Month: September 2022

Tooth Overcrowding: What You Need to Know

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 13, 2022
No Comments on Tooth Overcrowding: What You Need to Know

Good teeth are the building blocks for great smiles, but the importance of having healthy and well aligned teeth goes far beyond just aesthetic benefits. Teeth misalignment can cause a slew of health issues when the misalignment eventually affects your bite and the way your teeth function, not to mention added difficulties in the maintenance of your oral hygiene. In the extensive scope of issues with teeth alignment falls the problem of tooth overcrowding, which can cause problems in your bite and affect other factors of your health in the long run. While it is highly recommended to consult with a licensed dental professional first to receive proper treatment, there are some visual cues and warning signs you can watch out for to determine if your teeth are overcrowded. To learn more about dental crowding and the best way to resolve it, read on.

What is Dental Crowding?

Dental crowding is a classification of malocclusions that occur when the mouth does not have enough room for a patient’s teeth. As a result of this lack of space, teeth are not able to grow into their natural and correct positions, causing them to find space to grow even at the expense of displacing and rotating other teeth. This then leads to misaligned teeth that appear crooked and crowded.

Because each patient’s case is different and should be treated accordingly, dentists and orthodontists have developed a way to categorize dental crowding cases. The classifications of tooth overcrowding and dental crowding depend on the degree of overcrowding in the teeth, which then directly affects how they should be treated and how long:

Mild dental crowding

Cases of mild dental crowding are considered to have a crowding/spacing discrepancy of 0-3 mm

Moderate dental crowding

Cases of mild dental crowding are considered to have a crowding/spacing discrepancy of 4-8 mm

Severe dental crowding

Cases of mild dental crowding are considered to have a crowding/spacing discrepancy of over 8 mm. This includes cases with supernumerary teeth or teeth that have grown outside of the usual number of teeth, and can appear as a single tooth or multiple teeth in a case.

The proper way to approach treatment would be to get a professional assessment first, with well-trained and highly qualified dentists. To find out more about one of the best options available on the market that effectively addresses tooth overcrowding, take a look at our how ALINA works pages.

What Causes Dental Crowding?

Dental crowding can be caused by a range of factors that affect the growth and placement of teeth. Some common factors include:

Teeth larger than the jaw

Genetics plays a major part in dictating the size and appearance of the teeth. If a patient’s teeth are larger than the jaw, some teeth may not fit comfortably together, causing overlapping and twisting.

Having a smaller jaw

Some patients may be born with proportionally smaller jaws, and this can often cause spacing and eventually overcrowding issues once their permanent teeth begin growing in.

Early loss of primary teeth

When a patient loses a primary tooth too early in their lives, whether through childhood accidents or naturally, other teeth can begin to move into the space it once occupied.

Delayed loss of primary teeth

If a patient’s primary or baby teeth are not removed from their original spots before permanent teeth are ready to erupt, they become over-retained, causing both primary teeth and permanent teeth to grow in competition with one another.

Age

As a patient gets older, their jaw bone can begin to shrink as a result of decreasing bone density. Because of this, overlapping and overcrowding can occur across the dental arch–most commonly in the front of the bottom row of teeth.

What Are the Signs of Dental Crowding?

While only a dentist or orthodontist can be able to determine a case of overcrowding and its specific classification, a patient can assess their teeth and watch for early warning signs. Some of these indicators can include the following:

Crooked teeth or teeth that have grown in unnatural angles
Discomfort in some areas or specific teeth when biting down
Recurring pain in the jaw
Difficulty when chewing food or biting
Having trouble flossing and brushing

If you experience any or a combination of these symptoms, your teeth may be overcrowded, indicating the need to approach a dental medical professional. Once you have been assessed and cleared for treatment, you may now begin your journey to evenly spaced and well-aligned teeth, giving you a boost in confidence and preventing any health complications that may arise.

doctor treating patient for tooth overcrowding

Is Crowding Bad for Your Teeth?

Not only is crowding bad for a patient’s teeth, it can also negatively impact your overall oral health. Overcrowding makes it difficult for patients to clean, brush, and floss, putting them at risk of cavities and other oral infections. The discomfort of crowded teeth can also cause bite issues that can lead to temporomandibular joint pain, leading to migraines in the long run. Dental crowding can also lead to sleep apnea in the long run, as crowded teeth push can back a patient’s tongue and reduce their airway, causing them to snore or stop breathing in their sleep.

When it comes to tooth overcrowding, early diagnosis and treatment is the best course of action, allowing patients to enjoy healthy and aligned teeth for more of their adult life and reducing the risk of further complications in the future.

How is Dental Crowding Treated?

