Invisalign Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Am I Too Old To Get Invisalign?

Posted on July 13, 2024 by writeradmin.

I am 63 years old and finally, after quite a few decades, am in a position to make my smile pretty. I know the teenagers are all using Invisalign to straighten their teeth these days. Is that available for adults too or is more of just a teen thing? I would feel a little silly in metal braces, but if that is what I have to do then I am willing.

Christie

Dear Christie,

How exciting that you are finally getting the smile you want! While there are a lot of teens using Invisalign, it was originally designed as an orthodontic option for adults. The teen thing came later. Once we are in adulthood, our time is mostly spent in a professional setting. Because of that, you don’t want a mouth full of metal. This is also true for mom’s who are at home raising their children. You definitely don’t want to get hit in the mouth by a toddler with little control over their limbs while your mouth is full of metal. I realize you are very likely past that stage of life, but wanted others reading this post to understand their options as well.

There is really no age limit to when you can get Invisalign. I read an article about dentists who participate in an Invisalign study group. They evaluate the cases of their patients and discuss best procedures. One of them had a patient in her upper 80s. There may even be a patient who is older than that.

You are definitely young enough. The Invisalign aligners can also double as teeth whitening trays. This means that you can straighten and whiten your teeth simultaneously, giving you a mini smile makeover for a fraction of the cost.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Will a Dental Flipper Make My Teeth Look Straight?

Posted on June 21, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have some crooked teeth that stick out a bit. I don’t want braces because they take forever and look awful. If I got a dental flipper, would it make my teeth look straight? I have heard that it can fit over my crooked teeth.

Sabrina

Dear Sabrina,

A dental flipper is something that is placed to fill in the area where a tooth is missing. This will not fit over your teeth. It is possible that you are thinking about something called a snap-on smile. This does fit over your teeth. However, I would not really recommend it for your situation. It’s more for something very temporary, like a special occasion or a photo shoot. It’s made out of acrylic so it will not look completely natural. Plus, if your teeth are already sticking out, this goes on top of them, so they will appear to stick out even more.

My suggestion is that you get Invisalign. This will actually straighten your teeth and not just make them look straight. Unlike braces, they don’t use metal but clear aligners. No one will even know that you are straightening your teeth. Plus, it works in half the time as traditional braces.

Additionally, the aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. All your dentist will have to provide you with is the professional strength whitening gel. You use the gel in your aligners at a time that is convenient to you. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time, essentially giving you a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the cost.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Solution for a Large Tooth Gap

Posted on September 15, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a large tooth gap. I think my dentist measured it at close to ten millimeters. He is suggesting I get Lumineers to cover the gap. It’s a pretty expensive solution. Do you know if there is another option that does not include a mouth full of metal braces?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

Do not let this dentist give you Lumineers for this. Your tooth gap is large enough to fit an entire tooth in. It would take one of the top 1% of dentists in the world to make this look right. The fact that he is suggesting Lumineers makes me think he is not one of them. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers that is highly marketed to being inexperienced dentists.

For smaller tooth gaps, a dentist would use dental bonding to close the gap, but again, the size of your tooth gap precludes that from being a good suggestion as well. I have a better solution for you.

Closing Your Gap without Tradtional Braces

In your case, you would actually want to close the gap. These days you can do that without traditional braces. I am going to suggest you use Invisalign. These use clear aligners to straighten your teeth. No one will know you are wearing them, even at a converstational distance. In addition to being more attractive than braces, they are more comfortable as well.

Additionally, they have a hidden benefit as well. The alingers can double as teeth whitening trays, so if you were interested in whitening your teeth, the only thing your dentist would have to provide is the gel. This will save you a substantial amount of money in getting a second procedure. By the end, you will have a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the price.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Could my teeth be the reason I’m hopelessly single?

Posted on November 30, 2013 by niceteeth.

Hi,

I’m a woman in her early 30’s and have been on many, many first dates. My dates and I always seem to have a great time. We often have many things in common and most of the date is spent laughing. But when it comes time for a second date — nothing happens. I know I’m a decent looking woman, but I’ve always felt self-conscious about my crooked teeth. I think if I straighten them, I will feel more confident about my look. But the idea of braces at my age seems implausible. Plus wearing big, metal braces would definitely NOT help my dating status! Is there an alternative to getting braces that could help straighten my teeth?

Thanks,

Lisa, from Chicago, IL

Lisa,

You know how the saying goes: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So while looks aren’t everything, one of the first things people notice about you is your smile. A recent survey from Match.com found that the number one thing dates look for in a possible date is a good smile.

Good news! There is certainly an alternative to the traditional “big, metal” braces and it’s called Invisalign. Invisalign are a set of clear aligners that shift your teeth into the proper position in less time than traditional braces, usually in about six to twelve months. And guess what? Most people won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing them. So you can actively date and straighten your teeth at the same time.

Find a good cosmetic dentist who specializes in Invisalign. Every mouth is different — only your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for these aligners and for how long you should wear them.

Your dentist can help correct your teeth problem, but if there’s another reason for your dating woes, your dentist won’t be much help with that. But I have a feeling having straight teeth will give you new confidence and will make a huge difference. Good luck!

This blog is sponsored by Buffalo dentist Warren M. Krutchick, DDS.