Category Archives: Invisalign

Invisalign

Finishing Invisalign without a Dentist

I have moved and have the last three sets of aligners left for my Invisalign. If my treatment has gone very smoothly, can I just continue the treatment on my own or do I need to find another Invisalign dentist in order to finish?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Clear Invisalgin Aligner

There are times when an Invisalign case is more complicated. For instance, when some teeth need to be shaved to make room or when buttons are necessary in order to grip the aligners and help them shift. You said your case wasn’t complicated. So, in all honesty, you could probably finish off your treatment without needing another dentist if you have the aligners.

If you don’t, you can ask your original dentist to send them to you or he can transfer all your information to another dentist. He is ethically obligated to send all treatment and diagnostic information to your new caregiver.

In all honesty, because you haven’t had any issues and it doesn’t seem like there have been additional treatment processes necessary, you can probably get along just fine without another dentist. That will give you time to settle in and find a new caregiver you are pleased with.

Retainers after Invisalign

In almost every case, after orthodontic treatment, there is a need for a retainer. This helps train the teeth to stay in place and doesn’t allow them to scoot now that they are free. The mynewsmile.com website has a great post about wearing retainers. Because your last pair of aligners have your teeth in their correct position, these can double as retainers, which means you won’t have to pay for a traditional retainer. I have a suggested method for doing this.

  • Month One: Wear them all the time.
  • Month Two: Wear them only at night
  • Month Three: Wear them every other night
  • Month Three Test: If it is harder to put your “retainer” in, that means your teeth have moved and you’ll need to go back to every night for a while. If they’re fine you can move on
  • Month Four: You can try using them once a week, then not at all. Just keep your aligners available to periodically check them.

You should know those aligners can also double as teeth whitening trays, so when you’re ready to whiten your teeth, just ask your dentist for some gel.

Best of luck on your new location!
This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Invisalign or Braces?

I want to get my smile beautiful once and for all. Invisalign appeals to me, but I didn’t know if there was an advantage to braces. Are they better? If not, why would anyone use them when Invisalign is available?

Marcy

Dear Marcy,

Clear Invisalgin Aligner

You raise a good question. If Invisalign is more comfortable and invisible why would anyone use any other orthodontic option?

Here are three reasons some people might choose traditional braces over Invisalign.

  • Cost: Braces can, depending on the particular case, be less expensive than Invisalign
  • Complications: It used to be that Invisalign only worked on certain ideal cases. That is no longer the case. It can now handle most cases. However, there are still a few highly complex cases which would require traditional braces.
  • Compliance: With traditional braces, the orthodontics are bonded directly onto your teeth. Invisalign is removable therefore it requires patient compliance. If you don’t keep the aligners in, the treatment won’t work. Some parents don’t feel their child is responsible enough to not lose them.

If none of those issues are a problem for you, then Invisalign would be the better choice.

Getting a Beautiful Smile Without Orthodontics

If you’re wanting a total smile makeover, you may feel happier with porcelain veneers. These can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. They can even make crooked teeth appear straight. In fact, they are the go-to procedure for celebrities wanting a stunning smile.

There’s one precaution with this. With Invisalign, any dentist can do the procedure. When it comes to porcelain veneers it takes an expert cosmetic dentist. Smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. A dentist has to invest in post-doctoral training in order to do them well.

It takes both technical training and an artistic eye to do them well. If you want a gorgeous smile, look for a dentist who has reached accreditation. These are the best cosmetic dentists in the country and any one of them can give you a smile you’re proud to share with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Flipper to Help teeth look straight

I don’t want braces. They take forever, look ridiculous, and from what I’ve heard from every middle-schooler, feel horrible. I have three teeth which stick out and are crooked. I wonder if a dental flipper can make them look straight. What do you think?

Ben

Dear Ben,

A woman putting in her Invisalign aligners in two stacked images
Invisalign: The Modern Orthodontic Solution

A dental flipper isn’t the solution you think it will be. It’s actually designed to be a temporary replacement for missing teeth and uses wires to clasp onto adjacent teeth.

There is something called snap-on smile which can snap over your teeth to make them look straight. They’re acceptable looking but not stunning. Because they snap over your teeth, some people have found that they look a bit bulky. If your teeth are sticking out they might look even more bulky.

Invisalign: A Great Alternative to Braces

You don’t have to get braces anymore. These days we have alternatives. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. They’re completely invisible even at a conversational distance. This means you don’t have to worry about unsightly metal wires and brackets.

Because of that it is also comfortable. Plus, it works in about half the time of traditional braces. You can have naturally straight teeth sooner than you realize.

A Surprise Benefit to Invisalign

Many people don’t realize that the aligners Invisalign used to straighten your teeth can also double as teeth whitening trays. This means you can simultaneously whiten and straighten your teeth at the same time.

