Feature Article:::...

Clear braces give adults a chance for a beautiful smile

By: Kevin Martin, D.D.S.

For many years dentist struggled with the treatment of adults with crowded or crooked teeth that wanted a straight, beautiful smile but did not want to wear braces.

Clear braces are a wonderful new option for many patients who need or desire orthodontics but do not want the traditional metal bracket and wire braces. Amazing advances in computer technology have allowed the development of teeth straightening without metal bands, wires and brackets.

If you have ever wanted to easily and comfortably improve your smile, now is the time to ask your dentist about Invisalign, the brand name of the clear braces.

A few general dental offices and many orthodontic offices are certified to use Invisalign. Not every patient is a candidate for Invisalign; sometimes, traditional braces are necessary. But Invisalign is very effective in many tooth-straightening cases.

In my office, Invisalign has provided me with the opportunity to treat adults who have crowded or misaligned teeth, but do not want to have traditional braces, for many reasons.

Prior to the invention of Invisalign, treatment option for these patients would often be limited to veneers, bonding or crowns on their front teeth to enhance their smile and artificially straighten their teeth.

While these treatments work well, they have the disadvantage of permanently altering the patient’s teeth. Plus, veneers and crowns generally only last around 10 years before they need to be replaced. So for most 20- to 30-year-olds, the veneers will need to be replaced potentially four or more times in their lifetime.

By using Invisalign, we can enhance the patient’s smile and keep his or her own teeth unaltered for the rest of his or her life.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal brackets or wires. Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced.

We use the series of aligners during the course of treatment to correct the positioning of a patient’s teeth. Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth, just like traditional braces. 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.

The primary benefits of Invisalign are:

Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Aligners look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, and with the elimination of metal brackets and wires, you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start — so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
In addition to enhancing esthetics, orthodontic treatment can actually improve the health of your gums. Teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced can create unhealthy conditions, including swollen gums, redness, bleeding and gum pocketing, all of which are signs of periodontal disease.

Clinical studies have shown that gum health may improve with the use of Invisalign during orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around each tooth, as well as make cleaning the teeth more effective.

Invisalign technology allows comfortable tooth straightening that was only a futuristic dream a few years ago. State-of-the-art advances in dental science and technology are amazing.

The 21st century computer age is definitely upon us. As you can tell, this is one advancement in dentistry that I am very excited about. To see the smile on a patient’s face when he or she sees his or her teeth move into a beautifully straight position after being crooked for many years puts a big smile on my face, too.

Many of my patients, who never thought they would have that smile they have always wanted, are achieving it now with this great product. If you have ever wanted braces but never thought you were a candidate as an adult, now it the time to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about Invisalign.

--------Health