by Dr. Adkins | Sep 5, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Traditional braces have long been thought to be the only option available to straighten your teeth and correct your bite issues. Advances in Invisalign aligners now give you a choice, one that might just leave your mouth healthier when all is said and done.
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that are worn for up to twenty-two hours a day. They can be removed while eating and for cleaning. A series of trays is prepared to slowly guide the teeth into proper position over time. When one tray has done its job, the next tray in the series is utilized.
Traditional metal braces are extremely challenging to clean. The brackets and bands trap bacteria and food debris all around the teeth, and in order to prevent gum disease and cavities, wearers must thread floss painstakingly under each wire and floss each tooth one-by-one, threading again and again. Brushing is challenging, too, as brushes wear out very quickly and can’t always reach the difficult areas. Even using a waterpick can’t be fool proof, because if used incorrectly, bacteria and debris are simply pushed further into the gum pocket, causing irritation and leading to infections.
Invisalign allows you to take out your trays so you can brush and floss normally, just as you did before you began your treatment. Trays are rinsed with water and placed back in the mouth. The teeth are clean and the aligner is clean, all in a fraction of the time it would take to clean a mouthful of traditional braces.
Keep your mouth healthier by talking to your orthodontist today to see if Invisalign aligners are right for you and your smile goals.
We look forward to seeing you in our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 29, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Nearly two million people worldwide have discovered Invisalign, the latest technology for improving smiles. Treatment involves wearing a series of customized clear plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into better positions. This revolutionary method is appealing to patients because it eliminates some of the aspects that people dislike about traditional orthodontic solutions.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit to Invisalign is that the aligners are invisible. The clear plastic makes the trays almost undetectable in your smile. This gives patients the confidence to smile throughout treatment instead of being embarrassed by a mouth full of metal.
You can remove your Invisalign aligners at any time. Although for best success they should be worn at least 20 hours per day, they should be removed while eating or performing oral hygiene tasks. This means that there are no diet restrictions during treatment, and maintenance is simple because it involves normal brushing and flossing.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable since there are no wires or brackets that might poke or tear your skin. They also are safer than some other orthodontic options when playing sports or other activities. Invisalign aligners gently move teeth so there is typically less pressure or pain during treatment than with traditional braces.
The aligners are customized for every patient to treat your specific issues. Different sets of aligners are provided for adults, adolescents and children, plus different sets are worn during each stage of straightening. This personalized solution means that treatment is very precise, and it is even created and monitored using special computer software to increase the accuracy of treatment. Also, many patients find that the duration of treatment is less for Invisalign. The average treatment time is often about one year, as long as you wear the aligners as recommended.
With all of the advantages that Invisalign offers, it’s easy to understand why it has become such a popular choice in orthodontic treatment. If you’re interested in seeing if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a consultation with a dental professional who is trained and qualified in providing this type of treatment.
Our dental office is located in McDonough
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 22, 2024 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 1
Straight, white smiles are in high demand, and choosing who is going to perform your smile makeover is not a decision to be taken lightly. The American Dental Association does not include cosmetic dentistry as one of the eight specialties, meaning there are no legal restrictions against any dentist calling themselves a “cosmetic dentist.” Therefore, it is vital to the success of your treatment to do research and find the best cosmetic dentist to perform your smile makeover. When searching for a qualified cosmetic dentist, consider the following:
- Ask your potential dentist about their cosmetic studies. Beyond dental school, a trained cosmetic dentist should have taken postgraduate courses and training in the particular types of procedures you are seeking.
- Find out what organizations they belong to that focus solely on cosmetic dentistry. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the most notable, and offers an accreditation program that includes extensive continuing education and rigorous testing to ensure outstanding skills. Dentists who complete this accreditation are considered to be the very best in their field.
- Ask to see “before and after” photos of patients they have treated for smile makeovers. It is important you like the style and quality of the work shown in the photos before moving forward with your chosen cosmetic dentist.
- Inquire about testimonials and reviews from patients who have been treated for cosmetic problems similar to yours. An internet search can also yield information and reviews from previous patients about the cosmetic dentist you are considering.
- Find out how long the cosmetic dentist has been practicing and which cosmetic dental procedures they most commonly perform.
- Ask about the technology in their office. Current dental technology is one way to determine the level of advanced care in a cosmetic dentistry practice.
- Is the dentist and office staff friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable?
Be sure you feel comfortable and confident with your choice of a cosmetic dentist before proceeding with a smile makeover. Making the best choice can mean enjoying years of a beautiful, bright smile.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 15, 2024 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 2
You may have heard of cosmetic dentistry, but are unsure of how that branch of dentistry can help you. There are many reasons to visit a cosmetic dentist! Just about anyone who is embarrassed or unhappy about their smile can find options for improvement through a cosmetic dentist. A wide variety of procedures and treatments are available for a long list of things that you may dislike about your smile.
Restored smile
Cosmetic dentists can restore the appearance and function of your smile. Gaps, crooked teeth, chips, cracks, discoloration and more can be repaired to give you a flawless new look and renewed self-confidence.
Youthful appearance
The older you get, the greater your chances are of problems like lost or yellowed teeth. Gaps in your smile make you look older, and can even change your face shape as it sinks in around the area of tooth loss. Cosmetic procedures can restore your youth through dental procedures.
Whiter teeth
Dull, yellow, stained teeth from years of consuming dark foods or from tobacco use can make your smile unsightly. There’s no need to hide your smile, because professional teeth whitening is available through cosmetic dentists. It can dramatically improve your appearance in only an hour’s time.
Fresh breath
Various dental issues can contribute to stinky mouth odor. Cosmetic dentistry helps take care of oral health problems to give you a better chance at fresh breath.
Healthier gums
Irritated, swollen, or bleeding gums are both painful and unsightly. Poor dental hygiene or even brushing with excessive pressure can promote gum problems. Cosmetic dentists can diagnose gum issues and help restore them to a healthier condition.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 8, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
One of the most recent innovations in modern orthodontics is Invisalign. These unique clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular for improving smiles without the stigma associated with traditional braces. Invisalign aligners straighten teeth by placing gentle pressure on them to move into better positions. This solution offers distinct advantages to some of the other options in orthodontics.
Hidden appearance:
One of the most obvious benefits of Invisalign is that the clear plastic is practically invisible in your mouth. The subtle appearance of the retainers is much less obtrusive than traditional metal braces. For patients who want to diminish the fact that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment, Invisalign in the perfect solution. Personal and professional relationships are not at risk of embarrassment due to being self-conscious about your smile.
Easy removal:
You will remove aligners from your mouth when eating or performing oral hygiene tasks. There are no impacts to your diet during Invisalign treatment, since you take out the aligners anytime you eat. Brushing and flossing are performed normally without having to worry about cleaning food debris out of intrusive wires and brackets. This can have positive impacts on your oral health as well.
Increased comfort:
The lack of metal pieces in the aligners means a more comfortable experience. Traditional braces have a reputation for poking the mouth or breaking. Invisalign offers a clear advantage of being very comfortable when worn.
Boosted confidence:
No matter if you are a teenager or an adult wearing braces, it can be embarrassing to have a mouth full of metal in your smile. The invisible quality of Invisalign eliminates those self-conscious feelings, giving you the confidence to smile, laugh and eat as usual even while undergoing treatment.
If these benefits of Invisalign sound appealing to you, schedule an appointment with a qualified orthodontist who provides this type of treatment. It may be the winning route to your beautiful smile.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today