You are not alone if you feel confused about what separates the two specialties. Orthodontists and dentists both help you maintain good oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is the umbrella term used to describe medical specialties that deal with teeth, nerves, gums, and the jaw. Orthodontists usually focus on bite correction, occlusion, and teeth straightening. Both dentists and orthodontists go to dental school. However, orthodontics requires two to three years at an accredited residency program following dental school. They are both doctors, and they are both vital in aiding your oral health.

How are they different?

An Orthodontist specializes in helping to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. If a patient has an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, a dentist will most likely refer them to an orthodontist. You’ll visit a dentist for your bi-annual teeth cleanings. Dentists look for signs of cavities and gum disease and prescribe treatment for these conditions.

Dentists usually provide services related to:

• Teeth Cleaning
• Root Canals
• Gum Disease
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Teeth Whitening

Orthodontists usually provide services related to:

• Teeth crowding
• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Misaligned teeth

When to See a Dentist

Going to the dentist is very important in maintaining good oral health and preventing severe dental conditions. Parents should take their child to their first visit to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. From that point on, someone with generally good dental health should see their dentist every six months for a routine teeth cleaning and checkup. Some groups of people may benefit from seeing the dentist more often, such as smokers, pregnant women, diabetics, those with gum disease, a weak immune system, and people prone to cavities and plaque buildup.

You should brush and floss daily as part of your regular oral health routine. But even if you do that, you still need those professional cleanings and checkups from your dentist. Regular checkups could catch harmful dental conditions, gum disease, and oral cancer.

When to See an Orthodontist

The earlier a dental condition is caught, the better an Orthodontist can resolve it. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7. Early diagnosis and evaluation can positively impact a child’s developing mouth, including the teeth and jaw. Often, early treatment can eliminate the need for surgery or the development of more serious conditions down the road.

Orthodontists are experts in tooth and jaw alignment and often treat the following conditions:

• Overcrowding
• Misaligned Teeth
• Tooth Gaps
• Teeth that Protrude

Some early problems that an Orthodontist can detect:

• Underbite, Overbite, Openbite or Crossbite
• Spacing Issues
• Protruding Teeth
• Overcrowding
• Midlines

How to Become an Orthodontist

If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and have good stamina, you might enjoy being an orthodontist. Becoming an orthodontist requires a lot of rigorous schooling. It takes a total of 10 to 11 years of school to become certified and licensed to practice as an orthodontist. That’s around four years of undergraduate school, four years at an accredited dental school, and two to three years at an accredited residency program for orthodontics. You’ll have to check each item off the following list to become an orthodontist.

• Obtain an undergraduate degree
• Pass the Dental Admission Test
• Apply and get accepted to dental school
• Complete dental school and residency
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination
• Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a particular state exam

Other Specialties in Dentistry

Orthodontics is one specialty within the dental field, but there are many others. Other specialties include:

• Endodontics
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
• Dental Anesthesiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orofacial Pain (OFP)
• Oral Medicine
• Dental Public Health (DPH)

Regardless of your specific needs, dentistry, orthodontics, and other specialties are essential for your oral health. Our orthodontists focus on helping people correct their smile and achieve greater confidence than they ever thought possible with Invisalign clear aligners. We help teens and adults fix their bites, straighten their teeth, and feel proud of their smiles.

We are lucky to live during a time with so many advances in technology. The technology of clear aligners is impressive in so many ways. Invisalign is very popular among adults and teens alike because of how convenient it is, and how compatible the aligners are with daily life. It's a fantastic way to straighten your teeth without dealing with metal braces.

Many individuals desperately want a dazzling Hollywood smile. Wearing clear aligners may be more popular among the stars than you think. Did you know that many celebrities have turned to Invisalign for their desired smile? And many of them wore Invisalign as an adult. Keep reading to find out if your favorite star has opted for Invisalign.

Eva Longoria

If you've watched early episodes of Desperate Housewives, then you may have noticed Eva Longoria had some overlapping on her bottom teeth. It wasn't until a later season of the show that she opted for Invisalign to straighten her bottom teeth and give her an even more stunning smile. Eva Longoria is unstoppable and more confident than ever since getting her teeth straightened in 2011.

Khloe Kardashian

The Keeping up with the Kardashians star decided in adulthood that she wanted to straighten her teeth discreetly. Invisalign played a significant role in her transformation. Along with losing 30 pounds and sporting a new hairdo and a new wardrobe, Khloe achieved her ideal look complete with a perfect smile.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall followed her big sister Khloe and decided to get Invisalign to perfect her model smile. After all, it's part of the job to have a stunning smile. Lucky for Kendall, she was able to remove them for photoshoots and significant events.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber wore Invisalign loud and proud as a teen to correct dental crowding and achieve a straight smile. He loved them so much that he created YouTube videos to talk about his experience wearing them. He even took them off and showed his viewers what they looked like.

