The number one reason people change orthodontists is they are moving. We live in an area where there’s a fairly large military community, and a lot of people move in and out. Sometimes these moves are unexpected and the kids or adults
Cost of Invisalign
How much does Invisalign or clear aligner cost?
Invisalign is a wonderful new technology that allows an orthodontist to straighten your teeth without traditional braces.
Most people have probably heard the word, “Invisalign,” seen advertisements, or know someone who has had Invisalign. So, I’ll highlight what it is, how it works, how you can wear it, and how to know if you’re a candidate for the treatment.
Steve Alper via Compfight
What is Invisalign? How does it Work?
Invisalign is a clear plastic tray that molds to your teeth. Typically, an impression is taken and sent to Invisalign headquarters, where a computer model of your teeth is generated. Then, based on our prescription, Invisalign generates a finished model of the teeth and shows how the teeth will progress each week toward the final treatment stage. We make tweaks to ensure the teeth move exactly how they’re prescribed. Then, Invisalign fabricates a series of clear aligners to incrementally move your teeth. This could range from five to 50 aligners, depending on the complexity of the case.
Each aligner moves your teeth about .3 millimeters, which isn’t much when you think about it. But, when you’re dealing with teeth, .3 millimeters is significant. You wear each aligner for about two weeks, 20-22 hours per day. You take them out to brush, eat, and for special occasions and functions.
How to Properly Care for your Invisalign Trays?
* Don’t eat anything with your Invisalign trays in because they can crack and break if you put a lot of force and pressure on them.
* Only drink clear liquids while wearing Invisalign trays. If you’re constantly sipping on a drink, use a straw to avoid taking your trays in and out and avoid strains.
* Avoid eating and snacking on sugary foods and putting the Invisalign trays back in your mouth, because the food, plaque and sugary substance can get trapped between the trays and the teeth.
Invisalign’s Technological Advances
Invisalign has come a long way in the last five to 10 years. Initially, it was more a treatment for correcting minor conditions that might have relapsed. This appealed to people who had prior treatment, didn’t wear their retainers, and needed minor tweaks. This also included people who just had one tooth bothering them. Treatment was 50 percent to twice as long with the Invisalign trays. Now the material has changed so treatment is as fast with Invisalign as braces. Invisalign is pre-fabricated, so you know exactly what you’re going to get and how long you’ll wear them. Also, due to technological advances, Invisalign is used to treat almost any case that braces can treat.
A Patient’s Experience with Invisalign
A teacher came in who had wanted to fix her teeth for a long time. She’d seen dentists over the years, who said she was a candidate for Invisalign but others said she wasnt’. She didn’t want normal braces, especially since she taught middle-school students. Unfortunately, one of her students actually made fun of her teeth one day. So, she came in to see if there was something she could do about her teeth, hoping she could get Invisalign. I assured her Invisalign would be a great option for her. She opted for the Invisalign treatment and is progressing wonderfully. She’s already talking about how her smile has changed and how she looks forward to showing her students the Invisalign trays.
Invisalign is truly a great alternative for people like the teachers who want their teeth straightened, but don’t want metal braces. If you want Invisalign to straighten your teeth, then call Beecroft Orthodontics today.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr Fredericksburg , Virginia Phone: 540-898-2200
Cost of Invisalign
Can You Wear Braces And Play Instruments?
Instruments and braces: Will they affect the way you play?
Those who play instruments are often concerned how braces will affect the way they play.
Many of the high school students who wear braces play in their school bands. They’re either in marching bands, concert bands, or other bands. And, they’re often concerned that orthodontic treatment, or their braces, will affect their overall ability to play instruments.
So, how do braces affect the way you play specific instruments, and what can do to adapt better to braces? By braces, I’m talking about traditional braces, braces that go on your teeth. Obviously if you have Invisalign trays, you can take them out to play and instrument normally and naturally. But, if you’re concerned about braces affecting the way you perform, you may want to consider Invisalign.
Some people, for one reason or another, are not candidates for Invisalign and prefer to go with the traditional braces. They wonder, “How is it going to affect the way I play?” I would say it depends on the instrument. If you play the drums, it’s not going to affect you at all. Now, if you play an instrument where you’re using your mouth, you can expect an adjustment period.
I’m drawing on feedback strictly from patients. I’m not aware of any scientific research in this particular area. But, I’ve treated many patients that play various instruments so, I’ll highlight the feedback I get from them.
What to expect with which instruments
Woodwind instruments
Description: The mouth is not necessarily in close contact with the mouthpiece.
Types: Flute and piccolo
Explanation: The braces won’t affect your lips.
Transition period: None
Types: Flutes
Description: You have a reed, and your mouth goes over the mouthpiece.
Types: Clarinet, saxophone, and oboe
Explanation: Your lips will need to adjust.
Transition period: A day or two
Brass instruments
Description: You press your lips against both your braces and the instrument.
Types: Trumpet, French horn, bass, and tuba
Explanation: You create two to three different notes in one position of your hands or fingers via the amount of air that flows through the position of your lips. Any minor tweak or movement can create a whole different note.
Transition period: A week to a few weeks
Watch video and see how little girl is easily playing trumpet with braces!
An option for those who have a hard time adjusting
Some people have a hard time playing the instrument with braces. They get an uncomfortable feeling with their braces pushing up against their lips. Orthodontists do have a smooth plastic insert that fits over your braces. It’s not something you want to wear all the time because it hangs over your braces and doesn't lock into place well. The insert covers up all the areas of your braces protecting your lips. So, for those who can’t get use to playing an instrument with braces, the insert’s a nice alternative.
If you need more information feel free to call us or post any questions you may have on our Facebook wall.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr Fredericksburg , Virginia Phone: 540-898-2200