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How To Make Invisalign More Comfortable

Dr. Ashlee Weber • Nov 13, 2023

The Invisalign system has become known for the many advantages it offers. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is lightweight, comfortable, and most of all virtually invisible! Clear aligners are made of smooth thermoplastic for maximum comfort. Each set is worn for about two weeks until being replaced by the following set in the series. However, some patients may experience minor discomfort or soreness until their mouth and teeth adjust to their new aligners. Here are some tips to make Invisalign more comfortable:


Emery board

It’s common for Invisalign and Invisalign Teen patients to receive a new set of aligners and experience slight discomfort from an edge of their aligners. To resolve this issue, we recommend using an emery board, which has a smooth side and a coarse side, similar to a nail file. An emery board may help with smoothing out the edges to make for a more comfortable fit.


Orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax is a silicone wax that applies clear and is made for dental use. In addition to an emery board, you may also prevent irritation in your mouth by applying orthodontic wax along the gum line. A small strip of wax can be pushed up flat against the gums to prevent the Invisalign aligners from rubbing and irritating the gums.


Canker-X

Canker-X is an ointment that is used to treat canker sores and sores in the mouth. This ointment contains benzocaine, which is a topical anesthetic that will help numb the area of application. Furthermore, this also acts a bandage that sticks to gums or lips and can help provide hours of relief and comfort.


Advil

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be quite helpful in the first 12-24 hours of wearing your new set of aligners. When wearing aligners for the first time, it may be beneficial to take a pain reliever and apply aligners before sleep. This will help avoid discomfort and soreness. This provides about 8 hours of adjustment time so when you wake up, your aligners will already have a more comfortable fit.


Biotene & XyliMelts

Invisalign may cause dry mouth in some patients, especially those who do public speaking such as lectures, speeches, or business meetings. As a result, it may be helpful to try a solution for dry mouth during Invisalign treatment. Biotene is a moisturizing spray that helps fight against dry mouth. This works by lubricating the inside of your mouth and providing hours of additional comfort. XyliMelts are lozenges that are intended to rest in between your cheek and gums. XyliMelts coat, soothe, and moisturize the mouth during the work day or throughout a night’s sleep.


Finding Out How To Make Invisalign More Comfortable

Dr. Weber and our team at Weber Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic care. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Kansas City and Kearney, MO. Contact Weber Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today.



At Weber Orthodontics, we care about your health, and want your dental experiences to be good ones. We offer traditional, clear, and Invisalign braces. We have an Itero scanner for our Invisalign patients that allow us to scan your teeth with a wand to create a digital file for your Invisalign aligners to be made, thus we can avoid impressions or molds of your teeth. Contact our office by phone (816) 746-1200 or complete our appointment request form to schedule an appointment.

Invisalign vs Braces: What's Better?

By Dr. Ashlee Weber • 13 Nov, 2023
How important is your smile to you? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 96% of people believe that a smile is important to a person’s appearance. For a lot of us, a beautiful smile means having straight, aligned teeth. Unfortunately, most of us don’t naturally have straight smiles, which means braces or Invisalign aligners are usually great options to consider when trying to get a smile you love. But how do you know which option is best for you or your child? Both Invisalign and braces will straighten your teeth, but offer different unique benefits that suit the needs of different patients. We have outlined below everything you need to know about both options to help you make your decision on whether Invisalign or traditional braces are better for you or your child. Appearance We’re all familiar with the appearance of traditional braces. We have come a long way from chunky train-track style braces of the past as braces continue to be designed smaller and smaller. Clear braces are also an option now. They have the same pieces as traditional braces except they are made of clear ceramic. Invisalign is also popular option due to the invisibility. Many patients prefer the inconspicuous look of Invisalign aligners. Adult and teenage patients in particular love that their peers can’t see that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Functionality Braces are worn 24/7 as you are not able to take braces off. Thus, you must avoid hard and sticky foods so that the braces do not get damaged or come loose. With Invisalign the aligners must be removed when eating and drinking anything besides water. This means you don’t have to change your diet or the way you eat certain foods. Oral Hygiene Invisalign must be removed when you brush your teeth, meaning you will not have to alter your oral hygiene routine too much. You can continue to brush and floss as you have always done. However, you will also have to brush and clean your Invisalign aligners. With braces, specialized tools such as water flossers and floss threaders are helpful to remove all food and plaque from the braces. Comfort Straightening your teeth can cause slight discomfort as the teeth are being moved in the surrounding jaw bones. Braces will take a few days to get used to and for the inside of your cheeks and lips to become accustom the the braces. Invisalign will also take some getting used to. Both treatment options will cause some soreness temporarily. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Motrin can be taken to help alleviate the discomfort. Effectiveness Both methods are very effective treatments. Braces cannot be removed by patients and therefore are highly effective. Invisalign requires discipline from patients to ensure you wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time to ensure you get the desired effect as quickly as possible. The Verdict In short, it ultimately comes down to personal choice. Invisalign is a great option for those of us who want a discreet, efficient and comfortable solution to straightening teeth. However, some people prefer braces due to the fact that you don’t have to remember to put your braces on as they are fixed in place. If you’ve been considering straightening your smile, give us a call today to schedule a consultation to see which option would be best for you.

