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“But everyone is doing it!”

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You have probably heard the name of at least one of these mail order aligners or as they call it “‘Invisible Braces”. These companies boast “straight teeth in as little as six months,” and claim it’s “cheap, fast, and effective.”

DIY aligners through one of these companies typically involves taking an impression of your teeth from an at-home kit or snapping photos of your smile. From these, clear aligners and a treatment plan are created. You then undergo treatment without the inconvenience of in-person appointments and everything is remote.  While it sounds promising, is it too good to be true? Hate to break it to you, but oftentimes it is.

Unfortunately, many patients that opt for the DIY route often have not seen a dentist or an orthodontist and put themselves at risk for injury to their teeth, bite, and jaw. Combine that with the fact that there is no direct supervision while in treatment, it creates the potential for oral disaster.

When teeth are moved incorrectly or too quickly it can result in bite misalignment which can lead to more problems than a wonky smile such as nerve damage, neck and jaw strain, and migraines. Consequently, if there is gum disease or tooth decay, you can break teeth or cause irreparable damage such as root resorption or bone loss.

Many of these DIY orthodontics companies state they have a network of dentists and orthodontists to oversee your treatment and you are supposed to send photos of your teeth every three months so that they can monitor your progress. But A LOT can happen in three months, and a photo does not give a complete picture of oral health and progress.

Furthermore, there is no real way to hold these companies accountable if there are issues or there need to be changes to your treatment such as a refinement to get the desired results. Most of these companies place the responsibility of a patient’s treatment on the designated doctor. What if the doctor never responds to your concerns? It’s like asking a telehealth doctor to diagnose a broken bone, send you a cast, and have you set the break. It’s just too much room for error.

When it comes to something as important as my smile, oral health, and the ability to enjoy meals, let’s leave it to the professionals.

For more articles on the closing of Smile Direct Club, please visit the news articles below:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67675431

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/business/smiledirectclub-shutting-down-liquidation.html

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/09/business/smiledirectclub-shutdown-bankruptcy/index.html

braces

Which type of braces are right for me?

DAVIS ORTHODONTICS CAN HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH METHOD IS BEST FOR STRAIGHTENING YOUR SMILE!

Braces are one of the most effective ways to improve the alignment of your teeth. Straight teeth look better, feel better, and are easier to care for. So which type of braces are right for you? The type of braces that will be best for you will depend on a few things. At Davis Orthodontics, we will take into account the severity of your dental issues, your age, certain time constraints, and other key factors before helping you decide which dental braces are ideal for your situation.

There are many impressive dental alignment options currently available. Braces can be used to gradually help your teeth align over a designated time period. Below, we will discuss three popular types of braces: The Invisalign® dental alignment system, traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces.

INVISALIGN® – REMOVABLE CLEAR PLASTIC ALIGNERS

Invisalign® aligners, also known as clear-aligner-treatment, are a great option for anyone with minor dental alignment issues. Invisalign aligners are custom-made clear plastic orthodontic devices that are similar to retainers or mouthguards. The difference between retainers/mouthguards and Invisalign mouthpieces are in their purpose and functionality. While a retainer holds your teeth in a certain position, Invisalign® slowly helps guide your teeth into a better position over about a year.

So how long does Invisalign take? This will depend on the severity of your dental issues. The Invisalign® System can take anywhere from 36 to 60 weeks. You’ll likely switch out your aligners every two weeks, gradually helping your teeth shift into the right position. This means you will use anywhere from 18 to 30 different aligners from your own custom-made system on average.

Invisalign aligners are nice because they can be removed when you eat. They also make it easier to clean your teeth and prevent plaque and staining.

These aligners are extremely effective for minor alignment issues. They are also often more comfortable than other kinds of braces. However, an Invisalign® System won’t work for everyone. Your orthodontist can let you know if Invisalign is right for your teeth.

TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES – A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE OPTION

Traditional metal braces are a time tested orthodontic tool that straightens your teeth using wires. They can be used to great effect even on severely misaligned teeth. Metal braces are positioned on your teeth and are adjusted over time until the desired dental positioning is achieved. Metal braces can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to straighten your smile. Your unique dental situation will determine how long you will need to wear metal braces.

While you may be familiar with the metal braces of the past, today’s metal braces are more comfortable and advanced than ever before. For example, heat-activated archwire braces are now available. These braces work quickly and efficiently, using the heat in your mouth to help your teeth shift more comfortably and at a faster rate.

CERAMIC BRACES – A SIMPLIFIED AND SUBTLE ROUTE

Ceramic braces are very much like metal braces in many ways. They perform the same function, to slowly help your teeth align with time. However, ceramic braces differ in their look. They are made of a ceramic material that better matches the color of teeth. This makes them a great option for adults or teenagers who would otherwise feel embarrassed about the way metal braces look.

Ceramic braces are an effective option that works well for most people with teeth that aren’t as straight as they would like. However, they do tend to be more expensive than metal braces and can become stained if not cared for properly.

LET US HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE SMILE OF YOUR DREAMS!

Your orthodontist will be able to tell you for sure which kinds of dental braces are best for your teeth. That’s what we are here for, after all! To find out what you can do to straighten your smile, please feel free to call us today! The staff here at Davis Orthodontics can answer all of your questions and help you find braces that will be best for your unique situation.

National Dental Care Month

Oral care plays an integral role in your aesthetic and physical health. At Davis Orthodontics, we invite you to read the importance of maintaining optimal dental health, a brief history of National Dental Care Month, and how you can observe the occasion.

DENTAL HYGIENE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Practicing good dental hygiene should begin during childhood and continue throughout your life. Children are less likely to experience problems like tooth decay and gum disease. However, oral care problems in children could contribute to potentially serious problems like oral infections, pain, and even nutrition deficiencies due to the inability to chew or digest foods properly. Dental care professionals recommend that children start receiving oral care as early as six months old and receive subsequent care at least once or twice per year.

Adults who fail to practice optimal oral hygiene stand at risk of developing serious oral care problems, lost teeth, and severe gum disease. Additionally, poor oral care in adults has been linked to potentially serious, even life-threatening illnesses like systemic infections, cardiovascular disease, certain kinds of head and neck cancers, and diabetes.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL DENTAL CARE MONTH

National Dental Care Month was founded by Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla after the discovery that there were not enough national holidays that celebrate oral health. At the start of 2018, the National Day Calendar made it official to observe National Dental Care Month annually during the month of May.

OBSERVING THE OCCASION

The best way for you to observe this national holiday is to remember the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and engaging in practices designed to help you achieve this aim. This includes:

Brushing And Flossing Regularly
Oral care experts recommend that you brush at least twice per day and floss at least once. Brushing should be executed for two to three minutes per session using wide, circular strokes to read every tooth. Floss should gently be placed between the teeth. Both of these activities remove lingering food products and help cleanse bacteria from the mouth.

Limit Sugar Intake
Sugar has a notorious reputation for damaging teeth. Therefore, the consumption of foods and beverages containing sugar should be reduced to avoid further damage.

Avoid Cigarette Smoking
The chemicals contained in cigarettes can stain teeth and damage the tooth enamel. Additionally, smoking weakens the body’s immune system, which can prove detrimental to the gums, especially following injuries and dental procedures.

Visit Oral Care Professional Routinely
Optimal oral health involves seeing your dental care provider at least once or twice per year. During these visits, oral care practitioners can provide professional cleanings, identify any underlying problems, and address issues before they require more aggressive treatment.

CONTACTING US

If you are looking for an experienced dental care professional, we encourage you to consider the experts at Davis Orthodontics. We pride ourselves in combining old-fashioned customer service practices with cutting-edge technology to offer you care that is second to none. For further information about our practice and the services we provide, contact our offices today.

Sources:
1. https://www.colgate.com/en-us
2. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dental-care-month-may/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324708#drink-water