Blog | Page 8 of 18 | West Maitland Dentistry

Thinking of straightening your teeth but don’t like the idea of metal in your mouth? Invisalign® treatment may be the right option for you then! I’ve listed some common questions I receive from patients before they start the Invisalign process.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system for gradually moving teeth with series of customized removable plastic aligners. The aligners are thin and fit snug around your teeth. The aligners, in most cases, replace the need for traditional metal braces.

Who can wear them?

Invisalign is great for teenagers and adults. Compliant wear can help obtain a healthier and straighter smile. During your initial consultation we can determine whether it is a good option for you or if traditional braces is a better idea.

How does the process work?

Your first visit is a consultation. We offer either virtual or in person consultations. At this appointment we also take any records that may be needed, such as x-rays, photographs and a virtual scan of your teeth. The virtual scan will make a 3D computerized model which will aid in determining possible results that can be obtained from the treatment.

After this first consultation, I take all the information to map out a customized digital treatment plan for a step by step transformation of your smile. Once approved we will let you know when we receive your aligners. You then will come back into the office and we will make sure that your aligners fit well and are comfortable.

How does wearing them work?

In order for tooth movement to occur we recommend that our patients wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You will change out your set of aligners every week or two weeks depending on your customized plan. Periodically you will have routine visits with Dr. Dhaliwal to check how your teeth are moving and to make sure the aligners are still fitting well.

How long will your treatment take?

Although you may be able to see some changes to your teeth in the first few weeks, most cases take on average 12-18 months. Depending on how simple or complex your treatment needs are it may take less or more time.

From what material are Invisalign aligners made?

Invisalign aligners are a clear flexible plastic. They are FDA approved and do not contain BPA, latex or gluten.

What are the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces?

The most obvious advantage of Invisalign is the cosmetic ability to move your teeth without having metal showing. But just as important if not more is having the ability to brush and floss easier than with traditional braces. Since there are no wires to trap food and debris there is a less likely chance of getting gingivitis or a cavity . Finally having the ability to remove those aligners means you don’t have to give up some of your favorite foods that are typically avoided with braces.

Why should I straighten my teeth?

Liking how your teeth look is extremely important but it is not the only factor when it comes to recommending teeth straightening. One of the key factors is taking in consideration problems that can occur from a misaligned bite. An uneven bite can lead to wear on teeth, fractured teeth, issues with the jaw joint and tooth pain.

Straight teeth are easier to clean, lessening the chances of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Making your teeth easier to clean can also help prevent cavities as well.

What happens after you’re done with Invisalign?

Just like any orthodontic treatment, retainers are a must to prevent teeth shifting. The retainers will help keep your teeth from shifting back to what they were before. Nightly wear of retainers is recommended after completion of your Invisalign.

If you have any questions about your straightening your teeth and Invisalign, check out the Invisalign website or for a free consultation contact us!

As your child goes back to school, make sure there are no distractions this year, such as teeth! Did you know that dental health could have a big impact in the classroom? One study points out that unplanned dental care for children 5-17 equals 34 million school hours lost a year! So now that we’re back to school, help prevent those lost school hours by introducing your child to the dentist if you haven’t already. To help do so, here are some tips to make sure your child’s dental visit is a pleasant one!

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Role play: The week leading up to your child’s first visit have fun with them by pretending to be at the dentist. You can act as the dentist and your child the patient. Then have fun with it and switch the roles. This gives your child a sense of control not to mention the giggles it creates! Be sure to role play some common procedures your child will encounter. Some things to act out are: taking x-rays, having a dental exam, cleaning the teeth, using suction, flossing and putting on fluoride.

Terminology: When you role play try using age appropriate words and descriptions. Some ways we explain common procedures are:

Taking x-rays: “taking pictures”
Exam: “counting teeth”
Explorer: “tooth counter”
Cavities/bacteria: “sugar bugs”
Polishing/Cleaning: “tickler or tickling toothbrush”
Suction: “Mr. Thirsty or vacuum”
Air/water: “squirt or water gun”
Fluoride: “vitamins”

Read to them: Dental themed children books are great tools to prepare your child. Reading these books ahead of their dental appointment can help them not only hear but also see what to expect. Two of my and my children’s favorites are The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain and Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer.

Make Sure They are Well Rested

If your child still naps, try not to schedule their dental visit around that time. Tiredness and crankiness often go hand in hand!

Feed Them

A hungry child can be a crabby child. Try to have your child eat 30 minutes to an hour before their appointment. After a routine visit your child won’t be able to eat or drink for 30 minutes if fluoride is placed on their teeth. If your child is having more complex dental work done that requires numbing, they may not be able to eat for a few hours! Having your child fed can help ensure no growling tummies or tempers at their visit.

Check Your Anxiety at the Door

It’s not uncommon for adults to have a dental phobia. Children can often pick up and sense the anxiety of a parent. This may lead to their becoming apprehensive as well. But the good news is that the reverse is also true! Having an upbeat and excited attitude about your child’s dental appointment can rub off on them. This can help make the visit a pleasant one for all!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Does your child have an older sibling that is used to visiting the dentist? If so, have them observe their big sister or brother during a routine check up before their first visit. Make sure to have a talk with the older sibling. Have the sibling show enthusiasm and discuss how nothing hurt after the visit is over.

Keep Your Cool

If the dental office is a new environment for your child it can often be a scary one. At the first appointment, your child is getting used to new sights, sounds and smells. Meeting new people and often times people wearing a lot of funny things (gloves, masks, eyewear, gowns, etc) can be tough for anyone. If your child doesn’t react well try to stay calm and let the dentist and team members take the lead. Raising voices or threatening can often make an already stressful situation worse. Remember that every child is different and we all have our bad days! Sometimes it is in their best interest to reschedule at a different date and time.

Prevention

Preventing cavities can lead children to have only routine visits making their trips to the dental office easy, peasy. Check out my previous blog with tips on good oral hygiene for your kids.

Before your child heads back to school be sure to get their mouths examined. Remember regular dental visits can prevent missed school days. Make sure the only thing bothering them this year is homework and not their teeth. To book their appointment contact us!

In celebration of Independence Day we’re looking back at fun facts about the country’s Founding Fathers oral health. During colonial times dentistry was very different. For example, did you know that instead of going to the dentist you went to a barber surgeon? The barber surgeons could not only give you a hair cut but pull your tooth as well! Dentistry has definitely come a long way since our Founding Fathers fought for independence. Here are some fun and interesting dental facts about the people who helped create this country!

Paul Revere

You might recognize Paul Revere as the man who rode his horse to alert the colonists that the British were coming during the Revolutionary War. But, did you know that he was a dentist as well? Although trained as a silversmith he also sold dentures and cleaned teeth. It’s also thought that he was the first person to identify a body by its teeth.

John Adams

If you knew our second president during revolutionary times it may have been difficult to understand him. Adams lost his teeth for two main reasons: he loved sweets and also he believed throwing up cured a number of diseases. Since he refused to wear dentures it made comprehending what he said often times difficult.

Thomas Jefferson

This founding father took great care of his teeth. He had only lost one adult tooth by the age of 81!

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was a brilliant Founding Father but eccentric when it came to his health. He tried to cure his kidney stones by taking mercury pills. The devastating effect on his teeth from the mercury led to them having to be taken out.

Avoid the fate of most of our Founding Fathers’ mouths and be sure to practice good oral hygiene and see us regularly!

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