West Point is a small town in Virginia with a lot to offer! Our office is conveniently located right in the heart of town and can easily be another friendly stop on your regular travels around town. We offer both family and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages!
One of our most popular treatments is Invisalign! This orthodontic process is excellent for adults who want to straighten their teeth conveniently and affordably.
So, for the way we approach orthodontics, or just moving teeth that are misaligned, or when we straighten out teeth, we primarily do Invisalign at most practices, but we do the traditional braces with the metal brackets and the wiring to do more advanced cases. Typically, you have your jaw joint right here, and everything muscular and tendon-wise is all affected by the way your bite comes down together. If you’re hitting on one side and not hitting on the other, that’s going to affect the joint, it’s going to affect the health of the teeth. If you’re hitting one side and not the other, it’s going to wear out those teeth and wear out the ligaments, and it can throw off your bite and cause joint issues. Also, if the teeth aren’t aligned properly, if you have some teeth crooked or some teeth up like this or crooked, you’re going to have a tougher time cleaning the teeth, which may lead to gum and bone disease and that could make the teeth loose and you could actually lose them. So that’s the precipice between having straighter teeth and how it helps your overall teeth - your overall health and its not just about making your teeth look pretty.
Teeth shift with age, even if you had traditional braces in your younger years. Missing teeth and other dental problems can also contribute to misalignment through the years.
Many adults aren’t interested in dealing with the uncomfortable feeling and obvious look of traditional braces. That’s where Invisalign comes in!
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening method that gently aligns your teeth over a period of time. No braces, wires, or cement are required. Instead, temporary clear aligners are made to fit over your teeth. Not only are they practically invisible, but Invisalign aligners are also quite comfortable for most wearers.
Aligners will be changed out every few weeks to guide your teeth toward their optimal position. Most treatments are completed between six months and a year for adults.
Invisalign aligners are removable and should be removed when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Although they can be taken out at any time, they should be worn as often as possible to produce the best results. The best candidates for Invisalign have the discipline to wear the aligners around the clock and keep track of them when they are removed.
This is why Invisalign is an excellent option for adults! While they are in many cases just as effective as traditional braces for adolescent orthodontia, this is only true if they are being worn correctly and for as much time as possible. As long as adolescents are able to keep track of their aligners and replace them after necessary removal, they may be eligible for Invisalign.
This option is also great for those who need minor orthodontic adjustments. For patients who require significant alignment or have dental work that could interfere with the aligners, traditional braces may be the best option.
Setting up a consultation with Dr. Barrett is a great way to get started with orthodontic treatment. We discuss your goals, evaluate your current dental health and take a look at all of the options available for straightening your teeth. There are certain instances where additional dental work is required to prepare your teeth for Invisalign.
If you decide to move forward with this treatment after the initial consultation, we will send scans and impressions of your mouth to Invisalign. You will then return to the office to check the fit of the aligners, typically within a few weeks of sending out your scans. You will be scheduled for regular follow-up appointments so that our dental team can gauge your progress and give you the next aligners that you need as your teeth shift. We will be here to support you every step of the way during your treatment so that you get the results you want from your orthodontia!
Our team at Smiles of West Point offers complimentary consultations with a free smile design! It is our goal to offer honest advice so you can optimize your oral health and feel confident in your smile without pressure.
We use advanced methods and state-of-the-art tools to maximize your comfort. A visit to Smiles of West Point should be enjoyable, relaxing and productive. Hopefully, you’ll smile the entire time you’re with us and keep smiling long after you’re gone. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
