Could orthodontic treatment be the solution for your dental health or cosmetic concerns?
Many patients know that it could but do not want to experience the embarrassment or inconvenience of metal braces. For those who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment to address their concerns or problems, Invisalign may be the perfect solution.
Fox Lake dentists Dr. Tom Prendergast and Dr. Caroline Shepherd are Invisalign providers and often recommend this as a cosmetic or restorative dental treatment option. Invisalign can gently and gradually straighten teeth that are crooked or misaligned, correcting problems such as crossbite, overbite, and underbite.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Available for teens and adults, Invisalign uses a series of clear retainers that are custom-made by Dr. Prendergast or Dr. Shepherd from molds of your teeth and designed to move teeth into the desired position over a period of about a year. The aligners are custom-designed using special CAD/CAM software that enables your dentist to plan your treatment and create predictable results.
Patients can enjoy several key benefits:
- removable retainers allow easy brushing and flossing
- smooth, plastic material is comfortable and does not irritate soft tissues
- they are invisible, and no one has to know you are wearing braces
Crooked teeth can go beyond being a cosmetic concern- they can have an impact on oral health. It is often difficult to effectively clean between teeth that are misaligned, increasing the chances of decay and tooth cavities or gum disease. They may also affect a patient’s bite, leading to temporomandibular joint issues, or TMJ, as pressure is placed in the wrong places to accommodate an imbalanced bite.
If you have crooked teeth or have concerns about your bite, schedule a consultation with Dr. Prendergast or Dr. Shepherd. They will perform a thorough exam and discuss the best options for restoring and maintaining your dental health.