Invisalign FAQ’s
Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth. These are some common FAQs for new patient wearing Invisalign.
1. What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that works similarly to braces and is completely removable. Invisalign is created using nearly invisible dental aligners made of thermoplastic. The aligners look very similar to teeth whitening trays that you may use it the dentist or you may have purchased from your local drugstore. As you progress through Invisalign treatments you will need to change these aligners to gradually adjust your teeth into the position for your ideal smile.
2. How do the aligners work?
Over time you will need to change out the aligners to move your teeth into their correct position. The aligners will put a controlled force on teeth to slowly move them into their position. Orthodontists will map out these forces and dictate how aligners should be adjusted to properly adjust your teeth. Over the length of your treatment your teeth will gradually move as you change each aligner until they are eventually formed into their correct structure.
3. How would Invisalign treatment affect me?
Unlike braces and some other forms of traditional orthodontic appliances, Invisalign is completely removable. Patients are only required to wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day for the best results. Removing the aligners to eat or drink means that you are not restricted in the types of food that you would regularly eat and you will also have no difficulties cleaning your teeth. The best part is the aligners are virtually invisible so it will be very difficult for anyone to know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Invisalign may be a bit uncomfortable for the first few days that you wear the aligners, but after that they have a minimal effect on your life.
4. Do I need to take care of my aligners?
You will need to clean your aligners regularly. You can do this by both brushing them as you would your teeth and rinsing them with lukewarm water, or looking into the specialty Invisalign cleaning system. Changing your aligners whenever your orthodontist recommends is also required as part of your treatment.
5. How long does the treatment take?
Treatment will depend on how severe your individual case is. The average amount of time that the aligners are used is around 12 months for adults. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an indication of the amount of time your treatment may take but ultimately the deciding factor will be how well you personally adjust to treatment with the aligners.
6. How often will I need to schedule appointments?
Invisalign will require less appointments than with traditional braces but you should still see your orthodontist at least once every 4 to 6 weeks to track your progress.
7. How much does Invisalign cost?
Only your individual orthodontist will be able to determine the full cost of Invisalign. It depends on the amount of treatment that you need individually and the number of aligners that you might need to complete your treatment. Some of the factors on pricing include: The area that you live in, the difficulty of your case and the amount of orthodontic insurance coverage you may have. The national average for the cost of Invisalign treatment in the United States is around $5000.
If you need more information about Invisalign, feel free to call us or contact our office.
Beach Braces – 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.
Seven invisalign FAQs
Seven Invisalign FAQ’s
Invisalign FAQ’s
Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth. These are some common FAQs for new patient wearing Invisalign.
1. What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that works similarly to braces and is completely removable. Invisalign is created using nearly invisible dental aligners made of thermoplastic. The aligners look very similar to teeth whitening trays that you may use it the dentist or you may have purchased from your local drugstore. As you progress through Invisalign treatments you will need to change these aligners to gradually adjust your teeth into the position for your ideal smile.
2. How do the aligners work?
Over time you will need to change out the aligners to move your teeth into their correct position. The aligners will put a controlled force on teeth to slowly move them into their position. Orthodontists will map out these forces and dictate how aligners should be adjusted to properly adjust your teeth. Over the length of your treatment your teeth will gradually move as you change each aligner until they are eventually formed into their correct structure.
3. How would Invisalign treatment affect me?
Unlike braces and some other forms of traditional orthodontic appliances, Invisalign is completely removable. Patients are only required to wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day for the best results. Removing the aligners to eat or drink means that you are not restricted in the types of food that you would regularly eat and you will also have no difficulties cleaning your teeth. The best part is the aligners are virtually invisible so it will be very difficult for anyone to know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Invisalign may be a bit uncomfortable for the first few days that you wear the aligners, but after that they have a minimal effect on your life.
4. Do I need to take care of my aligners?
You will need to clean your aligners regularly. You can do this by both brushing them as you would your teeth and rinsing them with lukewarm water, or looking into the specialty Invisalign cleaning system. Changing your aligners whenever your orthodontist recommends is also required as part of your treatment.
5. How long does the treatment take?
Treatment will depend on how severe your individual case is. The average amount of time that the aligners are used is around 12 months for adults. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an indication of the amount of time your treatment may take but ultimately the deciding factor will be how well you personally adjust to treatment with the aligners.
6. How often will I need to schedule appointments?
Invisalign will require less appointments than with traditional braces but you should still see your orthodontist at least once every 4 to 6 weeks to track your progress.
