Misaligned teeth can lead to a wide range of issues—or sometimes cause no problems. Depending on the type and severity, misalignment can affect eating, drinking, and speaking, as well as your emotional well-being. Many assume children and teens are the only candidates for orthodontics, but teeth can continue to shift into adulthood.
As such, Invisalign® may be a great choice if you’re an adult who didn’t wear braces when you were younger or if you developed an issue later. Suppose you’re looking for a comprehensive dental practice and orthodontist near you in Redding, CA, and Palo Cedro, CA. In that case, the Shasta Family Dentistry team is certified in this discreet, evidence-based straightening protocol for teens and adults.
If you have a more obvious alignment issue, you may feel less attractive or confident, mainly if it affects your front teeth or speech. But issues associated with misaligned teeth are about more than smile aesthetics and confidence. If you have crooked teeth, they may be more prone to damage if you have an accident.
Misalignment can lead to jaw problems and painful temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Compensatory movements and bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) can cause teeth to wear each other down. In addition, because some types of misalignment make it harder to brush your teeth properly, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The Invisalign process starts by taking a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth with the iTero Element™ scanner to map out your custom treatment plan. Invisalign software provides an algorithm to calculate the proper force for every tooth movement. The impressions are sent to the Invisalign dental lab to create clear aligners using an advanced 3D printing process, which can take up to a month. Each clear aligner is designed to move your teeth into the desired position gradually and gently.
You need to wear Invisalign clear aligners 20–22 hours a day and change them out about every two weeks as your teeth gently move into the targeted position. While the entire process can take as little as six months, the average treatment lasts about 12–18 months. After treatment, the Vivera™ retainer helps ensure your beautiful new smile stays that way!
Studies have shown that clear aligners improve gum health and hygiene and lower oral bacteria than metal braces.
Invisalign in Redding, CA, and Palo Cedro, CA, is a gentler and nearly invisible protocol for straightening teeth that eliminates the cumbersome brackets and painful wires required with traditional metal braces. The BPA- and latex-free plastic aligners apply less pressure than metal braces, making them more comfortable. In addition to being discreet, clear aligners are easy to remove for flossing, brushing, eating, and sports. Studies have shown that clear aligners improve gum health and hygiene and lower oral bacteria than metal braces. Getting orthodontics from the same dentist as preventive care goes a long way to maintaining a straight and healthy smile!
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I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
