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Why Should I Feel Confident about Invisalign?

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If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth when you smile, Invisalign could be the adjustment solution

you are looking for. Often, straightening a smile with braces can be painful and embarrassing. The straightening process can take months or years, and the brackets are visible the entire time. Tightening can leave you feeling uncomfortable and brackets sometimes rub when they are re-banded. Many people wonder though and ask themselves this:why should I feel confident about Invisalign? The answers can be found below.

What Is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system is one of the simplest innovations on the market to adjust yourteeth. Invisalign utilizes a series of aligners to correct the structure of the teeth. Aligners are clear, plastic trays that can be easily removed to allow the wearer to eat foods that normally would not be allowed with traditional braces. The aligner's removal allows for greater flossing flexibility and also makes brushing easier. This also decreases the odd "square staining" that can occur when using braces. Invisalign isn't just for adults. Invisalign Teen for adolescents are also available. Invisalign Teen can help teens maintain self-confidence while having their smile aligned. Invisalign is practically see-through. This eliminates the need for teens to constantly hide their beautiful smiles. The easy removal also allows them to continue to eat their favorite foods without worrying about "popping a bracket." The smooth plastic makes Invisalign easier to manage with less discomfort.

How Do I Talk to My Orthodontist about Invisalign?

Here at Beecroft Orthodontics, our patients must first have a consultation with the orthodontist to see if Invisalign is right for them. The orthodontist captures X-rays and composes a digital 3-D image of the patients’ teeth. Using this custom image, the orthodontist is able to design an aligner tray that fits perfectly to the patients smile. The same 3-D image can be used to project the future movement and eventual straightening of the patient's smile.

If you are located in Virginia, and are interested in Invisalign, Beecroft Orthodontics is the place to go. We are proud to offer Stafford orthodontic treatment by Dr. Beecroft and associates. Please contact us to schedule with our orthodontist, Dr. Matt Beecroft or one of his valued associates. We have three convenient office locations in Virginia: our Fredericksburg office can be reached at (540) 898-2200, our Stafford office can be reached at (540) 659-6300 and our King George office can be reached at (540) 775-2022. What Are Some Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions?

How Long Will I Have to Wear Invisalign?

For the average adult, Invisalign aligner trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. These trays are replaced close to every two weeks. There will be an average of between 18 and 30 trays made for each adult patient. Often, the patient visits with the orthodontist every six weeks to ensure that the alignment is on track. After the alignment has been successfully completed, adult patients may have to continue wearing a retainer to ensure permanency of the smile. This process averages about a year.

How Do I Clean Invisalign Clear Aligners

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Does Invisalign Hurt?

Because the trays are molded using custom bite imaging, the trays are designed specifically for the patients’ comfort. While all adjusting has some degree of discomfort associated with it, Invisalign gently adjusts the bite. The plastic trays also ensure that there are no wire pokes, no bracket rubs or other discomforts.

How Many People Really Use Invisalign?

With its transparent appearance and its easily removable trays, Invisalign is popular among many adults and teenagers. Thousands of other people worldwide are wearing Invisalign. Invisalign is very popular among celebrities: Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise and Katherine Heigl to name a few.

How Much Will Invisalign Cost?

We recommend discussing Invisalign costs when you schedule your consultation appointment. Projected length of time, current dental alignment and desired results all play a role in the costs for the alignment. Once you have established a price range with Dr. Beecroft, you can contact your insurance company. Depending on your insurer, you could dramatically reduce costs. The insurance agency could potentially cover the entire cost of the alignment. If they choose to cover a part of the procedure, this can still reduce the total cost for you.

Sometimes, your orthodontist will recommend having Invisalign sooner rather than later. Beecroft Orthodontics understands that in this economy, sometimes money is not readily available for everyone who needs an alignment in a short amountof time. Please ask our offices about payment plans that are available. These plans offer affordable payment options that divide the costs to allow the customer to make smaller payments rather than a lump sum.

To discuss your options, please call a representative from Beecroft Orthodontics on 540-898-2200.

We want to see you smile!

Don't hide your smile anymore. Contact Beecroft Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. We are easily

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reached at our three office locations:

  • The Fredericksburg office line is (540) 898-2200

  • The Stafford office line is (540) 659-6300

  • The King George line is (540) 775-2022

We are the top orthodontist performing Invisalign in the Stafford area. We want you to love your smile. Call or come in today and ask about our complimentary consultation offer.

Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

Why Should I Feel Confident about Invisalign?

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What Are the Discomforts Associated with Invisalign?

