It’s not uncommon to experience some anxiety when it comes to visiting an orthodontist. Sometimes the best cure for this anxiety is to understand more about the process, so you know what to expect when you come in to visit us. Our team at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, FL, is happy to offer you some information on how we do things here.
How Does an Orthodontist Take an Image of Your Teeth?
We Use the Latest Technology
There are several ways an orthodontist can take images of your teeth. One of the services our team offers is the iTero Digital Impression Scanner. It’s able to capture a detailed, complete 3D digital image of your mouth.
What Are the Benefits?
Comfort
Not only can this speed up the process if you’re considering Invisalign, but it also means we don’t have to make impressions of your bite. Since some patients find dental impressions uncomfortable, having an alternative can improve patient comfort and experience. Patients who have a strong gag reflex won’t have to worry about gagging during the dental impression process, and patients who are grossed out by goop won’t have to deal with that either.
The comfort factor extends past the scanning process since a more accurate scan means your aligners will be a better fit for you. Properly fitted aligners are an absolute must to keep you comfortable.
Accuracy
Not only is it more comfortable, but it’s also more accurate. It’s able to capture more fine details than a routine dental impression can.
The more accurate the information we have, the better we can meet your needs. One good scan, taking about two to three minutes, is usually all it takes to capture your smile in great detail. In fact, it takes 6,000 precise images per second.
No Radiation
If you’re concerned about radiation exposure, this scanner might be a good option for you. This scanner is completely safe, and it won’t expose you to radiation of any sort.
Outcome Simulator
This is a great tool to pair with Invisalign, as we’re able to show you a simulation of what your smile will look like once the Invisalign treatment is complete. It can be encouraging for patients to know exactly what they have to look forward to. As it’s an interactive image, we can also track your results every step of the way throughout the treatment process.
Better Decision Making
Seeking out corrections for your teeth is a serious commitment, and having the right data to work with is an important part of that commitment. The more detailed and accurate this information is, the better we’ll be able to work with you on the right solutions.
The interactive aspect of this scanning system allows patients to be more involved in the decision-making process, as you’ll be able to see the same images and information our orthodontist is working off of. This shared point of view, coupled with the outcome simulator aspect, can help both teens and adults better understand each step of the treatment process and what to expect by the end of it.
Using the Scanner for Invisalign
The iTero Scanner can make the already simple Invisalign process even easier and more effective. In case you haven’t heard of Invisalign, the name itself is your first clue. It’s an aligner that is basically invisible.
If you’ve been considering braces to correct your smile but don’t want to deal with a mouthful of metal or restricting your diet, Invisalign can gently guide crooked teeth into a more correct position, all while being extremely discreet.
Benefits of Invisalign
Removable
These aligners can be removed at will. That means if you have a big event coming up you can either choose to keep them in and enjoy the fact that they’re barely visible, or take them out for a bit so you don’t have to worry about restricting any food or drink you want to enjoy.
No Dietary Restrictions
Not having to worry about dietary restrictions is one of the biggest perks Invisalign has to offer. When patients are thinking of getting braces, one of the things they’ve often resigned themselves to is saying goodbye to some of their favorite snacks.
However, if you qualify for Invisalign you can take the aligners out during meal times. That means you can continue eating and drinking as normal.
Cleanliness
Brushing and flossing around braces can be a challenge. After a long, tiring day, this may lead to corners being cut during daily cleaning. That can be a problem. When braces aren’t properly cleaned, even the elastics can start to harbor plaque.
Invisalign can be taken out so you can brush and floss normally, which can help patients more effectively clean their teeth and keep their gums and smiles healthy throughout treatment.
Discreet
Braces can be a great option for many patients, especially those who enjoy customizing their braces with different elastics. However, not everyone likes how braces look, and some patients are concerned about standing out among their peers. For that reason, Invisalign is an especially good fit for either adults or teenagers who qualify for it.
Comfort
Patients with sensitive mouths may be worried about adjusting to metal and brackets against their gums. While braces have come a long way when it comes to comfort, some patients still find it to be an uncomfortable adjustment. It may even be enough to deter someone from considering braces at all. Since Invisalign is less invasive and offers improved comfort when compared to braces, it can help make the adjustment easier.
In addition to not having to worry about brackets and metal, the SmartTrack material that clear aligners are made of helps to differentiate them from some of the other aligners on the market. This material tends to make the aligners more comfortable and easier to slip on and off. Your aligners are also custom-fit for your exact needs, which should make them a perfect fit.
Ease
Since these aligners can be added into your life without disrupting it, are extremely discreet, and known for their comfort, it makes it easier for a patient to consider treatment.
Some patients have been living with misaligned teeth, thinking there’s no real option to help them since they don’t want braces. These patients can now come in for a consultation to see if Invisalign could offer the solution they’ve been hoping for.
FAQ About Invisalign
1. How Long Will I Wear Them?
Invisalign uses a series of aligners to carry out treatment. You’ll wear each set for about two weeks before moving onto the next. Treatment time can be anywhere from six months to a little over a year. How long you can expect to undergo treatment will partly depend on your needs, and how consistent you are about wearing your aligners.
2. How Does It Work?
We use dental imaging technology to plan out a series of gradual adjustments to your teeth. Each set of aligners will gently guide your teeth into a more correct position.
The aligners completely cover your teeth and are made of a clear material, so you can see your teeth through them. There are no wires or mechanisms that need any sort of adjusting. All you have to do is wear your aligners consistently.
3. Can I Really Take Them Out Any Time?
Yes, but you should really only take them out when you brush your teeth or are eating and drinking. If you’re drinking clear fluids, like water, you can actually leave them in. When you’re drinking something like coffee, tea, or soda, you’ll want to remove them to help prevent staining. The same goes for food.
Other than that, by leaving your aligners on for most of the day you’ll help keep your treatment schedule on track and protect your progress.
4. How Often Will I Come In for Appointments?
Every month or two, we’ll want to examine your teeth to keep track of your progress. This will help our orthodontist make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
5. Am I a Good Candidate?
If you want to correct your teeth without braces and are confident in your ability to wear invisalign consistently, this could be a good fit for you. However, the only way to know for sure is to come in for a consultation. We’ll be able to assess your needs and can tell you what treatments have the best chance of giving you the right results.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to improve the appearance or health of your smile, our team is ready to help. We offer a wide range of treatments and are happy to work with you to find the right fit for your needs, time, and budget. Reach out to us today at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, FL, to learn more.