Katherine Heigl

The Grey's Anatomy and 27 Dresses star used Invisalign to perfect her look for her wedding day. She had misaligned teeth, but Invisalign did the trick and gave her perfectly straight teeth for her big day. She loved her experience with Invisalign so much that she said, "It's like Netflix for your teeth." We agree, Katherine, we agree.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise used Invisalign and ceramic braces to straighten his front teeth. While getting his children orthodontic work, he realized that he could use some aligners. Once his teeth were straight, he got dental veneers to perfect the look.

Gisele Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen is one of the top paid models in the U.S. and the wife of the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady. With a famous husband, she is always in the spotlight and wants to look her best. Invisalign helped her do that. When her teeth began to shift, she used Invisalign to get them back into place to keep her stunning smile intact.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams didn't skip a beat in her tennis career when she decided to straighten her teeth with Invisalign. That's because they are so convenient. She got Invisalign as a teenager and now has one of the best smiles. She loves sporting her pearly whites after a winning tournament.

Zac Efron

The High School Musical star hasn't always had a perfect smile. You may remember the gap in between his two front teeth, which Efron says was the pinnacle of many jokes as an adolescent. Invisalign corrected his smile alignment and made him even more irresistible to women everywhere.

Oprah Winfrey

Fans spotted Oprah Winfrey wearing Invisalign clear aligners during her talk show. She hasn't been open about it, but we can sure tell she has a beautiful smile. Could it be because of Invisalign? It sure is a possibility.

Zendaya

Before hitting a wave of ultimate fame, Zendaya was a young model and backup dancer. In her teen years, she wore Invisalign to achieve the perfectly aligned pearly whites she sports on magazine covers. She truly is the whole package now.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry had always wanted to straighten her teeth but was reluctant to commit to braces. Enter Invisalign. The famous singer wore Invisalign, and it was the best of both worlds with the absolute best results. Nothing is in her way now.

Anna Kendrick

Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick has been open about using Invisalign to straighten her teeth, and why wouldn't she be honest about it? Her smile is stunning.

If you look at the smiles of these celebrities, the results of Invisalign speak for themselves. You know they're good if these celebrities who can afford almost anything in the world choose them to enhance their smiles. Many of these celebrities chose Invisalign due to discretion. Invisalign is clear, removable, and custom-tailored for each person. It can be removed to shoot a movie scene or take some snaps for a magazine cover. Clear aligners are a lot easier to hide than braces.

The great news for you and I is that Invisalign isn't reserved for celebrities. They are available to anyone and everyone who wants to correct their teeth and achieve a show-stopping smile. It's truly never too late to enhance your smile, boost your confidence and invest in yourself. At Quick Smiles, we specialize in Invisalign clear aligners. If you're in the Gilbert area, give us a call for a free Invisalign consultation. We would love to help you get started with one of the best gifts you'll ever give yourself - a winning smile.

Orthodontic treatment has made tremendous strides over the last decade. Whereas, we used to only think of teens when it came to teeth straightening, the revolutionary abilities of Invisalign has made orthodontics practical and accessible to any age group. We see adult patients regularly.

If you’re an adult who has been wanting to straighten your teeth but hasn’t quite gotten past your hesitations, now is the perfect time to take a leap and visit your orthodontist to get a consultation for clear teeth aligners. Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to gain a more confident smile, fix alignment issues, correct overcrowding, or ease jaw pain. We love seeing our adult patients. No matter your reason, we assure you that it will be well worth your time, money and energy.

The Pros of Invisalign for Adults

Flashbacks of high school bullies shouting “brace face” may deter you from wanting to get braces, even though you want to improve your smile. The good news is that Invisalign performs the same job as braces without ever wearing a metal bracket. Invisalign are clear aligners that fit over your teeth and can be removed for eating and drinking.

They appeal to many adults because of their near-invisible appearance. While braces may affect your confidence in the professional world, you can wear Invisalign easily at work and maintain a professional appearance. It’s the perfect solution to finally getting the smile you desire. Adults tend to choose Invisalign over braces because of the convenience and appearance. Have aligners that are barely noticeable? Yes, please!

Invisalign For Adults vs. Teens

Overall, getting Invisalign for adults is pretty similar to the experience for teenagers. However, the jawbone in children and teens is still developing. Because of the density of the fully-formed adult jawbones, treatment may take a little bit longer for adults.

Adults are also more likely to suffer from gum disease, worn down teeth and receding gums. Your orthodontist will adjust your orthodontic plan based on your needs, oral health conditions, age and history. Even if you need to wear your Invisalign slightly longer than a teen typically does, it will still be well worth it in the end.

