The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image.   While having beautiful straight teeth is important, even more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw.  Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss.  Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces.  Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain. 

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children get an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7.  Though orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, timely treatment ensures maximum dental health.  

 Some patients may be candidates for treatment with Invisalign, a revolutionary way to straighten teeth using clear, retainer type aligners that require no braces or wires which we are happy to offer in our office.  If treatment is necessary, Dr. Viner, a certified Invisalign provider, will thoroughly discuss the treatment option best suited for you! 

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic therapy that allows you to straighten your teeth with invisible aligners that are worn night and day except when eating, brushing, and flossing.  They are completely unobtrusive, though they may take a few days to get used to.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment for adults & children:

• Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.
• Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue).
• Crowding – Involving extra teeth or malpositioned teeth.
• Deep Overbite – The lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth.
• Disfiguring of the face & mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth.
• Jaw & jaw joint pain
• Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems.
• Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw.
• Self-image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.
• Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small or too large.
• Speech, chewing or biting problems
• Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – Lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.

Specific to children:

• Finger or thumb sucking – These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth, and mouth breathing.
• Teeth erupting out of position – Can be guided to proper alignment.

What does Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment involve?

Invisalign Orthodontic treatment involves three phases:

1.  Planning Phase – Your first couple of visits may include the following:

• Castings or “molds” of your teeth.
• Digital photographs of your face and mouth.
• X-rays of the teeth and jaws.

After careful planning, Dr. Viner will have fabricated a series of  clear (invisible) custom-made appliances called aligners.  Aligners will be worn 24/7 and removed for eating, drinking, and brushing.

2.  Active Phase – Active treatment involves visiting our office on a regular basis for monitoring and receiving a new set of aligners wearing aligners for two weeks straight- night and day,  then switching to the new set for another two weeks.  This process continues until all of the aligners have been worn for the proper amount of time and your teeth are where they should be! 

3.  Retainer Phase – When treatment is completed a retainer is provided.  Usually these retainers are removable and will maintain the changes made to your teeth if worn continuously until the teeth and bone are stabilized in their new positions. 

Treatment and retention times vary depending on each individual case, most cases lasting a year.  We will ensure you have a successful treatment for a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime. 

More information about Invisalign can be found at www.invisalign.com.