Is It Required That Teeth Are Shaved to Correct Crowding with Invisalign?

Teeth that are misaligned or crooked can be straightened without the need for braces thanks to Invisalign, the modern system of alignment that is more comfortable than the traditional metal braces and virtually invisible while you are wearing it. Invisalign is available to most teenagers and adults who need straightening of their teeth to improve their smile. Invisalign can work in cases where teeth are crowded, but sometimes a procedure known as teeth shaving may be necessary before Invisalign treatment can begin, or at a later point during the treatment. To understand teeth shaving and how it works with Invisalign, let’s begin with an explanation of the process of teeth shaving, what it is, what it does and circumstances under which it might be needed.

Teeth Shaving Terminology

The proper term for teeth shaving is interproximal reduction, but it may also be referred to by other terms including teeth stripping, interdental reduction or interproximal enamel reduction. The last term is quite correct and emphasizes the fact that only tooth enamel, the outer surface of the teeth, is being removed or reduced during the procedure. The reduction of enamel is usually done on the sides of the teeth to reduce the thickness of the teeth.

Reasons That Teeth Shaving May be Performed

Teeth shaving is often performed to reduce crowding or as a preliminary treatment for orthodontic procedures to align the teeth. Shaving teeth to correct crowding is sometimes an option when the upper and lower front teeth do not fit together properly. Reducing the size of the teeth that are crowded may be preferable and generally easier than the alternative, which would be to use veneers or crowns to increase the size of the teeth that are too narrow.

Teeth Shaving and Invisalign

Teeth shaving is not always necessary for Invisalign treatment, but it may help with crowded teeth and eliminate the need to extract any tooth prior to the Invisalign treatment.

To correct crowding with Invisalign, advances in Invisalign technology have made it possible for the treatment to begin before teeth shaving happens. This is called staging. In the past, teeth shaving before Invisalign treatment sometimes resulted in inadvertent reduction of neighboring teeth. With staging, the orthodontist can perform any necessary teeth shaving during Invisalign treatment when the teeth to be reduced are in a better position to be reached by orthodontic instruments without contacting other teeth.

Another advantage to teeth shaving before or during an orthodontic procedure is that the flat, smooth surface created by teeth shaving will help the teeth to remain straight after the orthodontic treatment is finished.

The Teeth Shaving Procedure

Having your teeth shaved is painless. The process is performed with the use of a drill or by hand with abrasive strips. A drill is usually used when a larger amount of enamel needs to be removed. Because there is no pain during teeth shaving, anesthetic is usually not used. You may feel a slight irritation from the tugging or vibration of the rough surface being moved over your teeth.

Can You Still Get Braces if You Have Fillings?

The orthodontist will take measurements during the procedure to be sure that only the necessary amount of enamel is being removed. You may notice very small gaps between your teeth after the process is over, but remember that this was done to help your teeth to move better with Invisalign, and in time, the gaps will close as your teeth move into proper alignment.

Shaving Teeth Safety

The process of teeth shaving may seem like deliberately damaging healthy teeth, but the benefits greatly outweigh the effects of the minor damage that is done. The removal of enamel in teeth shaving is really no different than the kind of wear tooth enamel experiences normally in our lives. Tooth enamel is damaged on a routine basis by acids in the food that we eat, and it can wear down from contact with other teeth. If you have crowded teeth or an overbite, this kind of contact is happening more than it should be, making the problem of tooth wear even greater. Teeth shaving to correct crowding can be much better for teeth in the long run than allowing crowding or an overbite to continue.

Teeth that have undergone shaving are no more likely to experience like tooth decay, bone problems or gum disease, according to studies that have been performed. So yes, teeth shaving is safe, and can help crowded teeth and assist in the successful completion of orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is sometimes called “clear braces,” but this is an inaccurate term because Invisalign aligners are very different than the traditional metal braces. The aligners are removable, and you do take them out daily to brush your teeth and when you eat. This alone makes wearing Invisalign aligners more convenient than wearing traditional metal braces because you never have to worry about “learning how” to eat or brush your teeth with them. Many people, especially adults and teenagers, are drawn to Invisalign treatment because the aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Another advantage is that the overall treatment usually takes less time than the treatment with braces.

Invisalign is not available to younger children, but it is suitable for teens who have most of their permanent teeth. A set of aligners lasts for about two weeks, and then replaced with a new set, with each set being designed for your

teeth as they are moving into proper alignment.

Invisalign may not be recommended in all cases, especially if the teeth are rotated, the bite misalignment is severe or if the teeth need to be moved vertically. A visit to our King George orthodontist is the first step in determining if Invisalign could work for you or your child.

