Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment For Teens & Adults
From Miami Lakes to Pembroke Pines, more often than not, when people think of braces, they now also think of Invisalign. Invisalign is a manufacturer of clear orthodontic aligners that offer an alternative to conventional braces. Treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, often referred to as trays, which progressively force teeth to move into the correct position over time. Although Invisalign is an alternative solution to braces, it is not for everyone, as many dentists may have you believe.
When it comes to Invisalign, braces, or any other orthodontic procedure, your average family dentist typically lacks the proper training to correctly diagnose, plan and treat your orthodontic issues. Your family dentist serves a similar purpose to your family doctor. They are there to help you with your general needs, such as check-ups, cleanings, etc., but they should refer you to a specialist if you need a dental procedure that is outside of their training, such as oral surgery or orthodontics. This is very similar to going to your family doctor for a checkup and being diagnosed with a heart issue. Family doctors wouldn’t perform your heart surgery themselves! They would refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist) who would then give you the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
While orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, they do this differently. A dentist is a professional who studies the medical specialty dealing with the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. On the other hand, an orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training who focuses on the alignment of teeth, correcting bites, and occlusion. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists!
At Miami Lakes Orthodontics, we are a Miami Lakes orthodontic specialist dealing exclusively with correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi is also the only board-certified orthodontist specialist (https://www.americanboardortho.com) between Doral and Pembroke Pines. As a Miami board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Briceño Crespi has taken hundreds of additional hours of education, which makes her the most qualified specialist with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide you with the highest level of patient care.
We are also Invisalign Preferred Providers, which means that we have achieved significant experience in treating patients with Invisalign treatment options. The Invisalign system now offers three types of treatment plans which can be tailored to your specific needs:
Invisalign
Also known as Invisalign complete, it is the most popular prescription for individuals who have never had orthodontic treatment. This is available for initial submission, mid-course correction, and refinement. On average this type of case takes about 12 months for adults. However, an orthodontic specialist can only determine the actual treatment length.
Invisalign Teen
Many teenagers that require Invisalign treatment are very self-conscious about their appearance. Invisalign Teen is a treatment option that offers an almost invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions and less-than-appealing look that come with metal braces.
Vivera Retainers (formerly Invisalign Express)
Not everyone has vast gaps, underbites, and/or other severe cases. For this type of patient, Invisalign has developed Invisalign Express, now rebranded as Vivera Retainers. Invisalign Express (Vivera Retainers) treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions. Invisalign Express treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions.
So, whether it appears or you think that you need orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, the easiest way to find out is to make a free no, obligation consultation with the award-winning, board-certified Miami Lakes Invisalign orthodontist for teens and adults, Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi. Call us at (305) 820-6800 or fill out the form below, and one of our smile specialists will contact you as indicated.
Here’s More Information Related to Invisalign near Hialeah
Can You Prevent Your Child Needing Braces?
Children entering their early teen years often need braces to correct crooked teeth and other alignment issues. However, this doesn’t mean that braces are a rite of passage that everyone wants to go through.
The discomfort, cost, and self-consciousness that can come with traditional braces can be quite the deterrent. So, is there anything you can do to prevent your child from needing them? Depending on your child’s needs, some options and preventative measures could help them steer clear of metal braces. Read on to find out what they are.
Dental visits from early on can prevent braces.
Your child’s baby teeth will start to descend around the age of seven years old. This means that they will either start to fall out or shift in preparation for the adult teeth that will break through the gum line in the future. At this age, they must regularly see the dentist every six months to monitor their oral progress.
If your child will need future alignment correction for an overbite, underbite, misaligned teeth, or teeth with large spaces between them, it is best to find out as early as possible. If an issue is identified, it doesn’t mean your child will need braces immediately. In fact, it is very rare for braces to be put on a child this young. However, some steps can be taken as early as seven years old to fix alignment issues that may arise in the future.
For example, if your dentist can see that your child’s adult teeth will need more room to grow to prevent teeth from crowding or breaking through the gum line where they shouldn’t, they may recommend that a baby tooth be removed to give the permanent teeth the space they need. Alternatively, leaving baby teeth in place can also prevent future adult teeth from drifting into gaps that they shouldn’t. Taking preventative measures like this means that future braces can be avoided.
Each situation is specific and requires the expertise of a dental professional to determine the best course of action. Making sure your dentist knows your concerns and preference for avoiding braces will help them give you the best advice for your situation.
Straightening teeth without braces
Invisalign for teens Sometimes braces are not the best choice for you and your child, depending on the situation and your concerns. There are now teeth straightening options in addition to traditional metal braces that can help correct alignment issues. The Invisalign straightening system has proven to be very popular as it replaces metal wires with transparent plastic trays that gently push teeth into place over time. The teeth straightening trays are practically invisible, eliminating any concerns about braces’ cosmetic appearance. Invisalign also allows your child to eat, drink, and clean their teeth as normal since the straightening trays are easily removable.
If braces are unavoidable, why not upgrade them?
If your child does need traditional metal braces, some options can make them more appealing. No longer do braces come in just plain metal. An array of fun colors can be incorporated into the braces, which your child can pick to suit their personality. These colors can be changed every time they visit the dentist, making the experience much more pleasant. Studies show that over 75% of children who wear metal braces choose to have their favorite colors incorporated into them.
Lingual braces are another great alternative to traditional braces as they are placed behind the teeth. This means that they look and operate like traditional braces but are not visible. However, this type of alignment appliance can be higher in cost, so knowing what is most important to you when making decisions about your child’s oral health will determine the road you will take.
Finding an orthodontist who’s right for you
I’m an award-winning, board-certified orthodontist in Miami Lakes, offering expert orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, and braces, also known as tooth alignment for children, teens, and adults throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.