Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can make patients self-conscious and affect their quality of life. Bad breath often occurs when bacteria consume food residue and release foul-smelling waste products.
If you notice that you have bad breath, you may be searching for solutions. This blog describes the causes of bad breath and provides the information you need to determine whether you should see your dentist.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bacteria
Excess plaque bacteria is the most common cause of bad breath, as described above. Patients may not spend as much time on oral hygiene as their dentist recommends or keep a regular schedule of dental visits.
Dry Mouth
If you frequently have a dry mouth, you may experience more bad breath. Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh naturally. However, medications, salivary gland issues, and mouth breathing from conditions like allergies can exacerbate dry mouth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease allows bacterial infection to flourish in the deep pockets between teeth and gums. Left untreated, this condition can cause severe bad breath or a persistent bad taste in the mouth.
Tobacco Use
Smoking, vaping, and other types of tobacco use contribute to bad breath. Tobacco causes gum irritation and affects a patient’s sense of taste. Patients who use tobacco are more likely to have gum disease, leading to bad breath.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions like liver problems, kidney disease, gastric reflux, and diabetes can cause bad breath.
At-Home Care for Bad Breath
Fortunately, many cases of bad breath respond well to improved oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist for cleanings as recommended. In addition to brushing and flossing, gently clean your tongue for best results.
When You Should See Your Dentist
If your bad breath does not respond to improved oral hygiene, call your family dentist for a prompt appointment. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health, check for conditions that could worsen bad breath, and provide expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
Are there more steps I can take to freshen my breath beyond keeping my mouth clean?
Ensure you are staying hydrated so your body can produce enough saliva. Brush your teeth and floss after eating highly fragrant foods like garlic and onions.
Why is it important to keep my tongue clean in addition to brushing my teeth?
The tongue’s structure makes it easy for plaque bacteria to hide. To remove plaque, you can use a special brush, scraper, or toothbrush.
Call Dental Associates
If you’ve noticed the signs of chronic bad breath, we can help you determine the cause and find relief. Please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666 to schedule your appointment today.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can affect self-esteem and social and professional opportunities. If you feel self-conscious about your breath, it may be time to talk to your family dentist about solutions.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Up to 30 percent of the adult population suffers from halitosis. The condition has many potential causes:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Most patients with bad breath can improve their symptoms by improving oral hygiene. Brush and floss as your dentist instructs, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Visit the dentist for cleanings and comprehensive exams twice yearly.
Dry Mouth
If the body’s saliva production is low, halitosis can result. Smoking is one of the leading causes of dry mouth. Sleep apnea, snoring, and certain medications can also cause dry mouth.
Gum Disease
When the gums become inflamed, plaque bacteria can cause bad breath.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Patients with GERD may experience problems when stomach fluids enter the esophagus.
Head and Neck Cancer
Bad breath can be a serious warning sign for oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
Liver and Kidney Disease
These diseases may result in untreated toxins causing bad breath.
7 Ways to Combat Bad Breath
1. Hydrate
Some patients with bad breath are chronically dehydrated. Ensuring your body has enough water will encourage saliva production.
2. Clean Your Tongue
Whenever you brush your teeth, you should brush your tongue as well. You can also acquire a tongue scraper at the pharmacy.
3. Warm Salt Water Rinses
Warm salt water helps to kill bacteria naturally and flushes plaque and food particles from your mouth.
4. Visit the Dentist Frequently
Patients with bad breath may feel uncomfortable seeing the dentist, but twice-yearly visits are necessary to improve oral health. Your dentist can screen for potential oral health problems like gum disease, dry mouth, and signs of cancer.
5. Brush and Floss As Recommended
There is no substitute for proper brushing and flossing. These simple activities remove plaque and food in mere minutes.
6. Treat Gum Disease
Follow their instructions if your dentist recommends periodontal treatment like scaling and root planing.
7. See Your Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care doctor can examine you for signs of acid reflux, sleep apnea, liver and kidney disease, and other systemic health problems that could be causing your bad breath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
What causes the mouth to smell bad?
