How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a unique orthodontic treatment option that corrects overcrowded, crooked teeth with clear plastic aligners. Although this technology has been around for almost 17 years, it’s often considered a newer and modern alternative to metal braces. Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces, yet many people don’t think of it as a “go-to” option for straighter teeth. Why is that?

John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, of Artistic Dental may have an idea: change can be scary, and many of their patients are comfortable with the cost and outcome of traditional braces. Still, Invisalign is becoming a much more cost-effective solution for those wanting straighter teeth without the restrictions of traditional braces. In this blog, we explain how Invisalign works.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners to correct overcrowded and crooked teeth for a straighter, more radiant smile. These aligners are made out of clear plastic, so they are virtually undetectable. The treatment process for Invisalign is relatively quick and easy, so patients can achieve a confident smile, faster.

The first step requires talking to an Invisalign provider, like John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, at Artistic Dental. They will determine whether or not you’re a candidate for this orthodontic procedure. If you are a candidate, they will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, and patients may be turned away if they have teeth or a bite that cannot be corrected with Invisalign. This system cannot support all tooth movements, so it’s important that patients talk to their dentist at Artistic Dental about their cosmetic dentistry options.

Once your questions about Invisalign, its cost, and any other concerns are answered, your dentist will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan. Your dentist will use 3-D imaging software and other technologies to create the aligners. Once these have been made, you’ll be given your first few aligners to begin the treatment regimen.

You may be asked to follow a series of sequential steps when wearing the aligners. Patients are usually told to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, seven days a week, for approximately two weeks. John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, may ask you to schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks to review your progress.

Invisalign provides many benefits over traditional, metal braces, which is why they shouldn’t be overlooked as a treatment option for crooked teeth. For example, these removable aligners can help either maintain or improve a patient’s oral hygiene. Food particles and other debris can get stuck in between the metal brackets of traditional braces, making routine brushing and flossing difficult. Invisalign prevents these mishaps by allowing patients to remove their aligners after eating and drinking for a thorough cleaning.

Despite some of the benefits, patients will need to commit to the process and remain disciplined throughout. It can be very easy to stop wearing the aligners for more than a few hours a day, and doing so will prevent you from having the smile you want.

If you are interested in learning if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you can schedule a consultation with John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, today and find out whether or not this treatment option is right for you!

Does Charcoal Actually Whiten Teeth?

A bright, white smile is the greatest accessory you can wear, and yellow or discolored teeth can fade the beauty of your gorgeous grin. Whether it is tooth decay, coffee, wine, tobacco products, antibiotics, or just natural wear and tear, your teeth are increasingly susceptible to staining and discoloration. Fortunately, there are many affordable solutions available in convenience stores and at dentists’ offices (think: Artistic Dental) that can help reduce the appearance of yellow teeth.

When it comes to tooth whitening products that can be used at home, some of the more popular items include over-the-counter tooth whitening kits, tooth whitening oral rinses, and whitening toothpaste. While these products may seem like viable options for a whiter, brighter smile, some of them can be ineffective.

For example, whitening mouthwashes are not nearly as effective as whitening strips, which are applied directly to the teeth. However, if you rinsed with a whitening mouthwash six to nine times a day for three to five minutes at a time, you may see results after two or three months. Nevertheless, many of these whitening products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your tooth’s enamel and irritate your gums, so it’s best to visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening services.

For patients on a budget, there may be an alternative way to naturally whiten teeth: activated charcoal. Beauty editors, health enthusiasts, bloggers, and vloggers all swear by this tooth whitening technique, but does it really work? Drs. John P. Dougherty and Dr. Prabidhi Adhikari of Artistic Dental explain the pros and cons of flaunting soot-covered teeth:

Pros

First and foremost, activated charcoal is a purifying agent that naturally absorbs contaminants in the air and body. Charcoal is often used in hospitals and poison control centers to treat drug overdoses or accidental poisonings because it traps toxic substances in your gut and removes them during bowel movements. Activated charcoal is believed to work in a similar fashion for discolored or yellowed teeth. Proponents of activated charcoal like the simplicity of the process because it requires breaking open capsules of activated charcoal, mixing the powder with water, and brushing the black paste directly onto teeth. After three to five minutes, the mixture is rinsed off, and you’ve got a slightly whiter smile.

Cons

Unfortunately, this practice may be too good to be true. Currently, there is no medical research to support the theory that activated charcoal can whiten teeth. Additionally, many dentists are concerned about the effects this abrasive paste may have on the teeth and gums over time. If patients choose to go the charcoal DIY-route for tooth whitening, they should do so sparingly and under the supervision of their dentist.

If you’re interested in fast, simple, and effective teeth whitening, look no further than Artistic Dental at the biltmore, located on Campbell Ave. Drs. John P. Dougherty and Dr. Prabidhi Adhikari of Artistic Dental provide high quality, affordable dental care to patients in Central Phoenix, Arcadia, and Scottsdale. To make an appointment for a complimentary consultation, please call 602.840.5400 today. We look forward to seeing you!