Invisalign Archives - Dentistry by Brooksher

Is It Too Late to Close My Tooth Gap?

Posted on April 10, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it too late to close a tooth gap if I am 48? Although my friends tell me gaps are “in,” I have always been self-conscious about my smile. The gap is between my upper center front teeth. Thank you. Nikko

Nikko,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge about the timing for closing a tooth gap.

Is It Too Late to Close a Tooth Gap?

It is not too late to close a tooth gap. Although most people want to close a gap for aesthetic reasons, spaces between teeth can affect your oral health. A dentist’s treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including:

Your oral health
The condition of your teeth
The gap size
The results you want to achieve

Treatment Options to Close a Tooth Gap

Treatment options to close a tooth gap include orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Orthodontics

Clear orthodontic aligners are one way to close a tooth gap

A dentist may recommend orthodontics if a tooth gap is large or if you want to align your teeth without cosmetic dentistry. Although many adults are concerned about how they will look while wearing braces, clear braces and aligners make orthodontic treatment less noticeable. Closing a tooth gap with braces may take six to eight months or longer.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a skill that advanced cosmetic dentists use to conceal small tooth gaps. A cosmetic dentist can blend composite bonding to match our tooth shade and shape it to replicate the characteristics of your teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth. Dental bonding usually takes one appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a custom shell of porcelain that fits the front of a tooth. Veneers usually require removing small amounts of tooth enamel to ensure the shells fit your teeth without looking bulky or protruding. A cosmetic dentist may recommend two or more veneers to conceal your tooth gap. You can get veneers in two to three appointments.

We recommend consulting with a dentist who has completed advanced training in aesthetics. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist can recommend treatment.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Will Invisalign Correct Crowding in My Mid-40s?

Posted on January 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a couple of quick questions related to Invisalign. I’m in my mid-40s and had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17. When I had the teeth extracted, they told me I wouldn’t need braces because removing my wisdom teeth would give space for my other teeth. Over the years, my teeth have become somewhat crowded, and it’s becoming obvious I will have to do something to fix it if I ever want to feel comfortable about smiling. Could I have done something to cause this since they told me I would not need braces? Is this something Invisalign can solve? Thanks. Danielle

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment. But orthodontic treatment can correct teeth crowding.

What Causes Teeth Crowding?

Genetics, teeth grinding, tooth loss, or oral habits during childhood can cause teeth crowding. Your tooth position can change. That’s why clear braces or traditional braces can help.

Reasons for overcrowding of teeth may include the following:

Genetics: Some people have naturally smaller jaws or have teeth that are too wide for their jaws. Others have narrow palates and other oral conditions that can cause tooth malalignment. When teeth do not come together naturally, the constant biting force can push them out of place.
Grinding: Regularly applied force of any kind, including teeth grinding, can shift teeth. Grinding, particularly at night, is a big culprit for adults.
Extended Pacifier/ Bottle Use: Sucking on things—even thumbs—creates forward-moving pressure. Although most adults will not have an issue from prolonged bottle and pacifier use, some continue similar behaviors in adulthood, such as chewing on pens or thrusting their tongue against their front teeth.
Tooth Loss: If a tooth is missing, the other teeth will begin to close the gap, the way water will rush into a hole carved on a sandy beach. It can gradually occur. Tooth loss also impacts the position of the tooth that would normally bite against the missing tooth. For example, if you lose a premolar on your lower left, you’ll likely have shifting on your lower and upper left teeth.
Oral Health: If you do not maintain regular cleaning appointments and good care at home, you will develop periodontal disease. In the early stage, it can cause bleeding gums, but when it progresses to an advanced stage, you will likely have bone loss in your jaw and lose teeth.
Poor Dental Work: When dental repairs are not properly completed (this occurs more often with dental tourism), poorly shaped crowns, fillings, bridges, and other work may change the bite or begin to push teeth out of alignment.
Injuries: Car accidents, falls, and other forms of trauma can impact your teeth in many ways.
Tumors: Tumors and other medical conditions can impact your jaw, teeth, and bite, although rare.
Failure to Wear a Retainer: Many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night for life or having a permanent fixed retainer attached to the back of your teeth. Failure to follow the orthodontist’s advice after braces will likely result in shifting.

Clear Braces Can Correct Teeth Crowding

In most cases, clear braces are an excellent choice to solve crowding and can address some underlying issues as well. You will need a dentist to evaluate the degree of crowding, but you must people have success with clear aligners. Schedule a consultation.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker formerly used Invisalign but prefers an alternative, Clear Correct. Learn why.

Do I Need a New Invisalign Dentist After I Move?