Bacteria coats the inside of the mouth and tongue. They can overgrow when brushing and flossing fail to keep them in check. They may also become trapped in the gums and the back of the tongue.
Should I quit smoking if I have bad breath?
Quitting smoking is always a good idea, but bad breath is an excellent reason. Quitting tobacco can improve your oral and overall health and keep your teeth whiter.
Call Dental Associates
If you want to freshen your breath and feel more confident, please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666. We can schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam to help you overcome this issue.
Sleep apnea is a common yet dangerous medical condition that causes patients to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. The most frequently observed type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes blocked intermittently at night.
While obstructive sleep apnea can be challenging to diagnose and treat, your dentist and primary care physician can work together to find a solution that significantly reduces or eliminates symptoms.
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when a patient starts and stops breathing during the night. These repeated interruptions in breathing patterns lower the oxygen level in the brain and blood.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when excess tissue blocks the airway at intervals during sleep. Several factors may cause tissue to block the airway:
- Larger neck circumference
- Overweight or obesity
- Large tonsils or tongue
- Too much relaxation in the throat muscles during sleep
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring that disturbs bed partners or family members
- Observed episodes of gasping and choking at night
- Sleepiness during the day could lead to accidents while driving or operating machinery
- Memory and concentration problems
- Feeling unusually moody or irritable
- Multiple bathroom visits at night
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Decreased libido
Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Since obstructive sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and brain, it can have far-reaching health consequences. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to experience high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and early death. In addition, patients with sleep apnea have more than double the chance of being involved in a severe motor vehicle accident.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Your primary care physician and dental sleep specialist will learn about your health conditions, sleep habits, medications, lifestyle habits like alcohol and smoking, and anatomical factors like a large neck or tongue. They will want to know what symptoms you or your family observe when you sleep.
Your dentist may offer you a home sleep study, where you wear a small device at night that tracks your sleep and breathing. Many patients are more comfortable with this test than sleeping in a lab, producing more accessible results. However, a lab sleep study may be necessary to confirm the results.
Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Lifestyle Change
Some patients with obstructive sleep apnea see symptom improvement with lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco or alcohol. Losing a portion of their body weight also helps some patients.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Your dentist can prescribe a custom-made device that comfortably holds your jaw in the correct position while you sleep. This device, also known as an occlusal splint, keeps the airway open by gently adjusting the position of the tongue and jaw.
CPAP
Many patients try a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep their breathing passages open with constant air. However, many patients find these noisy and uncomfortable. Oral appliance therapy can be a viable alternative for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgery
In severe cases where non-invasive treatments are ineffective, surgery can help patients experience symptom relief. Excess tissue removal can help patients breathe more easily.
Living With Sleep Apnea
If you have any of the symptoms described above, you may believe that you cannot do anything to stop them, but medical practitioners have several treatments available. If your partner worries that you stop breathing during the night or that you gasp, choke, and snore, schedule an appointment with your dentist or primary care physician right away. Working together, these professionals can find a way to relieve your symptoms and help you achieve restful sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
If you have sleep apnea and do not receive treatment, you put your health at risk. Your heart, endocrine, and nervous systems undergo stress due to sleep apnea, and treating this condition should be a priority.
Why is it dangerous to drive if I have untreated sleep apnea?
This condition often causes sleep deprivation. Patients repeatedly wake, gasping for air, and fall into uneasy sleep. They do not receive the necessary restorative downtime, making driving and operating machinery hazardous.
Call Dental Associates
Obstructive sleep apnea can be a frightening condition, and we understand you have many questions about your diagnosis. Please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment with one of our expert sleep dentists today.
Missing teeth can negatively impact your oral health and self-confidence. Replacing a missing tooth is the best way to protect oral health and improve chewing ability.
Dental bridges are sturdy, practical replacements for missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge with excellent care should last about ten to 15 years.
About Dental Bridges
Dental bridges fill in gaps between missing teeth. They can replace up to two or three teeth in a row. A dental bridge consists of three main parts:
- Abutment: Healthy teeth or implants adjacent to the gap form the bridge’s abutments.
