What is Invisalign?

by blake on October 9, 2010


Invisalign is a method used to straighten teeth, similar to braces. However, Invisalign is invisible and custom- designed for your teeth. It is made of plastic and looks similar to a teeth-whitening tray. Invisalign consists of clear aligners that move your teeth little by little using controlled force. Only certain teeth are moved at a time. Each aligner is used for about two weeks at a time, until you achieve the perfect smile. Your dentist will create an individualized treatment plan using 3-D computer technology. Average treatment time is about one year.

Unlike braces, Invisalign is removable. Removing the aligner is actually required before eating, drinking, chewing gum and brushing and flossing your teeth. Because of this, there are no dietary restrictions ? you can eat and drink as usual. There are no wires or brackets involved, so there is no risk or breaking any parts. However, smoking is not recommended while using Invisalign, as it can cause staining. Invisalign is FDA-approved and carries no known health risks. Virtually no pain is felt while using it. After each treatment, users may experience some pressure, but it only lasts a few days. It may be difficult to talk clearly after each treatment as well, but it only lasts a day or two.

The cost of Invisalign varies based on your needs. This can depend on your insurance, severity and length of treatment and location. The cost is comparable to braces and can range from $3,500 to $8,000, with the average at $5,000. If you have orthodontic insurance, it will cover a portion of the cost.

More than one million people have used Invisalign. Invisalign can be used once a person loses all their baby teeth and have second molars, so this includes most teenagers. Invisalign works best for those with mild cases and those with crooked teeth, but a good bite. Invisalign is popular with those who are self-conscious about their smile, which usually includes teenagers and young adults.

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5 Foods That Will Benefit Your Teeth

by brianne on January 21, 2010


“You are what you eat.”

If you cringe every time you hear and picture this statement, chances are you might want to make some changes to what you eat. Because really, nobody wants to be a greasy cheeseburger. Not only are your food choices affecting your weight and physical health, they’re also directly impacting the health of your teeth. The good news is that food can be just as helpful as it is harmful, so keeping a few key super foods in mind when considering your oral health can make all the difference.

Foods That Your Teeth Will Thank You For Eating:

  • Milk, yogurt, and cheese. All of these dairy-based food items are high in calcium and contain phosphate. These two things help strengthen tooth enamel and neutralize the pH of your mouth, protecting it from bacteria that thrive in an acidic environment.
  • Green tea. This drink contains an antioxidant called “catechin”. Catechins not only eliminate bad breath, but also kill bacteria that turns sugar into plaque. One more benefit? Drinking green tea helps prevent periodontal disease.
  • Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds. Chewing on seeds helps protect teeth from bacteria because they are high in natural fats and reinforce enamel.
  • Kiwis. This little super fruit holds more than 100% of the suggested daily dose of vitamin C. Among other things, vitamin C helps stop your gums from breaking down.
  • Carrots. Eating something crunchy like carrots or celery particularly after eating a meal will clean the teeth by producing saliva and removing plaque.

    • And of course, you can never have too much water.

    Drinking more water is the easiest way to help save your teeth from bacteria, especially during a busy day. Chase that sugary drink or food item down with some water to keep it from coating your teeth. Plus, drinking water encourages the production of saliva, which is your body’s natural and best defense against bacteria and plaque.

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    6 Reasons For Gum Bleeding

    January 21, 2010

    Healthy gums do NOT bleed. If yours are bleeding, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong– so don’t ignore it. What might look like a minor issue can lead to more severe problems such as a receding gum line and loss of teeth. The first step? Find the source of the bleeding, so then you [...]

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    9 Remedies For Bad Breath

    January 21, 2010

    It’s estimated that about 45% of the world have chronic bad breath. And chances are, you’ve noticed the people who do. Or maybe you’re one of them. The bottom line: nobody likes bad breath. What seems like a simple, small problem can actually seriously affect your life, especially in the area of relationships. Dating someone with [...]

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    Invisalign Teen Advertising Quite A Bit

    September 18, 2009

    I’ve been seeing more and more Invisalign teen ads. Even on prime time TV last night. Are they going to be the new medifast of tv ads? Ha! No really, the ads were super cheesy, and I really don’t know how cost effective that type of advertising would be with teens. Why not sponsor some [...]

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    How do Invisalign aligners work?

    October 9, 2008

    With Invisalign, there are no metal brackets pulling on your teeth to get them to straighten. So a big question people have is, how do these removable, clear aligners straighten my teeth? Invisalign braces move your teeth through controlled force. Instead of pulling your teeth to their target position like traditional braces, Invisalign pushes and [...]

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    Why price is not the only factor in finding an Invisalign Dentist

    September 24, 2008

    When asked for advice on how to find a dentist, your first reaction is probably, Google “dentists” or pick up the Yellow pages and look up “orthodontist”. The truth is there should be a lot more thought into finding an Invisalign provider, and many things you should look for when choosing an Invisalign dentist for [...]

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    Invisalign Braces

    September 16, 2008

    If you want to straighten your teeth without the traditional metallic smile than Invisalign braces may be for you. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth with a series of aligners or plastic molds. Wear each aligner until the progression is finished and your teeth are straighter. Invisalign braces are great because they [...]

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    Invisalign Dentist

    September 16, 2008

    It may not be apparent what to look for when searching for an Invisalign dentist/orthodontist. You want a dentist who is going to be precise, reputable, and affordable. Unfortunately they aren’t a dime a dozen. There are some steps you can take to find a well-respected Invisalign provider who will help you along the way. [...]

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    Invisalign Teen – To Target 13-19 Years Old

    September 2, 2008

    Everyone by now has heard of Invisalign, growing rapidly since its inception 11 years ago. Invisalign is revolutionary because instead of the “metal bracket” traditional braces, Invisalign is invisible while still straightening your teeth. Invisible braces have become somewhat of a phenomenon in America, except among early teens, a huge market for traditional braces. Originally [...]

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