Offices in Southeastern Mass, The Cape and Rhode Island.
Call Us Today: 1(855) 50-ALPHA
Invisalign®
Invisalign®
If your teeth are out of line, and could benefit from braces, you might prefer to use Invisalign®. This is a system which uses a series of clear, removable aligners which slowly straighten teeth without the obvious and disruptive use of traditional metal braces.
How Invisalign Works
In your initial consultation, Dr. Salem will take digital impressions of your mouth to send to the Invisalign® laboratory. Dr. Salem will use the impressions to show you the changes you can expect after treatment, while the lab uses the information to create the custom series of aligners which will be used.
Once the aligners are installed, you should wear them from 22 to 24 hours per day, removing them only to eat or brush and floss your teeth. Every two weeks you will change to a new set of aligners, so the pressure to move the teeth into line is adjusted slightly. Most patients only need to visit the dentist every six weeks.
After the aligners have done their job, you will be provided with a retainer to maintain the change.
What Invisilign® Treats
The types of tooth misalignment that Invisalign® treats include:
- Under-bite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Teeth too widely spaced
- Teeth that are crowded
Your Alpha Dental dentist will review your situation during a consultation and advise if Invisalign® is appropriate for you.
The Benefits
Invisalign® has several benefits over traditional orthodontia:
- The aligners are virtually unnoticeable when being worn.
- They are made from a soft plastic which does not irritate your gums and soft tissue.
- Because they are removable, brushing your teeth and flossing are easy.
- Unlike some metal braces, these aligners allow you to eat what you like.
- They can address most of the same issues that metal braces do.
- The length of time needed for treatment, and the cost are comparable to metal braces.
- Ultimately, when you put your teeth in alignment, they will be easier to clean and maintain for the rest of your life.
Advantage Of Treatment
At Alpha Dental Center, we make it easy for you to find an office nearest you; call our toll free number 855-50-Alpha (855-502-5742), and follow the prompts.
Here are some basic guidelines on how to handle common dental emergencies:
- Toothache – see your dentist as soon as you feel pain or discomfort.
- Broken, chipped or cracked tooth – rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to your face and see your dentist right away. If the tooth was broken or chipped – bring the tooth fragment wrapped in wet gauze or a wet towel.
- Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth – due to trauma, call your dentist. If the tooth was knocked out – if at all possible, gently insert the lost tooth back in its socket simply by holding the tooth by the crown using a clean washcloth. (In the event that the tooth is dirty, first rinse the root, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue). If reinsertion is not possible, hold the tooth under the tongue and see your dentist immediately.
- Broken Jaw – apply ice or cold compress to the face, go to your dentist or an emergency center immediately.
- Bitten Tongue or Lip – clean the area with a wet cloth, apply a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If bleeding persists or is too excessive, go to your dentist or emergency center.
It is important for good home dental care, it involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly; and eating a mouth healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables along with dairy products. It is equally and important to schedule visits with your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Yes, genetics can also play a role in the health of your teeth and gums. Strong teeth, weak teeth, big teeth, small teeth, crooked teeth, susceptibility to cavities and even the potential to develop gum disease can be passed down from generation to generation. That is why it is so important to see your dentist regularly; your diet, dental care routine and frequency of visits to a dentist can turn around a potentially hopeless situation and develop a lifelong treatment plan, inclusive of habits that will address your potential weak spots.