Currently, there are three primary methods that doctors can recommend for dental crowding:

Extractions

Especially in cases where there are supernumerary teeth causing extreme dental crowding, dentists and orthodontists can sometimes recommend extractions. Once the extractions have been performed, teeth can now be guided to their proper places along the dental arch.

Braces

There are various versions of braces available for patients with overcrowding and alignment issues. Patients can opt to get metal, sapphire, ceramic, or lingual braces as prescribed by their trusted providers.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces, sometimes referred to as clear aligners, are plastic trays that fit snugly along the dental arch. While wearing them, patients are able to treat tooth overcrowding discreetly and effectively, without sacrificing the appearance of their already crowded teeth. Invisible braces have been known to achieve great results much quicker than braces. Because invisible braces prices vary across different providers, it is important to select a provider that has a track record of great results and trusted quality materials. Although Invisalign is one of the most well-known clear aligner providers, there are some alternatives available that have unique features and innovative approaches to teeth alignment.

How ALINA Invisible Braces Help Treat Tooth Overcrowding

ALINA is a top alternative to Invisalign available on the market today, and can treat almost every mild to moderate kind of malocclusion, including overcrowding. This is because ALINA has:

Better materials – ALINA’s invisible braces are made with a space-age, FDA-approved material that’s hypoallergenic and perfectly transparent, to fully allow patients to uncover their smiles.
Better technology – Using Ai-powered AlinaSmile technology, the patient’s most beautiful smile is achieved, taking into consideration all of their facial features, not just their teeth.
Better results – More than a million people throughout the US, Canada, and the UK have achieved beautiful smiles by partnering with ALINA.

Begin your journey to the smile of your dreams and book a consult with us today.

Health

Everything You Need to Know About Overbite

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 12, 2022
No Comments on Everything You Need to Know About Overbite

Some of the most common questions we get from our patients have to do with overbite. It’s more common than you think! To help, we’ve put together the answers to our most frequently asked questions about overbite teeth.

What is Overbite?

An overbite is a malocclusion that happens when your upper front teeth severely overlap your lower front teeth when your mouth is closed.

While the upper front teeth must sit in front of the lower front teeth to achieve a proper bite, the ideal space between them is only between 1 to 2 mm. Anything more is considered an excessive overbite.

Overbite should not be confused with overjet, commonly known as buck teeth or bunny teeth. Overjet front teeth jut out at an angle, while in an overbite, the front teeth normally grow vertically in front of the lower front teeth. If you think you’ve got an overbite or buck teeth, you can smile in front of a mirror and you’ll be able to tell.

What Causes Overbite?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, having a small lower jaw is the most common cause of overbite. This is because the protruding upper jaw and teeth can hinder your bottom teeth from growing correctly, which results in overcrowding. The lower teeth, jostling for position, push the upper teeth into an overbite.

An overbite can also occur when the development of our teeth is interrupted by external factors, like our habits. Habits that can push the teeth into a dental overbite include:

Thumb sucking
Teeth grinding
Prolonged pacifier use
Nail biting
Chewing on the ends of pencils

Overbites can also be inherited genetically and manifest early rather than over time. These are called skeletal overbites, because they are caused by the irregular development of the jaw.

What Oral Problems are Caused by Overbite?

The effects of an overbite vary from person to person. Many people have a slight overbite and don’t notice it at all. But for others, an overbite comes with a host of dental problems that may cause lasting harm to the teeth, bones, and jaw. These include:

Damaged Teeth and Gums – An overbite puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth, causing them to wear down faster than they should. This may result in chipped or cracked teeth and cavities. This can also leave you more vulnerable to oral bacterial infections, which can give you swelling, bleeding gums.
Breathing Issues – An overbite can prevent your tongue from resting where it should when your mouth is closed. This can block your airways and make it difficult to breathe, leading to symptoms like mouth breathing, excessive snoring, and in some cases, sleep apnea.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) – Leaving your overbite untreated can put extra stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects your skull to your jaw. With TMD, you may experience stiffness and constant discomfort. In some cases, the pain becomes so severe that it must be treated with invasive surgery.

TMD can lead to other complications like:

Speech impediments
Difficulty chewing
Changes to the appearance of the face
Crooked teeth

If you observe signs of an overbite and want to learn about options for treatment, book a consult today.

dentist consulting patient about overbite teeth

How Invisible Braces Fix Overbite

An excessive overbite can be a source of self-consciousness for some. Because a smile puts your upper front teeth on full display, it’s important that you’re comfortable with how you look while you’re receiving treatment.

Traditional braces are an option if you don’t mind the “metal mouth” look—but they can be uncomfortable. If a clear smile is more your style, invisible braces, sometimes referred to as clear aligners, may be a better choice for you.

