Cosmetic dentists are now using computer-aided technology that enables them to visualise the movement of teeth before treatment has begun.

Invisalign is probably the best known and most used brand of invisible braces.

How Invisalign Works Moulds are taken of your teeth. These moulds are digitalised i.e. turned . . . → Read More: Invisalign Explained]]> One of the most advanced areas of dentistry is in cosmetic braces.

Cosmetic dentists are now using computer-aided technology that enables them to visualise the movement of teeth before treatment has begun.

Invisalign is probably the best known and most used brand of invisible braces.

How Invisalign Works
Moulds are taken of your teeth. These moulds are digitalised i.e. turned into information that can be stored on a computer.

This means that both you and the dentist can see a 3D image of your teeth and jaws.

This image can then be adjusted to the ‘final view’ of how you and your dentist agree your teeth should look.

The transition from how they are now to how they are going to be is then broken down into stages. Each stage is about two-weeks apart, and for each stage you have a completely new set of clear retainers (Invisalign being the brand we are talking about in this article).

When you put each new pair of braces in, they feel tight and a little uncomfortable. That is deliberate. They have to put pressure on your teeth in order to get them to move.

As you go through the course of treatment your teeth should move gradually into the new positions and, hey-presto, you have a whole new smile (and a somewhat lighter wallet).

The upper and lower jaw will usually both require adjusting so that the bite is corrected throughout the mouth. So, should you choose this type of treatment (and there may be other, cheaper alternatives), then you’ll a pair of clear retainers every fortnight.

The upper and lower jaw retainers are labelled to help prevent confusion as to which one to put where.

You will need to take good care of them by cleaning and/ or brushing gently but thoroughly (check with your dentist on what to and not to do in this respect).

For some people, however, the orthodontic problem that could possibly lead to more serious complications.

As well as helping to align teeth, retainers can be used:

This is an important part of orthodontic treatment. And just like your teeth, they needs to be cleaned every day for both health and hygiene reasons (you don’t want the smell of them to let you down in those crucial moments!)

Here are . . . → Read More: How to care for your retainers]]> Once your braces are taken off you might have a short period of wearing retainers.

This is an important part of orthodontic treatment. And just like your teeth, they needs to be cleaned every day for both health and hygiene reasons (you don’t want the smell of them to let you down in those crucial moments!)

Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your retainers in excellent condition (IMPORTANT – Check with your dentist first before applying any of these suggestions):

• Like your teeth, your retainers are going to be subject to plaque. So, after brushing your teeth,  brush the top and bottom surfaces of the plastic retainers to get rid of any pieces of food.
• Note: a toothbrush can put scratches on the clear plastic retainers, so check with your dentist on precisely where to clean, and with what sort of brush.
• To kill bacteria and germs, you can soak your retainer in mouthwash. Do not let it soak too long though, 30 seconds to 1 minute should be enough.
• You could also use disposable retainer wipes. Rinse the retainer with cold water and wipe the retainers.
• Use a retainer cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not leave them soaking longer than necessary, and do not let them soak all day.
• Keep your retainers away from high temperature sources like radiators, the clothes dryer (if you forget it in your pants pocket, for example), a hot car, and even hot foods and liquids
• When you are not wearing or cleaning them, always remember to keep the retainers inside its case. This will keep them protected from cracking, getting chewed by pets/pests, or getting lost.
• Every week or so, give your retainer a good, thorough cleaning. You can do this by using an effervescing denture-cleaning tablet (follow package directions).
• Another option is brushing it using a soft-bristled toothbrush, with a paste made by mixing 1 tsp. of baking soda and about 1 tbsp. of warm water (do not use on clear retainers as this mixture is abrasive). Rinse well.
• Take care not to bite on or bend the wires of the retainer as this might prevent them from fitting correctly into your mouth.

Plaque (the whitish, matt-like film attached to the tooth’s surface) is easily accumulated in the spaces between not properly aligned teeth, which are harder to clean.

Poor oral hygiene due to orthodontic problems can lead to a . . . → Read More: Tooth decay and gum disease]]> Brushing and flossing teeth is made much more difficult when the teeth are misaligned/crooked, crowded, and especially if they are overlapping.

Plaque (the whitish, matt-like film attached to the tooth’s surface) is easily accumulated in the spaces between not properly aligned teeth, which are harder to clean.

Poor oral hygiene due to orthodontic problems can lead to a variety of problems. Solving these problems can be expensive. The longer the situation is left unaddressed, the more expensive the potential cost.

So, as with most things, prevention is better than cure.

This is where an oral hygienist can help. They are, usually, cheaper than a dentist (especially where private treatment is concerned). They charge in the region of £30-£60 per half hour and can give your teeth a thorough cleaning.

They can also instruct you on the best brushes, tp brushes and floss to get, as well as how to use them to best effect.