Many parents are unaware of the steps they need to take to ensure their children’s teeth and gums stay healthy. Positive oral care routines can sometimes fall by the wayside in busy households.
Preventive dental care helps children improve their oral health for a lifetime. This blog provides a list of 11 tips that can help you protect your child’s smile starting in infancy.
1. Begin Home Oral Care Right Away
Caring for your child’s smile can begin as soon as you bring them home from the hospital. Gently wipe your child’s gums twice daily with a moistened baby washcloth. This simple step will accustom your child to oral care from the earliest weeks and remove harmful plaque.
2. Start Dental Visits Early
Ideally, your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday or no more than six months after the first tooth appears. Early dental visits focus on helping your child feel comfortable with their practitioner and creating positive associations. Your child’s pediatric dentist will also want to check the child’s oral health and development.
3. Brush Twice Daily With Fluoride Toothpaste
Starting when babies have their first tooth, parents should use children’s fluoride toothpaste on an extra-soft baby toothbrush. Researchers find that fluoride’s benefits for babies and toddlers outweigh the small risks. Use a tiny smear of toothpaste to begin with.
4. Floss Your Child’s Teeth
You can begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they start to touch each other. A pre-threaded floss pick may be easier to maneuver in a tiny mouth than standard floss.
5. Model Good Oral Care Technique
Let your children watch your oral care routine and make it a natural part of every day. Children want to imitate their parents from a young age, and if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they will want to follow you.
6. Brush and Floss For Your Child
Children will need help brushing and flossing their teeth correctly until they are at least six to nine years old. Allow your child to practice and teach proper technique, then assist them.
7. Manage Dental Anxiety
If you feel anxious about dental visits, avoid communicating this to your child. If your child knows that you are uncomfortable at the dentist, they will be as well. Model a positive attitude toward dental care for best results.
Some children feel uneasy about the dentist. Role-playing with toys, watching videos, and reading books about the dentist can help ease their minds. If your child feels uncomfortable, let their dentist know, and they can adapt their care to reassure them.
8. Maintain a Schedule of Dental Visits Every Six Months
Starting with the first infant visit, bring your child to the pediatric dentist twice yearly. Your dentist may need you to schedule more frequent visits if your child is prone to decay or other oral health issues.
9. Ensure Your Child Receives Dental Sealants
Most pediatric dentists offer sealants to children with emerging permanent teeth. Dental sealants are a safe resin substance that fills the deep ridges of the permanent molars. Sealants can cut the risk of cavities in the permanent molars.
10. Maintain An Annual X-Ray Schedule
Starting around age five to six, your child’s pediatric dentist will want to take X-rays of their developing teeth once per year. X-rays help detect hidden decay and assess orthodontic issues years before treatment starts.
11. Fill All Cavities Promptly
If your child has tooth decay, ensure that your dentist addresses it right away. Baby teeth do fall out, but if they suffer decay, it can negatively impact your child’s oral health for years to come.
Protecting Your Child’s Oral Health
Maintaining a healthy smile takes effort, but the payoff can last your child a lifetime in lower dental costs and complex procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about children’s preventive care, please relay them to our office. We can help you determine the best treatment routines for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care for Children
Why is fluoride essential for kids?
Fluoride is a safe, natural substance that hardens tooth enamel. Children who use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated tap water have significantly lower rates of tooth decay.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
We recommend orthodontic checkups by age seven to check for any emerging issues. Our office provides orthodontic care as well as pediatric dentistry.
Our team at Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the vital importance of preventive care. We are glad to welcome new patients at any age. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your child’s preventive care appointment with Dr. Hannawi-Tadros. We can help protect your child’s smile for a lifetime.
When a child experiences a dental emergency, parents may not know what steps to take to safeguard their smile and their oral health. For most childhood dental emergencies, there are actions parents can take at home to comfort their children and promote a positive outcome.
This blog explains five of the most common childhood dental emergencies and shares ways for parents to provide care at home.
Seek Care As Soon As Possible
No matter what accident or injury occurs, call your pediatric dentist or emergency roomWhat to Do in a Dental Emergencyimmediately. Timing is everything when addressing an oral injury or damaged tooth.
