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INVISALIGN®

Dr. Mathisen and our dental team are pleased to provide Invisalign® orthodontic treatments to both new and existing patients of East Hills Family Dental. If you have crowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth, you may be able to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile using this non-invasive, aesthetic straightening option.

Traditional orthodontic treatments often include braces, with unattractive metal brackets and bulky silver wires. However, Invisalign® is a clear, removable aligner that is worn over the teeth for at least 22 hours each day. They can be removed to allow you to eat, brush, and floss normally during your orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® is a comfortable, convenient, and easy to use solution for straightening your teeth.

Invisalign® provides other substantial health benefits in addition to straightening teeth. Teeth that are crowded, gapped, or misaligned can be more difficult to keep properly cleaned and flossed. Over time, this can lead to a higher rate of tooth decay. Crowded and misaligned teeth are also more prone to issues like cracking and wearing over time due to improper occlusion (bite). Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® can protect against these issues. Additionally, misaligned teeth are more likely to develop periodontal (gum) issues. Invisalign® can help keep gums firm around the teeth, protecting against bacterial infections that can lead to periodontal disease.

The Invisalign® system is easy and convenient to use. First, you will have a consultation with Dr. Mathisen. We will review your oral health needs and determine if you are a good candidate for using Invisalign® to straighten your smile. Next, a 3D model is created of your teeth. This model is used to design the steps of your individualized treatment plan based on your unique straightening needs. With this model, you will be able to see what your teeth will look like after treatment even before the treatment has begun. Invisalign® aligners are custom-fabricated for your teeth. About every two to four weeks, you will change to a new aligner, slightly straighter than the one before.

By choosing Invisalign® to straighten your teeth, you can avoid many of the issues commonly associated with traditional braces. Invisalign® patients are much less prone to experiencing pain, discomfort, or mouth sores than patients with traditional metal braces. Invisalign® also allows you to remove your aligners to allow proper brushing and flossing, leading to a reduced rate of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

At East Hills Family Dental, we can help you achieve straight teeth and a beautiful, healthy smile with Invisalign®. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mathisen, contact our office.

RETAINERS

Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment will involve the use of braces or aligners. In either case, your treatment involves minor movement of your teeth to correct misalignment. This ensures both a straight smile and an even bite.

However, braces are not the only stage needed for a permanent orthodontic solution. Once your braces have been taken off, the retention phase begins. It is vitally important to follow through with retention to maintain your newly straight smile after treatment. Your final orthodontic results depend on your retainer, so be sure to keep your appointments with Dr. Mathisen even after your braces have been removed.

There are a few distinct types of retainers that may be recommended to you:

• Clear Retainers – A removable, transparent plastic tray that fits over your teeth.
• Traditional Retainers – A removable appliance made of acrylic and a wire that sits on the front side of your teeth.
• Bonded Retainer – A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily bonded to the lingual (tongue) side of the anterior teeth.

Dr. Mathisen will provide you with the retainer option that is best suited for your orthodontic treatment plan. Your retainer should be worn as often as instructed. Your teeth have been in active treatment for months or even years. Wearing your retainer is crucial for ensuring that your teeth do not shift back out of their corrected positions.

When it is not in your mouth, keep your retainer in its case. Bacteria can build up on your retainer, making it less hygienic and affecting the fit. Regular cleaning to remove these bacteria is a vital part of proper retainer care.

To clean your retainer, brush it gently with a wet toothbrush. Disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a cleansing solution. Thoroughly rinse the appliance with cold or room temperature water before placing it back in your mouth. Hot water can cause the retainer to lose its proper shape, so should be avoided.

For more information about proper care and use of your retainer, contact our office.