Category Archives: Invisalign

Invisalign

Treating a huge tooth gap

If I have a large tooth gap. i measured it and it looks like it is a little over half a centimeter. if I wanted to treat that would it be better to do lumineers, dental  bonding, or something else?

Eric S.- Philadelphia

Eric,

Which treatment you use will depend in part about how you feel about your teeth in general. Are you happy with the shape and color of your teeth, but just want to fix the gap? Do you want to fix your gap and whiten? Or do you not like anything about your teeth and want a complete smile makeover? The only thing you mentioned that I would definitively say no to is the dental bonding. It is just too large a gap for that to be an attractive solution.

If you’re happy with your teeth and just want to fix the gap, then I would recommend Invisalign. These will straighten your teeth in less than half the time of traditional braces. The best part is the aligners are invisible. Even at a conversational distance people will not be able to tell you are wearing them.  It is also possible to do teeth whitening at the same time.

However, if there are other things, such as the size and shape of your teeth, that you want to change, then you might want to consider porcelain veneers. I know you mentioned Lumineers. I don’t know if you are aware that they are just a brand of porcelain veneers. Most expert cosmetic dentists are not happy with the quality of their product. Let me give you a word of caution. A gap the size you mentioned is large enough to fit another tooth into. Because of this, if you choose any type of porcelain veneers you had really better make sure you are going to an expert cosmetic dentist. I wouldn’t go to anyone who wasn’t accredited (which is different from just a member) by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Only about the top 1% of dentists reach the level of accreditation. They’ll be able to handle a complicated case like yours.

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

Invisalign

Tooth pain with Invisalign

I am on my fifth set of aligners with invisalign. I’m having pretty bad tooth pain. My dentist wondered if I could have a leaky filling. He wants to remove it and put in a temporary filling to see how it does. Do you think this is OK?

Brenda L.- Washington

Brenda,

There could be a few things going on. First, and a very probable one, is uncomfortableness from orthodontic work. Whenever you are moving your teeth, it doesn’t matter if you’re using Invisalign or traditional metal braces, your teeth can become painful because of sensitivity to pressure. Your teeth are shifting and then have to reform the bone over the tooth root.

A second possible reason for the pain in your tooth is what your dentist is suggesting. You could have a defective filling. It is not uncommon for amalgam (silver) fillings to begin to crack and leak.  He’ll put a temporary filling in and seal your teeth better. In a fair amount of time it will feel better, if that was the problem.

A third reason could be that your tooth is infected. You may want your dentist to do an x-ray to eliminate an infection.

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

Invisalign

Appropriate Age for Invisalign

I was wondering what is the youngest age someone can be and still use Invisalign?  My 14 year old daughter needs braces, but she says she really wants invisalign. Actually, she says she’ll die if she has to wear anything other than invisalign. So I need to know if she is even old enough. Please save me from teen drama.

Breanne- Indiana

Breanne,

Well, rest easy. It is safe for teens to use Invisalign. They have a brand specific to them called Invisalign teen. There are a few qualifications. For a teen to use them they need to have already lost all their baby teeth. It is also important that their second molars be at least partially erupted. If all that is in order, than it is just a matter of having a dentist look at her mouth to see if her case is compatible with Invisalign.  Most cases are, so there is a good chance she’ll be fine. If she’s not for some reason, at least this way the dentist will be the bad guy and not you.

There is something to consider. Invisalign has a lot of positives: It is invisable, it works in a fraction of the time as traditional braces, it is much more comfortable than those wires and brackets. However, the one real negative is individual responsibility. The aligners are removable. Patients take them out to eat, as well as brush and floss their teeth. Though for most that is a positive because it makes personal hygiene much easier, sometimes for teens this can be a negative.

You know your daughter better than anyone else. If she is responsible and you’re sure she’ll keep the aligners in the whole time she’s supposed to and won’t lose them, then I don’t foresee any problems. They’re an excellent way to deal with crooked or bucked teeth. Just bear in mind they can’t work if she isn’t wearing them as much as is required.

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

Invisalign

Bottom middle tooth getting crooked?

I’m a 21 year old male and I never had braces, last time I visited a dentist was about 3 years ago. I never really had crooked teeth but within the last few weeks I noticed my bottom middle tooth getting crooked. I’m really insecure about it. I never had my wisdom teeth removed but I feel no pain or anything. All my teeth seem fine just this tooth. I have no lumps or anything on my gums and I brush my teeth daily.

