11808 Barker Cypress Rd, Suite G
Cypress, TX 77433

Is Invisalign a Teeth Straightening Option for Adults?

teeth straightening CypressTeeth straightening is not performed just for aesthetic reasons, nor is it too late to undergo this valuable treatment if you did not wear braces as a child. People of all ages are realizing the benefits of having straight teeth and that they can achieve a smile makeover with Invisalign clear aligners.

The Invisalign teeth straightening method is a very valuable tool in achieving great dental health as well. Crooked teeth provide areas for plaque to build and plaque build-up can result in dental decay and the onset of gum disease. Keeping these pockets free from plaque is much more easily accomplished when the pockets themselves are eliminated!

Patients of all ages appreciate the many advantages of Invisalign over other methods of teeth straightening, such as:

They are clear. Wearing clear braces is virtually undetectable.

They are removable. This is probably one of the most critical advantages for several reasons. By being able to take the braces off, the patient can continue to eat all the foods they love. Whether it is a meal or snack, you can remove the aligner and replace when done. Secondly, the acts of brushing and flossing daily are completed without any obstacles allowing the patient to keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

They are comfortable. They are strong enough to shift teeth to their correct occlusion, but there are no wires or metal to chafe soft oral tissue.

They are convenient. Every two weeks the next in a series of aligners replaces the present aligner. It might feel a little tight, but that is the desired effect so teeth will continue to shift correctly.

You will continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure teeth straightening is going accordingly. The patient is encouraged to wear the aligners a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours every day. Failure to do so can prevent teeth straightening being completed in the prescribed amount of time.

Upon completion, the Invisalign patient will be given a retainer to wear that is similar to the aligners used to straighten teeth. Wearing the retainer will allow teeth to develop a memory of their newly achieved location. This is a critical component to treatment as failure to wear may allow teeth to start drifting back.

Are you or a family member interested in clear braces? Call our office today to set up a consultation with our team.

Is Fear Keeping You Away From the Dentist?

dentist CypressThe sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office can make even the strongest person fearful preventing them from receiving the treatment needed to maintain excellent oral health, which can have a determining effect on overall good health. Sedation dentistry can eliminate or drastically reduce the fear level allowing patients to obtain preventative and restorative care that contributes to good dental health.

Your dentist must be trained in order to make sedation dentistry available. She should also have equipment for monitoring the patient coupled with specially trained staff make sedation dentistry safe and comfortable for needed dental treatment.

How does sedation dentistry work?

During a consultation, a medical history will be taken to reveal any existing health issues, medications currently taken, and a discussion of how your treatment session will be completed.

On appointment day, the patient will take a sedative at home about one hour before their arrival to the dental office. Transportation to and from the office are required as the patient will be unable to drive. [pullquote]It is worth noting that sedation dentistry is advantageous for more than fearful patients.[/pullquote]

Upon arrival, the patient is seated and monitoring begins as an additional sedative is given. All medications are taken orally. There are no needles, and the patient is awake at all times. Some procedures may require additional anesthetic to numb the area being treated.

Procedures as benign as having teeth cleaned may be performed with sedation dentistry, and while the patient is sedated, additional work may be completed such as treating dental decay.

It is worth noting that sedation dentistry is advantageous for more than fearful patients. Individuals who are unable to recline, sit still for longer periods or patients with physical or mental limitations are now able to receive the same level of dental care that was difficult once before.

At the conclusion of treatment the patient is continually monitored until released. Many patients reveal they felt as if they slept through treatment although remaining conscious.

Upon arrival at home, it is recommended that someone stay with the patient for several hours. Returning to work or school is discouraged as the patient will likely remain groggy for several hours.

Sedation dentistry provides an avenue for fearful patients, and the dental provider is allowed to render treatment knowing the patient is safe and comfortable, and can enjoy great dental health now that they’ve been able to allay their fear of the dentist!

Contact the office of Dr. Lori Logan to discuss your next cleaning!