Understanding Invisalign

Invisalign has revolutionized the way we think about orthodontic treatment. These clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth. Some of the key benefits include:

• Removability: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, promoting better oral hygiene.
• Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign aligners are less likely to cause irritation to the gums and cheeks.
• Shorter Treatment Time: Many patients experience faster results with Invisalign compared to traditional braces.

However, it’s important to note that Invisalign might not be suitable for complex dental issues. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine if Invisalign is the right fit for your needs.

The Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have been the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment for decades, offering reliable and effective results. They are particularly beneficial for those with complex alignment issues. Here are some advantages:

• Comprehensive Treatment: Traditional braces can address a wide range of dental problems, including severe crowding and misalignment.
• Durability: Made from metal or ceramic, these braces are designed to withstand daily wear and tear.
• No Compliance Required: Unlike Invisalign, traditional braces do not require the patient to remember to wear them, making them a great option for younger patients.

While they may be more noticeable, today’s braces come in various styles and colors, allowing for some degree of personalization.

Cost Considerations

When deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, cost is often a significant factor. Invisalign tends to be more expensive due to its advanced technology and customization.

However, the cost can vary based on the complexity of the treatment and the duration. Traditional braces, while generally more affordable, may require additional visits for adjustments, which can add to the overall cost.

Insurance coverage can also play a role in determining the final out-of-pocket expense. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider and discuss payment plans with your dental office to make the treatment more affordable.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces ultimately depends on your specific dental needs, lifestyle, and budget. Factors such as the severity of your dental issues, your age, and personal preferences should all be considered. Consulting with Dr. Joseph Smillie and Dr. Helen Smillie at Smillie Dental can provide you with personalized recommendations based on a thorough assessment of your dental health.

Remember, the goal is to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of. Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their own merits, and the right choice is the one that aligns with your unique situation.

Ready for a New Smile in Port Orange?

If you’re ready to embark on your journey to a perfect smile, Smillie Dental in Port Orange is here to help. Our experienced team is committed to guiding you through every step of your orthodontic treatment, whether you choose Invisalign or traditional braces. Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us today at (386) 317-4754 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident you!

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If you have a crossbite, then this information may seem like a problem. You want to correct your crossbite, but you would like to avoid bulky metal braces. So, can you use Invisalign to fix your crossbite?

Let’s find out!

What Is a Crossbite?

When we talk about crossbites, we refer to a misalignment that happens between the lower and the upper jaw. This misalignment causes some of the upper teeth to close inside of the lower teeth, or right on top of them. A correct bite would be when the upper teeth fall slightly in front of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Aside from the odd position of your teeth, other signs of a crossbite include:

• Toothaches
• Headaches
• Pain while biting and chewing
• Other jaw problems

As you can see, a crossbite does not only affect the way your teeth look, but it also affects your oral health. If not treated, it can lead to major jaw problems, tooth decay, and even gum disease due to plaque and tartar buildup.

Is Invisalign Able to Fix a Crossbite?

The short answer to this question is yes, in most cases, Invisalign can fix a crossbite. However, only a dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Port Orange after examining your bite. But, as we said, most types of crossbite can be treated with clear aligners.

If your crossbite is too severe, other steps might be needed to complete the treatment. For example, if the crossbite is caused by severe teeth misalignment, then Invisalign may not be enough and you will need traditional orthodontic treatment. But, if the crossbite occurred due to skeletal reasons, then you will need surgery first followed by aligners or braces.

If the dentist decides that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you can expect between 3 to 18 months of treatment. The more severe the crossbite, the longer you will need to wear them to get the desired results.

Benefits of Wearing Invisalign

The main reason people opt for Invisalign is that the clear aligners can go unnoticed.

Other benefits of wearing Invisalign are:

• They are comfortable as they apply gentle pressure on the teeth until they are brought to the correct position.
• They are easy to clean and allow you to maintain a proper oral hygiene.
• They are removable and you can take them off for eating and cleaning. However, you must wear them at least 22 hours per day to make sure the treatment is as effective as possible.

Want to Correct Your Crossbite with Invisalign? We Can Help!

Are you interested in clear aligners, but aren’t sure if they are the right treatment option for you?

Come visit us at Smillie Dental and we will examine your bite and determine the best way to fix your crossbite.

Contact us today to book your appointment with one of our doctors.

The post Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite? appeared first on Smillie Dental.

But when visible, they are more than just cosmetic issues. Underbites can cause problems with the teeth and jaw, and even affect how a person talks, or how well they can chew their food.

