Invisalign v/s Traditional Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics ?

Orthodontics is the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This specialty field of dentistry offers correction for people with an irregular or "bad" bite, also known as a malocclusion.

Orthodontic care involves the use of corrective appliances, usually braces. These corrective appliances can be used to:

•    Straighten teeth
  
•    Correct bite irregularities
  
•    Close unsightly gaps
  
•    Bring teeth and lips into proper alignment
  

In young children, orthodontic treatment also may guide proper jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.

I. How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?

Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

• Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
  
• Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
  
• Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
  
• Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
  
• Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
  
• Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth
  
• Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate

                      

                   Underbite           Openbite           Crowding

                          

                                   

                               Crossbite           Overbite

II. Invisalign v/s Traditional Orthodontics

The top most advantage of Invisalign treatment is cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent, therefore far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces, which are commonly worn by children and adolescents. In addition, the aligners are marketed as being more comfortable than braces. Due to the removable nature of the device, food can be consumed without the encumbrance of metallic braces.

Invisalign may not be appropriate for certain cases of misalignment or complex bite problems. Fixed orthodontic appliances (traditional wire and bracket braces) can be used for complex malocclusions.

Though not as esthetically appealing as clear aligners like Invisalign, today's traditional braces have been improved so they are smaller, less visible and more efficient. These newer wire-and-bracket braces also help to correct misalignment much faster than before.

Only a dentist can determine which treatment option might be right for you. In addition, an orthodontic specialist (orthodontist) can advise you about orthodontic treatment alternatives. If Invisalign is not appropriate, traditional orthodontics can still be used.

III. More on Invisalign Treatment:

Invisalign is a product of Align Technology, Inc. and is used as a treatment for correcting misaligned teeth.

• Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
  
• Invisalign® uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
  
• Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices
  

Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist.

The Invisalign procedure requires a specially trained dental professional, like Dr. Uma Patel, who has been certified by Align Technology.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

1. Clear aligners make Invisalign treatment almostinvisible.
   
2. Removable Invisalign aligners mean you can eat and drink whatever you want and alwaysmaintain optimum dental hygiene by brushing and flossing normally.
   
3. Comfortable Invisalign aligners are replacedfrequently so you may forget you’re evenstraightening your teeth and will spend less time in the dentist’s chair having adjustments.  
   

Invisalign is currently approved for adults and teenagers with completely erupted permanent teeth who can faithfully follow the directions for treatment – how long they have to wear the aligners each day, what they can and cannot eat and drink, seeing their dentist for follow-up appointments, etc.

Invisalign Clear-Transparent-Removable braces (tray)

                  

 

What You Can Do About Bad Breath

Worried about bad breath? You're not alone. Forty million Americans suffer from bad breath, or halitosis. Bad breath can get in the way of your social life. It can make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to freshen your breath.

1. Brush and floss more frequently.

 

One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky build-up on teeth that harbors bacteria. Food left between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're worried about your breath, brush and floss a little more often.  But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can erode enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

2. Scrape your tongue.

 

The coating that normally forms on the tongue can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. To eliminate them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people find that toothbrushes are too big to comfortably reach the back of the tongue. In that case, try a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers are an essential tool in a proper oral health care routine. They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove.

3. Avoid foods that sour your breath.

 

Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. "Unfortunately, brushing after you eat onions or garlic doesn't help," says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out." The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating onions and garlic, especially before social or work occasions when you're concerned about your breath.

4. Kick the habit.

 

Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also increases your risk of oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge to smoke. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about prescription medications or smoking cessation programs that can help you give up tobacco for good.

5. Rinse your mouth out.

 

In addition to freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps freshen your breath by eliminating food particles.

6. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.

 

Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath.