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Posts for: November, 2017

Straighten Your Smile Discreetly

By E. John Baron DDS

November 02, 2017

Category: Dentistry

Tags: Invisalign braces orthodontics

There are plenty of things you'd like to share with the world, but your orthodontic treatment probably isn't one of them. Until recently, everyone knew you were straightening your teeth the moment you opened your mouth and flashed your metal braces. Luckily, there's a more subtle option available today. Our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist, Dr. John Baron, explains how you improve your smile without wires and brackets, thanks to Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a completely wire-free orthodontic system. Gentle pressure exerted by removable aligner trays improve the position of your teeth. The trays are designed in our Santa Cruz office using CAD/CAM technology and digital images, impressions and X-rays. Each set of trays in the series is worn for two weeks before it's replaced with another set. Because the trays are made of clear plastic molded to fit your teeth, they're virtually invisible.

Can Invisalign handle an overbite?

Invisalign corrects the same orthodontic problems that ceramic or metal braces do, including overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites. It also addresses crowding and spacing issues. Most people who need braces and have mild to moderate orthodontic issues can benefit from Invisalign.

How long must I wear the aligner trays?

You'll wear the trays 20 to 22 hours every day, although you can remove them for a few hours if you're attending a special event or participating in a sport. The trays are also removed when you brush and floss your teeth. If you're an adult, you may only need to wear your aligner trays for about a year to accomplish your treatment goals. Teenagers usually need to use the trays for about the same amount of time that they would wear metal braces.

Do I have to stop eating certain foods?

Food restrictions are a fact of life when you wear ceramic or metal braces. Gum and other sticky foods become hopelessly tangled in the wires, while hard foods can break the wires. Because you'll take out your trays before you eat, no food restrictions are necessary with Invisalign.

Are you ready to improve your smile with Invisalign? Call our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist, Dr. Baron, at (831) 426-9200 to schedule an appointment.

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