How Often Will an Orthodontist Switch Out My Clear Aligners?

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If you’re thinking about getting clear aligners, it helps to know how often you’ll need to switch them out. Here, we’ll look at how Invisalign in North Overland Park, KS works, and when you’ll need to see the orthodontist.

Switching Out the Trays

There are two reasons you’ll switch out your clear aligner trays:

  • They’ve reached the end of their cycle. Clear aligner trays will only last for a week or two, so you’ll need to change them out accordingly. If you’re changing them out at home, you’ll typically replace them with a carbon copy of the previous tray.
  • Your orthodontist is changing out the set. As your teeth and jaw align, an orthodontist in North Overland Park, KS will update your set.

How Many Times Will I See My Orthodontist?

Usually, you’ll see the orthodontist once every six to eight weeks for as long as the treatment lasts. (Treatments can last anywhere from six months to two years.) Overall, these appointments are straightforward sessions that shouldn’t take too much time out of a busy schedule.

How Long Should I Wear the Trays?

For best results, you should wear the trays as many hours per day as possible, removing them only while you’re actively eating. This can help you shorten your treatment time, so you can get your new smile that much faster.

If you have questions about how precisely long your trays will last, how many times you’ll see an orthodontist, and how many months you can expect the treatment to take, the only way to get the answers is to get a custom evaluation. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our team can help you learn more about straightening your teeth and jaw, so you can get started.

3 Reasons You Might Choose Braces Over Invisalign

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If you’re looking to fix a misalignment, whether it’s your teeth or jaw, you may wonder why you would choose braces over Invisalign. After all, Invisalign is not only more convenient, it’s also virtually invisible. However, there’s more to these treatments than meets the eye. Here, we’ll look at when you might choose braces, and how an orthodontist in Shawnee, KS can help you make the right decision.

1. Your Misalignment Is Severe

The more your jaw or teeth are out of order, the less likely it is that Invisalign will work. Braces are still available to patients because they’re more forceful than clear aligners, which were designed for milder cases.

2. Faster Treatments

Braces in Shawnee, KS can sometimes work faster because they apply more pressure to your teeth. This makes them more suitable if you need to make bigger movements to correct the alignments.

3. They’re a Permanent Solution

Invisalign is one of the most convenient ways to give a patient the smile of their dreams, but that doesn’t mean that orthodontists don’t see compliance issues. Invisalign needs to be worn, ideally, around 22 hours a day, and not everyone remembers to pop the trays back in after each and every time they eat, brush their teeth, etc. Braces may come with their own headaches, especially if you love things like gum or popcorn, but at least the patient doesn’t have to remember to put them back on.

At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our team is adept at knowing when to recommend one treatment over another, taking into account everything from the patient’s lifestyle to their expectations. If you want to learn more about what’s right for you (or your child), now is a good time to schedule a consultation.

Clear Braces vs. Clear Aligners: What to Know

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Clear aligners may sometimes be referred to as clear braces, though it’s important to know that the two treatments are technically different. Here, we’ll look at how they both work, and which one is right for you.

Clear Braces

Clear braces refers to braces with clear brackets, meaning they’re less noticeable to the naked eye. They still have all of the other hallmarks of braces, they’re just less conspicuous. As a general rule, if you can keep up with standard hygiene, your clear braces are likely to stay clear as time goes by. However, if you don’t limit your acidic or dark-colored foods (e.g., blueberries, coffee, etc.) — or at least rinse after ingestion — then your clear braces may discolor over time.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like Invisalign in Shawnee, KS, are custom-made trays that fit over your mouth. Virtually undetectable to the naked eye, they’re an excellent choice for eligible patients who don’t want to deal with wires and the brackets.

Clear aligners are also preferred by many people because they can be taken out when you’re eating, so the wearer doesn’t have to worry about food particles getting stuck in the brackets. They’re also generally considered more comfortable to wear, and easier to get used to.

Which One Is Right for You?

Most people will choose clear aligners if they can, though not everyone will be eligible for them. If you have a more severe alignment issue, you may only be able to use clear braces to fix it. If you have questions about clear aligners or clear braces, the staff at Bulleigh Orthodontics can help you learn more about your options. With the right orthodontist by your side, it’s easier to make even the biggest decisions about your oral health!

What to Expect If You Choose Invisalign Treatment for Your Teeth 

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Have you decided to do something about having crooked teeth? If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, and you’ve chosen this as your treatment, knowing what to expect helps things go smoothly. Our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics provide the following info on how this treatment process works.

3D Scans or Impressions for Custom Aligners

We’ll need images of your teeth to create aligners that offer the right fit. This involves taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth.

Preparing Your Teeth and Gums for Treatment

If you have any oral health issues, we’ll need to address them before you start wearing your aligners. That means having tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems treated.