It’s like getting a mini smile makeover. You’ll feel confident and look years longer.

This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Dingy Invisalign Solution

My sister’s Invisalign is still sparkling clean and looks completely invisible. Mines getting dingy. What am I doing worng?

Cath

Dear Cath,

Clear Invisalgin Aligner
Keeping Invisalign Sparkling is Simple

I’m glad you wrote. No one wants a dingy smile. Plus, your Invisalign is designed to be unseen. I’m going to give you four tips which will help you keep them sparkling clean.

Never Use Toothpaste on Invisialign

Toothpaste, especially whitening toothpastes, are too abrasive for your Invisalign aligners. Using that will cause tiny scratches on your aligners. Those scratches will begin to pick up stains, which could by the cause of your dinginess.

When you received your first aligners, your dentist should have provided you with an Invisalign cleaning kit. That’s what you’ll use to clean them. If your dentist neglected that, call your office and request one. In the meantime, you can give them a brush using a very soft toothbrush with a baking soda and water mixture. This is gentle enough to not damage them.

No Smoking or Vaping with your Invisalign In

While most patients know not to eat with their aligners in, some don’t realize that smoking or vaping can rapidly stain them. If you happen to have one of these habits and you can’t just quit, make sure you take your aligners out before indulging.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth

What is left on your teeth after a meal, will soak into your aligners. It is important you brush and floss after every meal before placing your Invisalign back in your mouth. If you don’t, that traps bacteria in there making you a strong candidate for decay.

DIY Disinfectant

It wouldn’t hurt to give them a good soak every once in a while. You don’t have to do it regularly, but seeing as they’re having some issues, you want to make sure you get rid of any lurking bacteria at least this once.

An easy DIY solution for this is peroxide and warm water. Use a 50/50 mixture to loosen the stains. Then rinse them out. If you’re still worried about bacteria, you can do the same thing with vinegar and water, just don’t leave them in the mixture more than about 10-15 minutes because vinegar is acidic. Also, make sure you’re using white vinegar.

Give these a try and enjoy getting those beautiful, straight teeth.
This blog is brought to you by Salem Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Invisalign Issues

Invisalign has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates in dental care. It’s such an improvement on the old way of dealing with orthodontics. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you need to be aware of and prepared to deal with if one of them become an issue for you. It’s always better to be informed.

Clear Invisalgin Aligner

Solutions to Invisalign Issues

Invisalign Issue 1: Pain

While the clear aligners you get are much more comfortable than their metal cousins found with traditional braces, you are still moving teeth. There’s bound to be some uncomfortableness as your teeth are shifting into their new position.

With Invisalign, this discomfort hits its peak about 24 hours into putting on the next pair of aligners. Rarely, does it last more than a day or two. After the initial shifting is over, the next two weeks go by like a breeze.

That doesn’t mean you want to brush the pain aside. I would recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever on schedule starting an hour before you start your new aligners. Being proactive lowers the amount of discomfort you’ll have to deal with.

Invisalign Issue 2: Excess Saliva

This is another issue that passes very quickly. Our bodies are amazing. When your mouth senses there’s something there which isn’t a normal part of your anatomy, it tries to digest it. One of the ways it does that is by producing excess saliva.

Fortunately, this goes away quite soon. Practice speaking with them when you’re alone (preferably without spitting) and that should speed up the demise of this issue.

Invisalign Issue 3: Death Breath

man with bad breath

Think about it. You eat food. Bits of bacteria get between your teeth and in your gums. If you don’t remove them pretty quickly with brushing and flossing, you’re going to have problems. If you also pin them down and let them stew in some clear plastic aligners, you’re going to have death breath.

It’s is very important you brush and floss after each meal before you place back in your aligners. This will keep your breath sweet smelling. It will also prevent you from developing decay and needing to get fillings on your soon to be straight teeth.

Invisalign Issue 4: Kiss Killer

There are two specific things people bring up when it comes to kissing and Invisalign. One is the breath issue. That one is easily solved by following our instructions above. The second one, however, is a bit different. Some people have complained that it feels bulky when they’re kissing.

If this becomes an issue for you, there are two potential solutions. The first is to take them out. You get two hours a day where you don’t have to wear your aligners. It’s up to you how you use those two hours. A second option is practice, practice, practice. Kiss enough where it’s easy to work around.

This blog is brought to you by Salem Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Do It Yourself Invisalign

I keep seeing the advertisements for at-home Invisalign. You only have to submit photos, etc. Do they work?

Cecil

Dear Cecil,

A woman putting in her Invisalign aligners in two stacked images

There are several of these type of companies at the moment. None of them are actually aligned with Invisalign, which is a specific brand. They’re just sort of leeching off the name recognition to get people to click and learn about them.