Talk to an Expert

As you consider treatment to straighten your teeth, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to discuss your options and learn about the process from a professional. Talking to an expert can help solidify your decision and help you choose the best treatment based on your current lifestyle. Your orthodontist will be able to answer any questions you may have and assess whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. It’s also a great idea to talk to friends and family who have had Invisalign and ask about their experience with it. Knowledge is power, and your knowledge of Invisalign can lead to a powerful smile.

Why You Should Take the Leap

If you’re a pros and cons list type of person, the list of the pros you gain from getting Invisalign will be a lot longer than the cons, including:

● Improving Oral Health

Teeth that are straight and properly aligned are generally healthier than crooked teeth because they are easier to clean and maintain with brushing and flossing. Having straight teeth is aesthetically pleasing and prevents bacteria build-up due to overlapping, overcrowding or crooked teeth. Straightening your teeth will benefit your overall oral health.

● Confidence Boosting

You deserve to do something that will substantially boost your confidence and Invisalign will do just that. Letting go of your self-consciousness and your fear of smiling will lead to a happier life. Once you experience this kind of confidence, you’ll be eternally grateful that you invested in Invisalign treatment. You might gain a confidence you never thought was possible, and we’ll be so happy that we helped get you there.

● Dating

Being more confident will improve your dating life. Imagine how much better you’ll feel as you meet new people feeling proud of your smile. Invisalign will change the dating game for you in a positive way. Are you thinking about marriage someday? You’ll want a winning smile for your big day! Consider doing it now, so you don’t have to worry about it later. Or maybe you’re already married and have a big anniversary coming up. Ask for Invisalign as your anniversary present. It will be a gift for both you and your spouse.

We are fortunate to have many options for teeth straightening and whitening. We are proud to be a part of the process to help others achieve a winning smile, boost their confidence and improve their health. We love what we do and always love getting to know our adult patients and are always happy to answer your questions regarding treatment. If you’re in the Gilbert or Phoenix area, Call us today for a free consultation.

Dating can be stressful. I’m sweating just thinking about it. On top of trying not to be awkward, now you’ve got to worry about your Invisalign. “Will there be a bathroom nearby to take them off?” “Will they notice the clear aligners?” “Will I talk funny with them on?” We know that you might have many questions racing through your mind before your first date with your Invisalign clear aligners. First off, going on a date with Invisalign won’t be as bad as you think, and we have a simple guide to help you feel more at ease about the whole thing. Here are seven rules of thumb for going on dates while wearing Invisalign.

1. Embrace Your Invisalign

When your Invisalign treatment is over, you’re going to have a show-stopping smile that will be more than worth it, so embrace the process that gets you there. Smile big, talk often and don’t hold back from enjoying your date.

One of the most appealing aspects of Invisalign is that they are clear, so your date might not even notice you have them on. If they do notice, so what? Usually, only a trained professional such as a dentist or orthodontist, or those who have worn Invisalign themselves, will spot your aligners.
If they do notice, it might be a good conversation starter. Anyone worth dating will see your Invisalign as an indication that you invest in yourself and will soon have incredible teeth.

2. Remove Them Before Eating

It is a requirement to take your Invisalign out before eating. Don’t let your nerves cause you to forget because eating with them in certainly won’t go well. We recommend going to the bathroom to take them out if food is involved. If possible, bring your case with you to the bathroom, clean your aligners and then put them in your case for safe and sanitary keeping. If there’s no bathroom around, then come up with a system ahead of time for discrete removal. Make sure to put them in their case, so they don’t get lost or broken. If you’re going out for drinks and don’t want to take them off, then stick with water. Water won’t ruin your aligners.

3. Put Them Back in After Eating

We know you already went to the bathroom once to take them off, but you’ve got to go back in there to put them back on after eating, and this time bring a toothbrush. We know it will be tempting to leave them off the rest of the night, but you must wear your aligners 22 hours per day for them to work effectively. Failing to wear them enough will either interfere with treatment or add time to the duration of your treatment.

After eating, go to the bathroom, brush your teeth and put your clean aligners back on. Brushing after every meal is highly recommended with Invisalign to keep your teeth and aligners clean while also avoiding cavities and tooth decay. It may seem like a pain but keep your eye on the prize because your smile will be worth the hassle.

4. Be Careful with Drinks

Many drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will stain your aligners, and once stained, people will be able to tell you to have them on your teeth. Certain beverages might even ruin your aligners, so we recommend taking them off if you’re going to drink anything besides plain water. Don’t take the risk of ruining your expensive aligners. If you drink alcohol or any other potent beverage, be sure to rinse the residue from your mouth or brush your teeth before putting them back on your teeth. The upside to Invisalign is that you don’t have to stay away from any foods or drinks. You just have to take them off!

