Category

Invisalign

Reasons to Consider Invisalign

By | Invisalign

Do you have concerns about the need for orthodontic work, but worry that traditional metal braces will detract from your appearance? We understand that it can be very discouraging, especially for adults, to consider the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time. Invisalign clear braces available at our Cosmetic Dentist Manhattan Beach office provide an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast without the need for metal braces.

What kind of problems can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign can correct the same dental alignment issues as traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign aligner trays are almost invisible to the naked eye and can be removed as needed.

Some of the problems we can correct with Invisalign are:

Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.

Overcrowding – Overcrowding occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth, causing tooth decay and increasing the likelihood of gum disease.

Overbite – Another common problem, overbite occurs when the upper teeth project further than the lower teeth, creating the potential for jaw pain and TMJ.

Underbite – The opposite of the overbite with lower teeth projecting further than the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur

Crossbite – This is a common dental problem that occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, leading to bone erosion and gum disease.

What does treatment with Invisalign involve?

When you arrive at our Cosmetic Dentist Manhattan Beach office for treatment, we begin developing a treatment plan by taking three-dimensional digital images of the entire jaw. These images allow our dentist to move specific teeth on the screen and view the jaw from different angles.

This technology actually allows you to see how Invisalign trays will change your appearance. Once planning is complete, a customized set of aligners is created.

What are things to consider with Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking.  Removing the trays is important because food or drink can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

New trays are usually introduced every two weeks and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye.  There is no doubt that Invisalign aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics. Invisalign is renowned for being both comfortable and effective.

We would be happy to explain Invisalign treatment in more detail. Please contact our dentist office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs.

Advantages of Clear Braces

By | Invisalign

Do you need orthodontic treatment, but worry about the impact that traditional metal braces will have on your smile? The Invisalign Dentist Manhattan Beach understands that it can be very discouraging for adults to consider the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time. Invisalign clear braces offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast without any metal.

What problems can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign clear braces can correct the same dental alignment issues as traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed as needed.

Some of the problems that can be corrected with Invisalign are:

Overcrowding – Overcrowding occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth, causing tooth decay and increasing the likelihood of gum disease.
Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
Crossbite – This is a common dental problem that occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, leading to bone erosion and gum disease.
Overbite – Another common problem, overbite occurs when the upper teeth project further than the lower teeth, creating the potential for jaw pain and TMJ.
Underbite – The opposite of the overbite with lower teeth projecting further than the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

What does Invisalign treatment involve?

The Invisalign Dentist Manhattan Beach uses three-dimensional digital images of your jaw to develop a treatment plan. These images allow the dentist to move specific teeth on the screen and view the jaw from different angles. This technology actually allows you to see how Invisalign trays will change your appearance. Once planning is complete, a customized set of aligners is created.

Do I have to wear Invisalign all the time?

Invisalign trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking.  Removing the trays is important because food or drink can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

New trays are usually introduced every two weeks and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye. Renowned for being both comfortable and effective, Invisalign aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics. Please contact our dentist office for more information or to schedule an appointment

Six Month Smile Treatment Option

By | Invisalign, Short Term Braces

It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing for a special event such as a wedding or reunion, or you’d just like a quick smile transformation. With Six Month Smiles we can help you reach your goal in approximately six months. Through the use of this accelerated orthodontics program at our Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist office, most people see results in four to nine months, with most patients achieving results in only six months!

Both Six Month Smiles and Invisalign provide discreet options for straightening teeth. The primary difference is that with Six Month Smiles clear wire and tooth-colored brackets are used to blend with natural teeth whereas Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic resin and are virtually invisible when worn. Many adult and teenage patients choose these orthodontic options because they don’t have to suffer through years of shiny metallic braces marring their smiles.

The reason that Six Month Smiles can accomplish this goal is that the treatment uses very light and safe forces to move teeth at the same rate as traditional braces. The teeth are not being moved faster, but the treatment is completed sooner. Your front teeth (those that show when you smile) move faster than your back teeth. Traditional braces take longer because there is an additional goal of perfecting the bite in your back teeth.

Six Month Smiles braces placed by the Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist do not address the bite in your back teeth, so the treatment stops once the front teeth are positioned in a cosmetically pleasing arrangement. The rate of tooth movement is the same, but the total treatment time is faster.

If you’re interested in learning more about Six Month Smiles or Invisalign treatment, please contact our dentist office to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We will be happy to discuss your needs and which treatment option may be best for you.

Invisalign Treatment

By | Invisalign

If you have decided that now is the time to get something done to correct your crooked smile, you should really consider Invisalign. Listed below are some helpful facts to get you on your way to a beautiful new smile.

How do I start the process?

Your first step is to select an experienced Invisalign Provider like Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist. Not all dentists are certified to properly use Invisalign, so you should be aware of this fact when choosing your dentist. You want to find a dentist who is thoroughly trained to use Invisalign so that you can really get the most out of your treatment.

Preliminary Consultation

Your consultation is an important part of the process in determining what the best course of treatment is for you since Invisalign can effectively treat different types of alignment issues from simple to more complex problems.

Customized Treatment Plan

A customized treatment plan begins with x-rays and impressions of your teeth. These will then be used to create a digital 3-D image. Both steps assist your dentist in developing a treatment plan that is specific to your case, including the exact movement of your teeth. You will even be able to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.

Your Invisalign Aligners

Based on your treatment plan, a series of clear aligners are created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that will not irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces. Wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. Since they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice that you are wearing them.

Every two weeks or so, you will move to the next set of aligners that continue to gently move your teeth into the correct position. You will be able to see the results of Invisalign each time you step up to the next set of aligners. The Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist will schedule appointments at regular intervals to check on your progress. The total straightening process usually takes about a year for adults. For teens, the length of time required for proper alignment is comparable to that of traditional braces.

Benefits of Invisalign Aligners

By | Invisalign

A beautiful, healthy smile can make a great first impression, but if you have crooked or uneven teeth, you may be less than confident about your smile. If you’ve been putting off having this corrected because you don’t want to endure the process and time involved in wearing traditional braces, you are not alone. But there are options to correct alignment issues and give you back your beautiful smile. Today, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using the Invisalign™ system.

What makes Invisalign aligners preferable to traditional braces?

  • Easy Treatment Plan: Your Invisalign™ treatment starts when we take the X-rays used to create a 3-d digital image of your mouth.  Next, you’ll be given a series of custom-made aligners that you will take home and change about every two weeks. You will see the difference in your smile every time you change aligners! You will be scheduled for checkups every six weeks or so at Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist office so we can monitor your progress.
  • Convenient: Simply wear your aligners throughout the day, removing them to eat. This allows you to eat foods you love without the worry of particles getting stuck in wires and brackets.
  • Easily removable: You will continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Your Invisalign™ aligners can simply be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water.
  • Adaptable to your active lifestyle: Since Invisalign™ aligners are nearly invisible; most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. You don’t have to worry about the discomfort of metal braces and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth, and if you’re involved in contact sports, Invisalign™ aligners are easily removed, enabling you to wear a protective mouth guard if necessary.

How long does the entire process take?

It’s difficult to say exactly how long you will need to wear your Invisalign™ aligners since everyone is unique. Contact the Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentists for a free consultation to evaluate your individual situation. Generally speaking though, Invisalign™ treatment usually takes about a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces, with less discomfort and the added advantage of seeing the improvement every time you change aligners!