7. How much does Invisalign cost?
Only your individual orthodontist will be able to determine the full cost of Invisalign. It depends on the amount of treatment that you need individually and the number of aligners that you might need to complete your treatment. Some of the factors on pricing include: The area that you live in, the difficulty of your case and the amount of orthodontic insurance coverage you may have. The national average for the cost of Invisalign treatment in the United States is around $5000.
If you need more information about Invisalign, feel free to call us or contact our office.
Beach Braces – 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.Seven invisalign FAQs
Toothbrushing Mistake No.5
Toothbrushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly”
Not brushing correctly can lead to several types of damage including gum abrasions. It is important to make sure you are brushing in proper strokes every time in order to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Long horizontal strokes are the primary cause of gum abrasions. It is necessary to remove plaque (a thin film of bacteria which stick to your teeth) by carefully brushing your teeth in a short vertical or circular motion. According to Sesemann, you should aim your bristles at 45-degree angle on the gum line and softly brush up and down your teeth.
Make sure to include the back of your teeth, the inner surfaces, and the outer surfaces. You can turn your brush facing the top of your molars (chewing surfaces) to make sure all the stuck food and debris are removed. Bear in mind to spend at least 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth to ensure that you are spending the recommended time on all your teeth equally. Furthermore, you should also brush your cheeks and tongue aside from the teeth. Bacteria can also build up in these places so it should be included.
Lastly, rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing to prevent ingesting the fluoride from your toothpaste. You can also combine tooth brushing with flossing just to make sure there are no stones left unturned. Again, brushing correctly is the key to a cleaner and healthier mouth.
Some people do a great job of brushing their teeth, unfortunately a toothbrush cant straighten teeth. If you have a friend or family member who may benefit from orthodontic treatment, click here to refer them. They will be in the best hands in Manhattan Beach.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Toothbrushing Mistake No.5
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign Explained
Becoming familiar with the full process of Invisalign will help you to understand the treatment process. Many people are extremely hesitant to see an orthodontist or begin straightening their teeth because of the stigma that is attached with braces and other forms of orthodontic appliances.
Invisalign offers up freedom of choice to patients by giving them a treatment option that works faster and is also far less noticeable than traditional orthodontic treatment. Here is the process of how Invisalign works.
Speaking with an Invisalign provider: most orthodontist today can offer Invisalign as a treatment option but it’s very important that you see an experienced Invisalign Platinum Provider as they are knowledgeable with the costs, scheduling and the process. It is important to note that Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional forms of braces but it is also far more convenient throughout treatment. With an investment such as Invisalign it’s very important that you meet with an orthodontist that you are comfortable with and knows the process well. Treatment can be a big investment and is not a decision to be taken lightly. Your orthodontist will be able to determine if Invisalign is a good treatment option for you and can also walk you through the process. It is important to note that some patients will not qualify for treatment with Invisalign and may require other forms of orthodontic treatment before they can begin this type of treatment.
Scanning and imaging: after you have decided to undergo Invisalign treatment your doctor will begin to create x-rays, pictures and specialty moulds or impressions of your teeth. All of this data will be sent off to the manufacturer where a 3-D model will be created of your teeth. Your orthodontist can then work through a computer simulation to map out your entire treatment plan as well as show you how your teeth will look after each stage of the treatment.
Receiving your first aligners: aligners will then be manufactured to begin your treatment. The aligners are created using BPA free plastic that is extremely strong and also much more comfortable than traditional braces. You will need to wear your aligners for around 22 hours per day in order to stay on track with your treatments. The aligners will gradually shift your teeth into place and need to be changed out every two weeks on average to advance to the next stage of your treatment.
Regular checkups: you will have to go to regular checkups every six weeks to see how your treatment is progressing. At your appointment you can pick up new aligners as well as ask any questions to your orthodontist about your treatment. As long as you continue to change your aligners every two weeks and wear them for the prescribed amount of time you should be able to complete your treatment just as it was computer modelled.
Given that Invisalign entails a substantial investment, it’s imperative that you don’t cut corners when it comes to choosing your doctor. Dr Panucci has a wealth of experience in providing orthodontic treatments including Invisalign. You can read more about Dr Panucci by clicking here.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.How Invisalign Works
Toothbrushing Mistake No.4
Toothbrushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard”
Although brushing is good for your overall oral hygiene, you should bear in mind that too much of it can also cause several problems. Brushing too often or too hard does not actually contribute to your dental health instead it can actually be harmful. Brushing too hard can cause your gums to deteriorate faster than expected.
