Invisalign: Treatment Period And Benefits

When you employ an orthodontic treatment designed just for you, aligning your teeth is simple. Overcrowding and crooked teeth are not only ugly and may make you self-conscious about your smile, but they also make it challenging to maintain your teeth healthy and clean. Invisalign TX may be the ideal solution for you if you want to straighten your teeth in an almost unnoticeable method. Clear aligner trays are used in Invisalign to provide pressure to the teeth. This pressure causes the teeth to align more uniformly, making them seem straighter. Whether you're an adult or a teenager, Invisalign can help you. During treatment, these glass trays do not require any metal supports or wiring. Because Invisalign is removable, many patients find it more pleasant to wear.

1. WHY INVISALIGN IS MORE USEFUL THAN BRACES

The most significant benefit of Invisalign over braces is that the transparent aligners are almost undetectable. Other advantages of Invisalign over conventional braces include:

• Invisalign aligners are more pleasant since they fit over your teeth smoothly and snugly. To probe fragile tissues, you don't have to cope with sharp metal edges or wires. Without the agony of conventional braces, Invisalign softly repositions your teeth.

• Because you take off your Invisalign aligners when you eat, you don't have to avoid foods that might harm conventional braces.

• Improved oral hygiene: Removable aligners make it simple to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing practice. Compared to conventional braces, Invisalign reduces the incidence of cavities and gum disease incidence.

• The treatment period is shorter: Invisalign treatment typically takes six to two years to finish, while more difficult conditions may take longer. Traditional braces are usually worn for one to three years.

2. WHY INVISALIGN IS FASTER THAN BRACES

 Because the trays are personalized throughout therapy, Invisalign is usually faster than braces. Every few weeks, you will return to the office to get new aligners custom-made for you. During treatment, your aligners will alter so that they are continually working to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Traditional braces take longer to correct your teeth than Invisalign. Most patients complete therapy in one to two years, but conventional braces can take three years to achieve meaningful benefits. As a result, patients consider Invisalign a more efficient and easy solution for those seeking a beautiful, faultless smile.

3. FIVE PERKS OF INVISALIGN

Traditional braces are frequently ignored or dismissed as being obsolete. On the other hand, Metal braces provide a slew of advantages that keep them at the top of the list of teeth-straightening options. Traditional braces have five advantages:

• They are capable of resolving complex dental issues.

• They have the potential to be more cost-effective.

• They cannot be misplaced or forgotten by patients.

• Virtually anyone can use them.

• They are exceptionally long-lasting.

Metal braces and Invisalign are both practical and safe. On the other hand, their distinct characteristics aid patients and dentists in determining which is best for them. Choosing a teeth-straightening treatment may restore both your smile and your confidence, regardless of the strategy you use.!

4. WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE TREATMENT

The treatment usually starts with a consultation to get to know you and your specific smile requirements. After that, we take imprints of your teeth to create your personalized aligner trays. You'll wear these trays for around 22 hours a day, removing them only to clean your teeth or eat. After that, you'll return to the clinic in a few weeks so we can create brand new aligners for you. We'll tell you what to expect from your Invisalign treatment when you come in for visits. Once your procedure is ended, you will need to wear a retainer every night to preserve your results and keep your teeth looking beautiful and straight.

Invisalign might help you get a straighter smile in less time than you would expect. The majority of patients show improvements within the first few weeks, and therapy takes an average of 12 months to complete. After treatment, wearing a retainer will help maintain your new smile from moving out of position.

THE BOTTOM LINE!

If you're a candidate for invisible aligners, the decision between Invisalign and braces is a personal one. Invisalign is a superb option for traditional braces if the hassle and look of conventional braces limit you from enhancing your smile. When it comes to Invisalign vs. alternative treatment choices, your orthodontist is the most acceptable source of knowledge. Consider all of your possibilities, and don't be scared to ask questions.

Keep in mind that not all orthodontists provide Invisalign Treatment, and those who do have a wide variety of expertise and competence. Before you consent to treatment, find out how many patients your doctor has treated with Invisalign and receive a quote. Comparing Invisalign treatment costs is entirely reasonable. Don't forget to inquire about extra expenses and follow-up treatment. By consulting the dentist in McKinney TX, your smile can be altered without the bulky metal brackets and wires of conventional braces, allowing you to keep your professional image at work. Therefore, professional consultation is the best method to determine whether clear aligners are the appropriate option for you or not. To know more, visit the Vally Creek Dental Care website.

Tooth Sensitivity- What are the Causes and Possible Treatments?

How do you feel when you take a bite of ice cream or sip a spoon of hot soup? Does it hurt your teeth? Do you feel pain or intense sensation? If so, it is time to get to the bottom of this dental problem. 

