Author: Amped-Marketing

Losing most or all of your natural teeth is not an enjoyable experience for anyone, and no one understands that like the team at Smith Dentalworks. Luckily, there are multiple ways to restore your previous smile or achieve one of your dreams. While conventional dentures used to be the only option for replacing missing teeth, other methods, such as implant-supported dentures, are rising in popularity. No matter which type better fits your lifestyle, educating yourself on each choice is crucial. Weigh the pros and cons of implant-supported and traditional dentures in our blog below to discover which method works best for you. 

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are the oral appliance that most people are familiar with. These dentures are crafted from an acrylic base attached to a set of either full or partial artificial teeth. They rest on the top of your gums and are removed at night to be cleaned. 

Pro – Affordable

One of the biggest advantages of conventional dentures is that they are affordable because they do not require oral surgery. If you are on a limited budget and need a cost-effective replacement for multiple teeth, this is a great option.

Pro – Easy to Care For

Another positive aspect of his method is that conventional dentures are easily cleaned. Since they are removable, you are not obstructed by your mouth or hand when brushing your teeth. You can also soak them in a solution overnight, cleaning and maintaining your dentures more thoroughly than brushing alone.

Con – Fit Can Change

A downside to the traditional method is that this oral appliance may need to be replaced every five to eight years. Bone loss over time affects the shape of your jaw and gums, changing the fit of your dentures. This may cause them to shift uncomfortably in your mouth throughout the day or even fall out.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is anchored to dental implants inserted in the jawbone with titanium screws. Unlike the conventional method, these dentures stay in place permanently and are cleaned inside your mouth like natural teeth.

Pro – Secure

Since they are anchored in place, implant-supported dentures are secure in your mouth. They give your teeth structural support, allowing for a more comfortable and natural fit. This allows you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile freely throughout the day. 

Pro – Improves Oral Health

Another important aspect that sets implant-supported dentures apart from conventional methods is that they play a role in improving oral health. They virtually eliminate bone loss by stimulating healthy growth in your jaw bone where they are anchored. This prevents the development of a sunken appearance that is often associated with tooth loss.

Con – Cost

One of the drawbacks of this type of denture is the cost. They are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and dental insurance will not always cover the price of implants. However, many patients find that the benefits and longevity of this method outweigh the fees.

Choosing the Right Type of Dentures For You

Whether you decide conventional or implant-supported dentures are a better fit for your lifestyle, Smith Dentalworks can help restore your smile. We offer multiple denture options and will discuss your specific situation with you to make tailored recommendations based on your needs.

To discuss conventional and implant-supported denture methods, contact a professional at Smith Dentalworks today.

Getting enough high-quality sleep each night is essential for your health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people do not sleep enough or have poor sleep when they do manage to rest. Sometimes this is due to external factors, but sleep disorders play a role as well. Up to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from one or more sleep disorders, and sleep apnea is a common one. It’s helpful to understand the biggest risk factors for developing sleep apnea and to talk to a professional if you have concerns about your sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

First, what exactly is sleep apnea? This is a sleep disorder where a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. This is often, but not always, accompanied by snoring. It’s also important to note that not all snoring occurs due to sleep apnea.

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive (OSA), central (CSA), and complex. OSA occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway. CSA occurs when your brain fails to tell your body to breathe regularly during sleep. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of these two forms.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase an individual’s risk of developing sleep apnea. It’s important to be aware that none of these guarantees that a person will have the condition, and even someone without any risk factors can have sleep apnea.

Here are some of the most common sleep apnea risk factors:

• Weight: Studies have shown a correlation between an increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of developing sleep apnea.
• Age: Risk increases the older a person gets, up until the 60s or 70s.
• Anatomy: Those with a larger tongue and/or a shorter, lower jaw are more likely to develop OSA.
• Sex: Males are more likely to develop sleep apnea, especially in early adulthood.
• Smoking: Individuals who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have sleep apnea. Quitting smoking reduces this risk.
• Hormonal Conditions: Certain hormonal abnormalities and conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, can contribute to swelling near the airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea. Many of these conditions also affect body weight, which could explain the increased risk.
• Family History: If others in your family have developed OSA, you may be at a greater risk.
• Other Medical Issues: Heart and lung conditions can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

Signs Of Sleep Apnea

If you have any of the above risk factors, it’s worth paying extra attention to see if you notice signs of sleep apnea. Again, since anyone can develop this condition even without risk factors, it’s worth seeing a doctor if you see these signs regardless of other factors.

