What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontics is a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association. And specialists complete at least two years of post-graduate training. While Dr. Claudia Vargas is a general dentist and not an orthodontic specialist, she is certified to provide Invisalign orthodontic services.
The Value of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is about more than just creating a beautiful smile. Treatment also aims to promote good oral health for both your mouth and jaw. When your jaw and your bite are aligned correctly, it promotes good gum health and reduces the stress on the temporomandibular joint and the associated muscles. A beautiful, straight smile is a bonus.
Am I Too Old for Braces?
About one out of every four orthodontic patients nationwide is an adult. You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment. Children, teens, or adults are welcome at our Dallas office.
Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign
Invisalign uses computer technology to move your teeth. A series of scans of your teeth are inputted into the computer, and the computer then plans out movements to straighten your teeth. Using those plans, the computer manufactures a series of clear plastic aligners. Each set of aligners pushes the teeth into a slightly new position. They are changed every two weeks.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
- Treatment times with Invisalign are much shorter than with conventional braces. Most cases are completed within a year. Traditional braces take two to three years.
- Since tooth movement is designed by the computer, those movements are much more efficient.
- No one will know that you’re wearing braces. The clear aligners are not noticeable to people at a conversational distance.
- Invisalign is much more comfortable. Brackets on your teeth irritate the cheeks and tongue.
- Eating and oral hygiene are much simpler. You remove the aligners for eating and for brushing and flossing. There are no eating restrictions.
- Invisalign, however, because of the high laboratory cost, is a little more expensive than traditional braces.
- Patient compliance is important. If the patient loses aligners or neglects to insert them, there is no tooth movement. The patient must wear the aligners 22 hours a day for the treatment to work.
- Not every orthodontic patient is a good candidate for Invisalign. Teeth that are rotated or not fully erupted are particularly challenging.
For more information about Invisalign, please see our Invisalign page.
Invisalign Teen
Treating jaw alignment issues is common among teenagers, and nowadays teens have the added benefit of straighter teeth without metal brackets and wires. However, what happens if you lose or break an aligner? Invisalign Teen allows for a certain amount of leeway – up to six aligners can be replaced free of charge. If you were close to being finished with an aligner and then lost it or broke it, you may be able to move onto the next one a little early. Be sure to contact our Dallas office with any questions about your aligners, and let us know immediately if they are lost or damaged.
Invisalign Teen also comes with a six-month guarantee – if you are unsatisfied with your Invisalign experience, you can switch to conventional braces for no additional cost. Despite this option, Invisalign boasts a 99 percent satisfaction rate among its users.
If you have been interested in a straighter smile but have never wanted metal braces, Invisalign may be the solution for you.
If you’re interested in an appointment, please call us at our Dallas Dental Loft location, or request an appointment online. If you’re not ready to commit to an examination, we’ll be happy to see you for a complimentary consultation where you can find out if you would be a candidate for Invisalign.
