Braces and Clear Aligners
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Braces and Clear Aligners
Braces and clear aligners are effective options for achieving a straighter smile and addressing various dental issues. Braces correct crooked teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems, contributing to improved oral health. They make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, while also enhancing overall bite functionality.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, offer a discreet and modern alternative. Made of clear, removable aligners, they gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions, addressing concerns like crooked teeth, gaps, and overcrowding. Clear aligners are particularly suitable for professionals seeking a less noticeable orthodontic solution while still improving their smile.
Whether choosing braces or clear aligners, individuals can benefit not only from cosmetic enhancements but also from improved oral health and functionality.
At Dr. Imran Smile Zone we offer both traditional braces and clear aligners.
Guidance Hub
Pre-Treatment Consultation
In your first consultation with Dr. Imran, you two will discuss your smile goals, undergo a thorough examination, and explore the best braces options for your needs.
Dr. Imran will complete an oral examination by taking an X-ray of your mouth to evaluate the position of your teeth and how your jaw comes together. He will also check your dental and medical history for any dental or medical conditions. Then he will review the treatment options for you and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
In this consultation, you will also discuss the kind of braces you want; traditional or clear aligners / Invisalign.
If you decide to get braces, this is what your treatment plan may look like.
Procedure Overview
Process for Traditional Braces
Before the treatment doctor may take photographs of your teeth to track the progress.
Step 1
Other than X-rays of your mouth and teeth, spacers may be inserted to help prepare your mouth for braces. The next step is to make an accurate mold. To do that, an impression of your teeth will be taken. Either you’ll bite down on a tray of soft impression material for a few minutes, or a digital scan of your mouth will be taken.
Step 2
The next step to getting braces is to get your teeth professionally cleaned. If you have any other oral care conditions (e.g. periodontal problems or tooth extraction), they will be taken care of before braces.
Step 3
Remember to brush and floss before you get your braces on. The procedure is painless for most people. The bonding appointment may go on for about two hours.
A device is inserted to keep your mouth dry and your tongue in place. Then Dr. Imran will dry your teeth and apply an etchant to make the tooth surface ideal for bonding. During the treatment a adhesive is used on the teeth to hold the braces in place .A curing light is used to harden the adhesive and set the bond. Finally, he will run the archwire through the braces and hold it in place with ligature bands
Your Follow-Up Appointments
Once your braces are on, you’ll have about 4-8 weeks to get used to them before your first follow-up appointment. Dr. Imran will check your progress and swap out the old bands, and possibly the old archwire, for a new set.
Throughout the treatment adjustment appointments are recommended after every 4-8 weeks. It is normal to feel little discomfort for a few days after the replacement of the archwire.
Your Last Appointment
Once your teeth have reached their ideal alignment, removing braces is easier and faster than you might think. The brackets will come off easily, leaving behind just a trace of the bonding material. Dr. Imran will remove the bonding material and polish the enamel, leaving smooth and shiny teeth where your braces had been.
In this appointment, Dr. Imran will also provide retention solutions to maintain your beautiful smile.
Limiting Snacking
Eating too many snacks can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Don’t eat too many snacks between meals so that your teeth get time to recover from acid attacks.
Procedure Overview
Post-Treatment care
The longevity of whitening depends on the 48 hours following the procedure. Keep the following tips in mind.
Food and Drinks
Try to eat foods that don’t need chewing, like soup, natural yogurt, or smoothies for the first few days. If you eat crunchy or hard foods like nuts, apples, and raw carrots, the wires can break. Cut your food into small pieces if you are going to eat hard food. . Don’t eat toffees or chewy sweets as they can damage the wires on your braces.
Managing Oral Hygiene
Use the toothpaste and mouthwash recommended by the dentist as certain ingredients can damage and discolor the braces. Choose floss that’ll fit well between the teeth and the brackets.
Avoid Sugary And Acidic Foods
It is better sugary and acidic food but if you cannot, remember to carefully brush your teeth after 30 minutes.
Painkillers
Use over-the-counter painkillers to manage the initial discomfort. Rinse your mouth with salt water.
Sport With Braces
You should wear a gum shield to protect your braces and teeth.
Limiting Snacking
Eating too many snacks can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Don’t eat too many snacks between meals so that your teeth get time to recover from acid attacks.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation Today!
Book your braces and clear aligners appointment today for a brighter, healthier smile. Our expert dental team provides gentle care and personalized treatment to keep your teeth clean and sparkling. Schedule now!
FAQs
Regular Questions
While braces are commonly associated with adolescents, individuals of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
On average, treatment may last anywhere from 18 months to 2 years. Regular check-ups and adjustments are essential for optimal results.
Discomfort is common initially as your teeth adjust to the pressure applied by the braces. However, it is usually temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage any discomfort.
You can enjoy most of your favorite foods but it's advisable to avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage the braces.