Because these are nearly invisible and easy to remove, you can enjoy all the benefits of treatment without sacrificing your confidence or comfort. For many patients, these benefits make the price of invisible braces worthwhile.

How It Works

Invisible braces are plastic trays that fit tightly over your teeth. Using 3D modeling technology, an expert predicts how your perfect smile should look, and prints a set of trays that are customized to your jaw and facial features.

Just like braces, these trays work by putting pressure on all sides of the teeth. Each tray moves your teeth slightly, and the trays are replaced every one or two weeks based on your treatment plan.

For best results, your trays should be worn for at least 22 hours daily, and should only be removed for meals, brushing, and flossing. To keep them clear, you’ll have to clean and brush your trays whenever you take them out.

How long does it take to fix overbite with invisible braces?

If you want to fix your overbite with invisible braces, you can expect it to take anywhere from 10 to 24 months. The exact length of the treatment period varies from person to person. It’s important to keep your trays on consistently. You may need to wear them for longer if you take them out for more than 2 hours a day.

After treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place.

How ALINA Helps with Overbite Teeth

You shouldn’t have to hide your smile, and with ALINA, you’ll truly be able to uncover your smile. If you want to look good and feel good while you’re being treated for an overbite, ask your dentist about ALINA invisible braces. With ALINA, you can enjoy:

Better materials – You can rest easy knowing that every tray of ALINA invisible braces is made of space-age materials approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. They’re perfectly clear and perfectly safe.

Better technology – Because ALINA uses AlinaSmile technology powered by Ai to predict the path to your most beautiful smile, every patient enjoys a quick and comfortable experience.

Better results – Over the last 25 years, ALINA has helped over a million satisfied patients across the US, UK, and Canada.

To learn more about how ALINA brings out your best smile, check out our how ALINA works pages.

Health

All You Need To Know About Underbite Teeth

Post author By Javi Bengzon
Post date September 9, 2022
No Comments on All You Need To Know About Underbite Teeth

For many adults, underbite teeth are a cause of insecurity and even physical pain. Here’s what you need to know about underbites and how to treat them.

What is an Underbite?

In a correctly aligned bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. An underbite is a type of malocclusion where the lower teeth jut out in front of the upper teeth when you bite down.

Underbites can affect people in different ways. For some people, it manifests only as a slight protrusion of the lower jaw. For others, an underbite can come with persistent pain and a whole host of other issues.

What Causes Underbite?

Most people with an underbite are born with it. A skeletal underbite is usually caused by the malformation of the jawbone that develops naturally from birth.

Underbites can also develop in response to external factors. These types of cases are called dental underbites. Dental underbites are commonly caused by crossbites, or a misaligned bite where some of the bottom teeth rest outside the upper teeth.

In adulthood, underbites can be caused by the improper healing of facial injuries or the growth of jawbone tumors. They may also develop as a result of of early childhood behaviors like:

Tongue thrusting
Habitual thumb sucking
Prolonged pacifier use
Long-term bottle drinking

What Oral Problems are Caused by Underbite?

If left untreated, the effects of your underbite may worsen over time. You may start experiencing additional symptoms, including excruciating pain, oral health problems, and other dental conditions. These include:

Tooth Decay – An underbite can cause extra stress on your teeth and damage the enamel, which can expose the inner tooth layer. This makes it easier for bacteria to get inside your tooth and cause cavities.
Halitosis and Gingivitis – Damaged enamel due to an underbite can also leave you vulnerable to oral bacterial infections. This can result in chronic bad breath and the swelling or bleeding of the gums.
Sleep Issues – People with underbite teeth are more likely to suffer from sleep issues like mouth breathing and increased snoring. In some cases, they may even develop sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition where your breathing repeatedly pauses as you sleep.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) – An untreated underbite can also result in issues with your temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your skull to your jaw. When you have TMD, it may feel like your jaw is cemented in place, and it can be extremely painful to move. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Lisps and slurred speech
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
- Structural changes to the mouth
- Crooked teeth

In some cases, TMD becomes so severe that it must be treated with surgery.

If you observe any sign of an underbite, contact your dentist. Treating your underbite early may save you from having to pursue more invasive treatment options down the line.

How Invisible Braces Fix Underbite

There are several ways to treat an underbite in adulthood, including jaw surgery, traditional metal braces, or invisible braces. But for professionals on-the-go, invisible braces are the perfect option.

ALINA invisible braces, sometimes referred to as clear aligners, are the most innovative method of teeth alignment available on the market. Experts design your best smile using 3D modeling and print a set of plastic trays to guide your teeth into the right positions over time. Trays are swapped out every one or two weeks, each a little bit different from the last.

