Author: Amped-Marketing

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea is more common than you might think. Between 2-5% of women and 3-7% of men are affected by this condition, totaling around 22 million Americans. Surprisingly, up to 80% of people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, meaning the true numbers may be even higher.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but it’s not your only option. One CPAP alternative, the Vivos System, offers a new and innovative approach to treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here are five reasons why you might want to consider an alternative to CPAP:

1. CPAP Machines Are Loud

CPAP machines are known for their noise, which can be disruptive to both you and anyone sharing your bedroom. Sleep apnea already leads to poor sleep quality and fatigue, so it’s ironic that a treatment could add to sleep disturbances. If noise is a concern, looking into quieter treatment alternatives like the Vivos System might be the right move.

2. The Mask Can Be Uncomfortable

Many patients find wearing a CPAP mask uncomfortable, which can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. While adjusting the fit can help, it doesn’t always solve the discomfort. If you find the mask intrusive, an oral appliance like the Vivos System could offer relief without the hassle of wearing a mask.

3. Eye and Airway Irritation Is Common

CPAP masks often leak air, which can dry out your eyes and cause irritation. Additionally, the pressure from the CPAP machine can lead to dryness in your nose, throat, and mouth, and these symptoms may linger throughout the day. While there are ways to manage these side effects, many patients find them frustrating. A solution like the Vivos System avoids these issues by eliminating the need for a mask and machine.

4. CPAP Compliance Rates Are Low

Due to the discomfort and side effects, many patients struggle to use CPAP machines consistently. Inconsistent use means the symptoms of sleep apnea persist, putting your health at risk. If you’re not using your CPAP as recommended, an alternative like the Vivos System may be a more convenient and sustainable treatment option.

5. CPAP Doesn’t Cure Sleep Apnea

While CPAP machines help manage the symptoms of sleep apnea, they don’t address the root cause of the condition. You’ll need to use the CPAP machine every night for the rest of your life to control the symptoms. On the other hand, the Vivos System aims to treat the underlying cause of mild-to-moderate OSA, with many patients no longer needing treatment after completing the Vivos therapy.

A CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea

If you’re seeking an alternative to CPAP, the Vivos System could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This custom-made oral appliance works to correct the underlying causes of OSA and is a proven treatment for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Many patients find that after completing treatment, no further interventions are needed.

Visit a Vivos Dentist in Oro Valley

At Smith Dentalworks, Dr. Atty Smith is a certified Vivos dentist located in Oro Valley, AZ. She works closely with Vivos experts to help treat patients with sleep apnea. If you’d like to learn more about this innovative CPAP alternative, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about how we can help treat your Sleep Apnea without a CPAP machine, contact us today.

Dental bone loss can have serious consequences for your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Bone loss in the jaw is more common than you may expect and cannot be reversed without extensive bone grafting treatment. As a result, it’s important to understand why dental bone loss occurs and take the necessary steps to prevent it.

Effects of Bone Loss

Bone loss can cause your teeth to shift. This can result in a crooked smile and/or crowding. Nearby teeth may also become looser and eventually fall out. This leaves you vulnerable to infections and disease. Advanced bone loss can also change the shape of your face, and will often make you look older prematurely.

Cause – Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common cause of dental bone loss. This condition is very prevalent, with a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that 47.2% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. Earlier stages, such as gingivitis, do not cause bone loss, but they can progress quickly if left untreated.

Preventing Bone Loss from Gum Disease

It’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. This way, you will know early on if you are showing signs of early gum disease and can get treatment right away. Depending on the stage of the disease, this may involve scaling and root planing to clean out the area under the gums.

Cause – Tooth Loss

When you lose a tooth or have the tooth extracted, the root is no longer placing pressure on your jaw when you eat. Over time, this results in resorption of the bone. After only the first year, patients typically lose 25% of the bone, and this only rises from there.

Preventing Bone Loss After Tooth Loss

A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. The implant puts pressure on your jaw and prevents resorption of the bone. Using an implant topped with a crown is the best way to prevent bone loss after losing a tooth while also restoring the appearance of your smile.