Posted on November 22, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I am almost finished with Invisalign and would like to know if I need to switch dentists if I can finish treatment on my own. I only have three months of treatment left, and my dentist gave me the remaining trays. After Christmas, I will relocate to Virginia to be closer to my aging parents. I will see my dentist one more time before I move. My dentist wants me to find a new Invisalign dentist, but I want to know if I can continue without one. Thank you. Carolyn M. from Peoria, IL

Carolyn,

Thank you for your question. Many patients wonder whether they should find a new Invisalign dentist if they are relocating and almost finished with treatment.

Do You Need a New Invisalign Dentist After You Move?

You may need to switch Invisalign dentists if you are nearing the end of treatment and are relocations. Reasons to switch dentists include:

Ensure your treatment plan is on track
Determine whether you need new attachments for precise movement
Remove tiny amounts of enamel from between your teeth (Interproximal reduction) to ensure they align properly
Take a new scan of your teeth to identify whether they need refinement
Order a short series of aligners to refine your treatment outcome
Help you get back on track if anything interferes with your treatment
Order a custom retainer after you finish the Invisalign treatment

After you select a new Invisalign dentist in Virginia, contact your current dentist to transfer your dental records and Invisalign care.

Schedule an appointment with your new dentist
Bring your remaining aligners with you
Schedule follow-up visits with the new dentist

When you complete treatment, your new dentist will use digital impressions of your teeth for the Invisalign lab to use when creating a custom retainer. Your dentist will explain how long you must wear the retainer to maintain your teeth alignment.

Look for a dentist in your new city with extensive Invisalign experience.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher has experience with Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners that are alternatives to Invisalign.

Will My Root Canal Tooth Break?

Posted on October 26, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My dentist says I need a root canal on my left incisor before beginning Invisalign treatment. I was concerned about needing a crown on a front tooth that would turn yellow or dark around my gums. But my dentist explained that she does not need to place a crown after the root canal; she will fill it instead. I wonder if the tooth will break because it is weak after the root canal treatment. And with Invisalign repositioning my teeth, isn’t it just a matter of time before the tooth breaks? Thanks. Jamison from NY

Thank you for your question, Jamison. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth for an accurate diagnosis, we will offer some basic information about root canals and orthodontic treatment.

Does Root Canal Treatment Weaken Teeth?

Teeth that require root canal treatment are already weak from decay, trauma, or extensive fillings. And root canal treatment can weaken them. But whether a dentist places a crown on the tooth depends on the tooth’s condition and position.

Back teeth – Back teeth must withstand the forces of chewing and grinding food. So, dentists protect the teeth with crowns after root canal treatment.
Front teeth – Fewer forces affect front teeth. It is unlikely for an incisor to split vertically, but sometimes it can break horizontally. But preparing an incisor for a dental crown can weaken the tooth near the base before its roots. If you have lost most of your tooth structure or the tooth is already cracked. A dentist can reinforce your tooth with a flexible post and fill the tooth with a dental composite. Removing root canal filler material will prevent your tooth from turning dark.

Will Invisalign Break Your Root Canal Tooth?

Invisalign

Your dentist will begin Invisalign treatment when your root canal tooth is stable to prevent any trauma during treatment. Healing time can take one to two months, but each patient’s case is different, so your dentist will explain what you can expect. Also, Invisalign and other alternatives for clear braces move teeth with precision and gently apply force on your teeth.

If you are hesitant about your dentist’s treatment recommendation, ask questions to ensure you understand them. And you can consider getting a second opinion.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of implant dentistry Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to offer some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Dental Crowns Sensitive to Heat?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I got three dental crowns in 2004, two of which are sensitive to heat. I began Invisalign in August, and now I am having trouble with crowns. This is frustrating because if I need new crowns, it will throw off my treatment. Is Invisalign causing problems with my crowns? My dentist says I probably need root canals, but he will take x-rays next week. Do I need to see another dentist? Why do I suddenly need root canals? – Thank you. Liya from Chicago

Liya,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to take x-rays and examine your teeth, but we can provide general guidance.

Why Are Dental Crowns Sensitive to Heat?

When your crowned teeth are sensitive to heat, it may mean that the tooth pulp is dying. Root canal treatment removes infection and can save the teeth. Consider the facts:

Tooth pain and sensitivity – Periodic tooth pain and sensitivity do not mean that the tooth pulp is dying. When pain lingers and sensitivity is consistent, usually the tooth requires root canal treatment.
Effect of an infection – When your body sends antibodies to fight infection in the tooth pulp, the tissue begins to swell. Lack of space in your tooth causes the tissue to swell and die, releasing gases that increase pressure and cause pain and sensitivity.

Invisalign movement puts gentle pressure on a tooth and can aggravate an infected tooth; however, Invisalign is not the cause of the irritation and infection.

Root Canal for a Crowned Tooth

A dentist can make a small opening through your dental crowns to perform root canal treatment. If you have had the crowns for 18 years, replacing them is the most practical option.