1. Knocked-Out Teeth
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, check for signs of oral injuries. If possible, save the tooth and bring it with you to the dentist. While dentists cannot replant lost primary teeth, they will want to check for damage to adjacent or emerging teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, the potential to save it depends on how quickly they receive dental attention. Save the tooth to bring with you. Rinse it gently under lukewarm water while holding it only by the crown. Save the tooth in a small cup of milk or a tooth-preservation product with the ADA seal. Arriving at the dentist within 30 minutes is ideal, but do not lose hope if it takes longer.
2. Cracked and Broken Teeth
If a child’s tooth breaks, save the pieces if you can. For broken and cracked teeth, rinse the mouth with warm water. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible will help prevent infection and further damage.
3. Toothache
Use a warm-water rinse to clean the mouth. Carefully floss the child’s teeth to remove any stuck objects or food particles.
Apply cold compresses to the outside of the cheek to control pain and swelling. Avoid putting aspirin on the toothache, as this method could burn the sensitive gums.
See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to detect and treat infections, abscesses, and decay.
4. Object Stuck in Mouth or Between Teeth
Use floss to clean between the teeth. Never use a sharp object to remove something stuck between the teeth.
5. Facial Trauma
Children who suffer facial trauma should immediately go to the emergency room. Any heavy bleeding, possible broken bones, swelling, or bruising needs medical attention.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Have your child wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Do not permit your child to move around with an object like a lollipop in their mouth
- Teach your child not to chew non-food objects or bite hard candies
- Use baby gates on stairs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
Is a child’s toothache always an emergency?
While a dull toothache may be able to wait for an appointment during business hours, seek care as soon as possible.
What should I do if my child has broken facial bones?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
If your child needs emergency dental care, we can help. Please call our Attleboro office at 508-409-6160. We can see your child during or after office hours. Remember our preventive tips listed above to safeguard your child’s oral health.
Pediatric dentists often recommend that children receive crowns when their teeth are damaged or decayed to the point where a filling cannot repair them.
The longevity of a pediatric dental crown depends on whether it covers a primary (baby) or permanent tooth. On a primary tooth, the crown should last a few years, enough to protect the tooth until it naturally sheds. On a permanent tooth, the crown should last five to ten years, with some crowns lasting 15 years or more with excellent care.
Reasons Why Children Need Dental Crowns
- Tooth Decay: The most common reason that children need dental crowns is tooth decay that is too severe for a filling to repair.
- Dental Trauma: Your child may break a tooth during sports or active play.
- Root Canals: If your child needs a root canal or pulpectomy (baby root canal), their pediatric dentist will recommend installing a dental crown to protect the tooth.
- Weak Teeth: If your child has weak enamel or if their tooth is breaking down even without decay, a crown can help preserve the tooth’s natural structure.
How Getting A Pediatric Dental Crown Works
Step 1: Impressions
The first step in placing a dental crown is taking a series of digital impressions of the existing tooth. These impressions help the dentist understand your child’s bite and create a crown that fits appropriately.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Next, the child will receive local anesthesia. If the child feels anxious, sedation dentistry techniques can help them relax.
Step 3: Preparation
The dentist removes damaged and decayed areas of the tooth, creating a surface to attach the crown. The dentist takes another set of impressions to shape the interior of the crown. These impressions ensure that the crown fits over the prepared tooth.
Step 4: Crown Creation
For a baby tooth, children often receive premade stainless steel crowns. Placing these crowns is easier and faster than making a custom crown.
If the crown is for a permanent tooth, the dentist will design it using the optimal material. Materials available include metal, ceramic, porcelain over metal, gold, and zirconia.
The child will receive a temporary crown to wear until the final version comes back from the lab. When the crown arrives, the dentist will schedule another appointment to cement it in place.
Step 5: Crown Placement
Your child will return to the dental office to have their permanent crown placed. The dentist will shape and adjust the crown to create a natural, comfortable bite and then securely attach it to the prepared tooth.
