Clear aligners for kids and teens: what parents need to know

Clear aligners have become a popular orthodontic treatment option for kids and teens. They offer a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth without the use of traditional braces. Here's what parents need to know about clear aligners for their children.

• Age and maturity level: Clear aligners are generally recommended for older teens and adults because they require a certain level of responsibility and maturity. Younger children may not be able to comply with the required wearing time, which can impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
  
  
• Customized treatment plans: Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your child's unique orthodontic needs. Each aligner is designed to gently shift their teeth into their proper position over time.
  
  
• Treatment time: Treatment time with clear aligners can vary depending on the severity of your child's orthodontic issues. However, the average treatment time is typically shorter than traditional braces, which can be appealing to kids and teens.
  
  
• Compliance: Clear aligners require a high level of compliance to be effective. Your child will need to wear them for 22-24 hours a day, only removing them for eating, brushing, and flossing. If your child is unable to comply with this schedule, clear aligners may not be the best treatment option for them.
  
  
• Cost: The cost of clear aligners may be comparable to traditional braces. However, it's important to note that each case is unique, and your child's orthodontist can provide a customized treatment plan and cost estimate.

Overall, clear aligners can be an excellent treatment option for kids and teens who are good candidates. It's important to consult with an orthodontist to determine whether clear aligners are the right choice for your child's orthodontic needs.

Clear aligners for adults: is it ever too late to straighten your teeth?

Many adults are self-conscious about their crooked or misaligned teeth, but they may be hesitant to pursue orthodontic treatment because they think they're too old for braces. However, clear aligners offer a discreet and effective way for adults to straighten their teeth and achieve a more confident smile.

Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions. They are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.

One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that they are suitable for adults of all ages. While it's true that orthodontic treatment is most effective during childhood and adolescence when the teeth are still developing, clear aligners can still achieve great results in adults.

In fact, many adults find that clear aligners are a more convenient and practical option than traditional braces because they fit seamlessly into their daily routines and don't require frequent adjustments.

If you're considering clear aligners as an adult, it's important to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to determine whether you're a good candidate for treatment. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.

It's never too late to straighten your teeth with clear aligners. Whether you're in your 20s or 60s, clear aligners offer a discreet and effective way to achieve a confident, beautiful smile. Don't let age be a barrier to the smile you deserve.

The keys to keeping your mouth healthy

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come.

There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible:
– Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush
– Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months
– Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner
– Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations

Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health.

For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Also, fluoride mouth rinses can help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that using mouth rinses provides valuable protection over and above that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone.

Look out for the ADA seal when buying toothbrushes and other dental products. This is a sign that the product has met American Dental Association standards for safety and effectiveness.

Following these steps can help ensure that you continue to enjoy great oral health.

Enhance Your Smile with Aesthetic Dentistry

Aesthetic dentistry, also known as cosmetic dentistry, is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile. Here are some popular treatments offered by aesthetic dentists:

1. Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. It involves using a special gel or laser to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth, resulting in a brighter, more attractive smile.
2. Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are placed over the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth.
3. Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface of the teeth to correct minor cosmetic issues such as chips or cracks.
4. Invisalign: Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. It involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.
5. Gum contouring: Gum contouring is a procedure that involves reshaping the gums to improve the appearance of the teeth. It can be used to correct a gummy smile or uneven gum line.

Aesthetic dentistry can help to improve your confidence and self-esteem by enhancing the appearance of your smile. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of aesthetic dentistry, talk to your dentist about the treatments that are right for you. With the right cosmetic dental procedures, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you have always wanted.

How Invisalign can replace metal braces

The Invisalign system is a series of clear, thin, mouthguards that fit over the teeth and can gradually straighten them.

These have been called “invisible braces” as they can be an effective alternative to metal braces in some circumstances.

The big advantage of Invisalign is much improved appearance and comfort.

Invisalign mouthguards can be removed during eating and when brushing and flossing. As traditional braces may trap food and plaque, this is another major benefit of Invisalign.

While the system has advantages, it also has some drawbacks.

For example, it is more expensive – costing 25-50 percent more than metal braces.

Also the fact that you remove the mouthguards more often means that you may forget to wear them and it could take longer for you to achieve the desired results.

Invisalign is better suited to some people than others – for example, it may be particularly suitable for adults who have slight to moderate spacing or crowding of their teeth.

Your dentist will be able to tell you if you might be a suitable candiate for Invisalign.

You will get more detailed advice from an orthodontist who has been certified in the Invisalign system.

How your oral health links with your general health

Research has shown strong links between periodontitis (advanced form of gum disease) and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.

And pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering pre-term and/or having babies with low birth weight.

However, just because two conditions occur at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. The relationship could work the other way.

For example, there is evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis and have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics.

Alternatively, two conditions that occur together may be caused by something else.

In addition, people who smoke or use alcohol have a higher than average risk of developing periodontitis and other conditions, including oral cancer.

Research is looking at what happens when periodontitis is treated in individuals with these problems.

The aim is to find out whether periodontitis does have an effect on other health problems.

If one caused the other, improvement in periodontal health would also improve other health problems.

While the research is not yet conclusive, the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, means that preventing periodontitis may be an important step in maintaining overall health.

In most cases, good oral health can be maintained by brushing and flossing every day and receiving regular professional dental care.

IAOMT SMART Certified Mercury Filling Removal

The IAOMT protocol recommendations for amalgam removal are known as the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). These recommendations include a 19 step process to keep toxic mercury particles and vapor release at a minimum for the health of patients, dental staff and the environment.

Why does the IAOMT’s strict protocols matter to dental patients getting their silver fillings removed? Because, many dentists will remove old amalgam silver fillings, but unless they are removed with this strict protocol, dangerous vapors are released during the process.

Does your dentist follow the SMART protocol? Or are they removing amalgam fillings without regard to your utmost health and safety?

At Studio Z Dental, we have always believed in taking the most thorough precautions in mercury/amalgam filling removal for your long term health.

Here are the facts about silver mercury amalgam filling removal from IAMOT:

●     All dental amalgam restorations, also commonly referred to as silver fillings, contain approximately 50% mercury, and reports and research are consistent that these fillings emit mercury vapors.

●     Scientific research demonstrates that dental mercury amalgam exposes dental professionals, dental staff, dental patients, and fetuses to releases of mercury vapor, mercury-containing particulate, and/or other forms of mercury contamination.

●     Mercury vapor is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings at higher rates during brushing, cleaning, clenching of teeth, chewing, etc., and mercury is also known to be released during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings. Essentially, an unsafe amalgam removal process releases mercury vapor and particles that can be harmful to the patient, the dentist, the dental staff, and the environment.

●     Utilizing the most up-to-date science and research, the IAOMT has developed extensive safety recommendations for removal of existing dental mercury amalgam fillings, including detailed protective measures that are to be utilized for the procedure. The IAOMT’s innovative recommendations build upon traditional safe amalgam removal techniques such as the use of masks, water irrigation, and high volume suction by supplementing these conventional strategies with a number of additional protective measures, the need for which have been identified in scientific research.

Studio Z Dental is a top choice for safe mercury amalgam fillings removal because we go above and beyond 99% of all dentists for the health of our patients, our staff and the environment.

Please call our office with any questions regarding the SMART silver amalgam removal process or to schedule your filling removal today. Call 303-666-7110.