Some of them work and some of them are outright dangerous. However, all of them have one thing in common which gives me pause. You rarely, if ever, see a dentist. Yes, you submit photos. Yes, a dentist looks at those photos. What they’re not saying is there are things which even the best dentists can’t discern from a photograph, such as gum disease.

While there are some cases, depending on their severity, which are obvious even in a picture. Most of the time it requires x-rays and some probing of the gums. Plus, molars are very difficult to see in pictures. Your oral health needs to be checked during treatment. Gum disease can derail your treatment process as well as your teeth. If gum disease progresses untreated you can lose bone mass and teeth.

Benefits of Seeing a Dentist for Invisalign

Seeing a dentist and getting the real deal when it comes to your Invisalign treatment means you get a jump start on fixing any issues which develop, such as the gum disease listed above or decay and tooth pain.

Other times teeth have to be shaved in order to make room for treatment with crowded teeth. If those cases, you will be sent to a dentist even with these “do it yourself” treatments. But, you’ll likely be working with a dentist who is not invested in your case in any way. It actually takes some cosmetic dentistry skill to do this in a way which still allows the teeth to look natural.

Additionally, there are other cosmetic procedures you can do simultaneously when you work with a dentist. Your Invisalign aligners can double as teeth whitening trays, essentially giving you a mini smile makeover between the straighter teeth and a whiter smile.

This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Invisalign as a Retainer?

I am about to finish with my Invisalign treatment. It’s been great and I’ve loved seeing the progress of my teeth. My dentist said I’m going to need to wear a retainer for a time. I’m kind of bummed that after all this time with the invisible treatment I’m going to have to switch to a metal bar. Could I just wear my last pair of aligners as a retainer?

Lana B.

Dear Lana,

Pretty brunette with a beautiful smile
Invisalign can give you a gorgeous smile

I’m so glad you’ve loved your Invisalign experience. They have quite a high patient satisfaction rate. Aren’t you glad we live in the time period we do when we no longer have to wear those uncomfortable metal braces?

Unfortunately, your aligners are designed to be temporary. If you wore them for the length of time you’d need to wear a retainer, it would not only wear through with holes, but would get kind of gross and nasty.

However, I have some good news for you. You won’t have to wear “ye olde metal bar” for your retainer if you don’t want to. Just like braces, retainers have had their own advancements as well.

Options is Retainers

  • Lingual Retainers

While these are metal retainers, they’re placed behind your teeth on the tongue side. No one will be able to see them so you’ll get the invisibility you want.

  • Clear Retainers

You can find two types of these. The first of these are small and cover about half of the tooth, made out of similar material to your aligners, but made for more long-term use. The second covers the whole mouth and can be decorated with a logo from your favorite team or other favorites.

What you’ll need to do is talk to your dentist handling your Invisalign case and discuss these newer options. That way you can get the treatment you need in a way you’re comfortable.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba. Check out his beautiful smile guarantee.

Invisalign

Straightening Teeth with a Missing Teeth

I never had braces as a child. It’s always bothered me. I want to do something about it now that I’m an adult. I keep hearing about invisible braces, which sounds much better to me than those silver ones all my friends in middle-school wore. The one thing that worries me is I have two congenitally missing mandibular bicuspids. Do I need to get dental implants for those spots?

Katherine

Dear Katherine,

A woman putting in her Invisalign aligners in two stacked images

Invisible braces could refer to one of three things. First, they could be referring to the clear braces you can get these days. They still go on your teeth like the traditional metal wire and bracket braces, but it uses a less visible material.

A second possibility is lingual braces. These are also the traditional type of braces bonded to your teeth, but they are placed behind your teeth where no one can see them. Many child stars have worn these when they’re in the middle of filming a series where they didn’t (or couldn’t in the case of a historical series) want the character to have braces. They’re useful for straightening in secret, but they have a couple of drawbacks.

They can be uncomfortable on your tongue which will bump up against them quite a bit. Braces make oral hygiene trickier because of all the materials you have to get around and the food that continually gets trapped in them. Lingual braces are even harder to keep clean because of their location. You could end up with a lot of unnecessary decay if you don’t stay on top of your tooth care.

Invisalign — Your Best Invisible Braces Option

While both of the above options could be considered “invisible braces”, there’s a much better option. Invisalign, though not technically braces, is an orthodontic system which straightens your teeth in significantly less time than traditional braces. These use clear aligners (think teeth whitening trays) instead of wires and brackets. Even at a conversational distance, people will not be able to tell you’re wearing them.

Because you’re talking about your lower bicuspids, it’s not necessary to get dental implants. Invisalign will close the spaces in your lower arch. Though, if you wanted to, you certainly could get implants placed where you’re missing teeth are. To do that, however, you’d need to work with an experienced implant dentist who also understands orthodontics. This way your work can be done in such a way as to preserve the needed space for the implant.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba. Check out his smile gallery.

