A Cosmetic Alternative To Metal Braces

Just because you have crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth doesn’t mean unsightly metal braces are the only option available to correct your smile. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA, dentist explains how our approach to cosmetic dentistry includes the Invisalign® system, which improves the alignment of your smile using clear plastic aligners!

The Dangers of an Uneven Smile

Why should you consider seeking treatment for your misalignment? Obviously, uneven teeth provide esthetic issues for your smile. But did you know crooked and crowded teeth provide hiding places for food particles to become trapped? Even if you brush and floss you could fail to remove these particles, leaving them for bacteria to feed on. Over time, this process leads to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, the pressure on the jaw joint and bite balance could mean a higher likelihood of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), which leads to headaches, jaw pain, and even damaged teeth. Addressing your misalignment improves your oral health.

Creating Clear Aligners

Along with being barely visible, your aligners will also fit comfortably, ensuring you avoid the gum and cheek irritation often encountered with metal orthodontics. To create them, we use digital technology to gather detailed images of your teeth. We then combine them to craft a 3D model, which we employ to design and fabricate your series of aligners. Created from a clear plastic, they fit comfortably and offer solutions with precision and accuracy.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each day, you will wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day. After about two weeks, you will move on to the next in the series, gradually moving the teeth into optimal positions and correcting misalignment. During your treatment, you can remove them before eating, so you don’t need to change your diet or avoid favorite food items. You also have the ability to take them out when you brush and floss, ensuring you take optimal care of your smile. The total amount of treatment will depend on the cause and extent of your misalignment, but for adults it usually takes about a year and teens may require up to 18 months to see optimal results. If you have any questions about treating your alignment, or about the Invisalign® system, then please contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry?

We want to help people in our community obtain a more even and beautiful smile with cosmetic orthodontics. For more information on the Invisalign® system, then schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.