Helping Your Child’s Dental Crown Last Longer
- Brush and floss daily, especially around the crowned tooth
- Avoid sticky food like taffy and caramel
- Do not chew gum
- Limit sugary and starchy snacks
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid chewing on hard objects
- Avoid biting fingernails or sucking thumbs
- Visit the pediatric dentist as recommended for regular checkups and cleanings
Dental Crowns Protect Your Child’s Oral Health
A dental crown can preserve your child’s tooth alignment, restore normal chewing function, improve speech, and make your child happy to share their smile. Your child’s pediatric dentist will gladly explain why they feel a crown is needed and answer your questions about the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Crowns
Why does my child need a crown if the tooth is going to fall out anyway?
Many parents may be surprised that dentists recommend crowns for their children, believing that such a step is unnecessary when the tooth will eventually fall out on its own. However, even a primary tooth has an essential role in protecting your child’s oral health and tooth alignment. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, its neighbors may move, blocking the eruption of the permanent teeth and causing severe orthodontic problems.
A missing tooth can also affect your child’s speaking ability and chewing function. Finally, your child may feel self-conscious about their missing tooth.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The process of getting a crown is comfortable, even for young children. Local anesthesia prevents discomfort, and sedation dentistry can help an anxious child relax. Most children tolerate the process well.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
If you believe your child needs a dental crown, we are here to help. Please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160 to schedule your child’s appointment today.
When a child’s primary teeth become severely decayed or suffer too much damage for a filling, a pediatric dentist may recommend a stainless-steel dental crown.
In Attleboro, MA, pediatric stainless-steel dental crowns typically cost $400 to $700 per tooth.
Why Children Need Stainless-Steel Dental Crowns
When young children experience severe decay or other issues that compromise tooth structure, pediatric dentists use stainless-steel crowns. A dental crown protects a natural tooth and restores its chewing and speaking functions.
A dental crown also prevents the tooth from needing extraction. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, it could cause severe alignment issues when the permanent teeth erupt later in childhood.
How Pediatric Dentists Place Crowns
Your child’s dentist may recommend using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help your child feel calm during the procedure. The doctor will also inject novocaine or another local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort.
The dentist places a soft sheet called a rubber dam over the child’s mouth to help keep the treated tooth dry and separated from other teeth.
The doctor removes decayed areas of the tooth using a drill. They remove a small amount of the tooth’s chewing surface to accommodate the crown.
After selecting the correct size crown, the dentist adjusts it to fit the child’s mouth. Finally, the dentist cements the crown into place.
Recovery from Stainless-Steel Crown Placement
While your child’s mouth is numb from the local anesthetic, please do not allow them to eat. This precaution will keep the child from accidentally biting their lips, cheeks, or tongue.
After the anesthetic has worn off, your child will be able to eat and drink normally. They may have a little discomfort for the first one to two days, for which dentists often recommend over-the-counter pain medication.
Conditions Requiring Pediatric Crowns
- Tooth decay is unable to be repaired with a filling
- Root canal or pulpectomy
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked tooth
- Sensitive tooth
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Stainless-Steel Crowns
Why can’t we have our child’s tooth extracted instead of paying for a crown?
An extraction could damage the permanent tooth beneath the gum and cause problems with tooth alignment. A crown is the preferred treatment for a compromised tooth.
Will my child’s crown fall out when the permanent tooth comes in?
The crown will not affect the tooth’s shedding. The healthy permanent tooth should come in normally and complete your child’s smile.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
A stainless-steel dental crown has excellent value to your child’s oral health. It will keep their chewing function intact while preserving their tooth alignment. If you have questions about pediatric stainless-steel dental crowns, please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160. We would be happy to help.
Back-to-school season is filled with excitement and new beginnings, but it also brings an increased risk of dental emergencies for children. Between playground mishaps, after-school sports, and the general hustle and bustle, parents need to be prepared for unexpected dental issues. This guide will help you handle dental emergencies effectively, ensuring your child’s oral health remains a top priority.
Common Dental Emergencies
Understanding the types of dental emergencies that can occur is the first step in being prepared. Here are some of the most common issues:
Toothaches: Tooth pain can arise suddenly and become quite severe, making it one of the most distressing dental emergencies.
Broken or Chipped Teeth: Accidents during playtime or sports can easily result in a broken or chipped tooth, which can be both painful and alarming.
Lost Fillings or Crowns: Fillings and crowns can occasionally fall out, leaving the affected tooth sensitive and at risk for further damage.
Steps to Take at Home
When a dental emergency strikes, acting quickly and efficiently can make a significant difference. Here’s what you can do at home:
For Toothaches: Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean it out. Use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between teeth. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.
For Broken or Chipped Teeth: Rinse the mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
For Lost Fillings or Crowns: If a filling is lost, use a piece of sugarless gum to cover the cavity as a temporary measure. For lost crowns, try to place the crown back over the tooth using dental cement, which is available at most pharmacies.
Finding Emergency Dental Care
Knowing where to turn for professional help can save valuable time and stress. Here’s how to find emergency dental care:
Local Dentists: Many dental practices offer emergency services. Check with your regular dentist to see if they provide after-hours care.
Emergency Dental Clinics: Some clinics specialize in emergency dental care and can be found through a quick online search or by asking your dentist for recommendations.
Insurance Considerations: Ensure you understand what your insurance covers regarding emergency dental services. Being aware of potential out-of-pocket costs can help you make informed decisions during a crisis.
Preventive Measures
Preventing dental emergencies is just as important as knowing how to handle them. Here are some tips to keep your child’s teeth safe:
Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly to maintain strong and healthy teeth. Routine dental check-ups are crucial for catching potential issues early.
Protective Gear: If your child participates in sports, ensure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. Mouthguards are essential for activities like football, basketball, and even skateboarding.
Healthy Eating Habits: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to support overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What is the most common dental emergency?
Toothaches are common dental emergencies, as well as tooth and soft tissue injuries. We are prepared to help with all kinds of urgent dental situations for children.
How will I know if the situation is an emergency?
If the situation is urgent enough that it can’t wait until the next day, it would be considered a dental emergency. A severe toothache, a knocked out or broken tooth, or a problem with existing dental work are examples of dental emergencies.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry for Your Back To School Needs
Being prepared for dental emergencies during the back-to-school season can make all the difference in maintaining your child’s oral health. By understanding common dental emergencies, knowing what steps to take at home, finding reliable emergency dental care, and implementing preventive measures, you can ensure your child is well-protected. Remember, prioritizing dental health should be a year-round commitment. Schedule regular check-ups and educate your child on the importance of good oral hygiene. Together, we can keep those smiles healthy and bright!
If you need further assistance or want to book an appointment, call 508-409-6160 or contact us today.
Braces are durable, practical, and effective, making them an ideal choice for children. In Attleboro, MA, braces for children typically cost about $3,000 to $8,000.
Why Your Child May Need Braces
Tooth alignment is more than a cosmetic issue. Braces can improve multiple oral and overall health conditions. Researchers associate orthodontic correction with better lifetime oral health.
Conditions Braces Can Correct
Some children have visibly misaligned teeth or jaws, but the signs are more subtle for others:
- Malocclusion (crooked or overcrowded teeth)
- Gapped teeth
- Bite issues: These problems include overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. When they are left untreated, bite problems can lead to trouble chewing and speaking.
- Jaw misalignment: Braces can correct simple cases of crooked teeth and severe jaw issues. Doctors can use a combination of orthodontic appliances to widen the palate and bring the jaw into alignment.
- Impacted teeth: Sometimes, a child’s teeth cannot erupt properly. In this case, an oral surgeon would expose the tooth and attach an orthodontic bracket. Over time, braces can adjust the impacted tooth’s position so it aligns with its neighbors.
How Braces Work
Orthodontic braces gently apply pressure to the teeth, helping them move to their desired positions. First, the orthodontist applies metal brackets to the forward-facing tooth surfaces. Next, they install small metal bands around the molars. A metal archwire connects the brackets and molar bands. Tiny elastic bands hold the archwire on the brackets.
The orthodontist tightens the archwire to foster tooth movement, helping the teeth shift position. After about 12 to 18 months, your child may be ready to have their braces taken off and enjoy their new smile.
Helping Your Child Care for Their Braces
Caring for braces can be challenging for children. Orthodontists encourage parents to supervise and assist as needed.
Avoid sticky, crunchy, and hard foods and any food that will become trapped behind the wires. Brush at least twice daily, adding an interproximal brush to access the area behind the archwires. Floss carefully using a threader available at any pharmacy.