- Crown: Dental crowns reinforce the abutment teeth and provide a place to attach the bridge.
- Pontics: The pontics are artificial teeth in the middle of the bridge, restoring appearance and chewing ability.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Protect Oral Health
Missing teeth can damage your oral health in multiple ways. Leaving a gap in your smile lets food and plaque collect. Your natural teeth may shift out of position, causing crowding or excessive spacing. As a result, you may experience higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease.
Restore Chewing Ability
Patients with missing teeth know how irritating it can be to chew around a gap. The gums may feel tender, especially when eating crunchy foods. A bridge provides reliable chewing support.
Provide Long-Lasting Tooth Replacement
Bridges last for years with ideal care.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
This type is most common, with crowns serving as the abutment points.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge has an abutment on only one side. It may not last as long as a traditional bridge due to the extra force on the abutment tooth.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge does not use crowns as an abutment. Instead, it has metal wings that the dentist cements to healthy teeth on either side.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This bridge improves on the traditional type by replacing the crowns with implants. An implant-supported bridge helps eliminate the stress placed on adjacent teeth.
Extending the Life of Your Dental Bridge
Brush and floss as directed, keeping the bridge and its surrounding teeth clean. Clean under the bridge using interproximal brushes. These tiny, disposable brushes are available in any pharmacy’s oral care section.
Avoid sticky and hard foods. Avoid habits like chewing ice, pens, or fingernails. Do not use your teeth as tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does it take to get used to a dental bridge?
At first, wearing a dental bridge may cause discomfort. As the bridge settles and your gums become accustomed to the new materials, it will become comfortable. It typically takes a few weeks.
Can I take a dental bridge out?
Dental bridges are cemented to your teeth; only a dentist can remove them.
Call Dental Associates
If you have a missing tooth, please replace it before your oral health suffers. We can help you decide which type of bridge works best and restore your smile. Please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666 to schedule a consultation.
While braces are a tried and true method for straightening teeth, they have several disadvantages. Braces sometimes draw unwanted attention. They have metal brackets and wires that can cause damage to sensitive oral tissues. It can be challenging for patients to keep their teeth clean while wearing braces.
For most patients, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces. This blog will share four of the top benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces and explain the treatment in detail.
1. Discretion
Invisalign blends into your natural smile because the trays are clear and fit close to the teeth. Many patients prefer Invisalign because it keeps their orthodontic treatment private. Busy adults and older teens quickly tire of others’ comments about their braces.
With Invisalign, patients can gradually reveal a perfect smile. Since the process happens over time, many people may not notice the change until the end of treatment.
2. Comfort
Since dentists create Invisalign trays from smooth, medical-grade plastic, they have no sharp wires, brackets, or metal bands that can irritate the gums and cheeks. It takes weeks to months to become accustomed to wearing braces, and even then, it is difficult to forget them.
3. Faster Treatment
Invisalign is faster than braces, taking 12 to 18 months for most patients. Braces can take up to three years, depending on the treatment’s complexity.
4. Better Oral Health
Braces may make it more difficult to brush and floss. Food and plaque may become trapped around the brackets and wires, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
In contrast, Invisalign trays come out for eating, drinking, and cleaning. Patients with Invisalign can keep their teeth sparkling clean and maintain excellent oral health without using special equipment like floss threaders and interproximal brushes.
How Invisalign Works
Your dentist will create a computerized 3-D model of your mouth using an intraoral scanner. This small, handheld scanner provides comfortable, convenient scans in place of messy impressions.
After taking the scans, the dentist will plan your treatment, plotting out the movement of each tooth over time. The dental lab creates a series of aligners that gradually move teeth into the best positions. You will change aligners every one to two weeks.
You will return to the dentist’s office every four to six weeks for an evaluation. The dentist will ensure your treatment is on track.
When the aligner series is complete, you can reveal your bright, even smile. With well-aligned teeth, you will feel more confident about sharing your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Are there any cases where braces are better than Invisalign?
