 3D scanning technology, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson can take a full scan of your teeth without an x-ray or impressions. These scans are then translated into 3D prints that are used to create your individualized aligners.

Improved Cleanliness - A clean mouth is a healthy mouth, and by the end of your treatment, you want the healthiest teeth possible. Invisalign aligners are removable. They should be taken out during meals and at any other time you are eating or drinking anything other than plain water. When you are ready to brush and floss your teeth just remove the aligner trays, clean your teeth, and put them back in. Flossing and brushing can be done normally without the need for special equipment. You should also brush andclean the inside of your aligners to make sure no food or bacteria builds up inside

Eat Whatever You Want - With traditional braces, you are limited in the foods you can eat or drink, but with Invisalign, all food and drinks are permissible. Because the metal brackets can snap off or the wires bend, you should not eat sticky foods, hard foods, or crunchy foods. This rules out caramel, gum, nuts, popcorn, ice, corn-on-the-cob, and apples. Luckily, with Invisalign removable aligners, you do not have to worry about what you eat.

Prevent other Dental Problems - Crooked teeth can cause more problems than just making you self-conscious of your smile. If your teeth are crooked, you are more likely to have a host of other dental problems. Widely spaced or crowded teeth can raise your risk of developing gum disease since your gums do not fit properly around your teeth. Abnormal bites can create sleeping problems such as sleep apnea. Aligning your teeth with Invisalign aligners can also reduce gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even chipping of teeth. Making sure your teeth are straightened with Invisalign allows for great dental hygiene to help prevent worse dental issues.

The results speak for themselves…While there are many options to straighten your teeth Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

Invisible aligners must be worn for 22 hours in a day to have the maximum effect. While they are removable, they can’t straighten any teeth if they aren’t in contact with them. If they are worn properly, most treatments last between 12 and 18 months. Now that you know some of the benefits of Invisalign give our office a call to schedule your initial exam and begin your journey to a perfect smile!

 

5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Learning how to take care of your teeth is as much a part of growing up as learning to tie your shoes or reciting the alphabet. However, when it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. 

Here are 5 facts about your teeth that you might not know.

1. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body - The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. The enamel is mostly made of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, but is stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, the enamel can still chip or crack, and it isn’t safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. Soft drinks are particularly damaging when you drink them often, or slowly throughout the day.

2. Yellow means decay - When you think of reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. And while teeth can get stained by foods, drinks, and other substances, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow. Decaying enamel could also be to blame for any pain you feel.

3. Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of 200 to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth. White and sticky, plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

4. Your teeth cannot repair themselves - A tooth is the only part of your body that cannot heal itself. Your tooth enamel is a very strong part of your body, and it is essential to look after it so your smile can look and feel healthy for your entire life.

5. Your teeth can be an indicator of your overall health - One in 7 adults aged 35 to 44 has gum disease. For adults older than 65, that increases to 1 in every 4. Tooth decay and other infections in the mouth may be associated with health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. People who have higher levels of gum disease also have a higher level of heart disease. They also have a higher rate of low birthweight babies and premature births.

You use your teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout your day. It's easy to take your teeth for granted, but healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or your dental health, please give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call.