Monday, May 23, 2011

My Kids Teeth: Learning About Invisalign

The Post is brought to you by Invisalign. I have used some facts provided by Invisalign, but the story and opinions are 100% mine. 
 
The other day we had the talk with the dentist.
I knew it was coming and I was kind of dreading it.
It went a little something like this...
"So have you gone to the orthodontist yet?"
"No."
"You realize he is going to need braces?"
'Um, yes. OK, I will get on it."
I also said that 6 months ago.

BUT now it is time for action. Joe is getting older and it is time to start the process of braces and orthodontics. My kiddo is very sensitive to new things and I am thinking this transition is going to be a tough one - the feel of the braces, brackets, and wires, etc. is not something he is going to be comfortable with for a long time, if ever. Heck, it has been 25ish years since I had braces and I remember it all too vividly!

I was just starting to do research on braces and orthodontics when I remembered a family member who had used Invisalign. I thought this might be a good fit for my son...and better yet, discovered that Invisalign has introduced a new product specifically for teens, Invisalign Teen. You cannot imagine how happy I was to find this out.

So why am I so happy? Invisalign sums it up quite nicely:
"When it comes to a decision as important as straightening your child’s teeth, it’s good to know you now have options. Teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign Teen, a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help your teen achieve a great smile and proper bite, is the clear alternative to metal braces. It was developed with leading orthodontists who understand the unique treatment and compliance needs of teens as well as their active lifestyles. Invisalign Teen treatment is ideal for busy parents because there are never any emergency appointments caused by broken wires or brackets. And you spend less time at the orthodontist’s office, with fewer appointments and less chair time for uncomfortable tightenings."

Although I was familiar with Invisalign, I really did not know how it worked, and thought if I am going to put it in my kids mouth, I better know a little more! Basically Invisalign works by using nearly invisible, removable appliances or “aligners.” The teeth are gradually straightened without metal or wires. Removable and no wires....Amazing, eh?

The process of Invisalign works like this:
"After detailed impressions are taken of the teeth, the company utilizes proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the patient’s complete treatment from start to finish. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position. Patients typically visit their doctor once every six weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of aligners."

Straightening my child's teeth is important to me,not only for the aesthetic appeal but for his own comfort and good oral care. I had been putting it off for so many reasons but the time is now. I am enthusiastically looking into Invisalign Teen for the following reasons:
  • Help provide a great smile to my child while boosting his confidence.
  • The product is durable, and easy to use and implement into our busy lifestyle.
  • The device can be removed for brushing and flossing (don't you remember how hard it was to keep up your teeth with traditional braces?)
  • It is a more comfortable alternative: Invisalign Teen is a lightweight plastic, custom-fitted to my your child's teeth, and maybe best yet for my child personally, "There are no wires or uncomfortable metal brackets poking or tearing their mouths or gums." 
The introduction of Invisalign Teen is perfect timing for my family.
It is definitely an option as we consider which path to take in our orthodontic treatment.

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14 comments:

  1. My younger sister REALLY wants these but my mom can't afford them right now. She entered a contest to win a free treatment and is really hoping she wins!

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  2. I recently had invisalign (I'm in my 20's) and they did a great job of straightening my teeth and I'm mostly happy with the outcome.

    I thought you might like to know the things that they don't tell you..... to get your teeth straight so quickly they do actually drill part of some teeth away. At one point I had a 3mm gap between my front teeth (which made taking the aligner out extremely embarrassing). It also took a while to get used to the different shape of my teeth!

    Invisalign also makes your teeth extremely sensitive and weakens them significantly. For months I couldn't bite into an apple without worrying that my teeth would literally break in half! Now I have to use sensitive and enamel building toothpaste as when they remove the glue fixtures which are bonded to your teeth they end up taking a bit of enamel too, or leaving glue stuck on there.

    Also - it hurts. I've had kids so I know what pain is, and this really hurts! Every fortnight when you change aligners your teeth hurt for a good 24-48 hours. To the point where you don't want to remove or replace the aligner as it brings tears to the eyes. It gave me headaches too. As an adult I was obviously disciplined with this but with your teen you will really need to make sure they are only taking it out to brush and eat.

    When we originally signed up we were told that we would only need to wear a retainer for 6 months but this is a total lie, if I miss a night without my retainer it is noticeably tighter the next day and I will definitely be using one forever (but they only provide 1 on completion of the treatment so you will need to go and get more made up)

    So if I'd had the option, knowing what I know now, as a teenager I think I'd have gone for regular braces with all of my friends. Invisalign is great, but hard. And if you lose an aligner then you're in trouble. One time I put mine in my napkin at a restaurant and they cleared it away! I had to run into the kitchen, thankfully they hadn't put in in the bin yet!

    Good luck whatever he decides :)

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  3. Teach your kids on how to properly take care of their teeth. Regular meetings with the dentist can definitely help.

    oklahoma city dentist

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  4. Maintain the health of your kids' teeth by giving them the right food and teaching them what's right about their teeth.

    denture implants

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  5. Aside from the teeth, your kid's eyes and ears also require special care. Hearing and vision are very important for successful learning and for seeing the wonders of the world.

    eye care

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  6. Researchers believe that oral bacteria may play a role in the body processes that leads to obesity. Now there's no reason not to listen to your doctor when he orders a visit to your dentist.

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  7. I use Invisalign as one of my treatment protocols too. Its more expensive than braces but its worth it because the treatment time is shorter.

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  8. There are many quality dental products out there. Not a lot of people think it's worth the price, though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Maybe we can change their minds!

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  9. Thank you for the review. My sister is getting Invisalign and I've forwarded her this link. Very candid and informative. The progression has already been amazing!

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  10. Invisalign is really more preferable than braces even for adults. People really find wearing braces very inconvenient, not to mention that it during the first years, it ruins your smile.

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  11. Anonymous8:43 PM

    Those invisible braces look great. If only I didn't need denture repair instead of these!

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  12. Even though most kids dislike the idea, I've seen my batch mates wear this and when they take it off after graduation their teeth are amazing

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  13. Invisaligns are intended to make teeth straighter. These are better alternative for braces since these make your teeth look natural. I have a friend who has an invisalign for several months now and you can really see the difference.

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  14. I've once considered wearing an invisalign but the price was just too high. So, I decided to go on with the traditional braces. Unfortunately, it took time to see the difference. I went to my dentist and asked her if he could give me discounts for invisalign. Fortunately he did. So, I am now wearing invaslign and the results are really evident.

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