Just like traditional metal braces, invisible braces use constant pressure to reorient your teeth. But there are a few reasons why people prefer using clear invisible braces to correct their smile.

Superior Comfort – When you use invisible braces, you don’t have to deal with wires and brackets constantly poking at your cheeks, which can result in cuts along the walls of the mouth. And here’s another perk that former braces-wearers can appreciate: you can enjoy your favorite foods without having to worry about any brackets falling off!
Ease of Oral Hygiene – Because invisible braces are easily removable, you will be able to take them out to eat and drink, or when you brush and floss your teeth. This allows you to clean your teeth and trays more thoroughly.
Better Aesthetics – Because trays are nearly invisible when worn, you can keep them on all day without feeling self-conscious of your smile. If a situation arises where you’d feel more comfortable showing off an unobstructed smile, you can have your trays out for a short time. However, you should always put them back in as soon as possible.

By themselves, invisible braces work best on mild cases of underbite caused by tooth crowding. They can also be used to facilitate the alignment of teeth after jaw surgery.

The price of invisible braces vary based on several factors including the severity of your underbite and the length of your treatment. Considering the inconvenience, stress, and pain they can save you during treatment, the investment is well worth it.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Underbite with Invisible Braces?

The time it takes to straighten teeth using invisible braces varies from person to person, but treatment typically lasts between 10 to 24 months. Because the trays apply pressure on all sides of the teeth, they can orient them to the proper position even faster than traditional braces can.

In many cases involving adults who have previously had braces, suitable alignment can be achieved in as little as 10 weeks if they are able to keep their trays for most hours of the day. In the case of ALINA invisible braces, it is best to wear them for at least 22 hours per day to keep treatment going at the right pace.

Discover your most beautiful smile with ALINA

Dental treatment is a big investment, and whether you’ve just spotted your underbite or have been waiting for years to fix it, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best provider available. With ALINA, you can smile confidently through your treatment and enjoy:

Better materials – ALINA crafts every tray of invisible braces with space-age materials approved by the US FDA, so you know that they’re safe and reliable.

Better technology – Our AlinaSmile technology uses Ai to determine your most beautiful smile based on the position, not just of your teeth, but of all your facial features.

Better results – With more than 25 years of expertise in revealing beautiful smiles, ALINA has uncovered thousands of smiles throughout the US, Canada, and the UK.

Discover how ALINA heps you uncover your smile by visiting our how ALINA works pages.

Conclusion

Treating your underbite can do wonders for your health, appearance, and confidence. To get started on the journey to your most beautiful smile, Book a Consult today.

Uncategorized

IT Professional Adam Kalaw Tells Us About His Journey To A Beautiful Smile

Post author By Javi Bengzon
Post date September 8, 2022
No Comments on IT Professional Adam Kalaw Tells Us About His Journey To A Beautiful Smile

As a Canadian who moved to BGC 6 months ago, fixing my teeth wasn’t really something that crossed my mind, until I found and tried Alina invisible braces. To give you some background, I had big ol’ metal braces for 4 years all throughout high school. My teeth were actually so crooked that, looking back at it, I’m convinced I scared off several potential girlfriends with my chainsaw-smile. But that being said, I can honestly say that I do not miss metal braces at all. I actually didn’t like the look, or feeling, of having metal bits stuck to my teeth, I didn’t like the painful and tight feeling of having my braces adjusted, and even after 4 painful years, I absolutely hated the fact that I had to wear those metal retainers, the ones that prevent you from speaking properly.

So I just stopped wearing my retainers…

Fast forward to about 6 months ago, I moved to Manila to work for a software company. I suppose years without wearing a retainer finally caught up with me. After one particular day, a coworker pointed out that my front teeth were, “cute, since they looked like bunny teeth.”

Not once, in my entire life, have I wished for cute bunny teeth. In fact I suffered for 4 years to try and get rid of bunny teeth.

The intention of my coworker was not to offend, but the damage had been done. From that day onward, I became self-conscious about my smile, since I knew they were only going to get more and more crooked.

I went to a couple orthodontists here in the Philippines and they all recommended metal braces.

There was no way I was going to do that to myself again.

So it felt like I had to choose between having a crooked smile for life or going through metal braces a second time.

That’s when I found Alina. Well, actually my dad saw one of their posts, and sent it to me.

What got me at first was the fact that Alina was removable, plain and simple. But if I was going to pay a lot of money for another orthodontic treatment, I wanted to do my research first. I called the number on the website, and I was able to talk to a patient coordinator from Alina. I was actually surprised to hear them explain how much technology goes into something that looks so simple, I mean the thing fits in a pocket, and is practically invisible.