Regular brushing and flossing, along with the use of special orthodontic tools, will help maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Yes, you can participate in sports and play musical instruments with braces. However, it's advisable to use a mouth guard for contact sports, and some adjustments may be needed for playing certain instruments.
There is a temporary adjustment period when speaking with braces. Practicing speaking and reading aloud can help you adapt quickly.
Yes, wearing a retainer is usually necessary to maintain the alignment achieved by braces.
You will have to come typically every 4-6 weeks. Regular appointments are crucial for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to the braces.
Clear aligners are removable, so there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, it's advisable to remove them before eating and maintain good oral hygiene.
Braces should not significantly impact your daily activities. However, you will have to be mindful of what you eat and adjust your oral hygiene practices.
It's advisable to avoid chewing gum and eating sticky candies, as they can damage braces.
Yes, braces can be applied if you have a bridge or crown.
Metal braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, while clear aligners are transparent, removable trays that gradually shift teeth.
Teeth whitening is generally not recommended while wearing braces.
Procedure Overview
Process for Clear Aligners
Before the treatment doctor may take photographs of your teeth to track the progress.
Digital Impressions
We use advance digital scanning technology or traditional impressions to make your special clear aligners.
Aligner Fabrication
A series of custom aligners will be created to guide your teeth into their desired positions over time. Our modern and advanced methods make sure your aligners fit perfectly and work really well, so you feel comfortable and get the best results.
Receiving and Wearing the Aligners
When you’re clear aligners are ready, Dr. Imran will explain the process to you and provide you detailed instructions on how you should wear and take care of your aligners. Clear aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours each day, allowing them to gradually shift your teeth. You can only remove them when you are eating, brushing, and flossing.
Regular Check-Ups
Throughout your clear aligner treatment, we’ll schedule regular check-ups to monitor your progress and provide you with new sets of aligners as needed. Each new aligner will continue the gentle shift of your teeth. You must follow the prescribed wearing schedule to achieve optimal results.
Completion and Retention
Upon completing your clear aligner treatment, some additional refinements or adjustments may be required to achieve the desired results. We’ll discuss retention options to maintain your beautifully aligned smile. The retainer ensures durable success and prevents any possible relapse.
Limiting Snacking
Eating too many snacks can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Don’t eat too many snacks between meals so that your teeth get time to recover from acid attacks.
Procedure Overview
Post-treatment care for Aligners
The longevity of whitening depends on the 48 hours following the procedure. Keep the following tips in mind.
Cleaning Clear Aligners
Rinse and brush the aligners every night gently with warm water and a soft toothbrush. But do not use hot water and toothpaste as they might damage the aligners, instead use an aligner cleaning solution once a week for a deep clean.
Brushing and Flossing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around your teeth and gums. Flossing daily helps remove plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gum line.
Eating and Drinking
Remember aligners can stain. Therefore you should only drink water while wearing them and while eating or drinking any hot beverages you should remove them. Avoid overly hard or sticky foods. This can protect your teeth from damage and maintain their alignment.
Wear as Directed
After your treatment, wear your retainer as your orthodontist tells you. This helps in the first few months to keep your teeth straight once your braces are removed.
Use of Mouthguards
If you’re involved in sports, consider using a mouth guard to protect your teeth from potential injuries.
Limiting Snacking
Eating too many snacks can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Don’t eat too many snacks between meals so that your teeth get time to recover from acid attacks.
Schedule Your Clear Aligner Consultation Today!
Book your scaling and polishing appointment today for a brighter, healthier smile. Our expert dental team provides gentle care and personalized treatment to keep your teeth clean and sparkling. Schedule now!
FAQs
Regular Questions
Explore our FAQ section for answers to common inquiries about our services, procedures, and policies. We aim to provide clear and comprehensive information to address your concerns and ensure satisfaction.
Clear aligners are effective for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. Severe cases may require alternative orthodontic approaches.
On average, treatment may take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Some pressure or soreness during the initial days of a new aligner is normal and indicates the aligners are working.
For optimal results, clear aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene practices.
It is advisable to remove clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent damage to the aligners and maintains good oral hygiene.
Clear aligners should be cleaned regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or the provided cleaning solution.
There might be a brief adjustment period, during which speech may be slightly affected.
Regular check-ups are usually every 6-8 weeks. These visits allow for adjustments and the delivery of new sets of aligners.
After completing your clear aligner treatment, we will discuss retention options to maintain your newly aligned smile. This often involves wearing a retainer as directed by our orthodontic team.
Yes, it's normal to feel slight discomfort or pressure when transitioning to a new set of aligners.
It's advisable to avoid chewing gum or using tobacco products while wearing clear aligners, as they can stain or damage the aligners.
It's generally advisable to avoid using over-the-counter whitening products with clear aligners, as they may not be compatible.
Clear aligners can be effective for certain cases of overbites or underbites. Our orthodontic team will assess your bite issues and recommend the most suitable treatment options.