Damaging the gums which hold the teeth in place can cause different misalignment problems. In order to avoid this situation, you should brush your teeth gently so as to remove plaque and debris without damaging the gums or eroding the enamel of your teeth.
On the other hand, brushing your teeth more than four times a day would seem compulsive according to Sesemann DDS, an Omaha dentist and president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Doing so will expose the roots of your teeth to irritation. The trick according to Sesemann is to brush your teeth gently for two to three minutes and between two to three times daily. This way you can ensure that plaque build up is prevented while keeping the roots of your teeth safe and sound.
Overall, brushing too often or too hard is a common mistake for some people thinking that their teeth would be cleaner if they do so excessively not knowing that they are actually damaging them in the process. Always remember, everything in excess won’t do you any good and brushing your teeth is not an exception.
Did you know that straight teeth allow less plaque to build then misaligned teeth? If you have any further questions about braces click here. Alternatively you can contact our office today to arrange an appointment.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Toothbrushing Mistake No.4
Toothbrushing Mistake No.3
Toothbrushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”
Not brushing often enough or long enough can cause faster degradation of teeth and gums. There’s actually a recommended duration and frequency when it comes to brushing. This ensures all the parts and areas of the mouth and teeth are covered. Brushing your teeth twice daily is good but three times per day is best according to Sesemann, DDS, and president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Sesemann added that with the amount of time in between brushings, bacteria can build up which will in turn boost the risks of having gum inflammation and other related problems. Brushing after your meals (at least three times a day) will lessen the probability of gum diseases and tooth decay. It is also important to bear in mind the recommended duration of at least two minutes when brushing your teeth. You can actually divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend 30 minutes for each quadrant to make sure you are spending an equal brushing time for all your teeth.
Since most people fall short in both timelines (duration and frequency), it helps if you multi-task to take your mind off brushing. Two to three minutes will go faster if you watch TV while brushing or read a newspaper. In general, sticking to the recommended frequency and duration of brushing can help you preserve your teeth for the years to come.
If you have any other queries about caring for your teeth you can post a comment on our Facebook wall, or contact Dr Panucci directly for your complimentary consultation.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Toothbrushing Mistake No.3
Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day!
Labor Day is one of the last great weekends of summer so is very important you get out and enjoy the long weekend before returning to work or school. We understand that Labor Day is filled with lots of activities, food, family and fun and we hope that you can have a safe and wonderful long weekend.
As always we do understand that accidents can happen especially over the long weekend. People enjoy getting out and being active and sometimes this can lead to you damaging your orthodontic appliances. While our office does have restricted hours throughout the long weekend we are available to book appointments and our answering service is always available throughout the long weekend.
Should you have any issues with your orthodontic appliance or need an emergency adjustment, we can quickly get you in and scheduled for an appointment after Labor Day.
On our You Tube channel you can also find information on how to make quick adjustments to your orthodontic appliances as a temporary measure, so you can enjoy being comfortable over your long weekend.
For some of our patients that have removable appliances it’s very important to mention that appliances like Invisalign and retainers need to be worn consistently through the holiday weekend. Make sure that you remember your appliances if you are travelling and that you are using them for the recommended amount of time each and every day.
Remember also to take care of your oral health and should you have any type of non-removable appliances to keep to your dietary restrictions as outlined on our website and by Dr Panucci. Avoiding certain foods can help to maintain your oral health. If you are camping for the weekend make sure to take appropriate food as well as everything that you need to keep your braces clear of debris. Being prepared is the best step towards being comfortable and making sure that your treatment progresses.
If you need any advice about foods that you should avoid, feel free to call us or contact our office.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.Happy Labor Day!
Toothbrushing Mistake No.2
Toothbrushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“
With the numerous toothbrushes and different bristle types available in the market today, consumers are having a hard time selecting the appropriate toothbrush. Aside from the abundant options, advertisements are also rampant and most of the time they are just promoting their products not bearing in mind that whatever they say on the commercials can affect the decision making of each individual which will later have an impact their overall oral hygiene.
So are there guidelines, tips, or clear-cut path to follow when choosing the toothbrush with the right bristles?
No matter how the bristles are placed (angled or straight); dentists do not agree that one type is better than the other. The sturdiness of the bristles should be hard enough to remove debris and plaque but should also be soft enough in order not to damage the gums while brushing, says Richard H. Price, DMD. Using natural bristles from animal hair or boar hair is also highly discouraged by Price.