Invisalign

Dentist Fleecing Me Over Tooth Gap

I told my dentist I was finally ready to close my tooth gap. My dentist has been after me to do it all year. But, I assumed we’d do braces to close it. That’s one of the things which took me so long. I wasn’t too excited about that idea. But, I’ve finally decided that I’d rather have some temporary embarrassment instead of permanent embarrassment. But, when I told him, he suggested something called Lumineers. He explained it to me and it seems like a huge overtreatment and expense for a tooth gap. Should I just go to an orthodontist or is this the new standard?

Kelly A.

Dear Kelly,

A woman putting in her Invisalign aligners in two stacked images

I am glad you wrote before going through with this. It sounds to me like your dentist is an inexperienced cosmetic dentist trying to gain some. He’s using your tooth gap as an excuse to practice. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers often marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place.

Even if he weren’t trying to gain experience, porcelain veneers are not the standard treatment for a tooth gap, unless the patient wanted a total smile makeover. Now, if you wanted to completely change your smile then that would be fine. But, that’s not what you’re after. You simply want to close your gap. I have great news for you in that regard. There are two fantastic options for you to close that gap which not only are much less expensive than Lumineers, but you won’t have to wear any metal braces.

Invisalign for a Tooth Gap

There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to orthodontics these days. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. They’re much more comfortable than traditional braces and often work in half the time.

This will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. There are no restrictions on what food you can eat. Plus, because they’re removable, you’ll brush and floss normally without the challenges that come from a mouth full of metal wires and brackets.

Dental Bonding for a Tooth Gap

Depending on the size of the gap you’re talking about, a good cosmetic dentist (not necessarily your family dentist) can close the gap using a composite resin. He or she can shape it to blend in perfectly with your natural tooth structure. This is also a great solution for minor chips on your teeth.

The only thing to be aware of with bonding is that once it’s on the color can’t be changed, so if you plan on ever whitening your teeth do it before the bonding is done.

I’d do either of those two procedures before Lumineers.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.

Invisalign

Need Invisalign to Save My Marriage

Help me! I totally blew it at Christmas, apparently. I thought I was listening and being attentive. She’s always complaining about how we have the worst vacuum ever. So, I spent more money than I thought you should on a vacuum. Pro tip: That’s not a good Christmas gift. I wasn’t aware that things you have to have anyway to keep the house clean doesn’t count. She’s been mad at me since Christmas morning. In my defense, I have noticed she is vacuuming more, even if she’s glaring at me while doing it. I’m determined to make it up to her on Valentine’s Day. She also always talks about wanting a smile makeover. So, I thought I’d get her a gift certificate for Invisalign and teeth whitening. I went to see her dentist at lunch today to order it (see I’m actually a month ahead of the game), but he said no. She has to be there for an exam to know the cost. How can I surprise her like that? Will all dentists feel that way?

Dennis (the gift menace)

Dear Dennis,

A woman putting in her Invisalign aligners in two stacked images

I love how much you’re trying. You’re absolutely listening, so she can’t fault you for that. I think you’ll be able to get her that mini smile makeover you’re hoping to. Before we do that I want to make sure you know a distinction. When your wife says smile makeover, she could be referring to Invisalign and teeth whitening. Many people get beautiful smile makeovers from these two products.

Be aware, though, most people are referring to getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Either way, I’d make sure you do some digging to see which she means as you’re trying to make something up to her she was unhappy about.

What’s the Smile Makeover Difference between Invisalign and Porcelain Veneers

With Invisalign, her teeth will be gently and precisely shifted to a correct position wearing a series of aligners. The image at the top of this post shows a woman placing an Invisalign aligner on her teeth.

A single porcelain veneer being held up by a dental instrumentWith porcelain veneers, her teeth can be made to look straight even when they’re not using thin wafers of porcelain an expert cosmetic dentist designs. You can see an image of a single porcelain veneer directly above. These can also change the shape, size, and color of her teeth. This is the smile makeover most celebrities get when they’re going for that “Hollywood Smile.”

Can You Pre-purchase Invisalign Ahead of Time?

My suggestion, if you want to get an Invisalign Gift Certificate is to talk to the dentist again asking what the minimum cost would be. If he knows your wife’s teeth at all, he can probably give a semi-educated guess. Then purchase a gift certificate for that amount. Let him know after her exam and treatment plan is designed, you’ll make up any cost difference.

If it turns out porcelain veneers is what she was after, the dentist you choose to do this is the most important decision you’ll make in this procedure. You really want her to go to a dentist who’s reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Those are the dentists which can give her a stunning smile. Be aware, this procedure is much more pricey than Invisalign. But, you get way more for your buck at the same time. The aacd.com website can help you locate one near your area.

This blog is brought to you by American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accredited Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.