Invisalign is an ideal choice for most patients, but in some cases, braces may be needed. Moderate to severe bite issues (open bite, crossbite), missing teeth, and impacted teeth are a few cases where braces may be a better choice.
Are there any food restrictions with Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can eat what you like. Since the trays come out for meals, you do not have to avoid foods like popcorn, chips, and nuts. Simply clean your teeth and the aligners before replacing them in your mouth.
Call Dental Associates
Invisalign can transform the way you look and feel. Our dentists have a great deal of experience in enhancing smiles with this advanced system. If you want to know more about Invisalign, please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666 to schedule a consultation today.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a frightening and potentially dangerous condition that affects up to 39 million American adults. The disorder happens when a patient repeatedly starts and stops breathing during sleep.
The most well-known symptom of the disorder is loud snoring that may disturb a patient’s partner or family. However, snoring is not the only symptom.
This blog will discuss the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and answer patients’ questions about how they can find relief from their condition.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring that may disrupt family members’ sleep
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing at night
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Waking with a headache
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Depression or mood swings
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea may happen when the airway is blocked during sleep. The patient’s throat or airway muscles may relax too much during sleep, or the tongue may collapse backward and block the airway. Excess tissue in the throat that may present with obesity is another common cause.
Potential Complications of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can lead to many serious medical complications. Breathing episodes may lead to a lack of oxygen at night, causing chronic stress.
Researchers associate obstructive sleep apnea with coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and heart attack. The condition may also increase instances of heart arrhythmias, which could dangerously lower blood pressure.
Treatment Options
The simplest treatment option for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. The dentist custom-fits a device worn at night that keeps the patient’s jaw in the optimal position to protect the airway from blockage.
Many patients have good luck with CPAP therapy. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The treatment involves wearing a breathing mask at night that provides a constant stream of air and prevents airway collapse.
If patients experience persistent symptoms, surgical treatment to reduce excess tissue may also help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
How can I stop sleep apnea?
The first step in recovering from sleep apnea is to make an appointment with your dentist or primary care physician. Dentists and primary care physicians work together to diagnose and treat this dangerous condition.
Your primary care doctor may order a sleep study to provide a definitive diagnosis. Your dentist may provide a minimally invasive oral appliance; if that works, you may not need more intensive treatment.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
If you continue to try to get by without sleep apnea treatment, you could severely endanger your overall health. Sleep apnea and heart problems have a strong association.
Call Dental Associates
If you exhibit any of the symptoms above, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. Visiting a dentist or physician as soon as possible can help you resolve your symptoms and get a good night’s rest.
Please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment through our website.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects as many as 39 million American adults. The condition occurs when the patient’s airway becomes intermittently blocked during sleep. As the patient tries to breathe, they may choke and gasp.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be hazardous because it restricts oxygen flow to the brain and vital organs. Sleep apnea patients frequently develop high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and heart attack.
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When a patient experiences obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, their airway becomes temporarily blocked. This condition can happen due to relaxed muscle tone, obesity causing excess throat tissue, or due to genetic factors. Changes in hormone levels and large tonsils may also contribute to sleep apnea.
Symptoms
- Loud snoring that may disturb partners or family members
- Sleepiness during the day
- Gasping and choking when waking at night
- Partners or family members observing breathing pauses during sleep
- High blood pressure
- Waking with a headache, dry mouth, or sore throat
- Trouble with daytime functioning, including focus problems and mood changes
Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Patients who observe one or more of the above symptoms should see a medical professional as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose you by studying your symptoms. They can also evaluate your mouth and throat for conditions that may cause sleep apnea.
At Dental Associates, LLP, we work with trusted local physicians to help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. A physician may prescribe a sleep study or other tests. They can also help you with surgical options.
Treatment Options
Oral Appliance Therapy
Dentists prescribe custom oral appliances to help keep the jaw positioned so that the tongue does not fall back and block the airway. This simple intervention can help many mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Many patients find CPAP machines helpful. CPAP masks create a constant stream of air that keeps the airway open at night.