• Snoring
• Gasping for air at night
• Dry mouth upon waking
• Mood changes, e.g. irritability
• Difficulty staying focused during the day
• Lower libido
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness during the day
• Urinating frequently during the night
• Insomnia
• Morning headaches
• Forgetfulness
• Excessive sweating during the night

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating sleep apnea improves your quality of sleep and helps preserve your health. At Smith Dentalworks, we collaborate with Vivos doctors to offer the innovative Vivos system. This reshapes your palate and helps correct sleep apnea, providing lasting relief.

Contact us today to learn more about your options for sleep apnea treatment in Tucson.

Getting enough sleep is essential for your health. It’s not only the number of hours you are asleep that makes a difference but also the quality of that sleep. If you’re sleeping eight hours a night and still feel tired, various sleep disorders could be to blame. Talking to your doctor is a good way to get to the bottom of any sleep issues and although many people don’t realize it, your dentist can also be a resource for solving the problem of poor sleep.

At first, it may not seem clear how your teeth could relate to your sleep. However, dentists are often able to see the signs of poor sleep based on a person’s oral health. In addition, certain oral health conditions have been shown to impact sleep quality.

The Link Between Oral Health and Sleep

This article will examine some sleep disorders that overlap with oral health shortly, but first, it’s worth noting that there are some ties between poor oral health and poor sleep beyond these disorders. One example is that if you have tooth pain, you are more likely to have poor sleep quality due to waking up more frequently.

In addition to oral health impacting your sleep, the reverse can also be true. Poor sleep quality or not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of gum disease. This can in turn increase the likelihood of other oral health conditions, perpetuating a cycle of oral health issues and poor sleep.

Sleep Disorders Related to Dentistry

In addition to the more general link between oral health and sleep, there are two major sleep disorders that are closely tied to dentistry: bruxism and sleep apnea.

Bruxism

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, most commonly occurs at night, although it can occur during the day. Nighttime bruxism is a sleep disorder as well as an oral health issue. It can impact the quality of your sleep and also wears down your teeth over time. Your dentist can help prevent damage to your teeth by fitting you for a custom night guard. Bruxism may also be a warning sign of other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing periodically throughout the night. It is associated with snoring and other signs include waking up tired, headaches, or having a sore throat in the morning. You may not be aware, but dentists can help you treat sleep apnea. The Vivos System corrects issues that lead to this condition, providing an alternative to using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Although you’ll need a sleep study to be diagnosed, your dentist can help start the process and connect you with other professionals to help identify and treat sleep apnea and improve the quality of your sleep.

Struggling With Poor Sleep?

If you are not sleeping well and suspect sleep apnea could be the cause, Smith Dentalworks can help. Dr. Atty Smith is a Vivos dentist in Oro Valley and she can help you treat your sleep apnea. We can also help with bruxism.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss the link between your sleep quality and oral health.

Cosmetic dentistry can help improve the way your smile looks. This in turn can boost your confidence and, in some cases, may even improve your oral health. If you want to take advantage of these benefits, you’ll need to work with a cosmetic dentist.

Here are some tips for choosing the best dentist for your needs:

1. Research The Procedure(s) You Are Interested In

First, you should identify what you would like to change about your smile. Then, look into what types of procedures can help you address those concerns. Your future dentist will develop a more specific plan, but it’s helpful for you to understand the basic options that are available to you. This allows you to understand which ones fit within your budget and could address your concerns. Knowing more about the procedure(s) you would like also helps you identify cosmetic dentists who have experience in these areas.

2. Read Reviews

Hearing from patients of dentists you are interested in can help you determine whether they have a positive reputation in the community. Look up testimonials and reviews on the dentist’s website as well as on third-party sites. A history of positive reviews can be a good sign that a dentist is able to address patients’ concerns. You can also look to see if any patients have mentioned the procedure(s) you are most interested in, although keep in mind that just because a review doesn’t mention something by name doesn’t mean the dentist doesn’t have a history with this procedure.