What Causes Infection Beneath a Crown?

Trapped bacteria and decay can cause infection beneath a crown. If the margin between your gums and the crown leaks, bacteria can seep in and cause decay.

Can Your Tooth Sensitivity Wait?

Invisalign treatment will be more comfortable after resolving tooth crown sensitivity

Delaying treatment allows an infection to spread. Your pain and sensitivity will increase without treatment. Your dentist recommended root canal treatment, and x-rays will confirm the condition of your teeth. You are welcome to get a second opinion, though. After a dentist resolves your tooth sensitivity, your Invisalign treatment will be more comfortable.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

My Dentist Is Retiring in the Middle of My Invisalign Treatment

Posted on June 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Find a dentist with Invisalign experienced and advanced cosmetic dentistry training

Hi. I’ve worn all but five sets of my Invisalign aligners. For unexpected reasons, my dentist must retire two years earlier than expected. He has referred his patients to two other dentists in town. I prefer not to see either dentist after my dentist retires in August. I have narrowed my choices to three dentists, but I don’t want to choose a dentist just because they are Invisalign certified. I am happy with the results of Invisalign, but I’m concerned about how my case will progress from here. Should this be a problem when I see a new dentist? – Nick from Lexington, KY

Nick,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Invisalign Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. You will be able to continue your Invisalign treatment with ease after your dentist retires. Your dentist has an ethical obligation to ensure a smooth transition to your new dentist. Even so, it will not be difficult for a dentist to provide whatever you need to continue your treatment. You can request a copy of your dental records before your dentist retires. Also, the Invisalign company has your orthodontic history and will help your new dentist continue your care without interruption.

Ensure that the dentists you are considering are skilled Invisalign providers with experience in cases like yours. You can schedule consultations with one or all three dentists to discuss your concerns and case. You can also ask each dentist to show you before-and-after patient photos.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a former Invisalign provider who switched to ClearCorrect® aligners for orthodontic treatment.

How Often Will I Change Invisalign Trays?

Posted on May 11, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Invisalign and other clear aligners can improve your smile faster than traditional braces—in half the time or less. After creating a 3-D model of your mouth, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to move your teeth gradually and precisely. Each set of clear trays that you wear will move your teeth closer to their final position. But how often will you change trays?

How Often Will You Change Invisalign Trays?

You will change Invisalign trays every one to two weeks if you wear the trays twenty to twenty-two hours daily. Your dentist will give you sets of aligners to keep at home and have available when it is time to switch to the next pair. Most invisible braces require you to change to a new set every one to two weeks.

What Determines When You Change Invisalign Trays?

The time frame for changing Invisalign trays depends on your case, the complexity of tooth movement, and your diligence in wearing the aligners as directed.

Your patient case – No two patients’ cases are the same. Depending on the stage of your treatment plan, when you switch aligners may vary between one and two weeks.
Complexity of tooth movement – It takes longer for Invisalign and other clear aligners to achieve complex tooth movements than simple tooth movements. When movement is complete and your teeth are stable, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set of aligners sooner than two weeks.
Wearing the aligners – It takes twenty to twenty-two hours of daily wear to move your teeth as outlined in your treatment plan. If you do not wear the aligners as directed, it will delay switching to the next set.

What Are Invisalign Alternatives?

Today’s invisible braces offer several alternatives to Invisalign. A dentist or orthodontist may work with various braces or aligners and decide which to use for specific cases. Some dentists use Invisalign only. Others achieve beautiful results with Invisalign alternatives like ClearCorrect®.

Schedule a Consultation for Clear Braces

Regardless of which brand of aligners you choose, look for an experienced dentist with advanced occlusion and bite and clear aligner training.

Schedule a consultation and ask questions:

How many orthodontic cases have you completed from start to finish?
How many cases like mine have you managed?
How long have you used clear aligners for patients?
Which brand do you use and why?
May I see patients’ before and after photos?

Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can be an exciting change. Take time to research your options and provider.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will Acid Reflux Ruin My Invisalign Trays?

Posted on December 13, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I’ve suffered from acid reflux for more than 12 years. I have a lot of heartburn, and the acid burns my gums. My doctor prescribed a proton pump inhibitor, but I stopped taking it because I understand that long-term use is harmful. I’ve managed to control the reflux a little with some natural supplements, but it is not totally under control.

Now I want Invisalign to straighten my teeth, but I don’t want to invest my money in plastic aligners if acid reflux destroys them. Will acid reflux ruin my Invisalign trays? – Thank you. Bayleigh from OK

Bayleigh,

Thank you for your question.

Will Acid Reflux Ruin Your Invisalign Trays?

