Different Types of Dental Implants and Their Uses

As dental care continues to evolve, the realm of dental implants has expanded, offering an array of options tailored to individual needs. Among the forefront advancements in dentistry, the diverse types of dental implants stand out for their efficacy in restoring smiles and oral functionality In Grande Prairie, the availability of these implants transforms the landscape of dental care, providing innovative solutions to various dental concerns.

Understanding the Different Types of Dental Implants:

1. 1. Endosteal Implants: These are the most commonly used dental implants, directly inserted into the jawbone. Typically made of titanium, they provide a sturdy base for mounting individual or multiple artificial teeth.

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3. 2. Subperiosteal Implants: Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum line. These are recommended for patients with minimal bone height or those unable to undergo procedures for bone augmentation.

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5. 3. Zygomatic Implants: Utilized in cases where there's insufficient jawbone for traditional implants, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). This alternative approach bypasses the need for bone grafting.

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7. 4. All-on-4 Implants: This revolutionary technique enables the attachment of an entire arch of teeth using only four implants. It's a game-changer for those seeking a full set of teeth without the complexity of individual implant placements.

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9. 5. Mini Dental Implants: Smaller in size compared to traditional implants, these are used to stabilize dentures, especially in cases where there's limited space or bone density.

Applications and Uses in Grande Prairie:

For residents seeking dental implant in Grande Prairie, the varied options offer tailored approaches to diverse dental issues:

• 1. Single Tooth Replacement: Whether it's due to injury or decay, a single missing tooth can be seamlessly replaced using endosteal or subperiosteal implants, restoring both function and aesthetics.

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• 2. Multiple Teeth Replacement: Individuals missing several teeth can benefit from implant-supported bridges or All-on-4 implants, eliminating gaps and restoring a natural-looking smile.

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• 3. Full Mouth Restoration: Complete tooth loss can be daunting, but with zygomatic implants or All-on-4 techniques, patients regain the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

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• 4. Stabilizing Dentures: Mini dental implants play a pivotal role in stabilizing dentures, providing enhanced comfort and functionality for denture wearers.

In Grande Prairie, accessing these innovative dental implant options is facilitated by skilled dentists specializing in implantology. These professionals meticulously evaluate individual cases, offering personalized solutions that cater to specific needs and preferences.

Concluding Thoughts:

Dental implants, with their diverse types and versatile applications, have revolutionized modern dentist in Grande Prairie, individuals seeking to restore their smiles and oral functionality have a spectrum of options available. From single tooth replacements to full mouth restorations, the expertise of local dentists combined with these advanced implant technologies ensures a brighter, more confident future for dental patients in the region.

For anyone considering dental implants in Grande Prairie, consulting with experienced dentists near you is the first step toward a transformed smile and improved quality of life.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

Cosmetic Dentistry for Improving Your Life Quality

Studies show that a beautiful and healthy smile impacts your self-esteem. It is no surprise that people with appealing teeth have strong self-confidence and develop better social interactions. Also, they have a higher chance of getting a job where public interaction occurs.

On the contrary, crooked or discolored teeth lower self-esteem. Nobody likes dark and rotated teeth. It is no coincidence the bad guy in the movies always has ugly teeth.

So, what to do if you are unlucky and have bad teeth? You may look for cosmetic dentistry near you!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the field that includes all dental procedures that enhance smiles.

Among these, you may find a wide range of treatments, such as:

• Porcelain or composite dental veneers,
• Teeth whitening,
• Dental crowns and bridges,
• Clear braces,
• Dental fillings or bonding.

Our specialist in cosmetic dentistry in Grande Prairie will discuss the most common ones below. 

The Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Teeth Whitening

Ah, who does not want white teeth? Teeth whitening is an excellent way to remove extrinsic stains from your dentition. Extrinsic ones are on the surface, like those derived from pigmented foods and drinks or extended use of Chlorhexidine. 

The procedure requires a single appointment if you undergo it in a dental office. For better results, we recommend an in-office system. The dose is higher (37%) and penetrates better. At-home systems have a 3$ to 10% concentration.

First, the dentist will place a retractor to separate the lips from your dentition. They will add a resin over the gum line for protection and then the bleaching agent (since it is abrasive for the gums).

After acting for 25 minutes, the dentist will wash it and dry your teeth. Then, they will add another application for better results. Some dental professionals use a blue light to activate the bleaching product (hydrogen peroxide) and reduce the time; however, studies show no difference.