3. Start With A Consultation

Once you have identified cosmetic dentists you may be interested in, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your specific concerns. At this point, the dentist can give you a more specific plan and answer any questions you may have.

During this appointment, pay attention to:

Overall Impression

Do you feel comfortable in the office and with the dentist and their staff? For many types of smile makeovers, you’ll be spending a fair amount of time on follow-up visits. You should generally like the dentist and feel okay asking them questions and telling them exactly what you expect.

Knowledge and Communication

When you ask questions about the procedure(s) you’re interested in, does the dentist answer thoughtfully? Do they appear familiar with your concerns and have helpful suggestions? It’s essential to select a cosmetic dentist whose knowledge you trust and who you can communicate with.

Technology

Does the office use outdated technology, or do they have the latest tools to deliver outstanding results? A selection of high-end tech doesn’t necessarily mean a cosmetic dentist is the best choice for you, but it can definitely make a difference for your experience.

Need A Cosmetic Dentist in Oro Valley?

Dr. Atty Smith of Smith Dentalworks is an experienced cosmetic dentist. She can help transform your smile and is committed to providing informative, innovative, and individualized care to each and every patient. Her office has a variety of options for addressing cosmetic dental concerns, including veneers, professional whitening, and Invisalign.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled cosmetic dentist.

Teeth whitening treatments aim to give you natural-looking results you will be proud to show off. A single session can brighten your smile as many as nine shades from your starting tooth color. However, there is a fine line between whitening your teeth too much and not enough. If you are considering whitening your teeth, there are a few factors to account for when choosing the right shade for your smile. 

Factors to Consider Before Teeth Whitening Treatment

Choosing the right shade for your teeth before whitening treatment is critical because you want to aim for noticeable results that also look natural. There are no standard recommendations for teeth whiteness levels, but there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a specific shade of white. To decide on the perfect shade to whiten your teeth, consider the color of your existing teeth, dental restorations, visible stains, and physical features like the whites of your eyes.

Shade Range

The current shade of a person’s teeth will affect their ideal shade of white. Teeth are not always naturally white. Instead, they can vary in color depending on genetics, wear over time, poor brushing habits, and diet.

The four main teeth shades are:

• Shade A: reddish brown

• Shade B: reddish yellow

• Shade C: gray

• Shade D: reddish gray

Within each of these shade ranges, there are varying levels of lightness and darkness. Patients may have one or more of these tooth shades present or can fall within a particular category.

Teeth Restorations

One crucial factor to consider is that whitening treatments do not improve the shade of dental restorations like crowns, fillings, and veneers. For this reason, dentists often advise patients to select a shade of white that complements their dental work or to replace existing restorations with new ones that match the results of their whitening treatments. 

Visible Stains

Another consideration is the presence of visible, dark staining on your teeth. Stains caused by fluorosis, tetracycline antibiotics, or tooth decay typically do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. In some cases, these stains may become more noticeable if the color of the teeth around them becomes whiter. Like with restorations, patients may want to choose a shade that blends well with any existing stains. Dentists can also use additional procedures like composite bonding to eliminate these issues.

Whites of Your Eyes

Patients can use the whites of their eyes as a guide when deciding on a teeth whitening shade. A shade close to this is ideal for your teeth, as whitening beyond the whites of your eyes can often cause your smile to look unnatural. 

Other Physical Features

Along with the whites of your eyes, finding the right shade for your smile relies on other physical features, such as eye color, hair color, and skin tone. Fairer skin tones can take on a brighter white, while people with darker complections may want to opt for a more neutral shade due to the potential contrast. 

Teeth Whitening Treatment in Oro Valley

Smith Dentalworks can help brighten your smile. We have several teeth whitening methods available, including in-office treatments, custom trays, and ready-to-use kits. Our team will discuss your options with you to help you select the treatment that best fits your lifestyle and budget. 

Contact us today to schedule a teeth whitening consultation.

Snoring is a common problem in the United States. If you are not among the 45% of adults who snore occasionally, you likely know someone who does. This occurrence is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway that relax when people fall asleep. Depending on the severity of your snoring, many effective solutions can help both you and your partner sleep better at night.

