Orthodontics & Invisalign® in Broomfield
Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosing, treating, and correcting the misalignment of teeth, also known as malocclusion, along with many other development issues involving the jaw and bite. With orthodontics, these conditions can be resolved, thus improving your smile’s appeal and better ensuring long-lasting oral health.
At Joseph Mazzola Dentistry, leading dentist, Dr. Joseph Mazzola and his team provide a comprehensive approach to orthodontic care with braces and Invisalign® clear aligners.
Are you looking to correct bite and misalignment issues for a healthier, more appealing smile? You now have the added advantage of straightening your smile promptly without compromising the quality of treatment. Contact our Broomfield office today to schedule your consultation!
CALL US: (303) 466-9533 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
For several reasons, orthodontic treatment is important. Teeth and jaw alignment can prevent more-invasive dental treatment later in life. Orthodontic treatment may also prevent jaw surgery in the future for patients with a severely crooked jaw. With orthodontics, facial features and lip positions can also be improved.
Orthodontics go far beyond just straightening the teeth; it sets the stage for proper support for the teeth, jaw, bite, and lips.
Correcting these problems not only creates a more appealing smile, but orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That's because crooked and crowded teeth make brushing and flossing more difficult.
Down the road, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and can lead to problems with the jaws.
What is Considered Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces, retainers, clear alignment trays, and all treatments that move teeth into the ideal alignment are part of the field of orthodontics.
What is Invisalign®?
As the name suggests, Invisalign involves a series of virtually invisible aligners crafted to fit your smile without the need for metal components. Unlike traditional braces where rubber bands, metal wires, and brackets are all used to apply continuous pressure to move teeth in a specific direction, Invisalign uses pinpointed pressure to gently shift teeth into the ideal position.
During treatment, patients are provided a new set of trays as the smile straightens, graduating them throughout treatment.
The smooth, plastic aligners are clear and removable, allowing you to remove them for meals, and easy brushing and flossing.
How is Invisalign Different from Metal Braces?
Invisalign’s clear aligner system provides a favorable, yet reliable solution for orthodontic patients who wish to straighten their smile discreetly.
Metal braces consist of brackets and workings affixed to the surfaces of teeth, with wires and rubber bands used to achieve proper alignment. With Invisalign, the aligners are metal-free and are not cemented to teeth, often making them a more comfortable solution.
It is still important to understand that depending on the level of malocclusion, traditional braces are a successful and highly reliable form of orthodontic therapy for addressing complex to severe orthodontic needs.
Notable Benefits of Invisalign
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, patients do not have to make any changes in their diet or daily hygiene since these clear braces are removable. Care for the aligners is convenient and only requires rinsing before placing them back in the smile.
This sought-after treatment improves your smile while maintaining a natural appearance. Other benefits include:
- Removable design
- Discreetly invisible
- Safe for active lifestyle
- No metal fixtures
- Shorter treatment time
- Comfortable
These practically invisible aligners are an ideal solution to unnoticeably straightening your smile while maintaining a professional or more natural appearance that is an ideal for life’s most important events.
Still Considering Whether Invisalign is Right for You? 4 Common Questions Our Patients are Asking Dr. Mazzola!
1. How Will I Know if I’m a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is often ideal for patients with healthy mouths, free of infection or decay.
Part of Invisalign's successful treatment involves wearing clear trays for at least 22 hours a day, only removing them before meals and during oral hygiene routines at home.
Invisalign is typically recommended for responsible pre-teens, adolescents, and adults because of the level of responsibility needed to remain compliant with treatment.
2. What Can I Expect from My Invisalign Treatment?
Once you’ve said yes to Invisalign, your dentist will build a custom plan for you. The process begins with digital x-rays, impressions and images of your teeth to create a digital road-map for your dentist to follow.
Invisalign’s software allows your dentist to better predict how your teeth will change over time with Invisalign and can show you how your teeth will look in several weeks, months, and at the end of your treatment.
Invisalign works by fabricating custom aligners that are replaced every two weeks with a brand-new set. Your custom aligners are designed to be comfortable and won’t irritate your cheeks like traditional braces.
Each set of clear trays you receive are designed to fit where the teeth should end up at the end of those two weeks, so the first few days of each new set is less comfortable. As you adjust, and the aligner fits better, you’ll know Invisalign is working.
Although predicting exactly how long you’ll undergo Invisalign is difficult, the time frame lasts about a year for most patients, but it depends on your unique plan.
3. How Long will Invisalign Last?
How long you undergo your Invisalign treatment depends on several factors, including how often you wear your aligners and how complex your case is.
Typically, most dentists believe that teenagers will need Invisalign for about a year, while adults may need it for up to two years.
4. Do You Have to Wear a Retainer Forever After Invisalign?
Retainers maintain the tension your teeth need to hold them in place following Invisalign treatment. Even after clear aligners, teeth can shift back to their original position if you don’t wear a retainer each night following treatment.
In fact, it’s a common mistake that often leads patients to Invisalign in the first place. Most who seek Invisalign treatment do so because they didn’t wear their retainers after first getting braces, leading their teeth to shift.
Typically, your dentist will give you a new retainer every nine to twelve months.
Still Have Concerns or Questions About Our Orthodontic Treatments? Contact Us!
Our entire team is passionate about helping patients achieve confident and properly aligned smiles. Call our dental practice today to your initial orthodontic consultation!
Our friendly and welcoming staff is available to address your concerns and help answer any questions you may have.