A desensitizing gel is necessary afterward to numb any sensitivity. If it is too much, you may take any over-the-counter painkiller.

Clear Braces

Clear braces consist of transparent trays that you wear for about two weeks each until your teeth are aligned. There are many brands, but our dentists use Invisalign because it is the most renowned (it came out over 30 years ago).

Your dentist will scan your mouth for 3D images of your teeth. After designing a treatment plan, they will provide you with many sets of aligners. You must wear them for the instructed time for the treatment to advance. With Invisalign, the orthodontic checkups are every two months approximately.

After the first two sets, the dentist will place small composite attachments in your teeth. With the aligners over these, the pressure will exert, and the movements will start. 

The estimated treatment time is two years, and patients tolerate it excellently (way better than conventional braces).

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be porcelain or resin. We recommend porcelain better because it lasts longer and is stain resistant.

For porcelain veneers, your dentist will file down a tiny amount of enamel; this way, they will make room for them (otherwise, the smile looks bulky). The dentist takes a mold of your teeth, and a dental technician creates them according to your preferences. You may mask discolorations, chips, gaps, and more. 

Once they are ready (in about two weeks), the doctor will cement them and check everything is okay.

As you can tell, cosmetic dentistry improves your smile. Not only does it make you look better, but you also feel more content. 

You may visit any dentist in Grande Prairie if these treatments interest you.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

The Five Steps To Straight Teeth Using Invisalign

Does it seem too good to be true? That you could finally achieve your goal of getting straighter teeth quickly, comfortably and discreetly with invisible aligners that you can remove to eat, brush and floss? Don’t pinch yourself. It’s all true. If you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign — something that your dentist will confirm — you don’t need to settle for the discomfort, inconvenience, and stigma of wearing traditional wire and metal braces. How does Invisalign work? Here’s an introduction to the five steps of Invisalign treatment.

Consulting and making a plan

This consultation step consists of a conversation and some investigations. The goal of the conversation will be to answer all your questions and to explain what to expect during treatment with Invisalign’s clear aligners near you. The investigation stage of the consultation is when we gather all the information needed to confirm you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Grande Prairie and to develop a treatment plan. Your dentist in Grande Prairie will capture images of your teeth to help us understand your current condition and to simulate your progress. They’ll also take digital impressions of your teeth that will be provided to Invisalign’s laboratory electronically.

Creating your Invisalign aligners

The image scans and digital impressions taken at our first appointment will be sent to Invisalign where technicians will prepare a draft treatment plan for your dentist to review. Before any aligners are manufactured, the dentist will review that treatment plan and make any modifications deemed appropriate based on your needs and goals. Once any modifications have been made, the dentist will authorize Invisalign’s professional technicians to make your set of aligners. Approximately three weeks later, that set of aligners will be sent to your dentist.

Providing your Invisalign aligners

The third step is an appointment with a dentist near you once your aligners are in hand. The appointment will end with you walking out the door with your first aligners, but there are a couple of other preparatory steps that need to be taken. First, many Invisalign treatment plans require the placement of attachment buttons on your teeth. Your aligners will connect to those buttons to attach to your teeth tighter and to produce pressure where required to achieve your goals.

In rare cases, the second step taken at this stage is Interproximal Reduction. That rather intimidating phrase simply describes the process of gently and painlessly sanding the sides of your teeth to make sure your aligners will fit smoothly and comfortably between them.

Wearing your aligners for 22 hours daily

This is probably the part you’re anticipating the most when you imagine Invisalign treatment with a dentist near you — wearing your aligners. Your treatment plan will be based on wearing your aligners for 22 hours daily and removing them only to eat, drink anything other than cool water, brush and floss. Every couple of weeks or so, you’ll switch to the next aligner in sequence. Every few weeks, you’ll return to your dentist in Grande Prairie for a follow-up appointment to confirm all is going as expected.

Refining your results

Once you’ve completed your treatment plan, your dentist will review the position of your teeth. In some cases, your dentist will recommend some refinements and, if necessary, will requisition refiner trays from Invisalign near you. If not, or once the refinements are completed, your dentist will remove your attachment and recommend that you wear a retainer at night on an ongoing basis. Wearing a retainer will prevent your teeth from shifting out of their new positions. After all, you’ve worked hard for your new smile and will want to keep it.