If your child’s braces break or loosen, call your orthodontist immediately. If your child experiences irritation inside the lips or cheeks, use orthodontic wax to cover the uncomfortable edges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
When should my child see an orthodontist for the first time?
Today, pediatric dentists recommend that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation at around age 7. Orthodontists check children’s oral development and can determine how to correct alignment issues proactively.
How long does my child need to wear a retainer after braces?
Today, most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer indefinitely to preserve your investment in your child’s smile.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
If you believe your child needs braces, please call our Attleboro office at 508-409-6160 to schedule an evaluation. We look forward to meeting you and your child.
Braces are versatile orthodontic appliances for children, teens, and adults. They can correct crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth and orthodontic bite issues.
Generally, braces take one to two years to complete, though the treatment time may vary depending on the complexity of the patient’s case.
How Braces Work
Most traditional braces consist of four parts: brackets, archwires, bands, and elastics. The orthodontist cements the brackets to the front of each tooth, and metal bands go around each second molar. A metal archwire connects the bands and brackets, held by small elastic bands.
Conventional braces work by gradually tightening the archwire over time. As the archwire moves, the bracketed teeth move with it. The bone rebuilds behind the teeth, allowing them to stay in their new positions.
Braces move teeth horizontally and vertically and rotate them to the proper positions.
Good Candidates for Braces
- Crooked, crowded, gapped, or rotated teeth
- Misaligned dental bite (overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite)
- Healthy teeth and gums with no untreated tooth decay or gum disease
- Excellent oral hygiene practices
- Willingness and ability to participate in the treatment process
- Ready to wear a retainer indefinitely after treatment concludes
The Process of Getting Braces
Step 1: Consultation
During your child’s consultation, your orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth and evaluate any malocclusion or bite problems. They will also check on general oral health and ensure the patient’s teeth and gums are healthy enough to proceed.
The orthodontist will take digital or physical impressions of the patient’s teeth, establishing a baseline.
Step 2: Design
The orthodontist will plan your child’s treatment and may show you a digital preview of the teeth after completion.
Step 3: Installation
During the next appointment, the dentist will cement the brackets to the teeth, place the bands on the molars, and insert the archwire. The dentist will place small elastic bands around each bracket to hold the wire and allow the teeth to move along it.
Step 4: Adjustments
Your child will visit the orthodontist for an adjustment every two to four weeks. During an orthodontic adjustment, the doctor will check progress and tighten the wire to produce the desired results.
Step 5: Removal
After one to two years on average, your orthodontist will reveal your child’s new smile.
Step 6: Retainer
At first, your child will need to wear their retainer night and day. Gradually, they may be able to reduce this to wearing it at night. Dr. Hannawi-Tadros recommends wearing the retainer indefinitely to ensure the teeth stay in place.
Tips for Keeping Your Treatment on Track
Keep Teeth and Braces Sparkling Clean
When braces patients do not correctly care for their teeth, they could face a lifetime of oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Ensure your child brushes and flosses according to their doctor’s instructions to protect their natural smile.
Floss Properly
Tools like interproximal brushes and floss threaders can help clean under and around the wires.
Change Elastics as Prescribed
The elastic bands holding the wire and brackets will gradually loosen over time, so your child must replace them periodically.
Have Problems Repaired Immediately
If your child’s bracket loosens or their wires break, ensure that you see the orthodontist as soon as possible. The longer the problem persists, the more prolonged treatment will take.
Wear Your Retainer
The retainer is vital to preserving your investment in your child’s orthodontic care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Do braces hurt?
Braces may cause minor discomfort at first as the teeth adjust. Each adjustment could cause soreness, but most of the time, your child’s braces will feel comfortable.
What is the right age for braces?
We recommend beginning treatment at age 11 or 12 when most permanent teeth have emerged. Children may need interceptive treatment at an earlier age. Each child should see an orthodontist by age seven to track their oral development.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
If your child or teen needs braces, they may worry about their treatment. The process takes time and dedication, but your child will feel proud and confident in their new smile at the close of their treatment.
We would gladly schedule a consultation with Dr. Hannawi-Tadros to answer your questions. Please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160 to schedule your appointment today.
Many children and adults with braces struggle with oral hygiene. Keeping braces clean is a significant concern because poor oral hygiene leads to adverse outcomes like tooth decay and gum disease.