5. Keep Them Clean

We know you may feel rushed when removing your Invisalign on a date or putting them back in, but cleanliness is critical when it comes to your aligners. Failure to clean your aligners can cause bad breath, just what you want on a date, right? So, don’t forget to rinse them when you take them off to avoid bacteria build-up and brush your teeth after eating to keep food from collecting on the surface. Don’t fall into a lazy pattern of not cleaning your aligners. Clean them every single time you take them off.

6. Don’t Be Self-Conscious About Your Speech

While it’s true that Invisalign can cause a slight lisp during the first couple of weeks after you get them, it’s usually not very noticeable. There's no reason to cancel your date or avoid talking. With practice and time, you will learn to speak normally without even thinking about it. There is something new in your mouth and your tongue and lips might take some time to get used to forming words with it in. You will notice a difference in your speech more than anyone else. Others might not notice at all. We are our own worst critics. Try not to be hard on yourself. Just talk as you always do and you’ll get used to having aligners in your mouth. Time and patience are the keys.

7. Exude Confidence

Confidence is vital when it comes to dating. Don’t let your Invisalign hold you back. Flash your radiant smile, show off your winning personality and know that you are a catch. It’s understandable to be worried about your Invisalign, but in reality, that is such a small aspect of your date. It doesn’t have to be an issue at all. Be confident in your decision to have that beautiful smile you desire. If you’re confident with your Invisalign on then you’ll be unstoppable once you get them off.

Dating can be challenging, nerve-racking and awkward. But, it can also be fun, magical and memorable. Embrace your Invisalign, remember the proper steps to take to care for them and enjoy your date confidently.

A smile is often the first thing we notice about someone. It often sways our first impression and contributes to an organic feeling toward them. Some people say the eyes are the window to the soul, but we disagree. We believe it’s a smile that contributes the most to someone’s charm and gives others a sense of their personality. A beautiful smile can start you off on the right foot.

A new year always gives us such an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate, start fresh, and make new resolutions. Not sure what to work toward this year? How about setting a resolution to have overall better oral health? That smile is your money maker, and you don’t want to neglect it. After all, you want people to feel smitten when they see those pearly whites.

Having good oral habits is simple, easy, and well worth it. Here are five simple habits that will contribute to a healthier smile.

1. Brush and Floss

Hopefully, this one seems obvious to you. Brushing and flossing every day is the best way to combat gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to remove pesky plaque between the teeth and below the gum line.

When flossing, hold the floss with your thumbs and index fingers, place it in between two teeth, hug the tooth with your floss and glide the floss up and down, making sure to rub it against both sides of each tooth. Repeat this step for every single tooth. It doesn’t take more than five minutes at the very most, and it will make an exponential difference in your oral health. If your flossing journey is just beginning, your gums may bleed. Bleeding gums are not happy gums, but it’s never too late to form good habits.

2. Stay Away from Cigarettes and Anything with Tobacco

Taking the pledge to quit smoking and using tobacco will improve your health in so many ways, including your oral health. Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers? Smoke and tobacco are enemies to your teeth. They can cause tooth discoloration, cavities, receding gums, gum disease, and oral cancer.

It’s never too late to stop smoking and using tobacco. It will decrease your risk of losing your teeth, forming gum disease, and getting oral cancer which can be very serious. You owe it to yourself to kick this habit to the curb and make a resolution this year to quit the use of smoking and tobacco. Your teeth will thank you!

3. Eat Right

An apple a day keeps the dentist away. Did you know that apples, carrots, and celery act as plaque fighters and help maintain fresh breath? An overall healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts will positively impact your teeth. Poor eating habits can do the opposite, causing plaque and cavities. We are not saying you’re never allowed to eat a Snickers bar again. A good motto is “everything in moderation,” but try to increase your intake of healthy foods. Your gut, mind, and teeth will be better off this year if you make small changes to have a more nutritious diet.

4. Cut Back on the Alcohol

Sorry to be a buzzkill, but excessive alcohol is also terrible for your teeth. Alcoholic beverages have high sugar content and are highly acidic, which tends to break down the enamel that protects your teeth. When the protective enamel is damaged, tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal diseases are often around the corner. If you consume alcohol, make sure you remember to brush and floss your teeth well.

5. Keep Going to The Dentist

Visiting a dentist visit twice a year for routine cleanings and mouth exams is recommended for optimal tooth health. Even if you brush and floss every day, you still need those professional cleanings every six months to get a deeper clean and to tackle any cavities or other dental problems that may be present without you being aware. Catching dental issues in the beginning stages is the key to saving money, dodging discomfort, and resolving issues before they become too severe.