Get More Information about Invisalign

Call Beecroft Orthodontics now to set up a consultation appointment to discuss Invisalign, teeth shaving and orthodontics. When you come in, we want you to feel free to ask any and all questions you have. At Beecroft Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping our patients have the healthy and beautiful smiles we believe everyone deserves.

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

Is It Required That Teeth Are Shaved to Correct Crowding with Invisalign?

Why Is a Dentist Not an Orthodontist?

Since both dentists and orthodontists provide dental care, many people are confused by what the difference is. This difference becomes even more confusing when some dentist offices offer some orthodontic services to patients.

Though the two jobs share some similarities, a dentist and an orthodontist are not really similar at all. It is important to understand “why is a dentist not an orthodontist” so that you can find the right dental practitioner for your own unique needs.

Education

The main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that they have entirely different levels of education. At the start of their education, the process for both a dentist and an orthodontist is mostly the same. Before dental school, a prospective student must have a bachelor’s degree. They can then seek admission into a dental school. For the first two years, students mostly learn information in the classroom. The last two years of dental school are spent practicing with real patients under trained supervision. Students must then successfully pass both part one and part two of the National Board Dental Examination. A dentist may receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree, but the two degrees are equivalent. Some dentists may take a few extra courses, so that they can be certified to apply basic braces, but they do not have the depth of knowledge and experience about the human jaw and teeth that an orthodontist has.

After graduating from a dental school, the educational path of an orthodontist and a dentist diverge. Instead of immediately beginning to work like a dentist can, a prospective orthodontist must undergo more training and classes. Getting into an accredited orthodontic program is usually very competitive, so only the best and the brightest of dental school begin studying as orthodontists. These programs last between two to three years, where they work with patients and attend more classes. At the end of the orthodontic program, a potential orthodontist must pass a written exam by the American Board of Orthodontics. To become an officially certified orthodontist, students must then present six cases they treated to the board and explain all of their clinical decisions on the cases. If the board is satisfied, then the person becomes a certified orthodontist.

The regulations placed on dentists and orthodontists are somewhat different. Orthodontists are certified through the American Board of Orthodontics, and after being properly certified, orthodontists still have to renew their certification every ten years. In order to renew the certification, orthodontists will once again have to have some of their cases examined. Unlike orthodonture, there is no national board that oversees all dentists. Instead, most dentists are licensed through their state’s dental board. Depending on the state, different fees or exams must be dealt with by the dentist. Therefore, there is no national standard that dentists must meet, leading to a great deal of irregularity, while orthodontic practices are much more standardized.

Specializations

In general, the services offered at an orthodontic office and a dentist office fall into two completely separate categories. Technically, an orthodontist can do most of the things that a dentist does, but typically, an orthodontist focuses on doing the tasks that dentists cannot do. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth, while dentists primarily focus on overall oral health.

Often, people go to a dentist’s office regularly for a professional teeth cleaning and a checkup. At a general checkup, a dentist will make sure that the patient is not developing any tooth or gum issues. Dentists diagnose dental diseases and then provide treatment for a patient. Much of a dentist’s job consists of restoring, replacing, or removing teeth. If the patient is diagnosed with an issue that the dentist cannot treat, the dentist will refer the patient to a specialist, such as an orthodontist.

Orthodontists mostly work on aligning a patient’s jaw or teeth. This can be as simple as fixing a few crooked teeth or as complex as reforming the entire alignment of the jaw. Typically, orthodontists spend their time consulting with patients, creating treatment plans, and installing braces or other components to fix or prevent misalignment. Like dentists, orthodontists may have patients of all ages, but they are likely to work mostly with adolescents or young adults.

Procedures

A dentist can offer a variety of procedures in addition to their general checkups and cleanings. Dentists can diagnose and treat gum disease. If a tooth is decaying, a dentist can remove the decay and fill the cavity in the tooth. Sometimes, if the entire tooth is being too problematic, such as a wisdom tooth, a dentist may be able to remove it. Many dentists can also provide root canal treatment for teeth with damage on the interior of the tooth. Patients who are missing teeth can talk to a dentist about bridges or other dentures to restore functioning teeth of a patient. Often, the procedures done by a dentist have a cosmetic benefit. Teeth whitening and veneers can provide a patient with confidence and a feeling of beauty.

Orthodontists work to fix overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth. Orthodontists often install braces in order to

move teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign, and other types of aligner trays, are another method that orthodontists use to realign teeth. Orthodontists may use other devices, such as plates or headgear, to further relocate the jaw bones and teeth. After teeth are aligned, orthodontists usually prescribe a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving again.

If you think you need to see an orthodontist for your dental needs, look no further than Beecroft Orthodontics. Dr. Matt Beecroft is affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists, and he is one of the most talented orthodontists in King George. Call us today to schedule a consultation at one of our three convenient locations and experience the best of King George orthodontics.