This blog provides a comprehensive guide to tooth brushing for braces patients, giving adults and children a better outlook on oral health.
Step 1: Creating a Consistent Routine
Brushing and flossing are essential for everyone, but plaque and food can quickly accumulate on and between your teeth if you have braces. When plaque stays on your teeth, you have an elevated risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
With braces, it is best to brush at least three times daily. Ideally, brush when you wake up, after each meal and snack, and before bedtime. Do not skip any brushing sessions.
Step 2: Choosing Your Equipment
Toothbrush
A soft toothbrush is the best choice for braces wearers. A harder toothbrush may damage your braces and irritate already tender gums.
Toothpaste
Choose an approved fluoride toothpaste. Avoid whitening toothpaste since it will produce uneven coloration.
Interdental Brush
Using an interdental brush, which is available at any pharmacy, helps remove plaque and debris around the wires.
Step 3: Brushing
Rinse your mouth with water to help loosen any food debris. Hold your toothbrush carefully at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and begin brushing. Brush in gentle circular motions, careful not to put too much pressure on the gums.
The next step is brushing the tops of the brackets. Hold the brush at a downward angle. Repeat with the bottom of the brackets, holding the bristles upward at an angle.Brush for at least five minutes, covering each tooth surface and the braces themselves.
Step 4: Flossing
While flossing with dental braces can be challenging, it is an essential step. Use a floss threader to move the floss between the wires and reach your teeth. Floss threaders are also easy to find at the pharmacy. Use these with standard dental floss to protect gum health. You may also want to try a water irrigator to target stubborn plaque.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What should I do if I’m away from home and can’t brush my teeth after a meal?
Rinse your teeth with water after every meal if you can’t brush.
Is an electric toothbrush good for braces?
Electric toothbrushes can be a great choice for braces wearers since they provide more efficient plaque removal. However, be careful not to press down with your brush to avoid damaging the gums.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
Taking the time to care for your teeth will give you a bright, healthy smile after your braces come off. If you have any questions about the technique, please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160. We would be glad to guide you toward a healthier smile.
Invisalign is one of today’s best ways to straighten teeth and improve your smile. The process is often faster than braces, taking approximately 12 to 18 months from start to finish.
Advantages of Invisalign
When compared to other modern orthodontic treatments, Invisalign has several distinct advantages:
Discreet
Most people will not notice that you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign. The clear, medical-grade plastic aligners nearly disappear when worn. Since many older teens and adults are wary of the extra attention they may receive with conventional braces, Invisalign makes good sense.
Comfortable
The aligners fit snugly and are smooth to the touch. Unlike braces, Invisalign has no sharp edges, brackets, or wires. It will not irritate the sensitive tissues inside your mouth.
Easy Care
Unlike braces, it is easy to clean and care for Invisalign. You can clean your aligners with clear liquid antibacterial soap or branded crystals. You will not have to purchase extra cleaning supplies like interproximal brushes and floss threaders.
No Food Restrictions
Since Invisalign comes out for eating and drinking, you can have anything you like. If you properly care for your teeth and aligners, you won’t have to avoid foods like popcorn, candy, and nuts. Be sure to clean your teeth and the aligners thoroughly after each meal and snack.
Better Oral Hygiene
The removable aligners allow you to keep your teeth significantly cleaner than with braces. You won’t experience the headache of brushing and flossing around metal parts. Since you can keep your teeth cleaner, you will have a lower chance of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay after treatment. Patients with Invisalign have better oral health for a lifetime.
Invisalign Vs. Braces
While Invisalign has many advantages over braces, both methods have pros and cons.
Braces are better for younger children who are missing some permanent teeth. Braces can be a valuable part of an interceptive orthodontic treatment plan.
Patients may also need braces in case of severe dental bite issues or jaw malformation. Invisalign can handle minor to moderate dental bite problems with the addition of elastics.
The Invisalign Process
Step 1: Consultation
You will meet with the doctor at your first appointment and discuss your treatment expectations. The doctor will answer questions and explain the process.
During the same appointment, the doctor will use a digital intraoral scanner to take photos inside your mouth. The scanner software assembles these photos into a 3-D digital model of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. Using this data, the doctor designs your custom Invisalign system.