What is Tooth Sensitivity or Sensitive Teeth?

To understand what exactly tooth sensitivity is, first, you need to understand the different parts of the tooth. 

Teeth have mainly two parts: the upper part (crown- the part of teeth that can be noticed inside the mouth) and the lower part (root- the part of teeth embedded in the jawbone). The upper part of teeth helps in biting and chewing, while the lower part of teeth helps withstand the force of biting and chewing. Other parts of teeth include: 

Gumline- The line where the gum and teeth meet. 

Enamel- It is a hard layer on the tooth containing mineralized tissues. 

Dentin- It is responsible for the tooth structure and is found underneath the enamel. 

Pulp- It is located in the center of the tooth consisting of nerve tissue and blood vessels. 

Tooth sensitivity mainly has to do with the crown and root. According to expert dentists, the upper part of the teeth is covered with a layer of hard enamel. It protects the inner part of the teeth (dentin and pulp) from being damaged. The roots are covered with a protective material called cementum. If these layers wear down or get damaged, they expose the dentin. When the particles of foods and drinks come into contact with the dentin, they result in pain and intense sensation. This is called tooth sensitivity. 

What Are The Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity? 

Tooth sensitivity could occur due to many different causes. In some cases, underlying dental problems are the leading cause, while others may develop tooth sensitivity due to the following reasons: 

• Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.

• Consuming highly acidic foods and drinks.

• Grinding teeth at night.

• Gum recession.

• Broken or chipped teeth.

• Certain dental treatments. 

Certain health conditions or diseases cause acid to come up from the stomach, leading to tooth sensitivity. It includes Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), gastroparesis, and bulimia. 

Tooth decay, getting fillings, crown replacement, and teeth bleaching may also cause tooth sensitivity. 

Treatments

Primarily, two types of tooth sensitivity treatments are available in modern and pediatric dentistry McKinney: In-office treatment and At-home treatment. 

In-Office Treatment- In-office tooth sensitivity treatments are specially designed for complex cases. If you have chronic tooth sensitivity or it is in an advanced stage, it is advisable to meet your dentist as soon as possible or worsen your dental condition. 

During an in-office tooth sensitivity treatment, first, dentists may ask you many questions to know how you feel when you eat or drink. They may also ask you to show the areas where you feel the pain and sensation. Next, they will clean your teeth so that they can examine the details of your teeth properly. They may also take an X-ray of your teeth. It will help them detect the affected areas inside your mouth. 

Dentists may suggest crown, inlay, or bonding as a treatment option, depending on your dental condition. If lost gum tissue from the roots and persistent tooth sensitivity, they may also advise you for a surgical gum graft or root canal. 

At-Home Treatment- If you have moderate to mild tooth sensitivity, at-home treatments are ideal for you.  

Here are some of the best ways to deal with your tooth sensitivity at your home:

• Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth- Some toothpaste is specially formulated for treating tooth sensitivity. They consist of certain desensitizing ingredients that help reduce the discomfort and pain caused by the damaged enamel. However, before using any of them, do not forget to consult your dentist. They can tell you which toothpaste is ideal for improving sensitive teeth. 

• Moreover, you can also use other over-the-counter products specially formulated for treating sensitive teeth, such as fluoride gel. They are also effective in treating tooth sensitivity.

• Improve Your Tooth Brushing and Flossing Techniques- Incorrectly brushing your teeth is one of the common causes of tooth sensitivity. If you make changes to your tooth brushing and flossing techniques, you can prevent tooth sensitivity.

Here are some of the helpful tips to improve your tooth brushing and flossing techniques: 

• Brush your teeth with soft hands.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Use fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss your teeth gently.

• Avoid using acidic mouthwashes.

Prevention

You might have heard before, “prevention is better than cure.” This is what dentists frequently suggest to people. Although tooth sensitivity can be treated, you cannot get your dental enamel back in its original form. Moreover, tooth sensitivity may reoccur, so prevention is the best treatment for tooth sensitivity. 

The more you take care of your teeth, the healthier your teeth will be. So, make sure to follow all the preventive measures for teeth sensitivity. 

To sum up, teeth sensitivity is a severe dental condition. You must get it treated as soon as possible, or else it may worsen over time. You should meet a specialized dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms of tooth sensitivity. 

Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: Know The Difference

Whether to get a fresh breath between the appointments or to have more cavity protection, mouthwash is always handy to boost our oral care routine. Choosing the mouthwash for our needs raises an excellent question: What is the right mouthwash? Do we need a non-alcoholic mouthwash? 