Everyone responds differently, but three of the most effective tips for managing snoring are the following:

1. Make Bedtime Adjustments

Many people can reduce or eliminate snoring by making one or more simple adjustments at night.

Change Sleeping Position

How likely you are to snore at night depends on your sleeping position. People are more prone to snoring when they sleep on their backs due to their head position. If you snore at night and generally sleep on your back, try to fall asleep on your side instead.

Try a New Pillow

Wedging a pillow behind your back or head will help you maintain a side sleeping position. Allergens in your bedroom and pillow can also contribute to snoring. Washing your pillows every few weeks and replacing them every six months will keep them to a minimum. 

2. Make Lifestyle Changes

If you continue to snore after sleeping on your side and trying a new pillow, you may need to consider more significant lifestyle changes.

Lose Weight

Weight loss is one of the most effective treatments for snoring. If you are living with obesity or considered overweight, losing just a little bit of weight can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease or stop snoring. 

Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking is associated with increased snoring. Smoking irritates membranes in the nose and throat, blocking airways and causing snoring. Although quitting is often easier said than done, it can bring you snoring relief.

3. Consider Medical Treatments For Sleep Apnea

Snoring often indicates sleep apnea. Nearly 75% of snorers have this sleep disorder. The louder the snoring, the more likely it is to be related to this condition. If you complete a sleep study and discover your snoring is caused by sleep apnea, you should consider medical treatments to relieve this symptom. 

Vivos System

Altough a  continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, the Vivos System is a non-surgical and pain-free alternative. This system involves wearing a custom oral appliance while you sleep to correct the deficiencies that lead to sleep apnea and snoring. It is a silent and easy-to-use treatment that requires no further intervention after your treatment period ends.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Smith Dentalworks

If you or a family member’s snoring is due to sleep apnea, consider a consultation to learn if the Vivos System could help. At Smith Dentalworks, we are proud to work with our medical partners to provide this innovative treatment option.

To learn more about how to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms, contact us today.

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help create beautiful, seamless smiles. In many ways, they act like natural teeth. However, restorations and natural teeth are not the same material. The difference in material means that traditional teeth whitening procedures cannot whiten dental restorations. Despite this, there are some strategies to improve the shade of your smile in other ways.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are procedures dentists use to correct the loss of tooth structure caused by decay or injury. They repair cracked, chipped, and broken teeth or teeth affected by cavities. 

A few types of dental restorations dentists use are:

• Fillings are the most common restoration option, using a material to fill in small cavities in your teeth.
• Inlays/Onlays also fix cavities. They are more prominent than fillings and smaller than crowns.
• Crowns, or tooth caps, cover the tooth down to the gum line.
• Bridges are three to four crowns that cover gaps left by missing teeth. A crown or implant anchors bridges on either side.
• Implants are anchoring posts made of titanium that replace missing tooth roots.
• Bonding takes care of gaps, staining, chips, and crooked or unappealing teeth.
• Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length.

• Will Teeth Whitening Treatments Damage Dental Restorations?

While teeth whitening will not affect their shade, it is still possible to undergo a procedure without damaging your dental restorations. During these procedures, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals penetrate the natural tooth enamel to break down stains. For restorations, dentists use durable, nonporous materials that the whitening products are not strong enough to infiltrate. This process can make your previous dental work appear darker, however.

Whitening Dental Restorations

Since traditional tooth whitening will not work on restorations, many patients combine the procedure with other methods to get a bright, seamless smile.

Here are some strategies to get your dream smile despite being unable to whiten dental restorations:

Make Mindful Shade Choices

Your smile will only be as white as your restorations. If possible, whiten your teeth before dental work to ensure an ideal shade match. Shade-matching before treatment is the best way to get optimal results.

Replace Old Restorations After Whitening

You can also replace old dental crowns and other restorations after a whitening treatment. This way, you can match your new restorations to the new shade of your smile. Whitening your teeth will not provide immediate results, so dentists recommend you wait at least two weeks before scheduling an appointment for cosmetic work.

Take Care of Your Dental Restorations

Practicing good dental hygiene will help your dental restorations stay bright. Changes to your lifestyle and eating habits, including avoiding tobacco and limiting your intake of dark foods and beverages, will ensure their strength and beauty are long-lasting.