Some people have difficulty making New Year’s resolutions because they are often hard to keep, but maintaining good oral health habits is easy and essential. Most positive dental practices will positively impact your health in general. Studies show that those who floss every day live longer. If your New Year’s resolution is to straighten your teeth, then contact us for an Invisalign consultation. Or perhaps you want to start the new year off with a teeth whitening kit. We’ve got your back when it comes to obtaining a beautiful smile. As you work on a new you in this new year, make it a priority to have a healthier smile from the inside out.

Choosing the right orthodontist is as important as finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with. OK, maybe not quite THAT important. But you’ll certainly want nice teeth to help you in your search for that special someone, and not all orthodontists are created equal. Their approach to treatment, experience, and skills are just some variables that make an orthodontist truly extraordinary. So, let us share the top nine things to consider when searching for a top-notch orthodontist.

1. Experience and Background

It may be worth your while to take a glance at an orthodontist’s credentials and ask how long they’ve been practicing. The longer they have been providing treatment and the more training they have, the better you can expect their service to be. This doesn’t necessarily mean that orthodontists fresh out of school can’t be great. Many of them have had extensive training with internships and residencies. With that being said, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their background in orthodontics.

2. Location

Convenience is a key factor for anyone with a busy schedule, especially parents. Orthodontic treatment can be demanding and require regular weekly or monthly appointments. You will thank yourself for choosing an orthodontist office close to your home. This makes it easier to take kids out of school to run them to appointments or leave work a little bit early for an appointment. It will be the best of both worlds if you can have a wonderful dentist right in your neighborhood. If you can’t decide between two orthodontists, choose the one that is closer to your home.

Invisalign treatment opens up even more options for convenience. Without the physical brackets and wires of traditional braces to adjust, follow-up appointments may be virtual, saving you a trip into the office altogether.

3. Reputation

One of the best ways to find out information on any provider is by word of mouth. Ask your friends and coworkers who they like for themselves or their children. Ask what their experience was like. People are usually pretty vocal about both exceptionally good experiences and exceptionally bad experiences, so asking around can be the best way to get the details on every orthodontist in town. Each orthodontist has a reputation; be sure to pick someone who has a good one.

4. Office Environment

Visiting different orthodontist offices will give you a feel for what your overall experience will be like. Usually, your first impression will be a pretty good indicator of how an appointment will feel. Are the receptionists friendly and helpful? Did they greet you right when you came in and make you feel welcome? Is the office clean? Are the instruments being used wrapped and sterilized for each patient? Do the other waiting patients seem content with their experience so far? Observing the experiences of others can be very telling.

5. Availability

Do you have to wait several months every time you need an appointment because the orthodontist is always going on fishing trips and has limited appointment availability? That must be the life — for the orthodontist — but not for patients. This is very important information to know before establishing care with someone. Avoid the frustration and choose someone with very open availability.

6. Personality

An orthodontist should always be personable and kind. Period. No exceptions. We know that people often have anxiety coming to orthodontist appointments, and it is our job to help each patient feel comfortable in our care. If your orthodontist seems grumpy and unkind, cross them off your list. Treating patients well is very important. Never feel obligated to stay with an orthodontist who doesn’t have a good bedside manner. There are plenty of orthodontists who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated at every visit.

7. Reviews

In this day and age, it’s the norm to check website reviews before scheduling any service or purchasing any product. Most orthodontic offices have a website, and most websites have a section where patients can leave an honest review. Are the reviews generally good or bad? A couple of bad reviews is OK because some people are never satisfied, but it is a red flag if the website is flooded with only negative comments and one-star ratings.

8. Treatments Offered

It may sound obvious, but make sure your orthodontist offers the treatments you need. Some orthodontists specialize in something very specific, so do your research. Inquire with the office and find out what each orthodontist is known for. There are different methods for teeth straightening and whitening, so if there is a specific service you’re set on, make sure your orthodontist offers what you’re looking for.

9. Cost

Pricing is a significant consideration when choosing an orthodontist. First and foremost, do they take your insurance? If you don’t have insurance, what are the out-of-pocket costs? If you are paying out-of-pocket, you may want to make sure they have financing or offer payment plans. Cost is a big thing to consider when looking for an orthodontist for you or your child.

Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth or whiten that beautiful smile, these nine factors are important to consider when looking for an orthodontist. It may not be as important as finding that special someone to spend your life with but achieving a beautiful smile is still pretty high on the list for most people. At Quick Smiles, we pride ourselves on hiring skilled and caring orthodontists who have extensive experience. We provide a friendly and uplifting office environment and some of the lowest prices for Invisalign clear aligners in the nation.

Sports are a big part of life for some teens. Many become athletes at a young age and continue on the sports path throughout high school, college, and maybe even beyond for those who play in the pros. Amid busy training, it may seem difficult to deal with braces, but that shouldn’t stop you from achieving that pearly white smile that will be seen from ESPN cameras when your pro days become a reality.