Surgery
Patients with excess tissue at the back of their throats can also benefit from surgical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What happens if obstructive sleep apnea goes untreated?
The longer a patient experiences sleep apnea symptoms, the more likely they will develop complications. Over time, the cumulative effect of oxygen debt will stress the cardiovascular system and cause serious health conditions.
How can I cure sleep apnea?
Most patients choose supportive treatments like CPAP and oral appliance therapy. If you are a candidate for surgery, you may experience complete symptom relief but should remain under medical supervision.
Call Dental Associates, LLP
If your partner or a family member informs you that you snore loudly or if you have any other symptoms, please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666. We can schedule a consultation with one of our expert doctors to diagnose and treat your problem.
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, one option for restoring your smile may be a dental bridge. There are four different types of dental bridges available, along with other dental restorations such as dental implants. Read on for an overview of the four types of dental bridges, including the pros and cons of each type
Features, Pros, and Cons of Each Type of Dental Bridge
There are four types of dental bridges:
- Traditional dental bridge
- Cantilever dental bridge
- Dental implant-supported bridge
- Maryland bridge
Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge. Traditional bridges require that the teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile be covered with crowns. Then, an artificial tooth is created to place in the gap between two crowns.
Traditional dental bridges offer benefits such as restored chewing and speech. They also prevent teeth adjacent to the gap from drifting into the gap. Traditional bridges are custom-made to look natural, matching your other teeth in shape, size, and color.
However, a traditional dental bridge will not help to preserve the jawbone beneath the missing teeth, which can be accomplished with dental implants.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever dental bridges are like traditional dental bridges, but only one adjacent tooth is crowned because there are only teeth on one side of the gap (missing molars, for example).
The pros of cantilever bridges are the same as traditional dental bridges. However, the main downside of a cantilever bridge is that it is not as strong as a traditional bridge because it is only affixed to one crowned tooth.
Dental Implant-Supported Bridge
Dental implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of natural teeth that have been crowned to secure the artificial tooth or teeth between them. Dental implants offer benefits including, jawbone preservation, natural look and feel, and the ability to bridge gaps left by three or more teeth.
Dental implant-supported bridges do require implant surgery, making them more expensive than other bridges, and the process can take several months to complete.
Maryland Dental Bridge
A Maryland dental bridge may also be called a resin-bonded bridge. Instead of attaching to dental crowns adjacent to the gap, Maryland dental bridges use metal wings bonded to the backs of your teeth to secure the bridge.
Maryland bridges are discreet, making them a good option for missing front teeth. However, they are not nearly as strong as bridges that attach to crowns or dental implants, so they can’t be used for the back teeth that are responsible for chewing.
Which Dental Bridge is Right for Me?
Your dentist will let you know what your options are for replacing missing teeth. They will consider factors such as the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the health of the teeth adjacent to the gap, your overall oral health, and your personal preference. You may be eligible for more than one type of bridge.
Learn More About Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Farmington, CT
If you’re missing one or more teeth, Dental Associates is here to help. Our team of experienced dentists has experience in all types of dental restorations including dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures. To book a consultation with our expert dentists in Farmington, call 860-677-8666 .
Fluoride has been used by dentists for decades as part of a comprehensive preventative program, usually following a routine dental cleaning. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) highly recommends fluoride treatment for kids, but adults can reap the benefits, too.
Here is a closer look at what fluoride treatments can do – and who can benefit.
What is Fluoride?
Before we go any further, what is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water sources. Though, it is often added to tap water in many communities throughout the United States as a way of benefitting oral health at all times. It can also be found in oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Dentists offer fluoride treatments to patients to reduce the risk of tooth decay. It makes teeth stronger and more resistant to the damage caused by bacteria and plaque, as well as a few other benefits, too:
- Reducing the need for expensive dental treatment
- Helping the teeth to use minerals within the body, such as calcium and phosphate
- Slowing active decay
- Preventing gum disease and tooth loss
- Improving oral health – and overall health
It is recommended that fluoride treatments be given every six months after a routine cleaning.
What Does a Fluoride Treatment Do?