If you have lost most of your teeth, implant dentures are a great option and protect the health of your jaw compared to traditional dentures, which can sometimes accelerate bone loss.

Restorative Dental Care in Oro Valley, AZ

At Smith Dentalworks, we can help restore the appearance of your smile after losing a tooth. We partner with a trusted oral surgeon with dental implant placement, which helps prevent bone loss while also giving you a beautiful new smile. We craft restorations that match the surrounding teeth, look great, and preserve your oral health.

To learn more about our restorative dental treatment options, contact us today.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it makes sense to feel self-conscious if your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like. Teeth discoloration can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of these are avoidable whereas others happen naturally over time.

Some of the top causes of teeth staining or discoloration include:

Certain Foods/Drinks

Some foods and drinks can stain your teeth, especially if you have a lot of them over time. This occurs if the food or drink is highly pigmented or has tannins. Acidity also poses an issue since it can open up the pores in your teeth’s enamel, making it easier for further stains to develop.

These foods and drinks can lead to teeth staining:

• Red wine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Cola
• Soy sauce
• Tomato-based sauces
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dark berries

This doesn’t mean you need to avoid these foods and drinks at all times. Instead, just be mindful of whether or not you notice staining after having them and adjust accordingly.

Tobacco Use

Smoking can do serious damage to your teeth. Tobacco can cause yellow staining of your enamel. It also increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Keeping up with oral hygiene is essential for the health and appearance of your teeth. You need to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly. Not doing this can result in cosmetic issues like discoloration as well problems with your dental health.

Aging

As you get older, teeth discoloration will occur naturally as your teeth’s enamel wears down. This will start to reveal the core of your teeth (known as dentin), which is yellow in color. As a result, it may seem like your teeth are stained when this isn’t actually the case.

How Can You Fix Teeth Discoloration?

The best way to treat discolored or stained teeth will depend on the cause of the issue.

Teeth whitening is a great option for removing stains in the enamel. The treatments we offer at Smith Dentalworks are stronger than over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. We also have in-office treatments if you need your teeth whitened more quickly.

If the discoloration does not respond to whitening, or if you prefer not to have to continue whitening treatments to maintain the color, porcelain veneers are an excellent option. These are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth and can address a wide variety of cosmetic issues, including teeth discoloration. If you have other changes you would like to make at the same time, veneers allow you to do so.

Cosmetic Dental Treatment in Oro Valley

At Smith Dentalworks, we can help give you the smile of your dreams. We offer teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry options as well as preventative and restorative care. We use the latest technology to make dental care simple and pain-free.

To learn more about options for treating teeth discoloration, contact us today.

Obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA, is one of the most common sleep disorders and many individuals aren’t even aware they have it. This condition causes interruptions to a person’s breathing during sleep, resulting in snoring and poor sleep quality. Sleep apnea sufferers often feel fatigue throughout the day, as well as other symptoms such as headaches.

When people think of sleep apnea, they may not immediately think of dentistry. However, dentists are often able to catch early signs of this and other sleep disorders. Additionally, custom oral appliances, such as those we create with the Vivos System®, can treat mild to moderate OSA.

More information about the link between sleep apnea and dentistry:

>Early Signs of Sleep Disorders

Many of the symptoms of sleep apnea that people are most aware of don’t seem to be directly related to dentistry. However, dentists can catch other symptoms with a thorough examination of your oral health. For example, bruxism (teeth grinding) can be a sign of sleep apnea.

One thing to be aware of is that your dentist cannot diagnose sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. This can only be done after a sleep study. However, if your dentist notices wear that is consistent with grinding, they may also follow-up questions about your sleep. If they suspect sleep apnea could be causing your grinding, they may suggest that you undergo a sleep study.

As a Vivos dentist, we can help you find a Vivos-approved doctor to complete a sleep study if you are concerned about sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Another link between dentistry and sleep apnea is that a custom oral appliance can help treat certain types of sleep apnea. These devices work by correcting craniofacial development deficiencies that contribute to sleep apnea. With the Vivos System, your device will be customized based on a thorough analysis of the hard and soft tissues that make up your airway.