Invisalign is the most popular brand of smile aligners that work to straighten your teeth by moving them into place with customized clear trays. Invisalign can also be used to solve other orthodontic problems such as overbites, underbites, overcrowding and gaps. Braces may be a tough commitment to make during strenuous sports training, which is why many athletes are turning to Invisalign instead. Invisalign tends not to interrupt your lifestyle as much as braces, and because of their clear appearance, people might not even notice you have them on.

Here are three reasons why athletes prefer Invisalign over braces.

1. Better in the Case of Injuries

It’s inevitable in the world of sports. The two go hand in hand. Unfortunately, braces may escalate an injury and lead to costly damage.

Imagine getting hit in the mouth while wearing braces. Those little metal brackets can cut into the lips, causing bleeding and swelling. There’s also a chance that the wire might break, which would call for immediate orthodontic assistance. What a buzz kill in the middle of a game.

Invisalign fits flat against your teeth with no metal brackets or wires involved, making it a much safer choice to have on during a tournament or game. Another perk to Invisalign is that it can be taken out during practices and games — although, it does not need to be taken out. If you do decide to take them out, make sure to put them back on as soon as the game is over. They need to be worn at least 22 hours a day to do their job properly.

2. Better Fit for Mouth Guards

Braces may be problematic to athletes when they are too bulky to fit under a mouthguard. Braces can only be taken off by a dentist or orthodontist, while you can take Invisalign out by yourself. Braces may force you not to wear your mouthguard, which in turn, might cause more injuries. If a mouth guard is required for your sport, then you’ll have to fork out the cost of a custom mouth guard to fit over your braces, which is quite a hassle.

Unless you have a personal orthodontist by your side at all times, we recommend Invisalign for those dedicated athletes who want to gain a winning smile on top of their winning season. Wouldn’t it be the cherry on top of a good year to have a beautiful smile that makes people stop in their tracks without ever having to wear braces?

3. Better Confidence

Confidence is a key ingredient in any sport. The field, pool, court or stadium is no time to be shy and apprehensive. Picture yourself scoring the winning touchdown, homerun or basket. It’s almost impossible to hold back a big cheesy smile in that situation.

Now, imagine which would make you feel more confident; metal braces that can be seen by everyone around you or clear aligners that are nearly invisible? Your fans in the stands won’t even notice your Invisalign, but braces stand out like a sore thumb. Braces might make you too self-conscious to open your mouth, giving you the reputation of someone who never smiles. With Invisalign, athletes feel more confident to let themselves flash a big smile to celebrate their victories with the team and the crowd.

Post Game Conclusions

Let’s be honest, everyone wants a pretty smile. Having crooked teeth can impact your oral health negatively. On top of oral health, crooked teeth could also negatively impact self-image among adolescents and lead to bullying, depression and self-consciousness. The deciding factors for parents who choose Invisalign for their student-athlete are usually related to safety, convenience and confidence.

Don’t let the hassle of braces deter you from achieving straight teeth. Invisalign is here to save the day. More and more athletes are turning to Invisalign instead of braces. Invisalign for athletes makes more sense than braces for many reasons. Invisalign is more flexible, aesthetically pleasing, easy to use and more convenient.

With Invisalign, you can brush and floss like usual, easily clean them and easily remove them. They are more sports-friendly than braces. Make an online Invisalign consultation for your athletic teen today. We’re not going to take responsibility for your teen’s athletic success but we might take a little responsibility for their winning smile and confidence. That smile just might take them all the way to the pros!

It’s never too late to go back to school, make a big career change, perfect a hobby you’ve been practicing for years or achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming about your whole life. Many adults will write off orthodontic work because they claim they’re too old for braces or dental aligners.

Being too old for teeth-straightening treatment is a myth. It is never too late to fix your teeth and boost your confidence. In fact, more adults are seeking orthodontic work than ever before because of the amazing technology of Invisalign. It’s barely noticeable at all and is very intriguing to those who desperately want a better smile but feel silly having a brace face as an adult.

Treatment for Adults

Orthodontic treatment for adults isn’t all that different than it is for children and teens. However, teeth straightening may take a bit longer in adults due to the maturity and density of their bones. Adults are also more likely to have habits that may affect the outcome of their treatment, such as smoking, clenching, teeth grinding, or tongue thrust. Even regularly taking certain medications can have an impact on treatment.

Just like teens, adults usually make great candidates for braces or clear aligners. Most adults will choose clear aligners over braces because they are more discreet, and in many ways, more convenient. Clear aligners work to reposition your teeth until they are straight, gifting you with a show-stopping smile. It’s quite a wonderful experience for us to see the happy glow on our patients’ faces when they are done with their treatment and look in the mirror to enjoy the results. There’s nothing like it.

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Teeth in Adults?