A few days later, I was sold. I got back to the coordinator and asked when I could get started, preferably as soon as possible, so my teeth wouldn’t move any further. Thankfully, she scheduled me for the next day.

I showed up to the clinic expecting at least a 1-2 hour appointment, with those gross clay impressions that you have to bite into, but the dentist used an electronic 3-D scanner. They checked my teeth, took a 3-D scan, and in 20 minutes I was done.

I felt so relieved about how understanding the dentists were. Normally I’d get a lecture for not wearing my retainers, but the Alina dentists admitted that they understand why people like me stop, because quite frankly, anything metal is uncomfortable, but it’s also a thing of the past.

I got a call two days later letting me know that I was classified as a mild case – the one good thing braces did for me – and that I’d have my smile perfected in 5 months or less.

I was ecstatic.

Alina sent me the link to pay, I paid for my treatment, and then all I had to do was go back to the clinic for my first set.

After trying Alina, my only regret is that I didn’t know about it while I was in Canada. Not only is it so much easier on my lifestyle, being removable and invisible, but my teeth are right where they should be now.

On top of that, Alina gave me an invisible retainer at the end of my 5 months that I only had to wear at night. It really made me feel like the entire treatment was more than worth it.

These days, when I meet new people, or catch up with old friends, the first thing they say to me is that I have a nice smile which warms my heart, knowing my past struggle and insecurities about my crooked teeth. And that’s why I mention Alina to everyone who asks me about my teeth. I’m that big of a believer in Alina now.

Aesthetic Health

Which is Better for Crossbite Teeth, Invisible Braces or Traditional Braces?

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 7, 2022
No Comments on Which is Better for Crossbite Teeth, Invisible Braces or Traditional Braces?

Crossbite teeth, or simply crossbite, is a relatively common type of tooth misalignment condition. Statistics indicate that it occurs in an estimated 5 percent of the population. This condition can be a nuisance and if left unchecked, can severely impact a person’s oral health in a negative way.

To learn more about crossbite teeth, and to find ways to treat this condition before it becomes worse, read on. Finding out invisible braces prices may also be helpful for you.

What is Crossbite Teeth

In a perfectly balanced mouth, the upper teeth tend to overlap the teeth on the lower jaw slightly. A crossbite occurs when an individual has teeth—or in some cases, even a single tooth—in their upper jaw that sit behind their corresponding lower teeth.

There are two kinds of crossbite, depending on where in the mouth the misalignment occurs. These are:

Anterior crossbite – This kind of crossbite affects the front teeth, where the upper incisor or canines sit behind their lower counterparts.
Posterior crossbite – This kind of crossbite affects the back teeth, including the third molar if it is able to fully emerge.

Crossbite can sometimes be mistaken for another kind of tooth misalignment issue called underbite. In both cases, upper teeth sit behind their counterparts on the lower jaw. However, in the case of crossbite, the overlap only affects some of the upper teeth, while in the case of an underbite, all the upper teeth are affected.

Problems Caused By Crossbite Teeth

While crossbite teeth may seem like little more than an inconvenience, if left untreated, it can cause some serious oral health issues in people who have it. Some of these oral health issues include:

Pain in the teeth or jaw – This is one of the most common complaints of patients with crossbites. Their teeth are almost constantly rubbing against one another in ways they aren’t meant to, which can cause them or the jaw to become sensitive and ache.
Cavities and tooth decay – In a healthy mouth, the nooks and crannies that can trap food are relatively limited, but in a mouth with crossbite, these food traps tend to multiply. Once food particles are allowed to decay, teeth become very vulnerable to cavities.
Halitosis – The foul or unpleasant smell that comes from the mouth of a person with this condition can make social interaction difficult or awkward. This condition could also indicate severe tooth decay.
Sleep apnea – Snoring is much more than an inconvenience for anyone sharing a room. It’s also an indication of poor sleep and an inability of the body to relax and renew itself. In this case, the misalignment of the teeth can cause airflow to be restricted while the individual is sleeping, preventing them from reaching deep sleep stages.

In some cases, crossbite can even be an indication of a misalignment or malformation of the jaw bones themselves. As a result, patients with this kind of severe condition often complain of headaches, or pain in their neck and shoulders.

What Causes Crossbite Teeth?

There are two potential causes of crossbite teeth: genetics and external circumstances.

A person’s genes will determine almost everything about them, including how their bones and teeth grow and develop throughout their lives. These genes come from their parents, so if a parent or someone else in the family has a crossbite, the child is more likely to develop the condition.

Certain other external factors can impact whether a person develops a crossbite. For example, if an individual had a tendency to suck their thumbs until later in life, they would be more likely to develop tooth misalignment issues, including crossbites. To see if you need help with treating crossbite, book a consult today.