Benefits of Vivos

The most common method for treating sleep apnea is currently continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). However, CPAP machines are noisy and patients often don’t keep up with treatment. CPAP also does not fix the root cause of sleep apnea, so the symptoms will return if you stop using the machine.

The Vivos System, on the other hand, actually corrects the issues that lead to OSA. After the treatment period (which can last between 12 and 24 months), most patients do not require further intervention. The custom oral appliance is also painless and simple to use.

Your Vivos Dentist in Oro Valley, AZ

If you are suffering from mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Smith Dentalworks can help. Our highly-skilled dentist will work with a multidisciplinary team of Vivos-approved professionals to create a customized oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea.

To learn more about the link between sleep apnea and dentistry, contact us today.

If you are self-conscious about the way your smile looks, it can affect multiple areas of your life. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to transform your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can correct many different concerns and there are a variety of treatment options depending on your desired adjustments and cost preferences. There are many benefits to getting a smile makeover, whether you are making cosmetic adjustments only or are also correcting oral health issues.

These benefits include:

1. Improved Confidence

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and if you don’t love the way your smile looks, it can impact how you interact with others. You may feel less confident in social situations or try to hide your teeth in photos. Overall, feeling dissatisfied with your smile impacts how you feel about yourself as a whole.

After a smile makeover, many patients feel more confident and are able to enjoy social situations more. It feels great to love your smile and to be able to show it off.

2. Look Younger

An improved smile can help you look younger. This is because discolored or worn-down teeth are signs of aging. You may be surprised by how much of a difference a smile makeover can make for your overall appearance.

3. Better Oral Health

If your smile makeover is fixing a dental health concern, it’s fairly clear how this improves your oral health. Addressing concerns sooner than later can help prevent further issues down the road. For example, if you are missing a tooth, getting an implant and crown can reduce your risk of bone loss.

In addition to this, even adjustments that are purely cosmetic in nature can improve your oral health. When you love your smile, you’re more likely to take care of your teeth.

4. Easier to Chew

Depending on what adjustments you are making to your smile, it may be easier to eat afterward. This is especially true if you are replacing missing teeth or correcting misalignment. As a result, meals are less stressful and you may be able to eat a larger variety of foods that you had to avoid in the past.

5. Reduced Stress

Did you know smiling more often can actually lower your stress levels? This is because it stimulates the release of neuropeptides, which are chemicals in your brain that promote a feeling of happiness. After cosmetic dentistry, you will likely feel comfortable smiling more often.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

If you are interested in a smile makeover, there are many different options depending on what your concerns are and how dramatic you want your transformation to be. To completely revitalize your smile, you may want to consider veneers. These are thin porcelain shells that cover your teeth and can correct a wide variety of issues from minor crookedness to discoloration. For smaller adjustments, we can use dental bonding. Other cosmetic dental options include teeth whitening or crowns/implants to replace missing teeth.

Transform Your Smile

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Oro Valley, contact us today.

Dental radiographs, more commonly known as dental X-rays, are an important tool for preserving your oral health. We use X-rays to check for potential issues and to monitor the health of your smile. By using digital X-rays, we minimize radiation exposure and the impact on the environment.

Why Dental Radiographs are Important

There is more to your teeth than what is visible above the surface. Oral health conditions can affect the tooth root, jaw bone, or spaces between teeth. With X-rays, it’s possible to see issues that may not be visible otherwise.

These may include:

• Tooth decay between teeth or beneath fillings
• Bone loss due to gum disease
• Misalignment (Note: Although we catch some orthodontic issues with a visual exam, X-rays provide more detailed information.)
• Any issues occurring below dental restorations (e.g. crowns)
• Abscesses
• Cysts
• Tumors

Dental X-rays are one of the tools we use to help diagnose oral health conditions. We use them in combination with visual exams and other techniques in order to provide comprehensive care.