The treatment time depends on each individual case, but on average, treatments last around 22 months. The time span will depend on how crooked your teeth are as well as other corrections being made such as correcting an overbite, underbite, crossbite, overcrowding or gapped teeth. These corrections can all be made with Invisalign.

During the course of your treatment, you’ll meet with your orthodontist about every six to eight weeks. These visits are important as your orthodontist will track your progress and make sure you are on track to achieving the pearly whites of your dreams.

Pros of Straightening Your Teeth as an Adult

It’s universal: everyone prefers straight teeth over crooked teeth. Even as an adult, straight teeth can boost your confidence in ways you never knew possible. Taking the leap to finally straighten your teeth will make you feel better about yourself and your appearance. You’ll be smiling at yourself in the mirror every chance you get, and you’ll also be more inclined to smile at others.

In addition to cosmetic reasons, straightening your teeth may help resolve health issues caused by misalignment of the teeth or worn-down dental crowns/fillings. These conditions can lead to severe jaw pain and can affect the way your mouth opens. Straightening your teeth could be your ticket out of chronic jaw pain.

The Benefits of Smiling

Did you know that smiling actually has health benefits? Smiling is associated with longer life, better health, lower stress levels, a boosted immune system and lower blood pressure. Plus, a good smile is contagious. One might argue that improving your smile will help the health of others, as your contagious smile will lead them to smile and reap the wonderful health benefits.

Next time you smile at someone, and they smile back, say “you’re welcome” in your mind. Because, after all, you just helped them get one step closer to a boosted immune system. Studies have shown that smiling can also reduce pain. Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, also known as the “happy” chemicals. Endorphins and serotonin relax your body and help to reduce feelings of physical pain. Try to smile more often and see what a difference it makes in the way you feel physically, mentally and emotionally.

Don’t let your age stop you from achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s never too late. The world is your oyster. You’re never too old to achieve your dreams and make decisions that make you happy. A beautiful smile will make you happy — there’s no question about that. Apply for that dream job you’ve been intimidated by. Take a shot at getting into that school that seems like a long shot. Sign up for that marathon.

But first, talk to your orthodontist about Invisalign to straighten your teeth, improve your smile and boost your confidence! A beautiful smile might just give you the confidence boost you need to achieve all the other dreams you’ve been hesitant to chase after. A great smile might be the stepping stone to a better future.

Getting your child in to see an experienced Gilbert orthodontist can be crucial for their oral health. Here's how to tell if your child needs to see an orthodontist.

When Should my Child see an Orthodontist?

Getting your child to go to the orthodontist can be like pulling teeth (literally). Many children experience fear and anxiety when it comes to orthodontic appointments, but we do recommend a visit at the early age of seven to help rule out or identify developmental problems.

Taking your seven-year-old to an orthodontic specialist may seem early, but there are reasons for it. If there’s an issue, you’ll want it to be caught early on before too much damage is done to the teeth or jawline. There may be a problem that only a specialist can detect.

A good rule of thumb is to take your child to the orthodontist at age seven, but here are things to watch for that may indicate a potential problem and the need for a trip to the orthodontist.

1. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Beyond Age Three

Prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking can be a nightmare for your child’s teeth. It might cause issues with the alignment of their teeth and may contribute to the teeth growing in crooked. We know that these can be very hard habits to break, but if your toddler is sucking their thumb or soother, it might be in your best interest to wean them off of it as soon as possible. Let us know if you need some tips.

2. Breathing Through the Mouth More Than the Nose

Mouth breathing dries out the mouth. Without a healthy amount of saliva, the body cannot rinse away food particles and bacteria well. It can lead to several dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, structural abnormalities, and swollen tonsils. If you notice your child breathes through their mouth a lot, then take them in for an orthodontic checkup to be on the safe side.

3. Loud Snoring Every Night

Loud snoring is not normal, and it is often a sign of something more serious like sleep apnea, which deprives the brain of oxygen while sleeping. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen, it sends signals to the mouth to clench the jaw or grind the teeth. Your orthodontist may notice you’re a snorer if he sees enamel damage, cracked teeth, gum recession, enlarged facial muscles or a misshaped tongue. If your child snores loudly on a nightly basis, there might be something deeper going on.

4. A Noticeable Overbite or Underbite

Overbites and underbites can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, breakage, cavities and gingivitis. They can also cause jaw strain, headaches and earaches. These poor tooth alignments are often an issue that is fixed when getting aligners, but it’s helpful to make your orthodontist aware of it. There’s also the cosmetic aspect. Underbites and overbites may cause your child severe self-esteem struggles. Correcting it will be one of the best things you do for your child’s self-esteem.

5. Large Gaps Between Permanent Teeth

Aside from affecting appearance, large gaps in the teeth can lead to other issues and oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Food can get stuck in these gaps, feeding bacteria and helping them grow and decay the gums.