Through a process known as tooth remineralization, fluoride treatments boost the strength of a tooth’s enamel. When placed on the teeth, it is absorbed into them and restores the lost minerals. This makes teeth better equipped to stand up against cavities and tooth decay.
Even teeth that are in the early stages of tooth decay can benefit from the use of fluoride. It has the ability to halt any further progression of the damage – and may even get rid of the need to address it with a filling.
The fluoride treatment you receive at your dentist is at a much higher rate of concentration than you would find in your tap water or in oral hygiene products. This powerful mineral can be found in different forms as far as what it will look like and how it will be applied. For instance, it could be a gel, a foam, or even a varnish that is applied to teeth using a tray or a brush. Regardless, they all lead to the same results.
The process is quite easy and fast, but to make sure it fully seeps into your teeth, your dentist may ask you to avoid drinking or eating for 30 minutes after the treatment.
Who Needs Fluoride?
There are many individuals who can benefit from fluoride treatments at the dentist. Both children and adults alike can take advantage of strengthening their enamel, but those who are cavity-prone can benefit even greater, including those who have:
- Many current cavities of all sizes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Eating disorders
- Drug/alcohol addiction
Getting routine fluoride treatments can help to re-strengthen the teeth and protect against more complex dental health issues in the future.
Fluoride Treatment at Dental Associates
At Dental Associates, we believe that preventative care is so important when maintaining a healthy mouth. That’s why we encourage our patients to build up the strength of their teeth using fluoride dental treatments as part of their comprehensive preventative care.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 860-677-8666 . Or, request an appointment online.
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option that can treat many mild to moderate concerns. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible and removable, explaining why it catches the eye of so many patients.
While it is the preferred method of orthodontic treatment for adults, is it right for patients of all ages? How old do you have to be to get Invisalign?
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses soft, clear aligners to encourage the teeth to move into their new, proper position.
With 3D imaging, a path is created to get the teeth from their current position to one where they will be straight, uncrowded, and aligned just right. A set of aligners will be custom created that patients can wear, changing them out for the next one as directed by their dentist or orthodontist. For instance, most patients will wear an aligner for about two weeks before replacing it with the next one in line.
Throughout their time wearing them, the teeth will slowly move into their new position. Though this will only work as long as the aligners are worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day. On average, the timeframe for completing treatment with Invisalign is about the same as with traditional braces.
Advantages of Invisalign
There are so many advantages to choosing Invisalign to address orthodontic issues, such as:
- Comfortable, smooth aligners
- Fewer trips to the dentist throughout treatment
- Removable, making eating and oral hygiene efforts much easier
- No restrictions to food consumption
- Easy to care for and maintain
And the best part is that they are just as effective as traditional braces, too.
Can Children and Teens Benefit from Invisalign?
Is your child or teen interested in Invisalign? Can they benefit from it? Truth be told, Invisialign is not just a treatment for adults – it is available for younger patients, too.
While traditional Invisalign treatment is designed for young adults and adults – even seniors, there are other versions of Invisalign that can benefit younger patients. These include Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First, designed for kids as young as 6 years of age.
The treatment for teens is much the same a the original Invisalign with slight variances in order for parents and caregivers to ensure they are complying with treatment. As for the youngest patients, addressing orthodontic issues early can reduce the chance of needing treatment later on down the road.
Just because the treatment is available, however, does not always mean it is the right choice. A few things to consider include:
- Will the child comply with treatment and wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day?
- Will the child care for the aligners – and not lose/damage them?
- Will the child be comfortable wearing the aligners?
So, how old do you have to be to get Invisalign? Anyone 6 years of age and older can benefit from Invisalign. A dentist will be able to determine whether or not Invisalign is the best option for treatment – or if an alternate should be sought.
Invisalign at Dental Associates
If you are interested in Invisalign and are curious whether or not they will fit your orthodontic needs, then the team at Dental Associates can help. We have been transforming smiles in Farmington, CT for years – using Invisalign and many other types of dental treatments.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 860-677-8666 . Or, request an appointment online.