Thanks, Tim

Dear Tim,

It sounds like your wisdom teeth may be the reasoning for your front tooth to shift. Most people nowadays get their wisdom teeth removed from the ages of 16 into their early 20’s. Over the years dentist have come to realize that wisdom teeth left in can cause gum disease issues with the back molars due to the fact that they are hard to keep clean. Another reason to extract wisdom teeth is that most people don’t have enough room in their mouth for them which can cause the teeth to shift. We recommend you visit your dentist for an evaluation to see if your wisdom teeth are the reason for your shifting tooth. If that’s the case it may be wise to have them extracted to prevent further shifting. After your wisdom teeth are removed you have the option to get clear braces like Invisalign to straighten out your bottom tooth and make you feel comfortable again.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

 

 

Invisalign

Is there a procedure that uses both dental implants and a bridge?

I have a space where an adult tooth never came in, have no insurance, and I need something to fill in the gap. The gap seems a little too small to have an implant but I’m not quite sure. I am wondering if there is another way that I can receive an implant together with a bridge? Or if implants can be placed no matter what the space is?

Thanks, Tony

Dear Tony,

There are instances when a dental implant is connected to a dental bridge, however this is not necessary in your case. You have one  missing tooth so your dental options would be either a dental implant or a dental bridge, but not both. However if your space is too small for an implant or a bridge you might be a good candidate for Invisalign, depending on the space location. Invisalign is clear braces and if your teeth are not quite perfect this might be your best option to close the space and have straight teeth. Without insurance a dental bridge can cost up to several thousand dollars and usually takes two appointments completed over a three week period of time. A dental implant from start to finish cost anywhere from $4000 on up and takes approximately six months from the initial placement of the implant to having the crown put on the implant. Invisiline treatment is anywhere from 18 to 24 months and can cost roughly $5000. We recommend you consult a dentist about what treatment options would be best for you, your budget, and your time.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

 

 

Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers

Crooked front tooth options

I hope you can help me. I’ve been trying (without success) to find a dentist to straighten my teeth. So far I have talked to three different dentists, and they all say different things about what the best way to do this is! Who am I supposed to believe? They all have really impressive credentials, so I can’t just look at the stuff hanging on their walls and know who to trust.

The tooth next to my front tooth on the right side is crooked. I mean REALLY crooked, and it is completely out of alignment, way behind my other teeth. It looks BAD. Are braces the only thing I can do in this situation? Is Invisalign a possibility? What would happen if I said I wanted to get the crooked tooth removed?

Thanks for your advice,

Becky in Honolulu

Dear Becky,

Invisalign is usually appropriate for adults with crooked teeth if all of their teeth are fully erupted. In some cases of extreme crowding Invisalign might not be effective, but a dentist certified to treat with Invisalign would certainly recognize such a situation and suggest treatment accordingly.

Another option that you have not mentioned is porcelain veneers. A porcelain veneer could work to create the appearance of a normal, straight tooth, though you do state that the tooth is misaligned. Again, a skilled, experienced cosmetic dentist will tell you whether or not a porcelain veneer is a possibility.

I would not recommend opting to have the crooked tooth extracted. From a cosmetic standpoint, an uneven number of front teeth is just never going to look right. Symmetry is extremely important in smile aesthetics, and an uneven number of teeth simply cannot be symmetrical. From a functional standpoint, a missing tooth will cause the teeth surrounding the gap to shift. This movement can create bite alignment issues, that in turn can lead to problems with your tempromandibular joint (TMJ).

For your best results, I would consult with a dentist that does both Invisalign and is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Ask to see samples of their work through a smile gallery.

Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers

Choosing between Invisalign invisible braces or porcelain veneers

I have always wished to have a really beautiful smile, and have finally reached the point where I can afford to do it. I have one tooth that is crooked, but other than that no big problems with my teeth. I want them to be much brighter and whiter, so I’ve been considering getting 10 porcelain veneers on my top teeth. Whenever I look at the pictures on dentist’s websites, I really like the smiles of the patients who got porcelain veneers.

My dentist doesn’t seem all that excited about this, though, which is weird to me because it is a LOT of money I am ready to spend on this. He has suggested that I consider Invisalign invisible braces instead. I can only see one crooked tooth, so that seems like overkill, to get braces for one crooked tooth. He says he will do the veneers, but that I should have the Invisalign treatment first. That will add up to a year to my treatment time, not to mention the extra cost.

Is this usual, to have orthodontic work before getting veneers placed?

Thanks for your input,

Shelly in Grosse Pointe Woods

Dear Shelly,

This is only speculation, but it could be that you have a bite issue or serious crowding issue, and that is prompting you dentist to push for the braces first. If that is the case, he should have told you why he was making that recommendation. It is customary for a dentist to recommend either Invisalign or porcelain veneers, not both. It is also possible that he thinks the use of the Invisalign braces and a professional teeth whitening will yield the results you want without placing porcelain veneers. Again, if this is what he was thinking, he should have communicated it with you.

In this case, I would recommend a second opinion. Don’t tell the dentist what your current dentist said, and see if he recommends a similar course of treatment.