Choose Smith Dentalworks for Your Dental Restorations

Everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. At Smith Dentalworks, we offer comprehensive dentistry services to fit your individualized needs. From crowns to dental implants to porcelain veneers, we are your source for restorations in Oro Valley and the surrounding communities. We also offer multiple teeth whitening services.

Contact our cosmetic dental office today to arrange a convenient time for your next visit.

Getting quality sleep each night is essential to maintaining good mental and physical health. However, many Americans are lacking in this area. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults are regularly not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep does more than just make you feel groggy and grumpy – the long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real. 

What is Sleep Deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is a general term that describes an inadequate amount of quality sleep. For most adults, this means getting less than the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every 24 hours. Sleep deprivation is categorized in different ways depending on the circumstances. Acute sleep deprivation describes a person experiencing a significant reduction in their sleep time for a few days or less, while chronic sleep deprivation is insufficient sleep that persists for three months or longer. 

What Causes Sleep Deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is caused by a consistent lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Several factors contribute to insufficient sleep. Voluntary choices like binge-watching a TV series can cause acute sleep deprivation. Work obligations, such as working multiple jobs, extended hours, or switching to a new shift, are another contributing factor. Certain habits like drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes close to bedtime can also inhibit sleep because they stimulate the nervous system.

Sleep deprivation may also occur due to sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. This disorder induces nightly awakenings that can hinder both sleep duration and quality. Other sleep disorders tied to sleep deprivation include narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders. Medical conditions or mental health problems like general anxiety disorder, depression, or cancer also cause sleep disturbances. 

Consequences of Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is a time for your body to heal, restore chemical balance, and help memory retention. Low-quality sleep or disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle cause short and long-term health problems.

Short-Term Consequences

The short-term consequences of sleep deprivation can negatively affect day-to-day functioning. 

These negative effects include:

• Lack of alertness
• Impaired memory
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Shortened attention span
• Loss of motivation 
• Poorer memory 
• Reduced work efficiency 
• Relationship stress

A lack of sleep can also limit your ability to pay attention, react quickly, and make decisions, all of which can lead to consequences like a greater likelihood of car accidents. 

Long-Term Consequences

There are long-term health effects of sleep deprivation as well. It can affect several systems crucial to bodily function, such as the central nervous, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.

Too little sleep may increase the risk of:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease or heart attack
• Stroke
• Mental health disorders like depression or anxiety 
• Psychosis 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Chronic pain
• Increase risk of injury 
• Hormonal abnormalities 
• Immunodeficiency 

Fight the Consequences of Sleep Apnea With the Vivos System

At Smith Dentalworks, we use the Vivos System to correct the deficiencies that lead to sleep apnea and prevent its consequences, such as sleep deprivation. This system is an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or surgical procedures. Most patients enjoy a vibrant, healthy life without further intervention after a treatment period of 12 to 24 months.

To learn more about the Vivos System, contact Smith Dentalworks today.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, causing you to stop breathing for short intervals while you sleep. If left untreated, this disorder can lead to significant health effects including heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term risks. So, how is sleep apnea diagnosed? Let’s dive into the two most common methods: in-lab and at-home sleep studies.

Diagnosis

To diagnose sleep apnea, you must first consult with your doctor about your symptoms. Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and mood disturbances. From there, you will likely be referred to a sleep specialist, who will determine if you need further evaluation. An evaluation typically involves monitoring your breathing and other body functions while you sleep, either in a lab or at home.

In-Lab Sleep Study

A nocturnal polysomnogram (PSG) is a test performed at a sleep center under the supervision of a trained specialist. During the test, you will be hooked up to equipment that monitors the activity of your heart, lungs, and brain, breathing patterns, arm and leg movement, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Once the PSG is complete, your specialist will tally the number of times you stopped breathing during sleep and grade the severity of your sleep apnea.

At-Home Sleep Test

Another way to detect sleep apnea is through a home sleep test (HST). This is a modified version of nocturnal polysomnography that is done in the comfort of your own home. It records fewer bodily functions than an in-lab test, but can still be used to confirm a diagnosis.

An HST has more limitations than a PSG. It is not used for patients without symptoms or who have significant medical problems like heart failure or neuromuscular disease. It is also not appropriate for those who have other sleep disorders in addition to the suspected sleep apnea.