Not picking the right bristles can lead to gum problems (very stiff or hard bristles can damage teeth and gums) or tooth decay (too softer bristles may not be able to remove plaque which will later cause tooth decay). Hence, it is important to find the balance on the sturdiness of the bristles for more effective teeth cleaning.
Are you following Dr Panucci on Twitter? Follow all her latest tweets and oral hygiene tips.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Toothbrushing Mistake No.2
Invisible Braces
Want to straighten your teeth without your friends noticing it? Then wearing invisible braces might just answer your every need.
Invisalign Braces
Invisible braces, also known as Invisalign, allow you to correct different teeth misalignment problems ranging from several months to few years depending on individual case. Invisalign is a method for straightening your teeth using clear aligners developed by Align Technology. Countless individuals have already tried and benefitted on this kind of method more than what they expected for. Aside from perfectly aligning teeth during the course of the patient’s treatment, it also offers a lot of advantages compared to traditional fixed metal braces.
First, as these aligners are invisible, there would be no impact on the patients’ self-esteem while under treatment. Patients’ confidence are even boosted knowing that in few months or years, they can finally have their desired smiles without having to suffer during the treatment process.
Second, since Invisalign consist of removable teeth aligners, it will be easier for the patient to remove the appliances if necessary. Among the instances wherein the removable aligners have advantage are eating, brushing, flossing, engaging in extreme sports, playing musical instruments, and even public speaking. Since patients are required to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, keeping track of time is necessary as well as discipline.
Lastly, Invisalign is more comfortable to wear than the traditional metal braces as clear aligners are made of special plastic that won’t irritate gums and tongue. Since there are no tie wires and other metal parts, swelling is minimized hence increasing the comfort while decreasing the pain felt by the patients. If you can have the desired results without going through a lot of adjustments, discomforts, and pain, then why not grab the opportunity to do so?
Being a breakthrough in the field of orthodontics, Invisalign was able to change how patients view orthodontic treatments and how they perceive the experiences of others who have gone through the treatment. After all, everyone loves to have a perfect smile but not all of them are willing to sacrifice their current smiles for a better one in the future. Hence, invisible braces (Invisalign) are the best option there is.
Contact us for a free consultation and get more information about orthodontic treatments.
Dr Panucci – Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.Invisible Braces
Toothbrushing Mistake No.1
Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”
Not using the right toothbrush brings a lot of negative effects to your overall oral health. If your toothbrush doesn’t fit your needs and if you’re not comfortable using it, then the tendency would be to finish brushing earlier than the recommended duration (or not to brush on the recommended frequency).
Later on, this will lead to tooth decay and in no time, you can count your remaining teeth in one hand. These may seem like terrible results for just not using the right toothbrush but it’s a fact you cannot deny. So how do you choose the right toothbrush for you?
Toothbrushes available in the market today come in different colors, shapes, types, and sizes which can be very overwhelming. The truth is, there’ no such thing as “one size fits all” when choosing the right toothbrush. Every person has unique needs and preference hence it really depends on the individual who will be using the toothbrush. The more comfortable you are when using your toothbrush the more likely you will use it. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are great for removing debris and plaque from your teeth. Aside from that, small-headed toothbrushes can also reach areas at the back of your teeth.
Using hard-bristled toothbrushes does not mean you are cleaning your teeth more effectively. It can even damage your gums so be careful when using these. The style and grip will depend on your preference so choose the one you are more comfortable with. Always remember that for optimum results, using the right toothbrush comes with brushing your teeth the right way too.
If you are unhappy with your smile you can get a free consultation by clicking here today!
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Toothbrushing Mistake No.1
Can you Play Sports with Braces?
Playing Sports and Invisalign
Many parents have voiced their concern about their kids wearing orthodontic braces and participating in physical activities. Dr. Panucci assures us that wearing braces should not deter a child from participating in sports.
There are a few precautions that children wearing braces should take if they are participating in full contact sports. They need to make sure they are wearing protective mouth guards.
There is the alternative of bubble wrapping your child, although it’s not highly recommended, watch the hilarious how to do video below:
Bubblewrap – Year Round
Invisalign is an excellent choice for active teens. Invisalign Teen gives you the benefits of straighter teeth without the hassle of metal braces. Because Invisalign is removable, the plastic aligners pop out very easily before heading out to the field or participating in other contact sports.
Whether you have Invisalign braces or conventional braces don’t let them stop you from participating in contact sports.
Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051Can you Play Sports with Braces?