As parents, you shudder at the thought of your child being in pain, but you want to do everything you can to make

sure they look good and feel confident. If the avenue the orthodontist recommends to correct your child’s bite is the Invisalign system, remind your pouting teen of this quote:“No pain, no gain.”Ignore those eye rolls and sighs of exasperation, and sit your child down for a one-on-one to discuss what they can expect once treatment begins. You can even serve brownies while explaining to your child.

How Does the Invisalign System Work?

The Invisalign system is nothing more than a series of trays that subtly act as bite and smile enhancers, because with each new tray, teeth are gently pushed into proper alignment.While a screaming set of grills might be preferred by some kids because they’re cool and attention-getting, Invisalign are just the opposite: the trays are crafted from clear plastic, so unless someone stands too close, there’s an excellent chance that the appliance won’t be noticed. Another benefit of Invisalign is that they can be removed when the crowd hits the local fast food restaurant, just one of the many reasons why King George orthodontists recommend this unique system.

Does It Hurt to Be Fitted for Invisalign?

Not a bit. Your child hops into the dental chair, submits to x-rays from which 3-D images are created by a sophisticated imaging system, and the custom fitting process begins. Talk about space age technology! The orthodontist will add a kick of excitement to the experience by showing your child howhis or her teeth will look like once the Invisalign treatment is done. Because there is no pain associated with going through this sophisticated mapping process, the x-ray experience will be a pleasant one to your kids.

What Kind of Pain Can My Child Expect?

If you have more than one youngster, you know that no two children are created alike, thus, the discomfort associated with the insertion of a new Invisalign tray is unique and could affect one or more areas of the mouth: gums, tongue, mouth floor and/or cheek.

Have patients reported little to no pain? On occasion, but it’s better to be prepared for it rather than hoping for the best. Clinical studies undertaken when the Invisalign system was first developed concluded that about half of all patients report having some pain or discomfort, but not everyone complained about the same area of the mouth. Some said their teeth ached when wearing a new tray. Others felt discomfort only when removing or inserting a tray and that pain was frequently described as short term. Remember: Your child is unique, and so is her pain tolerance.

Discomforts Associated with Invisalign

If your child asks whether the Invisalign experience is pain-free, be honest. As with all physical treatments that move a part of the body that is growing in one direction, discomfort is likely and while witnessing your child experiencing discomforts associated with Invisalign is awful, research shows that the discomfort is tolerable and that some patients barely complain, as evidenced by the 2005 clinical trial orthodontists most often cite: the Nedwed study.

How Can Invisalign Straighten an Adult's Teeth

Volunteers were observed from three to six months, and 35percent of them reported no discomfort at all. Of the remaining study participants, 54 percent reported mild pain. The Nedwed study concluded that 83 percent of wearers became acclimated in two or three days.

How to Keep Your Child Comfortable When He or She Experiences Discomfort

Orthodontists specialize in pain management to get through the child’s first week and succeeding tray replacements, so if you’re eager to know what remedies are available to lessen discomfort, these are recommended:

  1. Keep a bottle of OTC pain reliever on hand to lessen any discomfort your child may experience. You know which pain reliever works best, be it Advil, Tylenol, Motrin or Aspirin. These products inhibit compounds that trigger pain, but to maximize the drug’s effectiveness, have your child take it at least an hour before inserting a new tray for maximum relief.

  2. If your child’s discomfort isn’t limited to the gum/tooth area, and he/she experiences discomfort or irritation around the cheeks, the tongue or floor of the mouth, the tray your child is using may need some adjustments. Unless there is a dental diploma hanging on your wall, resist the urge to “fix” the tray yourself! Bring the tray in to the orthodontist’s office so it can be adjusted by theInvisalign for adults King George staff.

This too shall pass

Whether you’ve had a relatively drama-free parenting experience or your youngster presents you with unique challenges that will make great humorous fodder for a speech to be delivered at his/her wedding down the road, remember: This too shall pass. At Beecroft Orthodontics, your King George orthodontist resource, we have shepherded the Invisalign treatment of countless children, as our practice can attest. Give us a call at (540) 775-2022 to set up an appointment with Dr. Matt Beecroft if you’re ready to start the process and we’ll deliver plenty of assurances and advice.

Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

What Are the Discomforts Associated with Invisalign?

Are There Alternatives to Having Teeth Removed for Braces?

Tooth extraction is a common solution for a tooth that can’t be saved. But, tooth extraction is also a widespread practice in the orthodontics field as well. Many times, when a patient requires braces, the orthodontist will weigh both the pros and cons for removing teeth for braces.

