3 Myths About Invisalign

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If you want the benefits of straight teeth and a beautiful smile but you do not want the frustration of braces and brackets, Invisalign may be the right solution for you. At Cool Springs Orthodontics, we are pleased to be an Invisalign Orthodontist in Franklin TN. As we have worked with patients over the years, we have discovered several myths our patients believe about this treatment option. Here are some of these myths, and the truth about how this treatment works.

Invisalign Only Works for Simple Problems

This myth states that people who have mild problems can use Invisalign, but those with severe malocclusions and alignment problems need traditional graces. Invisalign can treat most orthodontic concerns. Through special attachments and devices, you can benefit from this nearly invisible treatment option, even if you have severe concerns.

Invisalign Requires Less Oral Hygiene

Even though you can remove Invisalign aligners, you still must brush and floss well when using them. Plaque buildup may be less of a struggle without brackets, but it can still happen. When it does, it can even stain the aligners, eliminating some of the benefits of Invisalign.

Invisalign is Only for Adults

While adults may be the more common market for Invisalign, the treatment is available for both adolescents and adults. Young patients may need more help remembering to wear their aligners, but the treatment works for people of most age groups.

If you are curious about learning whether you are a candidate for Invisalign, we are here to help. Reach out to our orthodontic team today to schedule a consultation to discuss your bite and whether Invisalign could help.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating with Traditional Metal Braces

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Are you thinking about, or have you just gotten braces? If so, you probably want to know what you can and can’t eat with your new braces, including what you should avoid altogether. Your orthodontist in Franklin, TN will tell you exactly what you should and shouldn’t do when you have braces. However, it helps to have this information in advance. So let’s talk about eating with braces.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating with Traditional Metal Braces

Here are some of the foods you should avoid altogether if you have traditional metal braces.

  • Popcorn

Popcorn kernels get stuck in your gums and the metal brackets must be removed to get them out.

  • Hard or Sticky Candy

Hard and sticky candies could cause the metal brackets to break and/or cause the wires to move, making your braces uncomfortable to wear.

  • Nuts

Just like hard candy, nuts are also hard and could cause the metal brackets to break off or the wires to bend.

  • Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob should never be eaten if you are wearing braces because it almost always results in bending the wires and causing the brackets to come off.

  • Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is sticky; therefore, it gets stuck in the wires and brackets causing them to dislodge.

Modifying Foods So They Can be Eaten If You Have Braces

There are some foods that can be modified so that you can still eat them if you have braces.

  • Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can be chopped up into smaller pieces, so they are easier to eat. It’s also recommended that when you eat them, you use your back teeth to chew.

  • Meats

Meat is extremely fibrous and can be hard to chew even without braces. Therefore, you should cook your meat in a way that softens it making it easier to chew. For example, using a slow cooker to cook your meat. Then you should cut it into small pieces, so it is easier to chew.

  • Cheeses

Cheese notoriously gets stuck in the space between the metal wires and your teeth. You can try cutting the cheese into small pieces and eating it that way while trying to avoid your braces.

Does Invisalign Work For Adults?

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Are you unhappy about crooked or misaligned teeth? Does your tooth alignment impact the way you talk or how you chew? Are you always biting the inside of your mouth, or do you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth? Invisalign may be the right tool for you – even if you’re an adult.

Many adults assume that if they did not address tooth misalignment problems in their youth it’s too late to get their teeth straightened. This is not the case! Invisalign is a great tool if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. Your orthodontist in Franklin, TN can help.

Can You Correct Tooth Alignment Problems In Adulthood?

Even in adulthood, tooth alignment problems can be corrected. Many adults get braces, but many others turn to Invisalign because they like the subtle appearance and easy functionality of Invisalign clear aligners.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

You may be a candidate for Invisalign if you have mild to moderate tooth alignment problems. You may also be a good candidate for Invisalign if your tooth alignment goals are cosmetic rather than structural.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign clear aligners are made from clear plastic. Each aligner is custom-made for your mouth. Aligners fit tight against your teeth and gently move them into the correct position. During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll be given a series of aligners, with each one in the series moving your teeth a little closer to the end goal.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign has many benefits that attract adult patients, including:

  • Subtle appearance. Invisalign is clear and difficult to see, even up close.
  • Easy to remove. Invisalign can be removed for meals and cleaning, so Invisalign aligners are easy to maintain. This also means that Invisalign won’t affect your diet like braces.

If you have misaligned teeth and want to correct the problem, Invisalign in Franklin, TN, can help. Adult patients can wear Invisalign to correct mild to moderate tooth alignment problems. The professionals at Cool Water Orthodontics can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you.

Things You Can Do To Take Care of Your Braces

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Taking care of your braces is important for the health of your teeth and gums. However, it can be challenging because braces can’t be removed from your teeth for cleaning or eating. When you get braces, your orthodontist in Franklin, TN, will advise you on maintenance. Below are four things you can do.

1. Avoid Hard, Crunchy or Sticky Foods

Hard, crunchy, sticky foods easily damage braces. In addition, sticky foods can stick to your braces, making cleaning them much more difficult later. Some things you should avoid eating while you have braces include:

  • Rolls and bread with a hard crust
  • Nuts
  • Ice
  • Raw, crunchy vegetables
  • Popcorn
  • Chewing gum
  • Bagels
  • Pizza crust
  • Hard or sticky candy
  • Hard crackers and chips

If possible, eat softer foods while you have braces. Cooked vegetables, yogurt, fruits, soups, soft cheese, casseroles, and sandwiches without the hard crust are all safe foods to eat while you have braces.

2. Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Use a non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste while you’re wearing braces. If you’re unsure which toothpastes are safe, talk to your dentist.

3. Use a Floss Threader to Floss

Flossing can be tough while you’re wearing braces. Fortunately, floss threaders can help with this. Purchase a floss threader to make flossing easier while you have braces, and floss daily.

4. Alert Your Orthodontist to Damage

If your braces become damaged while you’re wearing them, tell your orthodontist as soon as possible. If a wire is protruding and making you uncomfortable, you can use dental wax to cover the wire while you’re waiting to see the dentist.