People with underbites might already be battling self-esteem issues, so it’s not really surprising that many wonder whether Invisalign can be an appreciated treatment option for them. But can Invisalign actually fix underbites?

Invisalign Can Treat Underbites in Some Cases

Invisalign is able to treat some forms of underbites, but since there are many different degrees of severity to them, the only way to know for sure is to see an orthodontist for a consultation.

For example, if your underbite is caused by an issue with your tooth alignment, then you’re most likely a great candidate for Invisalign treatment.

In some cases, underbites may require jaw surgery or even using traditional metal braces at least for a while to resolve part of the problem. Then, you may be able to move to an Invisalign treatment and get your underbite corrected in a much more discreet way.

If you book a Port Orange Invisalign consultation at Smillie Dental, our team will first analyze your specific case and then recommend the best course of action to address your underbite.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign involves wearing a set of clear aligners which slowly change the position of your teeth. The trays are custom-made to fit you, which is why many patients report a lot less discomfort with Invisalign than with traditional metal braces.

The trays are changed around 2 weeks, to ensure your treatment is following the right course. You will need to come into the office for routine consultations to ensure everything is going according to plan.

With time, the trays can realign your teeth and adjust jaw position to fix your underbite, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted. In some cases, you might need some additions to the Invisalign trays, such as rubber bands to help your treatment. This will be decided once the orthodontist reviews your case and determines which form of treatment is best for your condition.

Interested in Invisalign? We Can Help!

Dr. Joseph Smillie and Dr. Helen Smillie are here to help you get the smile of your dreams through Invisalign, or other types of treatments to address your underbite. Our professional dental health services are at your service whenever you need them.

To get started, please schedule a consultation at Smillie Dental online, or call our office directly at (386) 317-4754 to find out more about our services and how we can help!

The post Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite? appeared first on Smillie Dental.

1. Your Treatment Will Probably Take About A Year

Invisalign aligners are usually worn for about 2 weeks each, and then swapped out for a new pair. Throughout treatment, you’ll need to come into Smillie Dental every 6 weeks or so for an exam. During your regular check-ups with Dr. Smillie, he will ensure that your treatment is progressing properly.

Most people require somewhere between 20-24 sets of aligners to complete their treatment, which puts the average treatment time at just under a year. This means that Invisalign is usually quite a bit faster than traditional braces, which can take 2 years or longer.

2. Invisalign Isn’t Right For Everyone

If you have serious gaps in your smile or extremely crooked and misaligned teeth, traditional braces may be a better option for your needs. Similarly, if you have significant bite misalignment issues, a different orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

In general, Invisalign is only right for people who have minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues. If you have severely crooked teeth, metal braces are likely the best option for you. During your consultation, Dr. Smillie will assess your teeth and determine which options will work for you, then work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

3. You’re Responsible For Wearing Your Aligners Properly

Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are easily removed, and this has a number of advantages. The removable aligners can be taken out to can eat and drink, and you can also remove them for contact sports, or to brush and floss your teeth.

However, this also means that you’re responsible for remembering to wear your aligners properly. You should be wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. If you do not wear your aligners for enough hours each day, your treatment will take a much longer time and the results will not be as good.

4. You’ll Need To Stop Smoking

There are dozens of reasons to stop smoking. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health, especially if you’re wearing Invisalign. Smoking will stain your aligners, yellowing them and making them obvious against your teeth.

Smoking can also impair the natural healing process of the teeth, and make your treatment last much longer. We recommend never smoking while using Invisalign. There’s nothing like looking forward to a beautiful, straight smile to help kick the habit!

5. Avoid Drinking Coffee Or Other Colored Beverages While Wearing Invisalign

You should only drink water while wearing your aligners, because this ensures that they won’t get stained. Acidic and dark beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda can miscolor your aligners.

If you must have your morning coffee while wearing Invisalign, take your aligners out before drinking it, and brush your teeth immediately after finishing your beverage. This will prevent staining, and also help you maintain healthy teeth.

Get An Invisalign Consultation At Smillie Dental Now!

Dr. Joseph Smillie has experience treating Invisalign patients of all ages. Whether you’re a teenager or a young adult, or you’re an older professional looking to straighten your teeth while avoiding the stigma of “adult braces”, we’re here to help at Smillie Dental.

Get the smile you’ve always wanted in Port Orange! Contact us at (386) 317-4754 for an appointment, or stop by our office at 5537 South Williamson Blvd, #675, Port Orange, Florida 32128.

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