Category Archives: Invisalign

Invisalign

Warped My Invisalign Aligners

I took out my Invisalign aligners in order to brush my teeth. I didn’t realize that I’d laid them down where they were touching my curling iron. Now part of them is melted and warped. What do I do?

Nesibe A. – Houston, TX

Nesibe,

Accidents happen and your dentist has seen every kind of accident imaginable. Don’t wear the warped Invisalign aligners. It will set back your treatment. Instead, call your dentist. He’ll make new aligners for you.

If you’re toward the beginning of this particular two-week block, he’ll just start that block over, making the exact same aligners. If, however, you’re closer to the end of your two-week block, then your dentist will likely just move you on to the next set.

It’s safe to do that once or twice, but you wouldn’t want to do it too often. It won’t be great for the roots of your teeth. Generally, your teeth need the full two weeks to give the roots time to stabilize and bone to re-form over the new position.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Getting Back Into the Dating Scene

I’m recently divorced, after a 17 year marriage. My husband decided to start a new life with his high school sweetheart. Now I’m stuck trying to navigate a new life. I’m thinking about diving into the dating scene again, but I think my teeth will hold me back.  I’m too old for braces, but can’t afford porcelain veneers. Is there something between the two?

Amanda – Kentucky

Amanda,

They say our smile is the first thing people notice about us, so if you’re not happy with your smile, it’s great that you’re being proactive.

You don’t have to have a mouth full of metal or spend a fortune on porcelain veneers. Invisalign will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. It uses clear aligners.

I’d talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. It has a high patient satisfaction rate. Just bear in mind, that while porcelain veneers can completely remake your smile, Invisalign, just straightens your teeth. Kind of like braces, but without the metal.

Good luck in the dating world!

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Can Invisalign Substitute for A Sport’s Mouthguard?

I’m on the football team and just got invisalign. My coach said I can’t practice or play without a mouthguard. Can I use my invsalign as that because I don’t think I’m supposed to take them off?

Tommy H. – Denver

Tommy,

You can’t subsitute your Invisalign for a mouthguard. It doesn’t absorb the shock for your teeth like a true sport’s mouthguard does. You’ll have to get one.

It won’t hurt your treatment, as long as you only take them out for practice and eating. Much more than that and you could have a problem.

It shows responsibility that you were concerned about taking them out and you had the foresight to check if they’d work in both situations.

I have confidence that you’re going to do very well with your treatment, and with football.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Why would I need to do two procedures to get pretty teeth?

I want to have my teeth much whiter. I also have one front tooth that is a little crooked. Not much. I was told by a friend that porcelain veneers would take care of both of these things, but my dentist wants me to have ortho done and then veneers. Why would I need two procedures?

Jermaine – San Jose, CA

Jermaine,

You question leaves me wondering if there’s something unique about your bite that your dentist is recommending both procedures; because, you’re right, generally you would either do porcelain veneers or invisalign, not both.

Invisalign will straighten your tooth and ensure your other teeth are in proper alignment. You could also whiten them simultaneously. Your invisalign trays can double as whitening trays.

Porcelain veneers are a better option if you want to change more about your smile than just color or crookedness. For instance,  if you wanted to change there shape as well, I’d definitely recommend veneers.

If I were in your place I’d get a second opinion by a highly experienced, artistic cosmetic dentist. Ideally, you’d want someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). If you don’t have one of those nearby, you can go on the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend expert cosmetic dentists by area.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Can Adults Do the Invisalign Teen?

I’ve been told the Invisalign Teen program has extra aligners in case you lose them.  I tend to lose things a lot and wondered if an adult can do that program?

Margo D. – New Jersey

Margo,

I’m sure your dentist would work with you on that.  However, they’re on your teeth for everything except eating. If you just remember to put them right back on, you’re not likely to have any trouble.

Here’s how it works:

Your dentist gives you a pair of Invisalign aligners. You wear them for two weeks all the time, except when you’re eating. When you finish eating, you brush your teeth ( and don’t forget about flossing once a day), then put the aligners back in.  At the end of two weeks, your dentist will give you a new set of aligners.

