Orthodontics In Preston

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign allows for greater flexibility in dietary choices since the aligners are removable. However, maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment still requires mindful eating habits. Here's what foods are acceptable and how to manage your diet during Invisalign treatment.

Recommended Foods During Invisalign Treatment

• Soft Foods. Soft foods are ideal, especially if you experience some discomfort from the aligners initially. Foods like yoghurt, smoothies, soups, and pasta require less chewing and are less likely to cause discomfort or damage to the aligners.
• Nutrient-Rich Foods. It's important to maintain a balanced diet to support overall dental health. Opting for foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins like leafy greens, lean meats, and dairy items is pivotal in establishing a sturdy dental base, assisting in the progression of tooth movement, and preserving gum wellness.
• Non-Staining Foods. While the aligners are stain-resistant, they can discolour over time if exposed to certain foods and beverages. To keep your aligners clear, focus on consuming non-staining foods and clear or light-coloured beverages. Avoid or limit drinks like coffee, red wine, and tea.

Foods to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment

• Sticky and Sugary Foods. While you can eat these foods by removing your aligners, they're best avoided. Sticky foods like candies can pull on the aligners, and sugary foods can increase the risk of cavities since you're wearing the aligners for most of the day.
• Hard Foods. Even with the aligners out, it's wise to avoid hard foods such as nuts and hard candies that could risk damaging your teeth during treatment. Such foods can put undue stress on your teeth, which are gradually shifting and may be more susceptible to pressure.

Best Practices for Eating with Invisalign

• Always Remove Aligners. Always remove your aligners while eating. Eating with aligners on can damage them and also trap food particles between the aligner and your teeth, elevating the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Rinse After Eating. After each snack or meal, rinse your mouth and your aligners before reinserting them. This practice helps remove food particles and bacteria, maintaining oral hygiene and the integrity of the aligners.
• Hydration. Keeping hydrated, especially with water, is beneficial for oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and decreases the acidity in your mouth, protecting against tooth decay.

This section explores the detailed process by which braces adjust tooth alignment, ensuring a clear understanding of this transformative orthodontic procedure.

Initial Assessment and Treatment Planning

• Comprehensive Examination. The journey to realigned teeth begins with a thorough examination at a dental clinic. During this phase, a dentist assesses the patient's oral health, taking note of any misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, or other dental irregularities. This evaluation often includes X-rays, 3D scans, and photographs to capture a complete view of the patient's dental structure.
• Customised Treatment Strategy. Based on the initial examination, the dentist devises a personalised treatment plan. This strategy outlines the specific movements required to correct the dental issues identified, using braces as the primary tool for achieving the desired alignment.

The Mechanics of Braces

• Application of Braces. Braces typically consist of brackets, archwires, and ties. Each tooth is affixed with brackets using a specialised dental adhesive, with archwires subsequently threaded through them, serving as a pathway to direct the teeth's movement. Ties, or small rubber bands, hold the archwires to the brackets.
• Adjustment of Archwires. The core mechanism by which braces work involves the careful adjustment of the archwires. These wires are engineered to apply gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth. During regular follow-up appointments, the dentist adjusts these wires to gradually move the teeth toward their correct positions.

The Biological Basis of Tooth Movement

• Pressure and Tension. When braces apply pressure to the teeth, the periodontal membrane (the tissue surrounding the roots of the teeth) on one side is compressed, while on the other side, it is stretched. This biomechanical process stimulates bone remodelling.
• Bone Remodelling. The pressure exerted by the braces stimulates osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells) to remove bone in the path of the moving tooth. Simultaneously, osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) work to add bone to the space created after the tooth moves. This remodelling is what allows the teeth to move securely and remain stable in their new positions.

Duration and Monitoring of Treatment

• Treatment Timeline. The duration of wearing braces can vary widely depending on the individual's age, the complexity of their dental issues, and their biological response to the braces. Treatment duration generally ranges from 18 months to 3 years.
• Regular Monitoring. Throughout the treatment, regular check-ups are crucial. During these appointments, the dentist can observe the progress, tweak the braces as needed, and confirm that the teeth are shifting as anticipated. They also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or discomfort experienced by the patient.

Once the braces are removed, the retention phase begins. During this period, retainers are worn as directed by the dentist to prevent the teeth from reverting to their former positions. This phase is critical to maintain the results achieved through the orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in dental health, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of a smile. However, the cost can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these variables is essential for people considering orthodontic options. Here, we explore the key factors that impact the pricing of orthodontic care.

Choice of Braces

The type of braces chosen is one of the primary determinants of cost. Traditional metal braces are generally the most economical, while newer, more discreet options like ceramic braces or lingual braces tend to be more expensive. Clear aligner systems such as Invisalign also vary in price, often costing more than conventional braces due to the materials and technology involved.

Complexity of the Case

The complexity and severity of a patient's dental issues play a critical role in determining the cost. Simple cases that require minor corrections will generally be less expensive than those requiring major adjustments to correct severe misalignments or bite issues.

Duration of Treatment

The length of time required to complete the orthodontic treatment can significantly affect the overall cost. Longer treatment times, which may involve more frequent adjustments and visits to the dentist, naturally incur higher overall fees.

Geographic Location

The cost of orthodontic care can vary significantly based on geographic location. Practices located in metropolitan and more affluent areas often have higher rates due to increased overhead costs and higher living expenses in these regions.

Dentist's Expertise

The dentist's level of expertise and reputation can also influence the cost of treatment. Highly experienced dentists or those who are particularly well-regarded in their field may charge more for their services, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their care.

Additional Treatments

Often, orthodontic treatment requires preliminary dental work such as tooth extraction, treatment for gum disease, or even bone grafting if adequate bone support is lacking. These additional dental treatments add to the overall cost.

Insurance Coverage

The extent of dental insurance coverage can greatly impact out-of-pocket expenses for orthodontic treatment. Some insurance plans cover a substantial part of orthodontic care, especially for patients under a certain age, while others may offer limited or no coverage.

Payment Plans

Several orthodontic clinics provide payment plans or financing arrangements to make treatment costs more manageable. These plans can make orthodontic care more accessible by spreading the financial burden over several months or even years.