After Your X-Rays

After taking your X-rays, we will review them and will let you know if there are any issues. If so, we will develop a treatment plan that is specific to you. Our care is always informative, innovative, and individualized. This means that whether we are using X-rays, another diagnostic tool, or a combination of approaches, we will make sure to let you know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what our recommendations are for your continued treatment.

The Safety of Dental X-Rays

One concern patients sometimes have is whether the radiation in dental X-rays is potentially harmful. The good news is that dental radiographs are absolutely safe.

One x-ray of the back teeth (bitewing x-ray) exposes patients to approximately 0.001 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation. This is 90% less than a traditional film X-ray. To provide some additional context, Americans are exposed to an average of 3.2 mSv of background radiation each year.

To further keep our patients safe, we follow the ALARA principle for X-rays. This stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” and is the standard for any procedures that require radiation. Some of our safety protocols include using protective aprons, using the fastest digital capture speed, and only taking radiographs as often as necessary.

If there is a possibility you may be pregnant, you should let us know. There may be times when X-rays are recommended anyway, but we will take all factors into consideration.

How Often Do You Need X-Rays at the Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients have dental X-rays every two years. However, you may need them more frequently if you have a known oral health condition that we need to monitor. We will make an individualized treatment plan and will let you know our recommendations for X-rays. Again, radiographs are safe and have a very low level of radiation, so the risk of getting more X-rays to monitor a condition is generally less than the risk of foregoing these X-rays.

Schedule Preventive Care

Monitoring your health through preventive care reduces the likelihood of you needing costly and time-consuming dental care later on. We offer general dentistry for patients of all ages.

To schedule your dentist appointment in Oro Valley, contact us today.

Invisalign clear aligners can straighten your smile and help improve your confidence. This orthodontic treatment option is great for adults who wish to fix crooked teeth discreetly without highly visible wire-and-bracket braces. Teeth straightening with invisalign trays is simple, but it is important to make sure you take care of the aligners.

Here are some dos and don’ts:

Do…

Rinse The Trays When You Remove Them

Every time you take your aligners out, make sure to rinse them. At least twice a day, you should also brush them with a soft-bristled brush. If you are out and about, a quick rinse is fine.

After rinsing the aligners, put them away in their case, not in the open. This helps ensure they don’t get dirty before you put them back in.

Brush and Floss

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are essential dental hygiene steps for everyone, whether they are using Invisalign trays or not. With aligners, it’s even more important because otherwise, the trays will press food against your teeth. This can lead to decay and other oral health issues.

In addition to your usual routine, rinse your mouth out after eating before you put your aligners back in. If possible, you can also brush each time for extra assurance that there won’t be any lingering food particles.

Soak the Aligners Every Day

In addition to brushing your aligners twice a day, give them a thorough soak once a day. You can use an Invisalign-specific solution or denture cleaner for this. Brush the liners after soaking and rinse them before you put them back in.

The morning is often a good time for this soak since bacteria can build up overnight, but any time that works for you is okay.

Don’t…

Eat With Invisalign On

Invisalign trays are not meant to stand up the pressure of chewing. Eating with them can easily break them. It also can trap food between the aligners and your teeth and can stain the trays. You also need to remove your Invisalign if you are drinking anything other than water.

Clean The Trays With Improper Products

Colored cleaning solutions or soaps can stain your aligners and harsh products can damage them. Scented products can also cause issues for the trays, not to mention the fact that they may leave an unpleasant taste. Additionally, you should never use toothpaste, as this can scratch the trays or discolor them.

Expose the Aligners to Heat

Exposing your aligner trays to heat can warp them, which makes them ineffective for treating your misaligned teeth. Although you may be tempted to use hot water to clean the trays, stick to a lukewarm temperature. You should also make sure you never leave the Invisalign trays in a place where they can overheat, such as in a hot car.

Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign

Dr. Atty Smith is a preferred Invisalign provider and can help you get the straight, beautiful smile you desire. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, it is possible to straighten your smile in 12 months or less.

