Our Lives Are Full of Smiles and Joy!

Why did we get into the field of orthodontics?  Because we wanted to change people’s lives for the better.  But why we stay is because being in this field of work means having a life that is full of smiles and joy.

Our patients come to us with a wide array of problems, from those that are merely cosmetic to those that prevent them from living a good life.  And we are given the privilege of correcting these problems.  The end results are often life-changing for our patients, and being part of this transformation truly is an honor.

Are you considering orthodontic treatment?  If so, we want you to make an appointment as soon as possible.  Once you learn about what we can do for you, you will wonder why you waited.  To help give you the little push you need, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

• Once you correct your smile, you will look better.
• When you look better, you feel good about yourself.
• Self-confidence can help you in all areas of your life now and in the future.
• Your teeth will be healthier and feel better.
• There is less of a chance that you will develop TMD.
• Your teeth will last longer than they would without treatment.

Of course, orthodontic treatment alone does not promise a lifetime of healthy teeth.  In addition to treatment, you need to be careful to take good care of your teeth and gums.  To do this, follow this oral health regime twice a day and see a dentist at least twice a year:

1. Brush your teeth for two minutes or more, spending the same amount of time on each part of your teeth. Angle the brush towards your gums as you brush, and use short, circular strokes.
2. Brush your tongue. If you want an extra clean tongue for super fresh breath, use a tongue scraper after brushing.
3. Floss your teeth carefully, accessing as much of the teeth as possible, even around the gums.
4. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to kill bacteria and wash away any debris knocked loose while flossing.

During orthodontic treatment, appliances can complicate this routine, but it will be more important than ever to stick to it.

To learn more about the treatments we offer for healthy smiles, read about our Tecachapi and Valencia orthodontics treatment at drsnow.com.

Invisalign Treatment Offers Comfort and Convenience

Once upon a time, straightening your teeth meant wearing big, obvious metal braces.  In fact, that once upon a time wasn’t all that long ago.  But now there are many options when it comes to achieving a straighter, healthier smile, with one of the most innovative being Invisalign.

When Invisalign first entered the market, it revolutionized the way people think about orthodontic treatment.  Before, people thought of it as ugly, inconvenient, and even painful.  But none of those adjectives describe Invisalign, and soon it seemed like every patient wanted it, and every company wanted to recreate it.

What makes Invisalign so different?

The biggest thing is the material Invisalign is made from.  Instead of the usual metal components seen with braces, Invisalign uses clear, medical-grade plastic.  This makes the product invisible to those around you, allowing you the option of discreet treatment.  It also makes it more comfortable since there are not rough pieces to cause sores in the mouth.

The next big difference between Invisalign and other forms of braces treatment is that it is removable.  This is helpful in many ways.  First, you do not need to change your diet to avoid damaging Invisalign since you can remove it to eat.  Second, you do not need to relearn how to brush and floss.  Third, you can see the doctor less often because you make the adjustments by switching out aligners.  As you can imagine, these are big benefits.

Finally, another major difference is how Invisalign is made.  With most types of braces, you use the same pieces marketed towards every other braces patient.  But Invisalign is custom made for you using 3D imaging technology.  This means that you get a very accurate treatment plan and know that the aligners you wear are perfect for your specific needs.

Are you interested in Invisalign in Valencia or Agoura Hills?  Visit our website to learn more.

A Quick Look at Having Braces

So, you need braces.  Maybe this has already been confirmed by your orthodontist, or maybe you just believe this is going to be the case when you finally visit the orthodontics clinic.  In either case, it is a good idea to start learning more about braces and what they can do for you.

Why Braces Are Needed 

When we think about why someone might need braces, we usually think about teeth that are too far apart or too close together, but there are other maladies that can be treated with braces as well.  Underbite, overbite, and jaw disorders all can be treated with braces.  In some cases, braces are just one part of treatment, while in other cases they are all the treatment.

Always Get Braces if Recommended 

Many people are tempted to skip braces if they feel that the issues being corrected are minor.  However, we have learned from experience that this is a mistake.  As you get older, the problems tend to worsen.  Additionally, even if they do not get worse, most orthodontic concerns can also impact your ability to keep your teeth clean and healthy.  This means that a failure to get treatment can result in gum disease, cavities, and loss of teeth.

Braces Are Not Painful 

This is usually the greatest fear that our patients have, but it is one that we do not want you giving much mind to.  Braces do cause sensitivity and discomfort when they are first placed, but not genuine pain.  This discomfort is easily treated with salt water rinses and an OTC pain reliever.  It usually lasts 3-5 days when braces are first placed and returns for about a day or so each time the braces are adjusted.

Length of Treatment

The length of your treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of braces you use and the severity of the problems being corrected.  In most cases, treatment will last about two years.  However, it is important that you do not fixate on a specific length of time since treatment can take longer or go faster depending on how things play out.

If you want to learn more about braces in Santa Cara and Palmdale, call us or visit our website.