Straight Teeth Effortlessly & Invisibly? It’s Possible with Invisalign

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we see many teenage and adult patients who wish their teeth were straighter or their bites were more comfortable, but who don’t want the hassle, cost, and look of braces. We’re proud to be able to offer these patients Invisalign®, a solution that straightens teeth and corrects malocclusion without metal brackets and the nuisance that accompanies them.

What Is Invisalign®?

girl-alignerInvisalign® is a teeth straightening system that’s been around for nearly 20 years. It’s a series of computer-customized, clear aligner trays you wear in succession over a period of time to move your teeth. They are an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign® aligner trays are made of clear, thin, BPA-free plastic. Unlike metal braces, it’s nearly impossible for people to spot Invisalign® trays while you’re wearing them. Every tray gently moves your teeth into proper alignment. We then fit your Invisalign® aligner trays and monitor your progress.

Can Invisalign® Fix My Dental Issue?

Good candidates for Invisalign® include people who suffer from crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth or those who suffer from poor bite, including:
-open bite
-crossbite
-underbite
-overbite

If you suffer from one or more of these issues, Invisalign® may be a great solution for you.

I’m Interested! How Do I Get Started?

The first step is to speak to us at Eggert Family Dentistry. Dr. Furey has been treating patients with Invisalign® for many years, and Dr. Elizabeth will be undergoing the course work in the near future. We will help you determine if Invisalign® is a good choice for your particular dental needs. If so, we will take pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your teeth to create 3D images that will be used to make your aligner trays.

Once your first trays are fitted, you’ll want to try to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, taking out the trays only to eat and brush and floss your teeth. You’ll switch the trays out every two weeks as your teeth gradually move into their new and improved position. Adults usually wear Invisalign® for a year, while the time range for teens is comparable to that for braces.

If you’ve always wished your teeth were straighter, your bite was better, or if your teeth have migrated since you had braces as a kid, ask your Eggert Family dentist about Invisalign®. We can help you investigate your options and discover if you’re a good candidate. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Prepare for the Sugar Wars!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time when dentists across the country spend some extra time with our younger patients to teach them about the effect sugar has on their teeth and how to keep their teeth healthy and strong with regular brushing, flossing, and healthy foods. It’s a great time to remind adults to fight the good fight in the Sugar Wars, too. Here are your Sugar Wars marching orders.

Step 1: Understand Your Enemy
Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay in the United States and around the world. Sugar helps bacteria form plaque on your teeth, a sticky substance that’s tough to remove and causes cavities if allowed to linger.

Americans eat an overabundance of sugar, consuming on average 22 teaspoons every day. That’s nearly half a cup! Teens eat 34 teaspoons daily on average, or nearly ¾ of a cup. Sugary foods not only wreak havoc on your dental hygiene, they can cause you to gain weight and become at risk of weight-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes and heart disease. That’s why the American Heart Association recommends limiting kids’ sugar intake to 3 to 4 teaspoons a day, and teens’ between 5 and 9 teaspoons a day.

It is important to read the Nutritional Labels on the foods you and your family eat. Sugar is clearly labeled in grams. The Nutrition Labels uses the conversion of 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon. Even some foods typically thought of as “healthy,” such as yogurt and health food bars, can contain an excessive amount of sugar.

Step 2: Fight the Good Fight
In addition to reducing the sugary foods you eat and drink, you can help your kids combat the effects of sugar with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Eggert Family Dentistry also recommends sealants to protect your kids’ teeth against cavities. We apply sealants to the hard-to-reach back teeth when the first set of molars comes in between 5 and 7 years of age and again for the second set between 11 and 14. Sealants typically last for about 10 years and can be reapplied.

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Eggert Family Dentistry – Feed My Starving Children

The Eggert team also believes it’s important that all kids have access to healthy food. That’s why we volunteer at Feed My Starving Children to pack meals for malnourished children across the globe. We’re committed to helping kids all of over the world keep their teeth healthy with good oral habits and healthy eating.
Help your kids fight in the Sugar Wars by arming them with a good and regular brushing and flossing routine, and healthy, low-sugar snacks. For an ally in the fight, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.