A Ballgame With Braces

By Dr. Ashlee Weber • 13 Nov, 2023
You’re going to the game! And no matter which sport you follow, there’s so much to enjoy—the best athletes, exciting play, hometown pride—and those delicious concession stands! But if you’re wearing braces, your team spirit might be flagging. Here are a few ideas to help keep your food choices out of foul territory. You know that you should avoid the foods that can damage braces or stick around your wires and brackets. This means any snacks that are sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy are benched. So most of the traditional game foods—peanuts, popcorn, licorice—are just not safe for traditional metal or ceramic braces. Let’s save those for next season. So what is on the program? You still have many great choices. Ice Cream – A favorite that’s easy on your braces. Dip and Dots are also a great choice! If you want a healthier option, try frozen yogurt or a smoothie. Hearty Snacks – Pretzels, pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers are all perfectly fine to eat with braces. Remember to take smaller bites! Soft Candies and Cookies. Licorice, caramels, and crunchy cookies are out, but soft chocolate bars, soft cookies, and cotton candy are still on the menu. Just remember to get a good brush and floss in when you get home. Sodas and sports drinks can create a sugary and/or acidic environment which can damage enamel over time. If you do indulge, try to rinse with water ASAP and brush and floss when you get home.Stadium and arena menus contain a lot of starches and sugars, which stick to braces and fuel cavity-causing bacteria. So it’s best to go easy on the snacks. But you don’t have to give up a half-time treat entirely—just enjoy in moderation and be sure to brush thoroughly when you get home. If you wear clear aligners, your choices are simpler. You can remove your aligners, eat normally, and clean your teeth thoroughly before replacing them. But one flag on this play—remember that you’re supposed to wear your aligners for a set number of hours each day. You don’t want to be putting your treatment behind schedule if the game goes into triple overtime. Keep your eye on the clock, and you should be fine.  Dr. Ashlee Weber and our team are always happy to recommend the best food options for your individual orthodontic treatment, and we can help you select a roster of safe and healthy choices. You might miss out on a few of your favorite sports snacks right now, but let’s remember the true fan’s motto: There’s always next year! Taking care of your braces and teeth means faster treatment and healthier teeth. Your All-Star smile will be worth it!

10 Benefits of Orthodontics

By Dr. Ashlee Weber • 13 Nov, 2023
It is broadly understood that the primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to improve the alignment of the teeth and provide you with a beautiful, confident smile. However, the benefits of orthodontic treatment do not just stop there! Read below to learn about the top 10 benefits of orthodontic treatment: Smile Esthetics: This may be one of the most obvious benefits of orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist can help you not just straighten your teeth, but also get an attractive, confident smile. At Weber Orthodontics we strive to give every one of our patients a customized, attractive smile that flows with their facial appearance and looks naturally attractive.  Facial Esthetics: Besides straightening the teeth, orthodontic treatment may improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws so the teeth can come together properly. This dental and jaw harmony can have a positive impact on your face shape, profile, and features. This is especially evident in the more severe cases, such as with an underbite or overbite. With her thorough diagnosis and precise treatment plans, Dr. Weber is an expert in balancing function and aesthetics. Oral Health: Crooked and crowded teeth may be more difficult to clean and maintain, causing a higher risk for cavities and periodontal disease. Orthodontic treatment can help minimize those risks by aligning the teeth and placing them in their ideal, easy to clean positions. Risk of injury to teeth: In some cases, the mal-positioned teeth may be at a higher risk of injury or trauma. For example, if your child’s teeth stick out too far, they are at a higher risk of fracturing if the child falls or hits their face. Another example is the presence of a crossbite (when the upper teeth sit inside the bottom teeth), which may cause gum recession, tooth damage, and bone loss. Orthodontic treatment can help correct the position of your teeth to ensure you can enjoy a long-lasting smile! Speech: Teeth are designed to be aligned perfectly so that a person can speak correctly. In some instances, an incorrect bite may cause problems with speech, which can be fixed easily with orthodontic treatment. Dental wear: An incorrect bite may subject some of your teeth to additional wear and tear, due to the uneven distribution of biting forces. Our orthodontists are trained to identify the wear patterns and address them as needed. Facilitating dental restorations or implant placements: In some instances, placing a restoration on one of your teeth or placing an implant may be hindered by the incorrect position of other teeth. Correcting the position of your teeth may facilitate the process and allow for a better final outcome. This is referred to as limited orthodontic treatment and is performed in collaboration with an orthodontist and your general dentist. Self-esteem and confidence: Numerous studies have shown that correcting the bite and having an attractive smile may help some people achieve better self-esteem, higher levels of confidence, and an improved oral-health related quality of life. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, consider scheduling a free consultation with one of our trained orthodontists. They will make sure you get that confident smile that you deserve. Dating and personal relationships: Studies have shown that having straight teeth may influence a person’s dating prospects. People with straight teeth are perceived as more attractive, intelligent, and have a higher likelihood of dating. Professional careers: A scientific study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics has found that people with ideal smiles are considered more intelligent and have a greater chance of finding a job when compared with people with less ideal smiles. The good news is, orthodontic treatment can give you an ideal smile, letting you ace all your job interviews!
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