First Visit to Receive Aligners

We’ll have you come in to pick up your aligner sets. During this visit, we’ll show you how to put them in and take them out. You’ll also receive detailed instructions on your aligners, like how to clean them and how long to wear them each day.

Follow-Up Visits During Treatment

Our orthodontic team will need to check your progress as you go through treatment. That means coming in for appointments every so often, such as every couple of months or as often as recommended.

Retainers to Maintain Results

When you’re done with your aligners, we’ll provide retainers to wear for several more weeks or months. These help keep your teeth in their new positions.

Visit Our Orthodontists for Invisalign!

Are you planning to say goodbye to crooked teeth with help from aligners? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign in Overland Park and Shawnee, KS. Our orthodontic team can provide more detailed info on what you can expect before, during, and after your treatment.

Top 5 Myths About Using Invisalign to Improve Your Smile 

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Do you want straighter teeth, but aren’t sure about choosing Invisalign? You may have seen or heard some misconceptions about this type of treatment. Our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics offer Invisalign as a great option for correcting bite issues and straightening teeth. We’ll explore a few common myths about this orthodontic treatment.

Myth: It’s Only for Minor Problems

Invisalign isn’t just for slight issues with your teeth or bite. It’s effective for correcting moderate problems, too, such as underbites and overbites.

Myth: You Have to Watch What You Eat During Treatment

No, there aren’t strict food restrictions as there are with braces. But we do recommend removing your aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water.

Myth: You Have to Wear Them All the Time

You don’t have to keep your aligners in around the clock, but you do need to wear them between 20 and 22 hours each day. This helps ensure that they work effectively.

Myth: It’s Uncomfortable

Wearing Invisalign trays takes some getting used to at first. Since these trays are custom-made for your mouth, they become comfortable to wear as you adjust. They’re also smoother than braces.

Myth: It Takes a Longer Time Than Braces

Invisalign treatment times may vary, but they generally take less time than metal braces. More complex cases may require longer treatment times.

Schedule an Appointment for Invisalign Today!

Are you ready to take your next step toward straightening your teeth? Our orthodontic team at Bulleigh Orthodontics offers Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS. We can evaluate your teeth to see if Invisalign offers the most effective treatment for a healthier smile!

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take to Straighten Teeth?

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Do you have crooked teeth that make smiling in front of others uncomfortable? Rather than hiding your smile, consider Invisalign treatment for straighter teeth. Our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics can fit you with custom aligners that shift your teeth gradually. Let’s go over how long this treatment approach may take to work!

Type of Invisalign

The kind you get affects how long it takes to work. Invisalign Go for slight flaws may only take a few months, while traditional Invisalign can take up to 18 months to complete.

Severity of Bite or Tooth Problems

More severe issues take a longer time to fix. Invisalign might only take a few months to a year if you have minor flaws, but severe problems can take up to 18 months to correct.

How Often Aligners Are Worn

Invisalign has to be worn between 20 and 22 hours every day. If you don’t wear them this often, treatment will take a longer time overall.

Aligner Condition

Keeping your aligners in good shape helps ensure that they work effectively. Removing them before eating and keeping them clean are important parts of maintaining them and preventing damage.

New Aligner Sets

Coming in for updated aligner sets as scheduled helps keep treatment progressing. Delaying or skipping these visits leads to longer treatment times. Invisalign involves wearing different sets as your teeth change position.

Visit Our Orthodontists for an Invisalign Consultation!

Are you eager to finally have straight teeth and a smile you’re happy to show off? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontic team offers Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, to help you achieve those results in weeks or months!

 Is Invisalign the Right Orthodontic Treatment Option for Your Teeth?

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Have you been exploring ways to correct crooked teeth? You might have come across Invisalign as an option. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, provide this treatment if you’re deemed a good candidate. Let’s go over how to know if Invisalign is the most suitable solution for your teeth.

How Severe Is Your Orthodontic Problem?

Do you have a mild or moderate bite issue or crooked teeth? Invisalign can treat these kinds of problems. If you have a more severe issue, though, we may need to discuss other treatment approaches with you, such as braces.

Are You Willing to Wear Aligners Most of the Day?

You’ll need to keep your aligners on your teeth for a minimum of 20 hours a day during treatment. That’s a big commitment, but keep in mind that you can remove them for short periods of time, such as when you’re going to eat or brush your teeth.

How Quickly Do You Want Straighter Teeth?

You can’t rush this type of treatment in general, but Invisalign typically takes a shorter amount of time than braces. It can take a couple of years for braces to straighten teeth, while aligners may work within several months.

Do You Want Fewer Appointments?

