INVISALIGN

WHAT IS INVISALIGN ?

Invisalign in Edmonton AB For patients who want to enjoy the many benefits of straighter teeth without having to wear uncomfortable metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is an ideal alternative to traditional braces. The process involves the use of a series of clear trays that are worn for a few weeks at a time. Over time, these trays gently and effectively move the teeth until they are perfectly aligned.

NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW

One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that no one even needs to know that you are wearing them. The aligners used are made out of clear plastic that visibly disappears once positioned on the teeth. Teenagers that are worried about braces distracting from their appearance can smile without fear the entire time their teeth are being pulled into alignment.

BRACES CAN LIMIT CERTAIN FOODS

Braces can also limit the types of foods that can be eaten. Things like sticky candy or popcorn are completely off limits when you are wearing braces. Invisalign allows for the freedom to eat anything you like because they are completely removable. While the aligners are off, you can also brush and floss your teeth without braces getting in the way.

INVISALIGN OFFERS FLEXIBILITY

Finally, many teenagers love the flexibility that Invisalign offers. Braces can sometimes interfere with sports or playing a musical instrument. No such worries with Invisalign! They can often be worn while participating in almost any activity or they can be quickly removed if necessary.

INVISALIGN VS. BRACES

Choosing between Invisalign treatment and braces can be a difficult and complex decision. Each treatment type has specific pro and cons. Traditional braces are most effective at treating very crooked teeth and tend to be less expensive. On the other hand, Invisalign can help to straighten teeth quickly while helping patients avoid feeling self-conscious about wearing visible metal brackets or wires. Making a decision in the debate between Invisalign vs. braces is best made in consultation with your orthodontist and by carefully evaluating your priorities and budget.

INVISALIGN COST

Enjoying the convenience and appearance of Invisalign can be surprisingly affordable. The total Invisalign cost of treatment varies widely by patient depending upon the difficulty of the case and how long the treatment will last. To increase the affordability of Invisalign treatment, many patients are able to take advantage of orthodontic coverage in dental insurance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and convenient payment plans.

INVISALIGN BEFORE AND AFTER

The results achieved by Invisalign treatment can be dramatic. Invisalign before and after photos show a marked improvement in the appearance of crooked teeth and demonstrate the effectiveness of Invisalign in creating healthier, more beautiful smiles.

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

While many people will have no trouble with their wisdom teeth, these teeth are often removed to prevent more serious issues like an abscess. These teeth generally begin to surface in the late teens to the early 20s, and many times, they become impacted as they develop, growing sideways into the other teeth or angled forward.Wisdom teeth may erupt from the gum line or may still be set in the jaw. Teeth that are only partially erupted may present other issues as these teeth are difficult to clean and care for. Extractions are typically handled by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon on an outpatient basis. Most extractions are done as a preventative measure to safeguard against changes in the alignment of the teeth during orthodontics or more serious complications.

WARNING SIGNS

Dry socket: While dry socket will generally heal on its own, consult your dentist to expedite the healing process and to ensure there is no risk of infection.

Nerve injury: The lingual and inferior alveolar nerves run near the surgical site and supply sensation and taste to the area. While nerve injuries are often temporary, nerve damage should never be overlooked, and you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Damage to prior dental work: If your procedure has damaged any prior dental work, contact your dentist.

Damage to surrounding areas: While it is rare, an injury may occur around the sinus cavity or jaw depending on how the tooth was extracted. Any injury should be treated as a medical emergency.

When Prescribed:

• Impacted teeth
• Prevention of malocclusion
• Cysts, tumors or abscesses
• Partial eruption leading to an operculum
• Types of Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is typically performed when the patient is young because the roots have not yet set in the jaw. Once the teeth are anchored, extraction becomes more difficult and requires a longer recovery time.

SIMPLE EXTRACTION

During a simple extraction, the dentist or surgeon will apply a local anesthetic. This will numb the area but will not render the patient unconscious. The tooth will then be lifted using an elevator and removed from the mouth with forceps. The attending dentist will do this process slowly so as not to break the tooth during extraction. This kind of extraction is performed for those whose teeth have already erupted.

SURGICAL EXTRACTION

During a surgical extraction, the dentist may administer an IV anesthetic, which will render the patient relaxed but conscious. The surgeon will then make an incision to facilitate removal. Often, the tooth will be sectioned to ease the extraction. This type of procedure is done for those whose teeth have not yet erupted or who have complications like large or curved roots.

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Your experience with oral surgery will vary based on how complicated the extraction performed is. All procedures will begin with a consultation process where you will be shown any issues, current or potential, with your teeth along with a course of action. Regardless of the type of anesthetic used, you will experience numbness and possibly difficulty chewing or speaking following your procedure. However, this is only temporary. Recovery time will vary based on what type of procedure was used. A surgical extraction will require more time to heal. Inflammation is generally greater after surgery, so you may be given instructions for managing pain and swelling.

Your dentist will provide you with a list of foods to avoid and how to care for your wounds during your recovery period. Bruising around the face or blood oozing from the wound is normal and will resolve in a few days. Your dentist may or may not use stitches to close the incision. Some stitches will dissolve on their own while others require a follow-up visit to remove.

You will also need to abstain from smoking during the first 24 hours following surgery and should avoid activities that may loosen the blood clots, such as drinking through a straw or rinsing your mouth out.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Not so long ago, patients had very few choices in correcting their imperfect smiles. Orthodontic treatment could correct crooked teeth, but not much could be done about teeth that were chipped, oddly shaped or discolored other than covering them with crowns, a procedure that requires a significant reduction of healthy tooth structure. Today, there are several effective, fast and minimally invasive options for improving the appearance of teeth.

WHAT IS COSMETIC BONDING?

Cosmetic bonding is a procedure that uses composite resin, the same tooth-colored material used for fillings, to alter the shape or color of a tooth. It is placed on the tooth in its soft, liquid form and then hardened.

WHAT COSMETIC ISSUES CAN BONDING CORRECT?

Bonding can help close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth or reshape teeth that are too small or irregularly shaped. The procedure can also cover deep-set stains, cracks or pits on tooth surfaces.

HOW IS THE BONDING PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Bonding is a simple procedure that can be performed in just one visit to your dentist. First, the composite resin material is colored to match your natural teeth. Next, your dentist will place the material, which resembles putty, onto your tooth and mold it into an aesthetically pleasing shape. After the resin is hardened under a special light, your dentist will shape and buff the hard material with a polishing tool until your repaired tooth has the same enamel-like sheen as your other teeth. This procedure can often be done although some patients have issues down the road with the filling material discoloring and staining so it may not be a long-term option for you.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?

A veneer is a thin, durable shell made of porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of a tooth. Veneers can be used to correct the same types of issues as bonding, including broken, discolored, misshapen or widely spaced teeth. They can also be placed over slightly crooked or overlapping teeth to create the appearance of straight teeth, something that normally takes a year or more using braces. They are also meant to last a lot longer than cosmetic bonding.

HOW ARE VENEERS PLACED?

Veneer placement begins with your dentist gently buffing away a small portion of the enamel on the teeth being treated. This is done to create room for the porcelain veneers. Next, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, which he or she will send to a dental lab so that a skilled technician can create your restorations according to the size, color and shape specifications that you have chosen. You may be given temporary veneers to wear while your permanent ones are being constructed. When the veneers have returned from the dental lab, your dentist will affix them to your teeth with a strong bonding material.