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

Why Is a Dentist Not an Orthodontist?

How Do I Clean my Invisalign?

Many people seeking orthodontic treatment in Fredericksburg come to our office with Invisalign in mind. Invisalign is one of the most popular options for straightening teeth because it is so easy to use and practically invisible when it’s placed in the mouth. Though the trays will be replaced frequently as the teeth adjust to them, it’s still important to keep your Invisalign clean. Fortunately, it’s much easier to keep your teeth and your Invisalign clean than it is to keep braces clean. Taking a multi-step approach is the best method.

Rinse After Removing

Every time you take your Invisalign out for eating or drinking, take time to give it a quick rinse before you store it away in a container. If there are any stray food particles or bacteria on the tray from your mouth, they can be much harder to remove once they’re dry. A short rinse with water can keep it a bit fresher. It’s best to plan to remove the tray in the bathroom before eating, especially if you’re out at a restaurant or at school. Otherwise, you might not be near a convenient source of water.

Brushing Your Invisalign

Easy, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Invisalign clean. One of the easiest ways to clean it off is to brush it at the same time that you’re brushing your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush and gently brush the Invisalign while you hold it in your hand. Be sure to set it down on something clean when you’re done. It’s possible to scratch the device, so use a light hand. You may even want to purchase a separate toothbrush with soft bristles specifically for this job. Though it’s tempting to use toothpaste while brushing it, remember that some toothpastes contain small abrasives that aid in getting the teeth clean. These can scratch your Invisalign, so the safest option is to brush it without toothpaste.

Special Cleaners

About once a day, you can soak your Invisalign tray in a special cleaning solution. Naturally, Invisalign recommends using their branded cleaning solution, called cleaning crystals. However, denture cleaners or retainer cleaners are also good alternatives. Mix up the solution by following the directions from the manufacturer, then let your Invisalign trays soak in the solution for around 30 minutes. Since you’re supposed to remove the trays when you’re eating, this is one of the most convenient times to soak the trays.

Fighting Bacteria

Having bacteria on your Invisalign trays can make them smell bad and harm your teeth underneath, causing cavities. While brushing and soaking in other cleaners can help to remove the bacteria, you might also consider washing the tray with an anti-bacterial soap. If you’re going to do this, be sure that you choose a clear version of the soap, as colored varieties can potentially stain the tray. Many people prefer to wash it with a soft, soapy washcloth rather than apply the soap directly. Once you’ve finished lightly scrubbing the trays, carefully wash the soap off. If there is a soapy residue on the tray, it will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

A Brief History of Orthodontics

Clean Teeth, Clean Invisalign

Perhaps the most important method for keeping your Invisalign clean is to remember the rule about not eating or drinking with the trays in your mouth. This is usually easy enough to do when you’re eating your main meals, but it’s inconvenient at times when you want a coffee or snack on the go. Furthermore, once you’re done eating, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth before you place the Invisalign back in your mouth. Otherwise, you’re trapping small food particles in between your teeth and the tray. This makes it more likely for you to get cavities and more likely for your Invisalign to become stained.

Using a Container

When you remove your Invisalign trays while eating or drinking, it’s important to keep them in a safe place. If you’re stashing it in a purse or pocket because you’re on the go, you’re exposing it to a lot of bacteria. This is also true if you’re setting it down on the table next to you, where there can be impurities from people touching the table or in the air from when someone sneezes or talks with their mouth full. A handy carrying case keeps your Invisalign safer, but you’ll also want to clean it before you put it back in your mouth.

Keeping Invisalign Stain-Free

Many things can stain your Invisalign, and you want to do your best to keep it stain-free. In general, you can simply think about not letting anything with color touch the Invisalign. It’s OK to drink water with Invisalign in your mouth, but not juice. Try to avoid colored toothpastes and mouthwashes. If you do use them, be sure to thoroughly wash the product off before you put the tray back in your mouth.

Using Water in a Pinch

You may find yourself in a situation you weren’t prepared for. While the best method for keeping your Invisalign clean is to remove the tray while eating and always brush and floss after you eat, you might get stuck without a toothbrush. Don’t panic. When you can’t brush your teeth, simply be sure to rinse your mouth out a bit with water before you put the Invisalign back in. Remember to brush your teeth when you get back home. To avoid this situation, try carrying a toothbrush with you at all times.

If you’ve decided on Invisalign for orthodontic treatment Fredericksburg orthodontists can help. Call Beecroft Orthodontics and set up an appointment to see if you’re a candidate for Fredericksburg Invisalign. You’ll soon be on the path to straighter teeth.

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

How Do I Clean my Invisalign?