How Traditional Braces Fix Crossbite Teeth

Traditional metal braces can fix even severe cases of crossbite and other tooth malocclusions, as long as the patient is willing to deal with the inconveniences of having a mouth filled with wires and brackets.

How braces work is simple: the dentist applies constant tension to the teeth using the wires and brackets installed in the patient’s mouth. Over time, this causes the teeth to shift and move into their ideal position, until the desired effect is achieved.

How Invisible Braces Fix Crossbite Teeth

Invisible braces, sometimes called clear aligners, can remedy mild to moderate cases of crossbite just as well as traditional metal braces. Instead of wires and brackets, invisible braces make use of specially designed clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. These trays are molded to the user’s teeth and mouth. Like traditional metal braces, they apply constant, gentle pressure to the teeth to move them into their optimal position.

Advantages of Invisible Braces in Fixing Crossbite Teeth

Invisible braces have a number of distinct advantages over traditional braces. These include:

They are less conspicuous. Because they aren’t made of metal and or colored plastics, invisible braces draw less attention to themselves whenever their users wear them.
They are removable. Invisible braces users can simply pop out their trays whenever they need to, such as while eating or drinking in public. Then, they can just put them back in after having cleaned them.
There are fewer lifestyle and dietary restrictions with invisible braces. Users of braces are often told not to eat very sticky or crunchy foods, because these can damage the braces’ brackets or wires. These restrictions don’t apply to users of invisible braces.
Maintenance is easy. Braces users typically need special tools to dislodge food particles from between wires or brackets. On the other hand, invisible braces users simply have to brush their teeth, then clean their trays to keep their mouths clean.

How ALINA Can Remedy Crossbite Teeth

ALINA can help patients uncover their true smiles and remedy most mild to moderate cases of crossbite. With us, beautiful smiles are just around the corner, because we provide:

Better materials – Our trays are made from a space-age, FDA-approved material that’s hypoallergenic and perfectly clear.
Better technology – Our AlinaSmile technology takes into consideration all of your facial features so you can achieve your most beautiful smile.
Better results – ALINA has been the preferred name for beautiful smiles throughout the US, UK, and Canada for the last 25 years, with more than a million happy patients in that time.

To learn more about how to truly uncover your smile, learn more here about how ALINA works.

Industry

The Best Invisalign Alternative: What to Look For

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 6, 2022
No Comments on The Best Invisalign Alternative: What to Look For

woman consulting dentist about invisalign alternatives

Introduction

Since the invention of braces in the early 1800s, there have been leaps and bounds in innovation in the realm of cosmetic dentistry. While traditional metal braces are still highly common, there are alternatives in the market that offer options for those patients who may not find the look, feel, or inconvenience of permanently attached orthodontic gear appealing. There are now ceramic braces that function quite similarly to traditional metal braces (with the key difference being that they are made from ceramic rather than metal, reducing the stark look of metal brackets on teeth), lingual braces that are attached behind the dental arch rather than in front of teeth for a more subtle look (but often longer treatment), and transparent removable braces (also known as invisible aligners) that fit over top and bottom teeth.

Of these options, many patients prefer transparent braces over other teeth alignment methods because they are significantly more discreet than traditional braces, they are removable and allow you to maintain your lifestyle and oral hygiene routine normally, and they are able to align teeth much quicker than other methods. Out of all brands of clear aligners, Invisalign has become one of the most popular. However, since their introduction into the market, there have been other providers of teeth aligners that offer treatments similar to Invisalign while introducing their more unique and niche offerings. Read on to find out more about these invisible aligners and to determine which one would be best for you.

What would you consider in an Invisalign alternative?

In seeking an Invisalign alternative, there are multiple factors to weigh. Because clear aligners can sometimes cost more than traditional metal braces or even other teeth alignment methods, many people who are considering invisible aligners would often look up invisible braces prices first seek a cheaper alternative to Invisalign. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better and deals for clear aligners that are too good to be true often are.

When looking into Invisalign alternatives, it is important to consider not only the price points of your options but also the caliber of the clinic or dental provider you are sourcing them from, the expertise of the dentists treating you, the quality of materials that they will be using to produce your aligners, and of course their track record and success rate for treating teeth alignment cases. Below are some of the most commonly known options patients consider when looking into options for clear aligners.

What dental conditions should Invisalign alternatives fix?