It’s really quite simple.  If you’re still worried about losing them, they yes, speak to your dentist about the extra aligner option.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

The Invisalign Weight Loss Program

I recently received a message from a patient that I thought I’d pass on:

I just thought you’ d want to let your patients know that Invisalign is a great way to lose weight.  I’m a compulsive snacker.  Because I’ve had to wear my invisalign aligners, I’ve only eaten at mealtimes.  I couldn’t believe it, but I’ve lost 25 pounds without even trying.  It’s been awesome and I got to buy new clothes. I’ve loved my invisalign treatment, but I’ve been thrilled that it gave me a new body in addition to a new smile.

Thank you! Thank you!

Now, we can heartily recommend Invisalign as way to straighten your teeth, without anyone being aware.  They’re also more comfortable than traditional braces.  But, apparently now, if you’re a snacker, it could also be a way to ease you into new habits and new clothes.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Can a 12 year old use invisalign?

I have a daughter that recently turned twelve. She has all her permanent teeth. Is it possible for her to get invisalign?

Sara  L. – Pennsylvania

Sara,

It may be physically possible for your daughter to use Invisalign at twelve, depending on her specific case. However, I want to caution you about a couple of things.  There are some great advantages of invisalign over traditional braces.  One of the biggest for teens is the ease of oral hygiene. Many teens have a lot of trouble getting their teeth clean enough with all those metal and wires.  Even those who had never previously had cavities, often end up with decay problems with braces.  Because Invisalign is removable, it makes it ideal for keeping their teeth clean easily.

That advantage is also a problem. They’re removable. It is a rare twelve year old who will not lose their aligners. You also have to consider compliance.  She’ll have to keep the aligners in for 22 hours out of the day for the treatment to be effective.

If you think she can handle that responsibility, then Invisalign may work for her.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

How often must I visit the dentist with invisalign?

If I want to get invisalign, will I have to go to the dentist every two weeks? I heard that is how often you have to have the aligners changed.

Melissa S. – Portland, OR

Melissa,

You don’t have to go in to the office to switch your aligners.  Even though your dentist will have you switch them out every two weeks, he gives you enough Invisalign to wear for six weeks.  You just trade out your aligners in between times.  They’re easy to get in and out, so there is no special procedure or training necessary.

Some things to be aware of–

1. Don’t try to change them out sooner than every two weeks.  That will mess up your teeth.  Although you’ll find that your teeth move into their new position quicker than that, your bone needs time to support your tooth root in its new position.

2. Be sure to leave your aligners in for the prescribed amount every day.  Of course, you get to take them out and eat.  It is recommended that you brush your teeth after each meal as well.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Straighten and Whiten your teeth at the same time

I’ve been saving money to make my teeth look better. I’ve got enough to straighten my teeth and whiten them.  Would it better to do the braces first or to whiten them first?

Nerry P. – Georgia

Nerry,

If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, you could do both at the same time.  You’ll find most patients prefer invisalign over traditional braces anyway. They’re more comfortable, more attractive, and finish much sooner.

You may click here to learn more about Invisalign.  If you’re dentist agrees, it is possible to use the invisalign aligners as whitening trays.  This way you can spend some of your time wearing the aligners with the whitening gel inside. In all likelihood, you’ll have briliant, white teeth before you’re even done straightening them, allowing you to witen your teeth and straighten them simultaneously.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Can I switch to invisalign if I already have glasses?

I’ve got regular braces, but I hate them.  They hurt all the time. They keep catching on my lip and it bleeds. Is it too late for me to get invisalign because I’ve already got braces. My mom says its probably too late, but I wanted to check.

Les D. – Missouri

Les,

It’s not too late. Your dentist can still give you invisalign, if your bite is a good candidate for the procedure. I’d have that checked before you seriously consider having your braces removed.  You don’t want to remove them only to have to put them back.

Most people find Invisalign to be much more comfortable than traditional braces. You certainly won’t have to worry about it cutting your lips.

It will be important you wear the  aligners for the amount of time required or the treatment will be ineffective.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA dentist Dr. Mike Malone.