Like any other procedure, there are many choices and options that need to be discussed between the patient and the orthodontist in order to determine the best course of action to take. It’s crucial to understand why some teeth need to be removed and consider other alternatives that may work as well in order to achieve desirable results.

Why Orthodontists Remove Teeth

There are a number of reasons why people seek dental care. One common reason is to solve teeth crowding. Overcrowding can cause buckteeth (dental protrusion) or sometimes loss of bone or gum tissues and can lead to issues with chewing. If the patient’s jawbone underneath the teeth isn’t large enough, the orthodontist will simply apply pressure to the teeth in order to move them inward or outward over time. Basically, if the jaw bone is too small to accommodate the patient’s teeth, expanders may be necessary to gradually ‘grow’ the bone. Once a person reaches the age of 16, this procedure no longer works since the bone will solidify around this age.

Another key reason individuals choose to get braces is to modify the look of their lips. The way lips appear depends on the position of the teeth underneath them. Therefore, straightening the teeth can potentially improve a condition known as ‘lip posture’. If one of the jaws differs in size than the other, the mouth is unable to properly align and thus the teeth cannot effectively handle food. Also, misaligned teeth influence the length and overall shape of the face and may be a contributing factor to sleep apnea.

What Can I Eat While Wearing Braces

If the patient is considering getting braces and it’s been determined that tooth extraction is the best route to take, it’s often for one of these primary reasons:

  • Allow space for braces

  • Overcrowding

  • Lip position

  • Jaw position

  1. Spacing for Braces

Removing teeth will obviously create more space in the mouth, allowing the orthodontist to correctly position the teeth. Tooth extractions will also enable the orthodontist to correct key flaws using other methods that would otherwise not be readily accomplished due to all the teeth present.

  1. Overcrowding

If teeth are overcrowded, this can result in the protrusion of teeth, otherwise known as buckteeth. Extraction is frequently used together with braces to facilitate more room for the teeth to properly erupt from the gums. Orthodontists can use a palatal expander to create more space, however, this technique is only effective in children who are age 16 and under before they reach the point where their jawbone will harden too much to enable the teeth to be manipulated in this manner.

  1. Lip Position

Sometimes, tooth extraction is used to improve the appearance of the lips.

  1. Jaw position

The precise way a jaw is positioned will literally determine if the patient ends up with an under bite or overbite. In more severe cases, where the patient’s bite is dramatically off, surgery is might be necessary. Many times, tooth extraction is a plausible alternative to surgery.

Dental Surgery and Teeth Alignment

If a patient has a pronounced overbite, many times the easiest treatment may be to slide their top teeth back or shift the jaw forward. In some cases, it may require the need for surgery. Some people actually prefer tooth extraction compared to a dental operation.

Another possibility to make enough room for teeth is a process called tooth slimming, which involves grinding off the teeth on either side in order to make them somewhat thinner. This process will naturally occur over time anyway. Also, orthodontists sometimes utilize a temporary anchoring device (TAD) in order to give them enough leverage against the teeth that need to shift rather than actually extracting the teeth.

When it comes to any of these procedures, the bottom line is that some individuals are better candidates than others. Even if dental surgery is necessary, some patients may still require braces to straighten out their teeth.

An Orthodontist Is a Specialist

The role of an orthodontist is to straighten teeth, align jaws, correct bites, and solve any other dental issues that may arise which can impact a patient’s eating, drinking, sleeping habits, or speaking. Some patients are discouraged just at the thought of tooth extraction. However, they have the right to choose or refuse any recommended treatment.

If a patient chooses not to pursue a specific treatment, other options may be available. However, these are often secondary in nature. The orthodontist will do their best to provide the ideal treatment plan for the patient on a physical and financial level.

If Invisalign isn’t an option, and surgery or traditional braces are necessary, the orthodontist will help inform and guide the patients concerning their overall dental care plan. However, if these issues continue to be put off to a later date, especially in the case of young children, the consequences later on can be dire.

Change Your Smile Today

Keep in mind that your choice to receive orthodontic treatment will not only make you want to smile more, but boost your overall self-confidence as well. Also, you’ll be able to experience better oral hygiene in addition to avoiding issues like TMJ disorders that stem from poorly misaligned teeth or a poor bite structure.

Nothing about your smile is going to change until you take the first step forward. Contact the Stafford orthodontic treatment specialists today to learn about what alternatives for braces Stafford provide. Enjoy the inviting and professional atmosphere as you are welcomed with a friendly smile by our polite and courteous staff in our office. Our team will strive to make every effort possible to make you comfortable while informing you about all your orthodontic options that we have available to you.

Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

Are There Alternatives to Having Teeth Removed for Braces?