Additional Evaluation

While both methods of sleep study help diagnose sleep apnea, they do not provide the location of the obstruction, so additional evaluation of the upper airway is necessary. One way to find the obstruction is through a nasopharyngoscopy, a procedure that introduces a flexible endoscope through the nose and throat to observe the structures that compromise the airflow. An alternative method is a sleep endoscopy, which is similar to a nasopharyngoscopy but is performed under mild sedation.

Treatment Options

Sometimes, lifestyle changes like losing weight, using a special sleep apnea pillow, or changing your sleeping position are all that are required to treat sleep apnea. In more severe cases, however, patients may require medical treatments. The most common device used for treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This device uses a small mask to increase pressure in your airway while you sleep.

At Smith Dentalworks, we use the Vivos System as an alternative to CPAP. This system involves a collaboration between our dental office and a physician to create a custom oral appliance for you. Unlike other sleep apnea treatments, the Vivos System corrects the deficiencies that lead to obstructive sleep apnea and only requires a treatment period of 12 to 24 months.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Oro Valley

The first step in treating sleep apnea is reaching a diagnosis. At Smith Dentalworks, we partner with Vivos-approved specialists to complete a sleep wellness assessment. Then, our team will work with your doctor to execute your personalized treatment plan. We are dedicated to improving your quality of sleep and overall well-being.

If you are tired of feeling exhausted due to sleep apnea, contact Smith Dentalworks today.

Invisalign and braces are the two most popular orthodontic treatments that gradually straighten your teeth. While both options yield impressive results, it is important to consider a few factors to determine which will work best for you. From comfort to convenience, we’ve got it covered. Below is everything you need to know about the debate of Invisalign vs braces.

Oral Hygiene

Invisalign

Cleaning your teeth should be a priority regardless of any orthodontic treatments you may have.

With Invisalign, your oral hygiene routine will not see many changes. Since the retainers are removable, you can continue brushing and flossing as you did previously. 

Braces

If you choose braces, your oral hygiene routine may need to be more involved than before. Certain foods can easily get stuck in the metal brackets and wires, so you need to brush your teeth after every meal. You should also consider investing in a water pick for flossing.

Appearance

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners blow braces away in terms of appearance. The clear trays have a discreet, nearly-invisible look that is especially appealing to adults. Self-conscious teens also appreciate Invisalign because other people can’t notice their treatment.

Braces

Many people don’t like the look of traditional braces. While some kids enjoy picking out different colored bands for their braces, other patients think they are bulky and feel self-conscious wearing braces.

Comfort

Invisalign

While straightening teeth with either device is inevitably going to be uncomfortable, there are fewer mouth and gum problems associated with Invisalign. The trays are made of plastic that is fitted to a patient’s mouth, applying less pressure to the teeth overall. They are also removable, so you can get temporary relief throughout the day when you take them out.

Braces

It takes time to get used to braces. They can be uncomfortable and irritating in the early weeks of treatment, as well as each time the orthodontist tightens them. The sharp edges of braces often cut the inner lip and tongue as well.

Effectiveness

Invisalign

Invisalign trays can be just as effective as braces if patients comply with the suggested use of time. If you wear the aligners less than 22 hours per day, your treatment plan will take longer to complete. If you follow your orthodontist’s directions, however, you can straighten your teeth in a year.

Braces

Braces cannot be removed and therefore are always worn for the length of time recommended by the orthodontist. They are also a good choice for more complex corrections because they use anchors and an archwire rather than plastic to pull teeth into place. They can treat multiple dental and facial issues at once as well, taking an average of two years to work.

Convenience

Invisalign

Both treatment options have pros and cons in terms of convenience. There are no food restrictions with Invisalign because you are required to take the trays out during eating and drinking, but remembering to take them out and store them properly may be overlooked.

Braces

Braces are convenient because they never have to be removed, but not being able to eat certain foods can be a nuisance. 

Invisalign Treatment in Oro Valley

No matter what treatment you choose, the most important part of transforming your smile is the dental profesional you choose. If you are looking for an informative and individualized dental office, we are happy to welcome you to Smith Dentalworks. We strive to make our high-quality Invisalign treatment accessible for all patients.

To learn more about our Invisalign treatments, reach out to our office today.