To learn more about using Invisalign trays for orthodontic care, contact us today.

Having a missing tooth can have a negative impact on your confidence in your appearance. If you are dealing with this, you are not alone. Approximately 178 million American adults are missing one or more teeth according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Reasons for tooth loss include tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma. 

No matter the cause, modern restorative dentistry can help restore your smile after tooth loss. There are two main options: a dental bridge or an implant with a crown. In most cases, an implant is a better long-term solution, but a bridge may still be recommended for you based on your needs. 

The Basics – What Bridges and Implants Are

What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge consists of two crowns placed on top of natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth). A prosthetic tooth is placed in the middle of the crowns. In order to place a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be strong enough to support the crowns. The bridge is made of ceramic and your dentist will carefully design it to match your remaining natural teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that an oral surgeon places in your jaw bone. A natural tooth has a root that extends into the jaw and an implant acts as an artificial root. In order to make your smile look natural, your dentist will need to create a crown to place on top of the implant. Like a bridge, this crown is made of porcelain. 

Benefits of a Dental Implant

In most cases, we recommend a dental implant for tooth replacement. 

Some of the benefits include: 

1. Prevent Bone Loss: Normal chewing exerts pressure on your jaw bone and strengthens it. When you lose a tooth, the lack of pressure triggers your body to begin resorbing the jaw bone. In the first year, you can lose as much as 25% of the surrounding bone. This can cause other remaining natural teeth to shift, causing crookedness or differences in your appearance. An implant exerts similar pressure compared to a natural tooth root and prevents bone loss.

2. No Need to Remove Enamel From Nearby Teeth: Before you get a bridge, your dentist will need to prepare the teeth on either side in order to place the two crowns. This requires removing some of the teeth in order to ensure a proper fit. If both of these teeth are healthy, it’s beneficial to get an implant instead so you do not need to make any changes to the existing teeth.

3. Long-Lasting: A dental implant can last for 40+ years with proper care. By comparison, a bridge can last for 20+ years. Modern bridges are more durable and are fairly long-lasting, but implants can continue to benefit you for even more years compared to dental bridges. Since your teeth are less likely to shift with an implant compared to a bridge, the placement of other teeth is typically going to be more consistent as well. 

When To Choose a Dental Bridge Instead

Despite the above benefits for dental implants, there are some circumstances when a bridge may be a better fit for you. 

These include: 

1. Your Jaw Won’t Support An Implant: If you have already been missing your tooth for a long period of time, it is possible you have already lost bone in the area. In this case, there may not be enough left to support an implant. You would either need a bone graft or your dentist may recommend a bridge instead, depending on the situation.

2. The Teeth On Either Side of the Gap Need Crowns: If you lost your tooth due to decay, it is common for the other teeth in the area to also need treatment. In situations where both teeth on either side of the missing one need crowns anyway, it may make sense to get a bridge and solve multiple issues at one time.

3. Issues With Surgery: A bridge does not require surgery, whereas a dental implant does. If there are medical issues that could impact the surgery, a bridge may be recommended instead of implants. 

Restore Your Smile After Tooth Loss

If you have lost one or multiple teeth, Smith Dentalworks can help. Our skilled dentist will examine your teeth and can help you determine what the best solution will be for your needs. We work with a trusted oral surgeon for implant placement and will ensure your new smile looks natural. 

To learn more about treatments for a missing tooth, contact us today. 

Your gums play a significant role in your oral health and it’s important to take care of them. Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease is more common than you may think. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 47.2% of adults over 30 had some form of periodontal disease.

The good news is that gum disease is preventable in the majority of cases. If it is caught early, it is also treatable.

Stages of Gum Disease

To understand how to prevent periodontal disease, it’s helpful to know how it progresses. There are four different stages.

Gingivitis

In this phase, bacteria have not begun to damage your teeth. The disease affects the gingiva, which is the part of the gums around the base of your teeth. Your gums may be sore and more prone to bleeding while flossing.