Ideally, your preferred aligner brand should be able to repair most common tooth misalignment issues.These conditions should include:

Open bite – A tooth misalignment condition in which the front teeth are unable to meet or overlap at any point, resulting in an incomplete closure of the upper and lower jaws. This is commonly caused by misalignment between the bones in the jaws themselves.
Tooth crowding – Crowding happens when there is not enough space to accommodate all of the teeth around the jaw. This is often a genetic condition, and may occur when the third molar or wisdom tooth begins to come is, usually during puberty.
Crossbite – A misalignment issue where the top teeth fit inside the bottom teeth. There are two kinds of crossbite, depending on whether the front or back teeth are affected. Posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, while anterior crossbite affects the front teeth.
Underbite – A misalignment issue that affects the entire upper jaw, in which the jaw and teeth sit behind the lower jaw. This creates the appearance of a protruding lower jaw. Many patients with this condition often complain of difficulty chewing their food.
Gaps – Too much space between teeth. Patients with this condition are more vulnerable to having food getting trapped in between their teeth, making them susceptible to infections and cavities.
Overbite – The opposite condition of underbite, where the upper jaw sits too far forward relative to the lower jaw. Patients with this condition are prone to biting their cheeks, lips, or tongue.

child being shown how invisalign alternatives work

Alina Invisible Aligners as the ideal Invisalign alternative

ALINA invisible braces should be your first choice for an Invisalign alternative, and will be your best partner in fully uncovering your smile. This is because when you choose ALINA, you’ll be getting invisible braces with:

Better materials – ALINA’s specially designed aligners are constructed using a space-age, FDA-approved material with just the right balance of flexibility and rigidity. At the same time, it’s perfectly transparent to allow you to fully uncover your smile.
Better technology – Using AlinaSmile AI technology, Alina doesn’t only consider the technical and orthodontic alignment of your teeth – they also consider your facial features so that your alignment plan helps you get the most perfect smile in harmony with the rest of your facial structure.
Better results – Only ALINA has more than 25 years of experience uncovering the most beautiful smiles of more than a million patients in the US, Canada, and the UK. Today, ALINA is available to Filipinos who want to uncover their smiles too.

To learn more about this innovation in digital dentistry, take a look at our How Alina Works pages.

Where to get Alina Invisible Aligners

The best place to start in order to get Alina Invisible Aligners is from the comfort of your own home – by booking an online consultation to find out what Alina can do for you. Alina’s experts will thoroughly assess your teeth and see how it can be the right treatment for your specific case. From there, you will proceed to easy and painless scanning with an Alina dentist to digitize your teeth, allowing them to develop the most effective and appropriate alignment plan. Your Alina aligners will be delivered right to your door and ready to wear, getting you closer and closer to your perfectly aligned smile with every new set of aligners.

Conclusion

Invisalign may have been one of the first on the scene for invisible aligners, but now patients have an array of different options to choose from. The best clear braces provider will treat your case uniquely and expertly, taking into consideration not only your teeth but also the way they will look in relation to the rest of your facial structure. Get the smile of your dreams and book a consult with Alina today.

Aesthetic

Care Tips for Your Clear Aligners

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 2, 2022
No Comments on Care Tips for Your Clear Aligners

So you’ve decided to get ALINA aligners! That’s awesome! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen us to help you uncover your smile.

Naturally, we want you to have the best experience when using your aligners, and part of that is ensuring that you’re armed with the knowledge you need to care for them. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your clear aligners, and your teeth, looking great to ensure you achieve your most beautiful smile.

How often should you clean clear aligners?

Unlike other kinds of teeth alignment, your ALINA aligners are made of a space-age material with just the right balance between flex and rigidity. More importantly, the material used for them is completely sterile, so by default, they’re meant to be clean and safe.

To ensure that they stay that way, your aligners should be cleaned around twice a day. Also, apart from cleaning them, you should also rinse them with lukewarm water whenever putting them in. This prevents the spread of bacteria on the aligners themselves—bacteria that might wind up on your teeth and cause an infection or decay.

For more tips on how to keep your aligners looking great, keep reading! And click here to learn more about invisible braces prices.

Care Tips for Clear Aligners

Among the different types of braces, aligners are the popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth while also avoiding the “metal mouth” look. So it’s only natural that anyone who uses aligners would want to keep them clean and perfectly transparent. Here are some tips to help keep aligners looking their best.

1. Rinse out your aligners with lukewarm water when taking them out

This has been mentioned in passing already, but it can’t be stressed enough. It might be considered distasteful to think about, but the reality is that our mouths house a lot of bacteria. Naturally, some of this bacteria is transferred to pretty much anything our mouths come into contact with, so there will inevitably be some bacteria that winds up on your aligners.

By rinsing the aligner out before putting it back in, you prevent bacteria from being reintroduced into your mouth and more importantly, you’re able to keep it away from the surfaces of your teeth.

Also, take note that you should use lukewarm (but not hot) water to rinse out your aligner. Hot water may cause your aligner to warp or distort, preventing it from straightening your teeth properly.