Acid reflux will not ruin your Invisalign trays. Wearing the aligners will protect your teeth from the acid. Also, you will switch aligners in one to two weeks, so the exposure of the trays to stomach acid is limited. Still, acid reflux can ruin your teeth. And you still must be diligent about taking good care of your overall and oral health.

How to Prevent Acid Reflux from Ruining Your Teeth

You can prevent acid reflux from ruining your teeth by seeing a doctor who can identify the cause and offer effective treatment options. While you take natural supplements to help control the problem, identifying the real reason will help your treatment plan. Otherwise, a dentist can protect your teeth with dental crowns. But crowns do not resolve the issue. And over time, the acid may erode the crowns, too.

Invisalign can minimize the effects of acid reflux on your teeth

You can minimize the effects of acid reflux on your teeth with these steps:

Drink plenty of water daily
If a surge of acid enters your mouth, rinse it with water thoroughly
Avoid late-night meals or snacks
Use a pillow to elevate your head while you sleep
Strengthen tooth enamel with toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or an acid surge

If you have additional concerns about acid reflux and Invisalign, speak with your dentist. After examining your teeth, your dentist can offer suggestions about preserving them and increasing your comfort while you wear Invisalign.

Do I Need a Crown for My Dark Front Tooth?

Posted on November 18, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I wore Invisalign for 16 months and enjoyed a year of having what I felt was the perfect smile for me. My teeth are not even, my teeth are straight, so Invisalign made me feel better about myself. Then in August of this year, I had an accent that knocked my tooth out. My dentist put the tooth back in place and did a root canal on it.

After saving the tooth, my dentist recommended a crown during my last visit because the tooth was discoloring. I don’t want my tooth ground down for a crown. Is there another way to correct the discoloration? Jalin from Charleston, SC

Jalin,

We understand your disappointment after successful Invisalign treatment to feel better about your smile to have an accident that detracts from it. Yes, there is a better way to correct the discoloration. Also, sometimes after a dentist replants a tooth, your body may begin to resorb the root. So we recommend asking a dentist to x-ray your tooth to ensure the root is intact.

How Does a Dental Crown Affect a Front Tooth?

A dental crown will weaken a front tooth against lateral stresses. It will increase the risk of breaking the tooth if you have a heavy bite.

Can You Lighten a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?

A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can lighten a tooth after root canal treatment. Also, the dentist can minimize discoloration with these steps:

Complete root canal treatment
Clean out root canal filling material or cement from inside the crown
Internally bleach the tooth
Insert a fiberglass post in the tooth and secure it with bonding

After several years, the tooth may darken. But a skilled cosmetic dentist can provide you with a porcelain veneer that hides the discoloration and matches the adjacent teeth.

It seems that your dentist did an excellent job with saving your tooth. If the tooth gradually discolors over the years, you can trust the dentist’s recommendation for a porcelain veneer. But it will take the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to manage the discoloration with conservative treatment.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

Will removing and reapplying dental bonding damage my teeth?

Posted on September 12, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist and I agreed to a treatment plan that would end with Invisalign treatment. I wanted to feel better about my teeth before I started Invisalign. So, my dentist whitened my teeth and replaced old dental bonding. But the color of the bonding does not match my white teeth.

Some of the bonding is near the gumline, and it feels rough and looks gross. When my dentist finished the work, I immediately noticed that the bonding color was off. I told her about it, and she agreed that she did not match the color. After two attempts, she still cannot get it right. I want to begin Invisalign treatment, so I am willing to see another dentist to redo the bonding and go back to my dentist for Invisalign. Will repeatedly removing and reapplying bonding damage my teeth? Thank you. Elliana from Missouri

Elliana,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with dental bonding, especially when looking forward to starting Invisalign treatment.

Correcting Mismatched Dental Bonding

When dental bonding does not match your natural teeth, you may have two options for correcting the color.

Resurfacing – A cosmetic dentist might be able to remove some of the surfaces of the bonding and apply another color of composite
Replacing – Cosmetic dentists use dental burs that can remove bonding without damaging your tooth structure. Afterward, the dentist can apply fresh bonding

Dental Bonding Near Your Gumline

When you need dental bonding near your gumline, abfraction lesions, or notches, are usually the cause. Enamel near the gumline can wear away and leave sensitive notches on your teeth. Lesions are most often caused by clenching your teeth. Pressure from clenching weakens teeth. A dentist who uses bonding to conceal lesions and protect tooth roots must consider these factors:

Stiff bonding can loosen or pop out as your teeth flex
Flexible composite bends with pressure on teeth and can help fillings stay in place
If you clench or grind your teeth, a dentist can make a custom nighttime mouth guard to minimize the habit and protect your teeth

If you are unsure of your dentist’s ability to replace your dental bonding and match your natural teeth this time, schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist. You will get natural-looking results. Best wishes on a resolution and a smooth transition to Invisalign.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.