Early/Slight Periodontitis

If gingivitis progresses without treatment, it becomes mild periodontal disease, also called periodontitis. At this point, your gums pull away from your teeth, creating small “pockets.” Bacteria will often invade these pockets and cause more bleeding and increased sensitivity.

Moderate Periodontitis

As bacteria continues to invade pockets between your gums and your teeth, your teeth start to loosen. Bone loss begins to occur at this point.

Advanced Periodontitis

At this point, bacteria has caused severe destruction of your teeth and jaw bone. Advanced periodontal disease is extremely painful and the risk of tooth loss is high.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

It’s essential to take the steps to prevent gum disease before it occurs. Although it can be treated in the early stages, it is better for your oral health to avoid the issue altogether.

You should:

• Practice good dental hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss once a day.
• Avoid smoking, as this can increase your risk.
• See your dentist every 6-12 months for cleanings. You may need to visit more often if you have an increased risk of gum disease due to a medical condition or medication you are taking.

Gum Disease Treatment

For Gingivitis

When gum disease is in its earliest stage, it can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and adjustments to your home dental care routine.

For Periodontitis

To treat periodontitis, it is necessary to use a type of deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This removes plaque buildup below your gum line. Depending on the severity, you may also need to schedule additional cleanings throughout the year and/or take antibiotics.

Restorative Dentistry

If your gum disease has progressed to the advanced stage, we may recommend more intensive dental care. You may have lost some teeth by this time and others may need to be extracted. We will work with you to develop a plan to restore your smile, which may include dental implants. Our restorations are realistic and tailored to you.

Schedule Dental Care

Consistent visits to your dentist can help prevent gum disease and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on. Dr. Atty Smith is here to help you care for your teeth and gums. We treat patients of all ages.

If you have symptoms of gum disease or want help preventing future issues, contact us today.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and if you aren’t happy with how your teeth look, it can have a large impact on your confidence. Luckily, there are many solutions to help correct cosmetic and orthodontic issues. For adults with crooked teeth, Invisalign treatment can be a great way to straighten your smile without the need for awkward metal braces. Dr. Smith is a preferred Invisalign dentist and can evaluate whether this option is right for you.

Some signs you might benefit from Invisalign:

You Are Unhappy With Your Smile

First and foremost, the biggest reason to consider Invisalign is if you are unhappy with how your smile looks. Feeling self-conscious about your teeth can take a toll on your well-being and it’s worth a visit to a professional to see what your options are. Even if clear aligners are not the best fit, we can typically make a recommendation for a cosmetic or restorative treatment that matches your needs and desires.

You Notice Symptoms of a Misaligned Bite

Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. If your bite is misaligned, you may notice jaw pain when eating, uneven sensitivity, or even headaches. A dental professional can examine your teeth and determine whether misalignment is the cause. Invisalign can treat mild or moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

Your Orthodontic Issues are Not Severe

While Invisalign can be used to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, there are some issues it may not be able to fix completely. If you have severe crowding or misalignment, we may recommend a different route for treatment. The aligners may also be less effective if you have short or rounded teeth.

You Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It’s important to practice proper dental hygiene when undergoing Invisalign treatment. You will want to be sure any problems, such as tooth decay, are treated before you get clear aligners. Additionally, you will need to take care of the aligners and keep your teeth clean while using them to prevent any issues.

You Don’t Smoke

In order for clear aligners to work properly, you need to wear them for 22 hours a day at a minimum. You should plan to only remove them to eat or while brushing/flossing. Taking a smoke break can reduce the overall time you wear the aligners and so you might not see the results you are hoping for. Additionally, nicotine can stain your Invisalign trays, not to mention your teeth.

The Process of Getting Invisalign

The first step is a consultation with our Invisalign dentist. We will examine your teeth and give you recommendations for treatment. We also take a 3D scan that we then use to show you projected results for treatment. You will need to come into the office every few weeks but can usually switch aligners at home. The average length of time for treatment is 12 months, although this might be longer or shorter depending on your specific concerns.

Ready to Straighten Your Smile?

If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, call our Oro Valley dentist office today.