If you do decided to go with porcelain veneers, make very sure your dentist is an expert cosmetic dentist before you have him do the work. Check his work though his website, or ask to see before and after pictures of his porcelain veneer clients.

Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers

What is faster than braces?

I am getting married a year from now, and searching for “The Dress” was an eye-opening experience, and not in a good way. After a while, all I could see in the mirror was my crooked, crowded teeth! I really want to look and feel my best for my wedding day. I had a consultation with an orthodontist, and she told me that straightening my teeth with braces will take at least two years. I don’t have that kind of time! Is there a faster way to have a really beautiful smile for my wedding day?
–Kimberly in Bangor, ME

Dear Kimberly,

If you have crowded, crooked teeth, there are a couple of different ways you CAN have a beautiful smile in just a few months, but only if you consult the right professional. You need to talk to an expert cosmetic dentist, not an orthodontist. An expert cosmetic dentist (especially one accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) will be able to offer you options that a traditionally trained orthodontist is not qualified to provide.

Invisalign braces can straighten your teeth in six to nine months, depending on the degree of crowding. Extremely crowded teeth might take a little longer, but treatment with Invisalign braces rarely takes more than a year. An added bonus to using Invisalign is that even if your treatment is not completely finished by the day of your wedding, the aligner can simply be removed for the big day and pictures. If your teeth are otherwise intact and attractive, Invisalign might be the way to go.

An even faster option is to go with porcelain veneers, but here especially you must be very careful about choosing the right dentist. Many dentists have the technical skill to place the veneers, but they lack the artistic sense to make your smile truly beautiful and natural. If your teeth are discolored or misshapen, porcelain veneers can give you a really gorgeous wedding day smile quite quickly.

The bottom line is that you really should have the advice of an expert cosmetic dentist that has experience with both treatment types before you make any decisions. Choose your dentist very carefully, and then you know you can count on their advice to be sound.

Good luck, and congratulations on your wedding.

Invisalign

What is Invisalign reproximation?

I am just putting on my last Invisalign aligner. By the way, they sure do look good. However, on its package is written “Please check the invisalign website for information regarding reproximation.” This concerns me. I looked up reproximation online. I do not have crowding at all. Do you know if this is printed on everyone’s last aligner?
– Janice from New Jersey

Janice,
No, this isn’t printed on everyone’s last aligner package. Something seems not right about this message. I wonder if it was an error.

Reproximation is shaving of the sides of teeth. If you have a little crowding, but not enough to justify taking out one or two teeth, then we just shave a little off the sides of several teeth to get more space so that the teeth can be all lined up. But this is either done even before impressions are taken, in other words, the very first thing after the diagnostic work is done for the Invisalign. Or it is done very early in the treatment, during the wearing of the first few sets of aligners.

I’d ask your dentist if he or she knows anything about this comment. But I suspect that it is just an error by the Invisalign people – that they used this package for your aligners and didn’t realize it had that comment on it.

And we’re glad to hear that Invisalign has worked so well for you. There is an extremely high rate of patient satisfaction with Invisalign. And we just love doing this treatment for people.

Dr. Mike Malone is a Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist. Click the link to learn more about our office.

Click here to learn more about our Invisalign services, to know if this would work for you. You may also want to read about fixing crooked teeth without braces.

Invisalign

Stains on my teeth after braces

I have had braces in the past and now have stains on my teeth. Can they be whitened either professionally or by in-store products, or will this harm my teeth? Some people have said that the teeth are now softer because of the braces. I realize that I probably caused this by not following through with a better cleaning process while I had the braces, but, now would like to correct the problem. Do the whitening products on the market cause problems with people who have had braces?
– Kathy from Oregon

Kathy,
I am guessing that your stains are uneven. Usually the stains that your teeth get after braces are spots where decay started around the brackets. They start out turning white and then become brown. And they’re in spots.

Bleaching is not the correct treatment for spots. It will make them look worse. Because, while it will whiten the spots a little, it whitens the unspotted parts of the teeth more. So the spots become more prominent. Bleaching is for dark teeth that are evenly dark.

What you need for your spots is tooth bonding. You need a cosmetic dentist who will remove the dark spots and then cover them over with composite bonding material. That will “erase” them and bring back your beautiful smile.

If you want to bleach, a Zoom whitening treatment before doing the bonding will make the white parts of your teeth whiter, and then the bonding material can be a lighter color. But you will need to do the tooth bonding – you can’t get around that.

One of the advantages of Invisalign invisible braces is that you don’t ever get this spotting of the teeth. The spotting comes when you don’t get your teeth clean after eating, and food debris collects around the brackets, and then the enamel starts to break down because the decay process starts around the brackets. With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners to eat and to clean your teeth. There are no brackets to collect food.