6. Crooked Permanent Teeth

Crooked teeth are unsightly, but they can be unhealthy too, as they may cause wear and tear on the teeth, gums and jaw muscles. The side effects of these conditions include cracked teeth, a painful jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and possibly headaches. In more severe cases, speech difficulties could arise.

7. Overcrowding

Overcrowding occurs when there’s not enough space for permanent teeth to grow in straight, leading to crooked teeth that overlap. Overcrowding can cause bite problems and can make it very difficult to brush and floss, which in turn leads to many serious problems such as gum disease and bad breath.

We know that nobody looks forward to going to the orthodontist, but we make it as simple and easy as possible for you and your family. Straight teeth are beautiful, but now that you know the effects go beyond appearance, there’s no excuse big enough to hold you back from teaching your child to care for their teeth. Getting your child in to see an experienced Gilbert orthodontist can be crucial for their oral health. If your child is well beyond seven years old and hasn’t been to the orthodontist, don’t worry, it’s never too late. Make an appointment for your child sooner rather than later. One visit now can prevent many visits later.

Invisalign is all the rage when it comes to achieving straight teeth, and for good reason. It’s a revolutionary way to straighten your teeth without the hassles of braces. Aside from it being nearly invisible to the untrained eye, the removability makes eating, drinking and cleaning much easier than braces. However, it is important to take the proper steps to keep your aligners clean and well-maintained. You may have your Invisalign for months or years, depending on your case, and it’s important to get into good habits from the get-go to maintain good oral health during the process.

Here are Seven tips for caring for your Invisalign clear aligners.

1. Remove, Rinse, Repeat

As soon as you remove your aligners to eat, drink or brush your teeth, give them a good rinse. Do it right away so you don’t forget, as this step is crucial to eliminate as much bacteria as possible. Bacteria can lead to plaque, gum disease and bad breath. Why risk developing any of these unhealthy and unsanitary conditions when they can be avoided by a simple rinse? Make a point of developing this habit when you first start wearing aligners. Repeat it to yourself: Remove, Rinse, Repeat.

2. Brush and Floss Before Reapplying

If you haven’t guessed, keeping your mouth as clean as possible is also crucial during your Invisalign journey. Removing excess bacteria in your mouth will translate into a cleaner environment for your aligner and will help avoid bacteria buildup. This step is important and will help to keep your breath fresh, your Invisalign clean and your smile sparkly. Most dentists and hygienists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day, but with Invisalign, it’s crucial to do it before you put them back in - every single time.

3. Use Lukewarm Water

Plastic can expand or deform when exposed to extreme temperatures. For this reason, you should avoid cleaning your aligners with very cold or really hot water. Stick to lukewarm water and possibly an orthodontic-approved cleaning solution (check with us before using anything else). This will help your aligners keep their proper form so they can straighten your teeth properly.

4. Avoid Cleaning Your Aligners with Toothpaste

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste but do not use it to clean your Invisalign. Toothpaste can be too harsh for plastic materials, and it could potentially ruin your clear aligners or leave uncomfortable scratch marks. Be gentle with your aligners and resist your urge to brush them with toothpaste.

5. Stay Away from Drinks That Stain

Yes, you get to remove your aligners to take a drink, but anything that stains your tongue may also stain your clear aligners. Too many brightly colored Gatorades may give your aligners a strange blue hue, making your teeth look dirty all the time. For now, it’s best to stay away from colored drinks that have dye in them. You can reward yourself with bright blue Kool-Aid when you're done with your Invisalign treatment.

6. Use Their Case

You should be wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, but when you remove them to eat or drink, don’t just throw them anywhere. Not only do you want to avoid losing them, but you also want to protect them. Many an aligner has met its fate in the hands of a toddler or the mouth of a puppy. It’s also important to clean your case regularly to avoid harboring bad bacteria.

7. Be Prepared

Life can throw us curve balls and sometimes food and drinks at social events. Plan for life’s spur-of-the-moment events by preparing a small kit that travels with you wherever you go. The kit might include your case, some floss and a spare toothbrush. Always keep the case with you so you always have a secure place to put your aligners. Wrapping them in a napkin at lunch is the leading cause of lunchroom trash can searches.

The cost for Invisalign in Arizona can be high. Forking out the cost to replace them due to cleaning them incorrectly or not at all is completely avoidable. Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is always very important for your dental and oral health. Take pride in your clear aligners by following our recommended steps to care for and clean them. Remember the dos and don’ts, and your Invisalign journey will be a breeze. The cherry on top will be your beautiful new smile and sparkly clean teeth. It may sound like a lot of work but if you make these steps a habit from day one, then it will be a piece of cake. Just remember to remove them before eating a piece of cake.