Most of the mouthwashes we see in drug stores consist of alcohol and, specifically, ethanol. Alcohol causes a burning sensation, brings unpleasant taste, and dryness to the mouth. In addition, alcohol not only destroys harmful bacteria but good bacteria as well. Meaning, unless we are regularly using mouthwash, a lot of opportunities for bad breath will build up, generally, because of bacteria imbalance occurrence. However, alcohol-free mouthwash targets bad bacteria rather than good, and hence, creates an optimum balance of bacteria to avoid further complications and combat bad breathing problems. 

People with xerostomia (dry mouth) or otherwise low saliva flow because of medicinal side effects, diabetes, radiation therapies, and systemic diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome can all recover by using an alcohol-free mouthwash. Additionally, alcohol-free mouthwash is beneficial for people with an alcohol abuse history. 

Other than these conditions, BioMed Research International suggests that alcohol-free mouthwash complements gloss, color, hardness, and tooth composite restorations than alcohol-based mouthwashes. 

Nonetheless, alcohol-free mouthwashes effectively prevent dental diseases and freshen the breath as well. But mouthwash should not replace brushing or flossing. Mouthwash complements brushing and flossing to improve your overall oral health care. 

Valley Creek Dental Care, dentist Mckinney TX, recommends a wide range of options of alcohol-free mouthwashes for improving your overall dental care regime. However, there’s still an unheard question:

Why Do Most Mouthwash Contain Alcohol?

• Ethanol constitutes almost every mouthwash. It can kill germs and bacteria in our mouths. It prevents bacterial plaque development that further reduces the chances of getting gingivitis and other gum diseases. 

• It helps our mouth oils like menthol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, and thymol to dissolve in a better way. 

• The overall rinsing with an alcohol-based mouthwash gives a positive impetus to your oral hygiene and refreshes your breath. 

The Downsides Of Alcohol Mouthwash-

• Ethanol’s concentration of up to 25 percent can cause burning sensations in the mouth and possibly kill every bacteria. And thus, imbalances the whole system. 

• Although, some people enjoy the sensation as it creates the impression of getting your mouth extra clean. However, in reality, ethanol provides a drying effect to your mouth. 

• Additionally, there are some alcohol mouthwashes having chlorine compounds as their substituents. Chlorine is a very acidic salt. It not just kills the germs but can cause tooth staining as well. If someone uses chlorine for long, there are chances of taste buds getting affected. 

Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Since not hundreds but thousands of mouthwash options are available in the market. Now it is upon you to decide whether to use the old alcohol version or incorporate an alcohol-free version of mouthwash in your daily oral health care realm. People who like burning sensations can opt for the alcohol version. However, others can switch to alcohol-free mouth to have substantive medical benefits. 

However, avoid ethanol-based mouthwash if-

• You are experiencing Xerostomia- Xerostomia or commonly known as dry mouth causes due to low saliva flow. Using ethanol mouthwash will give impetus to xerostomia. Hence, it is advisable to use alcohol-free mouthwash regularly. 

• You have burning mouth syndrome- Alcohol mouthwash creates a burning sensation that can further exacerbate the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. It may cause several other oral irritations as well. 

• Your gums are sensitive- If you are already using special toothpaste for your sensitive gums, ensure you choose a gentle mouthwash or as directed by your dentist. 

• You are pregnant- No quality of alcohol is safe for any pregnant woman or unborn baby. Hence, make sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash while you are pregnant. 

• You have diabetes- Diabetes causes dry mouth, gum inflammation, and mouth sensitivity which can cause swishing with mouthwash, a painful experience. 

• You share your mouthwash with a child- Alcohol-based mouthwash can be dangerous for children as it can cause extreme illness. Hence, the use of alcohol-free mouthwash would be the best choice for your child. 

• You are recovering alcoholic- Alcohol mouthwash can trigger a relapse for a person you have been recovering from alcohol abuse. It is better to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash for such people.

Types of Alcohol-Free mouthwashes-

Alcohol-free mouthwashes prevent our mouth from getting periodontal diseases, drying, tooth decaying, halitosis, plaque, and tartar growth. They can whiten your teeth as well. Whenever you are choosing alcohol-free mouthwashes, look for the following ingredients:

• Fluoride- It is a naturally occurring mineral. It strengthens our enamels and prevents our teeth from cavities and decay.

• Cetylpyridinium chloride- It is an antiseptic that kills plaque-causing bacteria and other microorganisms. 

• Chlorhexidine gluconate- It has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque and inhibits gingivitis.

• Hydrogen peroxide- It is also known as carbamide peroxide. It is a bleaching agent that helps whiten the teeth. 

• Natural ingredients- Natural ingredients such as aloe vera have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight plaque. 

There is no denying the fact that alcohol-free mouthwashes help in improving the overall dental care regime. But that should never replace flossing and brushing. Always go for a mouthwash that would complement your regular oral health routine. Ask your dentist to get mindful of various alcohol-free mouth rinses options for improving your oral health.