Adult Orthodontics San Antonio

So you didn’t get braces as a kid, or maybe you did, but you stopped wearing your retainer. Orthodontics can still help you – you are never too old for braces. In fact, about 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. And, you will be so proud of your new beautiful smile!

The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. The most important determining factor is the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone. Because, facial bones are no longer growing in adults, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. However, many corrections can and other dramatic changes can be accomplished with a combination of surgery and braces if desired.

New Technologies

Braces have also come a long way since you were a kid. They are more comfortable, the treatment times are shorter and require fewer visits. New technologies have also made advances in cosmetic braces. You can choose between lingual braces that fit behind the teeth, cosmetic braces that are tooth-colored and barely visible, or regular braces that are now much smaller and more comfortable than ever before.

Invisalign

www.invisalign.com
Researchers continue to focus on developing lighter, more comfortable materials, removable appliances, and cosmetic improvements to correct teeth. One such new technology is called the Invisalign system. This combines traditional orthodontic diagnosis and treatment with the latest 3-D computer graphics technology. This process applies a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan to precisely separate large tooth movements into smaller, simpler ones. A series of custom-made, clear appliances (similar to mouthguards or bleaching trays) are worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements normally achieved through braces. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, ask us about it.

We want you to have the most beautiful smile possible. We will do our part, but you have to do yours too! With the proper care, you can keep those pearly whites your whole life. While you are in braces, good dental hygiene is especially important. In “Caring for Braces” we tell you all you need to know about taking care of your teeth during treatment and making sure your treatment progresses as smoothly and quickly as possible. For the short periods when your teeth may be a little sore, we have provided some “Soothing Recipes” for you. And, to make sure you keep your new beautiful smile stays bright, “Taking Care of Your Teeth” tells you everything you need to know to follow a good dental care routine.

Clear Braces – Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign (Invisible Braces) is an innovative method of straightening teeth, using breakthrough technology that lets you get the smile you always wanted without bands, brackets or wires. Results, costs, and treatment times are about the same as fixed braces – so the advantages are clear!
A table comparing Invisalign braces with other treatments is provided here.

An Invisalign aligner

What is it?
By using a series of clear removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth. Change them every 2 weeks, your teeth will move little by little, week by week, until they have moved to the final position Dr Kerr has prescribed. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.
Treatment time
Invisalign usually takes from 6 to 24 months. The average time is 12 months. You will see Dr Kerr every few weeks for a check-up and adjustments. At these visits you will be given additional aligners to continue your treatment.

Invisible and comfortable

Invisalign is an invisible solution. So you won’t draw undue attention to your mouth while in treatment. In fact, virtually no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them!
Over one million people have already improved their smiles with Invisalign. Maybe it’s time you were one of them. Call our practice on (07) 3366-0022.
Will it work for me?
Although some people are told that Invisalign will not work or is not suitable for them, in most cases this is not true. Invisalign is an appliance that straightens teeth, and will work, provided the aligners are worn 20 – 22 hours a day.
There is a very small minority of patients who would be better with fixed braces.
More Information

If you would like to know more about Invisalign, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.
If you’d like some more online reading, you might like to go to the official Invisalign website.

The Modern Alternative
Invisalign is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional fixed braces. The same results for similar costs and time, with more comfort and better aesthetics. See the comparisons.
Skilled Orthodontic Team
Dr. Cochran is a San Antonio Invisalign provider. He and his team have the experience to help give you the best orthodontic result. Read more about the practice here.
Making a Good Decision
Research suggests when you’re more confident in your appearance, your self-esteem brings out the best in you – whether that’s in your career, your health, or in life generally.

Invisalign Retainer – Take good care of them

If you recently got Invisalign aligner braces to straighten your teeth, congratulations on taking the first step toward a better smile! Even though your aligner trays ar changed every few weeks, you still need to take good care of them. This article will give you a few pointers.

How to Wear Your Aligner Trays

First of all, wear your aligner trays exactly the way your orthodontist or dentist recommends. Do not wear them for fewer hours than helium tells you or you will non get the sort of results that are necessary to properly move your teeth. Most dentists recommend wearing the aligners about 80% of each day, taking them out only for eating and cleaning.

Although you will be tempted to eat and drink with your aligner trays in, it may not be comfortable or good for the aligners. If you drink a sugary liquid such as soda, the sugar will stay on your teeth longer because the trays hold the liquid to your teeth. This will give you tooth decay. You cannot drink hot liquids with the trays in, as they may warp the trays. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions and brush your teeth often.

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligner Trays

Because the aligner trays ar in your mouth for so many hours, they ar uncovered to the same sort of bacteria and brass as your teeth. If you don’t clean your aligner trays regularly, they will soon develop an ugly white buildup of film that can be very hard to remove. The best way to clean your trays is with a commercial cleanup product for that purpose. Some dental offices sell the Invisalign cleansing system. It works very well but is the most expensive cleaner, so not everyone can afford the cleaning crystals.

The SonicBrite system is a very effective cleaner for aligner trays. The transonic bath that comes with the system helps to get the cleaning product into all the little crevices of the aligner and does a very good job at keeping the white buildup away.

Retainer Brite can also be used for aligner trays. As long as you use it on a daily basis, it will non allow the white brass to accumulate on your trays. However, if the white plaque is already there, Retainer Brite won’t remove it, but SonicBrite will.

Occasionally you can soak your aligner trays in a weak solution of h peroxide and water, or even gargle to help kill germs and make it smell fresh. If you are away from home and can’t use a cleansing product, astatine least rinse your trays very well with warm water, and make sure to clean them properly once you get back home.

Use a Retainer Case

If you remove your aligner trays astatine home, you will probably immediately put them into a cup. But when you ar out and about at school or work, you moldiness be sure to use a consideration case. Never wrap your Invisalign aligners in a napkin — that is one sure way to lose it and have it wind up in the trash. A good consideration case solves this problem. Always carry a consideration case with you to store your aligner trays when they ar non in your mouth. Get into the habit of always putt your trays into the case. Invisalign aligners are expensive, so take good care of them!