Invisalign is a great option when you want to keep the number of orthodontic visits down. You’ll need to see us every so often to get new aligners, but this treatment involves fewer visits overall.

Schedule an Appointment to See if Invisalign Is Right for You!

Wondering if you should go with this treatment for your teeth? Our orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics can help you decide. We offer Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, for patients who are suitable candidates for this orthodontic solution.

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How to Properly Remove Your Invisalign Dental Aligners

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If you have Invisalign dental aligners, you will need to know how to remove them properly; otherwise, you risk damaging your aligners or your teeth. And, if you don’t remove them properly, you will probably experience some unnecessary pain as well. So, let’s go over exactly what you should and shouldn’t do when removing your Invisalign dental aligners in Overland Park, KS.

How to Properly Remove Your Invisalign Dental Aligners

Your Invisalign dental aligners need to be removed before you eat or drink anything other than water. And they must be worn while you sleep.

Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS, will show you how to remove your Invisalign dental aligners properly. But until then, here are the steps to remove them safely and painlessly.

  • Removing Your Upper Invisalign Dental Aligner

You will start at the top left or right molar, which is the last molar at the back of your mouth.

You will take your thumb or index finger and put it on the tongue side of your molar. Then, you will gently move the aligner by pushing it down and away from your teeth. You will then repeat this on the other side of your mouth. If the aligner is still in place, use your fingernail or an Invisalign removal tool to move it down the rest of the way.

  • Removing Your Lower Invisalign Dental Aligner

Removing your lower Invisalign aligner uses the same process as the upper aligner, except you place your thumb or index finger on the outside of your molar (cheek side) instead of the tongue side.

NOTE: You should never remove your Invisalign dental aligners by peeling them off from one side to the other. This could damage the trays and your teeth.

Contact a Reputable Orthodontist in Overland Park, KS

Please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today if you want to get Invisalign dental aligners or have concerns or questions about the ones you already have. We have a team of professionals who truly care about your oral health and will do everything possible to help you preserve it.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

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Most people know what Invisalign dental aligners are but don’t realize they have attachments that give them an edge (when needed). Not everyone will need to use the attachments with their Invisalign dental aligners. Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS, will let you know if you would benefit from them.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are custom-made buttons strategically placed and bonded to your teeth. Their purpose is to help guide the movement of your teeth.

Basic Invisalign treatments might not need the attachments. However, some Invisalign plans will recommend or require them, especially when more advanced and complex movements are necessary.

How Do Invisalign Attachments Work?

Since your teeth are smooth, the Invisalign attachments help the aligners grip your teeth and move them in the desired direction. The attachments might remain on your teeth for several months or throughout the entire treatment.

Are Invisalign Attachments Invisible?

Invisalign attachments look like little white bumps on your teeth. However, when wearing the aligner trays, they won’t be visible. So, you don’t have to worry; your Invisalign dental aligners in Overland Park, KS, will cover the attachments so they can’t be seen.

How Are the Invisalign Attachments Secured in Place?

Invisalign attachments are secured using a non-toxic dental glue applied to the tooth’s surface, and they don’t damage your teeth when removed.

How Are the Invisalign Attachments Removed?

Your orthodontist will use a special dental tool to gently scrape away the bonded material from your teeth. The orthodontist will then polish the tooth’s surface to remove any remaining composite residue.

Contact a Reputable Orthodontist in Overland Park, KS

If you are ready to get your Invisalign dental aligners or want a little more information first, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today. We have a team of Invisalign experts who love creating beautiful smiles!

What to Do If You’re Not Eligible for Clear Aligners

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If you had your heart set on clear aligners, it can be hard to hear that you’re not eligible for them. Typically, dentists deny people with more severe misalignments, as clear aligners work best for people with mild to moderate disorders. Below, we’ll look at what you can do if denied and why it may not be as bad as you think. 

Don’t Delay

The first thing that you should do is not delay your treatment. If your orthodontist in Shawnee, KS wants you to wear orthodontia, they wish to correct disorders that could one day threaten your long-term oral health. Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the sooner that day might come. While putting off finding a new solution can be easy, it’s important not to ignore the problem. 

Look for Alternatives

If you think all braces besides clear aligners are visible, you may want to think again. Some people opt for lingual braces, which are worn on the back of the teeth rather than the front. These versatile appliances are perfect for people with severe misalignments who want to smile without hesitating. While these braces are harder to clean, they are a viable alternative if you’d rather people not know you were wearing them. 

Find the Right Team in Shawnee

It’s not easy to have your plans derailed, especially if you were a heartbeat away from signing on the line with clear aligners. No matter what type of orthodontia you need, this is a significant investment in your oral health. If you’re at a loss on the next steps, contact Bulleigh Orthodontics to work with experienced orthodontists in Shawnee, KS.