If you have questions that haven’t been addressed here, get in touch with a dentist near you to get all the information you need to decide if Invisalign treatment may be right for you.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

Why Not To Ignore Signs You May Need A Root Canal

Dentists in Grande Prairie completely understand that no Albertan is eager to think or talk about root canal therapy, never mind actually undergoing root canal procedures. By the same token, we also know that Albertans don’t want to have to put up with the symptoms and risks of serious tooth infections any longer than absolutely necessary. Waiting too long may put your health at risk and ultimately require the extraction of your tooth. Undergoing a timely root canal procedure, though, might save that tooth. Here’s what you need to know about root canals, how they save teeth from preventable extractions and how wrong and outdated so many things that you’ve heard about root canal procedures actually are. 

The truth about modern root canal therapy in Grande Prairie is that it is a painless procedure that eliminates the pain and other symptoms of serious tooth infections. Root canals also save teeth from being extracted unnecessarily, and eliminate the need to replace extracted teeth dentures or implants.

What will happen during a root canal?

During root canal therapy in Grande Prairie, a dentist near you will access your infected tooth through a tiny opening, extract any and all infected tissue, clean the interior of your tooth, and seal your tooth to prevent it from becoming reinfected.  If you carefully follow your dentist’s after-care instructions and commit to daily oral care habits,  your treated tooth will have full ongoing dental function once a crown has been placed on your infection-free tooth. 

Delaying root canal therapy or rejecting a recommendation by a dentist in Grande Prairie exposes you to serious complications and ongoing symptoms. Doing so places your comfort and health at unnecessary risk. 

What will happen if you ignore the need for a root canal?

You’ll lose your tooth

The primary goals of root canal therapy in Grande Prairie are to stop and remove infection, and to prevent unnecessary tooth extractions. If you ignore the need for root canal or a recommendation to undergo root canal treatment to eliminate that progressing infection, you’ll eventually lose that tooth. The consequences of tooth loss can be serious, and will ultimately require replacement via dentures or some form of implant. 

The infection will get worse

Tooth infection serious enough to warrant a recommendation to undergo root canal therapy will not spontaneously stop on its own. Rather, that tooth infection may progress to affect the roots and interior of neighbouring teeth. Delay will not bring about relief, but only lead to expanded infection and more invasive procedures to stop it when it becomes too serious to ignore. 

The infection will spread throughout your body 

As if spreading infection in your mouth, teeth, roots, and gums are not serious enough, ignoring the need for root canal therapy near you will leave the infection room to spread throughout your body via the bloodstream. Numerous studies have established a correlation between degrading oral health — such as rampant and unresolved infection — and increased risk of inflammation, heart problems, and even strokes. 

Your future dental treatment will become complicated

The spread of infection caused by avoiding or delaying root canal treatment will make the ultimately inevitable procedure more complicated that it might otherwise have been. Delayed treatment may involve further teeth and the need for more invasive procedures. 

Your pain will persist

While tooth infection requiring root canal treatment does not cause pain in every instance, root canal therapy instantly eases any pressure, inflammation, and pain you may be experiencing. Ignoring a recommendation to undergo a root canal will only prolong your pain unnecessarily. 

Are you worried about undergoing the root canal treatment recommended by your dentist? Eliminating infection is important to preserving your health, but we understand that the prospect of a root canal can be worrisome. Rather than ignoring a recommendation or delaying treatment, contact a dentist in Grande Prairie and give them a chance to answer every question you have, and to explain the steps they can take to make the procedure and recovery as comfortable as possible.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

What is Dental Laser Therapy?

Lasers are popularizing in the dental field because they reduce dental anxiety in many patients.

Dental anxiety is when an individual is too scared of anything related to the dental atmosphere – the dental professional, the procedures, the dental office, and cannot keep calm during the appointment.

Sometimes, the fear is so big that they need laser dentistry. It consists of sedating the patient so they can relax before and during the dental procedure.

Now, you may be thinking – How does laser dentistry help anxious patients? Keep reading because our laser dentist in Grande Prairie will tell you all about it.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Dental laser therapy in Grande Prairie consists of using a beam of light to remove soft or hard tissues in the mouth. You should know that the American Dental Association (ADA) hasn’t approved any dental lasers yet as a replacement for the traditional methods but acknowledge that they are promising in the industry.

The FDA (Foods and Drugs Administration) has approved the use of many laser systems in dentistry, so it is safe to say that if a trained dentist near you uses them to perform dental procedures, the results will be successful.

