Are either you or your teen looking to correct dental issues but would prefer to avoid braces? At M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics, we offer braces as well as Invisalign, which is a clear aligner that can be slipped on over your teeth and removed at will. We have convenient locations in Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, and Destin, FL and would be happy to help you pick the right treatment.
Many times, young kids find it easier to adjust to the appearance of braces. This is especially true if they’re excited to customize them with fun elastics,or if they have friends with braces. Adult or teteenageatients may be more hesitant to seek out braces, since they may not want to stand out. Invisalign is aptly named since these aligners are nearly invisible once you’re wearing them.
Clear aligners are designed to let your natural teeth show through. They are unlikely to show up in pictures, which can make patients more comfortable and confident during social events or on social media. Patients who are worried that braces may make them self-conscious are often relieved to learn that aligners could help them get the corrections they need without drawing unnecessary attention.
One of the reasons a patient may be hesitant to look into braces is due to dietary limitations. Patients who already have limited food options may be nervous about limiting their diet any more than necessary. These patients may be especially good candidates for aligners instead of braces. Aligners can be removed during meals, so you won’t need to avoid your favorite foods.
Being able to remove aligners can also help with brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing around wires and brackets can take longer, and some patients find that frustrating. If that frustration causes them to cut corners, that could end up negatively impacting their dental health and the functionality of their braces. Invisalign simplifies the process and allows you to brush and floss normally.
These aligners are well-made, and they have to be strong to do their job. This, combined with a lack of brackets, can help them be a good fit for teenagers who enjoy playing sports or adults who have an active job or hobby.
Mouth protection is still a good idea, as it’s always important to protect both your teeth and your aligners, but their design and strength can help patients feel more confident during their favorite activities.
Invisalign has a completely smooth surface, which can be helpful for patients with sensitive mouths. There are no hard edges and no brackets or wires, either. Since 3D imaging technology is used to customize your aligners for you, they should fit like a glove. This can make the adjustment period easier.
In addition, correcting your teeth can help you improve your future comfort too. When teeth are correctly aligned, they tend to help the jaw “set” correctly. Patients with correctly aligned teeth can be less likely to struggle with jaw strain or headaches that misalignment can contribute to.
Treating a dental concern as quickly as possible can help save you from more difficult corrections in the future. Due to how convenient clear aligners are, they can help patients make the choice to seek out treatment and get themselves on the right track.
Crooked teeth can be more challenging to clean on your own and even professionally. They are more difficult to treat with fillings or crowns, which can make dental appointments longer or more complex than they need to be. At home, even if you floss daily and brush thoroughly, it’s easy to miss overlapping areas. These areas are often a haven for bacteria or can hide bits of food.
Taking good care of your teeth is always beneficial, but teeth that overlap can put a person at higher risk for tooth and gum issues, even if they’re doing their best to clean properly. When teeth are correctly aligned, it benefits the patient by helping them avoid early tooth loss and oral disease as much as possible. Being able to clean your teeth properly is also considered good for the body as a whole.
This treatment can help with confidence in several ways. First, due to how discreet it is, it can help you not become any more self-conscious when you’re socializing. Secondly, it can improve future confidence.
While there are a range of reasons to correct your smile, many patients seek out treatment because they prefer the look of straighter teeth. Some people find themselves holding back when they smile since they prefer not to show their teeth. Knowing that their smile is being corrected can give patients an immediate boost of confidence, which should only improve as they continue to make progress.
Clear aligners are versatile and can help many patients reach their dental goals. Still, it’s important to come in for a consultation to make sure it’s a good fit. Our team is dedicated to helping each patient find a treatment that will not only meet their needs but be a good fit for their lifestyle.
Once we talk through your expectations and assess your needs, we can offer personalized advice on which treatment we think will give you the best outcome. If you’re a good candidate for clear aligners and you want to move forward with treatment, you can look forward to improving a range of dental concerns.
Overcrowding is a common issue that can make flossing more difficult. It can affect the appearance of your smile since teeth that are too tightly packed often push against each other and end up crooked. This can worsen over time, especially with young patients who may still have their wisdom teeth. Clear aligners can help correct crooked teeth.
Misalignment can include issues like underbites, crossbites, and overbites. Misalignment doesn’t allow teeth to function the way they’re supposed to, which can put the jaw under stress and make teeth wear down too fast or unevenly. By correcting misalignment, you can help your teeth and jaw at the same time.
When two or more teeth have gaps between them, that is known as a diastema. Sometimes gaps cause no issues, and some patients enjoy how they look. In other cases, severe diastemas may make chewing or speech more difficult. Invisalign can help guide your teeth, whether you’re seeking out treatment for cosmetic reasons or to improve your daily life.
Having the freedom to take the aligners out so you can eat what you want and clean your teeth normally is a huge bonus. That said, make sure to keep your aligners safe when you take them out. It can help to put them somewhere consistent, so you don’t misplace them. It’s also a good idea to keep them out of reach from curious kids and pets.
To help your teeth stay healthy and avoid staining the aligners, it’s important to keep both your teeth and your aligners clean. Brush and floss consistently. Make sure your aligners are safely cleaned as well, so you don’t introduce plaque back onto your teeth or put the aligners at greater risk of staining. We’ll give you tips on how to clean your aligners when we meet with you.
Throughout your treatment series, we will want to schedule appointments with you so we can evaluate how the treatment is working and make sure everything is going well. By keeping these appointments, you will give yourself the best chance of staying on track and finishing your treatment on schedule.
Having an extra case to carry with you can be helpful when you’re out and about. You may find yourself wanting to grab an unexpected bite to eat. Being able to put the aligners somewhere safe as you eat can make this less stressful.
If you find yourself counting down the days until you’re done with your treatment, you may find that taking a progress picture every couple of weeks can help you stay encouraged. When you see your teeth every day, it can be easy to miss the little improvements happening. Taking progress pictures can help you see the improvements more clearly.
There are many factors that can influence what treatment we recommend for you. A thorough examination will help us get a full picture of your dental needs. We will go over the health of your teeth, as well as the joints of your jaw, and your facial muscles. Contact us today at M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics of Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, and Destin, FL, to get your first meeting set up!
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