Step 2: Wearing Invisalign
After the aligners return from the dedicated lab, you will start wearing them. As you move gradually from one aligner to the next, they will gently shift your teeth into new positions.
You will wear each aligner for roughly two weeks before progressing to the next. You will see the orthodontist every four to six weeks for regular checkups.
Step 3: Completing Treatment
After about 12 to 18 months, you will be finished with your treatment. Your teeth will be straight and even. You can enjoy the benefits of your new, healthier smile.
Step 4: Retainers
After wearing Invisalign, you must wear your retainer as prescribed. If you do not wear your aligner as your doctor directs, your teeth will slip back to their previous positions, and you will lose your investments of money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Most patients who need orthodontic correction are good candidates for Invisalign:
- All permanent teeth present
- No missing teeth
- Healthy gums
- No untreated tooth decay
- Ability to closely follow directions
- Ability to wear aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them to eat, drink, and keep the aligners clean
Can I see any dentist for Invisalign?
While general and family dentists receive training in Invisalign procedures, seeing an orthodontist is preferred. Orthodontists have a better understanding of the way teeth move and the way they should fit together. They can provide more sophisticated treatment and handle problems like overbites with Invisalign.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
Contact a qualified orthodontist like Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry if Invisalign appeals to you. Dr. Hannawi-Tadros can provide customized treatment with excellent results. Please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160 to schedule a consultation today.
Both braces and Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Your orthodontist can help you determine which system works best in your situation. This blog will explain Invisalign’s benefits and how they compare to traditional braces.
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system creates a graduated series of clear plastic aligners that shift your teeth over time. The aligners move a few teeth at a time, helping them reach their ideal positions.
To measure for your aligners, your orthodontist will take digital impressions using the iTero intraoral scanner. The scanner is a handheld wand that moves freely around your mouth, taking 3-D images.
The orthodontist will design your aligners using this data and send the information to the dental laboratory. You can begin your Invisalign journey when the aligners return from the lab.
Approximately every two weeks, your orthodontist will instruct you to change to the next aligner in the series. The aligners will improve your smile a little at a time until you have beautiful, lasting results.
Benefits of Invisalign Compared to Braces
Discreet
You can use Invisalign without drawing unwanted attention. Most people will not be able to tell you are wearing your aligners.
Comfortable
The trays are smooth medical-grade plastic free of sharp edges, brackets, and wires.
Faster Treatment
Invisalign’s average treatment time is shorter than braces. Invisalign typically takes about 12 to 18 months, whereas braces take 18 months to three years.
Better Oral Hygiene
Invisalign comes out so you can thoroughly brush and floss. Practicing good oral hygiene with braces can be challenging.
Better Oral Health Outcomes
Braces patients sometimes encounter more problems with tooth decay and gum disease during and after their treatments. Invisalign’s removable design maintains patients’ oral health.
No Food Restrictions
Patients do not have to wear Invisalign trays while they eat, so they can eat what they like without worrying about damaging braces.
Equally Effective
Both Invisalign and braces produce beautiful, lasting results. Wearing a retainer after treatment is essential for both methods.
Situations Where Traditional Braces May Work Best
Younger Age
Invisalign is ideal for older teens and adults. Younger patients may not have all their permanent teeth. They may also have trouble remembering to wear their aligners for 22 hours daily.
Moderate to Severe Bite Issues
Invisalign can handle minor bite issues like overbite and underbite, but for more serious problems, braces may be your best choice.
Missing Teeth
Patients with missing teeth should know that braces work with their condition, while Invisalign may not.
Severe Malocclusion or Jaw Problems
Braces can correct severe orthodontic problems like advanced malocclusion or jaw malformation when combined with other orthodontic treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?
Your dental insurance may pay for a portion of Invisalign treatment unless they consider it cosmetic.
How do you clean your aligners?
You can gently brush them with non-abrasive toothpaste or clear liquid soap. You can also use Invisalign’s branded cleaning crystals. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to avoid damage.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
Both Invisalign and braces are excellent forms of orthodontic treatment, but each system has specific benefits. Your orthodontist will help you choose the best system for your teeth. Please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160 to schedule a consultation.