Month: August 2023

10 Invisalign FAQs: Your guide to adult Invisalign treatment

Posted on August 20, 2023 by - Invisalign, Invisalign FAQs, Orthodontics, Uncategorized

adults cuddle on the beach and talk invisalign faqs

Hey there, adults! In your busy day-to-day, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to fix your crooked teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Well the team at Jupiter Orthodontics is here to tell you “yes”! And even better…you’ll be able to embark on your smile journey using a discreet and comfortable treatment, Invisalign clear aligners.

Now you may have more questions about this popular orthodontic treatment so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Invisalign FAQs, just for you:

1. What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign® is one of the most popular clear aligner systems on the market today – and with good reason! This teeth-straightening system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to apply consistent, gentle force to move your teeth and jaws into healthy alignment. The best part? They’re custom made just for your smile! So each tray will give you a comfortable and discreet fit.

2. How long does Invisalign take to fix an overbite?

While how long you wear your Invisalign aligners, varies from patient to patient, Dr. King or Dr. Welch will assess and diagnose the severity of your overbite (and any other orthodontic conditions you may have) at your complimentary orthodontic consultation. During this time, we’ll go over your personalized treatment plan, including your treatment timeline.

3. What are the Invisalign instructions I need to follow?

Sticking to your treatment plan is an important part of your Invisalign journey. The standard for Invisalign instructions is as follows:

  • Only drink water with your aligners in, other beverages like coffee or juice require aligner removal.
  • Only remove your aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing.
  • Always rinse off or clean your aligners before putting them back in.
  • Clean your aligners daily using safe and approved methods.

4. How long per day should I wear Invisalign clear aligners?

On average, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will include your unique timeframe in your treatment plan. Complying with your wear time is going to give you the best possible smile results – and when your aligners aren’t in, they’re not applying the forces needed for healthy tooth movement.

5. What is the average treatment time for Invisalign?

Just like how long you’ll wear your aligners on a day-to-day basis, the length of Invisalign treatment varies by case. While the average Invisalign treatment time length is 12 to 18 months for adults, your orthodontist will include your treatment estimate in your personalized treatment plan.

6. I had braces before and didn’t wear my retainers. Can Invisalign help me?

Yes! Invisalign can be a simple and discreet way to correct any shifting due to orthodontic relapse. Just be sure to wear your aligners as prescribed to reveal that beautiful, healthy smile again!

7. Why should I choose an orthodontist over DIY/mail-order companies?

Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating the root cause of malocclusions (or misalignments in the teeth or jaws). By finding the right orthodontist for your family, you’ll receive the comprehensive and individualized care you and your smile deserve. DIY and mail order aligner companies lack doctor-monitored treatment and care and can lead to tooth loss.

8. How do I know if I can benefit from Invisalign?

Invisalign (in the right hands) can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, from mild to complex. If you have crowded teeth, spacing, overbite, or any other common orthodontic condition and are ready to fall in love with your smile again, we invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Invisalign doctors. They will assess your smile health and determine if Invisalign treatment can benefit you.

9. Are there any restrictions on what I can eat or drink with Invisalign?

No, there are no food restrictions when it comes to Invisalign treatment. You’re able to enjoy all your favorite foods and snacks; just simply remove your aligners first and be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. As for drinking, we recommend that you remove your aligners before drinking any other beverage than water. This will help prevent staining and plaque-build up from acidic or sugary drinks.

10. Will Invisalign affect my speech?

During your first few days with Invisalign, you may experience a slight lisp as you adjust to your new orthodontic appliance, especially with the “sh”, “ch”, and “th” sounds. But within the week, you’ll be used to your aligners and speaking as normal.

Still have more Invisalign questions?

If you’re ready to experience the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’d love to help you live your best quality of life.

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Jupiter, come meet us!

Your Guide to Orthodontics When Sick

Posted on August 18, 2023 by - Braces

adult covers mouth with her hand while being sick with braces

You’re committed to your smile transformation – through the ups and downs, in sickness and in health, right? After all, your beautiful end results will be worth the wait!

So what happens if you catch a bug or wake up feeling under the weather during treatment? We’re here to answer FAQs about being sick with braces or Invisalign®, and give tips on how to handle your orthodontic commitments when you’re not feeling so great.

Good hygiene = Healthy recovery

When you’re sick, maintaining good oral hygiene is even more crucial. Your mouth is a direct route to the rest of your body, so a clean mouth is the key to a healthy body. 

You’re already keeping your braces or Invisalign aligners pretty clean (right?!) – but on your sick days, it’s important to go the extra mile. Maintaining clean braces or aligners can help you kick the sickness much sooner than if you continue putting the same sickness-causing bacteria back in your mouth. 

Tips:

  • If you have braces, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around your brackets and wires thoroughly after each meal. While you may typically brush your teeth twice a day when you’re feeling well, brushing your teeth three to four times a day when sick can make the difference!
  • If you have Invisalign, be sure to disinfect your aligners once daily in a cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite or a homemade mix of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water).

When should I change my toothbrush after being sick?

It’s important that you replace your current toothbrush with a fresh, clean toothbrush after you’re sick! The bacteria that caused your sickness can continue growing within toothbrush bristles and reintroduce the illness back into your body while your body is trying to heal.

Experts advise that you replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better, in order to “make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members” (Cleveland Clinic).

Should i cancel my orthodontist appointment if i have a cold?

Yes. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re not feeling well, please give us a call to reschedule your appointment. We would rather you rest up and visit us when you’re feeling better!

If you have cold or flu symptoms, we want to help prevent you from feeling worse and prevent the spread of germs. Rescheduling your appointment is better for you and for our team.

Stay hydrated!

Fluids are your friends! It’s crucial that you stay hydrated when sick. Hydration helps the body fight off infections and prevents dehydration, which, consequently, helps prevent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

Staying hydrated is essential for healing from your illness, but also for maintaining clean teeth with braces or Invisalign. Proper hydration promotes saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking water also helps rid your teeth of food particles and debris that can otherwise contribute to bacteria buildup, plaque and tartar.

Tip: Try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times! Consider buying a new reusable water bottle or stylish tumbler in your favorite color. This may give you the motivation you need to keep sippin’ and stay hydrated.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We’re on your team and we’re here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or questions about how to handle your sickness with braces or Invisalign. 

If you experience any “orthodontic emergencies”, like a loose wire, broken bracket, or something just doesn’t feel right – simply reach out to us and let us know. We’ll tell you how to handle the situation at home while you’re sick, or work out a way for you to visit us safely.

Take it easy!

Remember, it’s okay to take it easy when you’re unwell. Your body needs time to recover, and regaining your health is the first priority. Take it as a chance to binge-watch your favorite shows, cuddle with your pet, and give yourself a break!

We hope these tips help you breeze through your treatment – through sickness and health. If you haven’t received your complimentary consultation with Dr. King or Dr. Welch yet, or your child is ready to receive his or her first orthodontic exam, request a free consultation with us in Jupiter today!