Laser Dentistry in Anxious Patients

Heading back to dental anxiety, dental laser therapy near you is excellent for patients who suffer from it because it doesn’t produce odd sounds, such as dental drills. Your doctor can perform many dental procedures with lasers, avoiding using noisy instruments,

Indications of Laser Dentistry

Your doctor may perform the following dental procedures with laser dentistry:

- Detecting tooth decay – Your dental professional will use a beam of light to detect the exact location of tooth decay, its shape, and size.

- Removing tooth decay – Lasers can remove decayed tissue and prepare the tooth Surface for a dental filling,

- Biopsies – Your doctor can remove lesions and tissues for a biopsy.

- Periodontal disease – If you have an excess of gum tissue, your doctor can remove it with a soft-tissue laser. They can also remove tartar buildup from the tooth and roots.

- Teeth whitening – If you want to bleach your teeth, your dental professional will apply a bleaching solution (carbamide or peroxide hydrogen) on their front part. Lasers activate this product, speeding the process and delivering excellent results.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Using a laser in dental procedures comes with many benefits, such as:

• They reduce the amount of local anesthetic. Needed
• They reduce dental anxiety if the procedure can be performed with laser only (and not any dental drills).
• They sterilize the tissue while they cut it, which also reduces the risk of infection.
• They may eliminate the need for sutures after dental surgery since they seal the surgical area.
• They are more conservative, so your doctor will preserve more dental structure.
• They reduce the time of a dental appointment.

If you made it this far, now you know about all the benefits; nevertheless, laser dentistry has some drawbacks:

• If you already have a filling, your dentist cannot repair it with a laser.
• Your dentist cannot use laser dentistry to prepare a tooth for a dental crown.
• They may reduce the amount of anesthetic, but it doesn’t eliminate its need.
• They are very expensive. If your budget is limited, we suggest opting for the standard methods. Laser dentistry may cost thousands of dollars for the placing of a dental filling.

If you have any other questions regarding laser dentistry or another dental topic, you may contact our dental offices. We have a team of experts who look forward to helping you improve your smile. 

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

How to Care for Your Dentures

Studies show that an edentulous individual can suffer from depression. It is because people with no teeth cause the wrong impression in others.

Think about the times when you see a person with no teeth. You probably think that it is an irresponsible individual, not disciplined, and doesn’t care for themselves.

When the world has this picture of you, it is hard to build high self-esteem. People missing many teeth tend to have low confidence in themselves and feel embarrassed when interacting with others.

Luckily, our prosthodontics dentist in Grande Prairie offers a wide range of options to replace missing teeth. In this blog, we will discuss dentures near you.

What are Dentures?

Dentures in Grande Prairie are dental devices that consist of fake teeth with a pink base (resembling the gums). There are many types of dentures.

Types of Dentures

Dentures can be complete, partial, temporary, and supported by implants.

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, as their name suggests, replace all the dental pieces of a person. It is perfect for fully edentulous people. Dentures are held in their correct position by suction. A proper seal is essential, so a prosthodontics dentist near you needs to take an excellent mold of your mouth.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures consist of some fake teeth and metallic parts that clasp onto your remaining dental pieces. They are perfect for people who still have some teeth in good condition and want to replace the missing ones.

3. Temporary Dentures

After your dental professional takes the mold of your teeth and sends it to a dental laboratory, he or she will place temporary dentures so you can go home with your teeth. 

4.  Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are popularizing because they are over dental implants. Your dental professional will place dental implants inside your jawbone and install the dentures on top. Because of this, they will not be removable, unlike the other types.

Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures may last up to 10 years with proper care. To maintain them in excellent condition, we recommend the following:

• Rinse them after meals – After you eat, you must remove your dentures and rinse them with water (not too hot because you may bend them out of shape) to eliminate the food debris.
• Don’t bend them – Be careful when handling them and cleaning them. 
• Brush your teeth after removing them – If you don’t have any teeth, clean your gums, tongue, and palate using a wet gauze. Your dentist might advise you to use a specific mouthwash. If you have teeth, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
• Brush your dentures – At least once a day, remove your dentures and brush them carefully with a different toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth). You may brush them with a dentures cleaning solution or with a mild soap.
• Soak them during bedtime – Since you must remove them before bedtime to give your mouth a break, it is the perfect time to soak them either in water or in dentures cleaning solution (the idea is keeping the moisture, so they maintain their shape).
• Keep up with your dental checkups – Your doctor will monitor your oral health and check on your dentures to determine if they fit correctly and are in good condition. Your dentures should never loosen since it irritates your mouth and can lead to an infection.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our dental clinic. We have a team of caring prosthodontists who look forward to helping you improve your smile. 

