Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

Choosing orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile you want is an important one. Will your treatment plan meet your expectations? Will your appliances be comfortable? In considering braces, you’ve likely done research on options and thought about more cosmetic options, like Invisalign®. But how can you be sure that this treatment is right for you?

Determining Severity of Alignment Problems

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our Invisalign® dentists to determine if the issues you’re experiencing can be effectively corrected with clear braces. Invisalign® is ideal for treating minor to moderate problems that include:

• Teeth alignment relapse after an initial round of braces
• Tilted and twisted teeth
• Minor crowding
• Small gaps between teeth

Patients with severe bite problems, such as crossbite, open bite, or underbite may be better suited for traditional metal braces, or metal braces with more aesthetic components such as tooth-colored brackets and wires. However, Invisalign® is well-suited for the most common issues patients experience, as described above.

Adapting to Treatment

Getting used to Invisalign® isn’t much of a challenge compared to adapting to life with metal braces. This can include diet restrictions, more difficult teeth cleaning routines, and soft tissue discomfort; however, there are some tips to keep in mind. It’s important to keep your Invisalign® someplace safe while they’re not in-place. The aligners are meant to be removed during meals and before brushing and flossing teeth, and can therefore be misplaced if patients aren’t careful. Store your trays in their provided cases.

To keep your aligners clean, use a soft bristled toothbrush to sweep away bacteria and debris before putting them back in place. After meals, it’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean teeth, so that food particles do not become trapped on and between teeth throughout the day. Avoid using toothpaste while cleaning retainers to prevent scratching. Do not bite, chew, or otherwise play with the retainers when they’re in place so they don’t become warped and ineffective in re-aligning teeth.

Still Debating? Ask us about Clear Braces

If you have a question about whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign®, contact our office today to learn more about this treatment for achieving straighter teeth.

Tips for Anxious Dental Patients

Dental anxiety is common and ranges from those who simply feel a little nervous about visiting the dentist, to others who are so fearful they cannot bring themselves to keep regular appointments for teeth cleanings. If you’re worried or anxious about visiting the dentist, there are ways to combat your fear so you can keep your smile healthy.

Share your Concerns

It’s difficult to battle fears about dental care if they go undiscussed. Talk to your dentist about what makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, whether it’s the fear of the unknown, certain sounds or smells, or a sensitive gag reflex. Sharing what triggers your fears allows your dentist to be mindful and considerate, creating more comfortable dental appointments. Drs. Okamoto work together with patients to thoroughly explain treatment plans so there’s no unexpected steps in your treatment. We can also recommend headphones and other actions that help to drown out sounds and sights that can make you feel anxious.

Ask to Take Breaks

Even with productive coping methods like what’s described above, it can be difficult for some patients to avoid feelings of anxiousness during an entire appointment. Communication becomes important here as well. Set up a signal with your dentist that indicates you’d like to take a quick break before your treatment resumes. Helping to stay relaxed by taking a break when you need to keeps the feeling in the entire treatment room more comfortable for everyone. Communicate the need for a break so both you and your dentist can confidently move forward with treatment.

Concentrate on Breathing

Mindful, focused breathing techniques are proven to help minimize feelings of anxiety. Some patients are so worried and focused on what their dentist is doing that they forget to breathe. This can make some people gag and can heighten the sense of worry that fearful patients experience. If you’re feeling anxious while in the dental chair, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing; this goes a long way in calming down the physical anxiety response.

Split up Longer Appointments, if Possible

If you’re scheduled for a lengthier procedure to correct damage caused by years of avoiding the dentist, ask how your treatment plan can be segmented into different visits to help curb the anxiety of more complex procedures. While some patients prefer to have all treatment completed at once, others feel better knowing that their visits will be shorter and involve less work.

Ask Drs. Okamoto about Gentle Dentistry

We support caring dental services for anxious patients. If you have questions about what we can do to help relieve your dental anxiety, contact our office today to speak to a friendly member of our team.