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

How to Manage Sleep Bruxism and Sleep Apnea

How are you sleeping these days? While we hope you’re sleeping well and waking feeling refreshed and ready to face the day, we’re asking a slightly different question. How are you sleeping these days? Maybe it’s not a fair question. Here’s a tip. If you sleep with a partner, ask them.

Ask them if they’ve ever noticed that you stop breathing as you sleep, or if they think you’re grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. As many 5,400,000Canadians suffer from sleep apnea that causes them to intermittently stop breathing. Approximately eight percent of Canadian adults and 14% of Canadian kids experience sleep bruxism, a condition where you clench your jaw and grind your teeth. Many, many of those Canadians with sleep apnea and sleep bruxism don’t even realize they have these conditions until it’s pointed out to them by a sleeping partner or until the mystifying (to them) symptoms become so debilitating that they mention them to a doctor or dentist.

Symptoms of sleep apnea and sleep bruxism in adults

Sleep Apnea Symptoms    Sleep Bruxism Symptoms Loud snoring Waking with headaches Tiredness even after a full night of sleep Waking with earaches Waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache Waking with tired and tight jaw muscles Waking up suddenly with shortness of breath or gasping Increasingly sensitive teeth Waking up often to urinate Damaged fillings, crowns, and bridges Problems with sustaining concentration and with your memory   Increased irritability and moodiness

Untreated and persistent sleep apnea can contribute to serious health consequences that include diabetes, acid reflux, immune system dysfunction, mental health and emotional issues, memory loss, and even an increased risk of suffering strokes and heart failure.

Sleep bruxism, too, can cause problems beyond tired and painful teeth, jaw, face, and neck. The issues that contribute to sleep bruxism can also contribute to debilitating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction  and cause significant damage to your teeth and dental work that may require significant treatment and expense to address.

Your dentist can provide and support sleep bruxism and sleep apnea treatment in Grande Prairie by screening you for the conditions, by providing mouth guards to align your teeth and jaw to allow you to breathe properly and to protect your teeth as you sleep, and even by modifying the biting surfaces of your teeth to prevent both conditions or to minimize symptoms. If those treatments aren’t effective, a dentist near you can refer you to specialists for additional sleep bruxism and sleep apnea treatment near you.

Tips for alleviating the symptoms of sleep bruxism and sleep apnea

• Explore and adopt stress reduction techniques — meditation and yoga are two common options — especially before sleeping
• If you’re overweight, lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight since obesity increases the risk of airway obstruction
• Limit your consumption of alcohol, since alcohol relaxes your throat muscles and contributes to snoring and interrupted sleep. Alcohol also contributes to inflammation of your airways that can block airflow
• Quit smoking, since tobacco contributes like alcohol to inflammation in your throat
• Avoid sleep on your back, since doing so tends to relax your throat muscles to allow airway obstruction and can even let your tongue fall back into your throat
• Use a humidifier in dry climates and times of the year
• Avoid screen use for an hour before going to bed, and avoid eating for two the three hours before going to bed
• Exercise daily
• Keep your bedroom dark and cool
• Try to establish and maintain a consistent sleeping routine, including going to bed and getting up at approximately the same time daily

While sleep apnea and sleep bruxism may not seem like issues a dentist would be concerned about, they really are. You should always tell your dentist about any symptoms affecting your sleep, breathing, head, face, neck, throat, and shoulders. Your dentist will investigate any potential health issues and ensure you receive the treatment and support you need to get and stay healthy.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

Reasons to Get Invisalign – Don’t Wait!

Have you been considering getting Invisalign, but can’t make up your mind? Are you nervous about the fit or the functionality of Invisalign? Over the years, a dental breakthrough has paved the way for Invisalign to be a great alternative to Traditional Braces. One does not have to put up with the hassle of metal wires and elastic brackets, or food being lodged in the braces and between teeth. Invisalign is almost invisible, easy to remove, and fairly simple to maintain and clean. So, if you are considering getting Invisalign, here are five great reasons for you to go ahead and visit a dentist near you for it!

Treatment Time is Less

When compared to Traditional Braces, when you receive Invisalign near you it usually takes a lesser time to straighten your teeth. This is directly dependent on the extent of misalignment in your teeth. The treatment time is based on the extent of repair required for your teeth. The average time is around 12 months as compared to Traditional Braces which is roughly a two-year course of treatment.

The Cost of Treatment

Dental and Orthodontic treatments can be costly on the pocket. However, the cost of Invisalign when compared to Traditional Metal Braces are in the same ballpark. Furthermore, if your insurance plan covers dental and orthodontic costs – Invisalign treatment is usually the same cost as Traditional Braces.

Invisalign Trays are Removable

This is one of the major benefits of getting Invisalign. This not only makes maintaining oral hygiene easier, but the risk of developing gum problems or cavities is also lowered. The removable trays also allow for no major restrictions on food and drink consumption. You may eat hard, sticky or crunchy foods without worrying about the food particles being lodged between the trays and your teeth. You can simply remove the trays before you eat or drink.

Invisalign Trays are Comfortable

When you use Traditional Braces the metal wires and brackets tend to cause soreness in the mouth constantly. It also irritates the tongue, cheeks, and lips due to the sharpness of the brackets. With Invisalign, there is no irritation in the mouth or problem of soreness as the trays are made from BPA free plastic which is soft and comfortable.

Invisalign is Almost Invisible

Another one of the major benefits of Invisalign, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible and are very discreet when it is in your mouth. Several adults today prefer Invisalign to correct crooked or misaligned teeth with Invisalign because Invisalign is virtually invisible. Whereas with Traditional Braces, it would make the individual more conscious when they would smile or open their mouths to speak. The invisible aligners of Invisalign help boost the confidence of the individual to speak and smile with no hesitation.

Invisalign has proven to show 96 percent satisfaction in people, with the only regret being why they didn’t get it sooner. With such great benefits, why wait? For Invisalign in Grande Prairie, visit a dental clinic near you today! A dentist in Grande Prairie is happy to help you with all the information you need to make your decision.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada

Facts About Orthodontics

It is safe to say that all people want straight teeth. Aligned and bright teeth increase your self-esteem and make you more confident to interact with other people; however, some patients are not sure to undergo orthodontics in Grande Prairie because they don’t know what to expect of it.

In this blog, our orthodontic dentist in Grande Prairie will tell you some facts about orthodontic treatment.

If you are looking for orthodontics near you, here’s what you should know:

Grown Adults Can Undergo Orthodontic Treatment

When you think about orthodontics, you may think about the teenagers and young kids with metallic braces; however, there is no age limit for undergoing orthodontic treatment, and there are many options available for adults. There are ceramic braces, which are more cosmetic than metallic ones, and clear braces for people that value aesthetics too much.

Invisalign is a system of nearly invisible clear plastic braces, and you wear them for about two weeks each until your teeth are in the right position.

It is Not Painful

There is a misconception that orthodontics is very painful. You may experience some discomfort, but it will only be during the first 48 hours after each orthodontic checkup since your dental professional will adjust the appliance to exert pressure and move your teeth. 

If the discomfort is too severe, you may take any over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate it.

One of the benefits of clear braces is that they don’t cause so much discomfort; also, they don’t involve wires or metallic appliances that may harm your gums.

It Will Increase your Self-Confidence

After you finish your orthodontic treatment, your smile will improve, and you will experience a boost in your self-esteem. When you show an attractive smile, you stop feeling self-conscious about it and feel more confident to express yourself.

A bright smile has a psychological impact, and people feel more content when they have one.

You Are Not the Only One With Crooked Teeth

The majority of people have always had crooked teeth; hence, don’t feel bad if you do! Most of our patients visit our orthodontic dentist looking for options to straighten their smiles. 

It Is a Fast Treatment

Think about it. It takes about two years to correct a smile, but you will be wearing it forever. One to two years is not that much time when you think about the long-lasting results. 

Also, nowadays, some systems make the treatment faster, such as Invisalign. The treatment time will also depend on how severely crooked your teeth are. If they are slightly misaligned, you may be ready in less than a year.

If your malocclusion is more serious, it may need 24 months to correct it but not five years, as many patients think.

Final Thoughts

Dentistry is not one-size-fits-all; hence, you may have a misalignment that is best to correct with conventional braces, such as rotated canines or premolars, or you may qualify for clear braces. Whatever your case is, there are many options to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Feel free to visit a dental clinic near you for a consultation visit to determine what method might be best for you, according to your wants and needs. If you value aesthetics and you can afford it, Invisalign might be an excellent option for you; however, if costs are a deciding factor, you may opt for conventional braces, which are less expensive.

There are also cosmetic options, such as ceramic braces, that are more low profile than metallic braces but don’t cost as much as Invisalign. It all depends on what you want, but all the options will achieve a beautiful smile.

Address: 10014 102 Ave Unit 201, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7, Canada