2. Brush and floss your teeth before each wear

This bit of advice is just good sense. Keeping your teeth clean is doubly important if you have aligners, so follow the advice of the American Dental Association and brush them twice a day, with your aligners out. Doing this clears away bacteria-causing food particles that get trapped in between the teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.

3. Use the recommended aligner cleaning solution

Your ALINA aligner will come with its own recommended cleaning material, so use that whenever you need to clean your aligner tray. Try to avoid using toothpaste or denture cleaner to clean your aligner.

Some people have claimed that the silicates and other abrasives in these cleaning materials cause scratches on the aligner trays, but with ALINA, this is actually less of a concern. The material that ALINA’s trays are made from is very durable and highly scratch-resistant.

The real reason toothpaste and similar substances should be avoided when cleaning your aligners is that they could cause the aligners to become cloudy if they’re not washed out well. You definitely want your aligners to be as clear as possible, to allow that beautiful smile to be seen, no matter how much progress you’ve made in your treatment.

4. Avoid colored and sugary drinks

In line with wanting your aligners to remain perfectly clear throughout the time you use them, make sure that you’re refraining from drinking heavily colored or very sugary drinks when you have them in. Drinks with a lot of coloration—even naturally occurring coloration in drinks like tea or coffee—can cause staining in your aligners and make your teeth look oddly colored.

Meanwhile, avoiding sugary drinks in general is generally good advice, but it’s especially important if you’re using aligners. If you have a sugary drink while your aligners are in, the sugars in the drink can form a film inside the aligner trays themselves, effectively immersing your teeth in a sugar solution. This can cause all sorts of dental issues, including cavities and tooth and gum infections.

5. Don’t leave your trays exposed to the open air while not wearing them

This is another tip that seems like common sense, but actually is really important. Leaving your aligners exposed to the open air leaves them open to collecting dust, dirt, and bacteria, three things you definitely don’t want on something that’s going to enter your mouth.

Many people use cases or plastic containers when having to remove their aligners. When these aren’t available, simply wrapping them in a hanky should suffice for keeping them clean and dirt-free.

6. Never eat anything with your aligners in!

It’s ok to drink some cold water while wearing your aligners, but never eat anything while wearing them. They aren’t designed to withstand chewing, and they may end up getting stained from food, ruining their clear finish as a result.

We should also mention here that you should try not to chew or bite on your aligners unconsciously. This is a habit that some people do when they’re bored, but doing this to your aligners can warp them and damage them.

If all of this sounds interesting, you should consider getting ALINA invisible braces today. You can learn more about how ALINA works here.

Why you should choose ALINA for clear aligners

ALINA clear aligners are specially designed to allow wearers to truly uncover their smiles. Make ALINA your choice for your partner to a beautiful smile if you want a product with:

Better materials – ALINA is made from a space-age, highly durable material with just the right amounts of flexibility and rigidity, to uncover your smile gently but effectively.
Better technology – ALINA is powered by its AlinaSmile technology, which uses Artificial Intelligence to determine your most beautiful smile, according to your face shape and the world-renowned Golden Ratio.
Better results – With more than 25 years of experience in the US and Canada, as well as thousands of patients’ beautiful smiles uncovered, the results of partnering with ALINA speak for themselves.

Book a consult today to begin your journey to your most beautiful smile!

Health

How to Keep Your Teeth White with Clear Aligners

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 1, 2022
No Comments on How to Keep Your Teeth White with Clear Aligners

Introduction

One of the downsides of traditional metal braces is the patient’s prolonged difficulty to maintain their oral hygiene routine like they’re used to. Luckily, innovations in the dental health landscape have made it possible for patients to be able to attain their dream smiles without sacrificing their dental hygiene. Clear aligners are not only discreet and effective but also highly convenient, as they are removable throughout the course of the alignment. This allows patients to be able to go about their regular routines and hygiene regimens without sacrificing progress – all they need to do is remove their teeth aligners to eat or attend to their teeth as needed, and place them back on once they’re finished.

Can you whiten your teeth while wearing aligners?

During most traditional alignment treatments, dentists will recommend that the patient refrains from using certain teeth whitening methods. This is because for traditional braces, whether they are made of metal or ceramic, brackets are bonded to a patient’s teeth during the course of treatment. This obstructs whitening products from accessing the parts of the teeth under the brackets, and if a patient chooses to use them while their braces are installed, they will be left with an uneven, two-toned smile. Whitening strips and whitening trays are off the table for patients wearing traditional metal or ceramic braces, but whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are still allowed.

On the other hand, patients wearing invisible aligners don’t have to worry about the same issues. Because aligners are removable and don’t cause the same obstruction that traditional braces do, teeth whitening products are able to reach the teeth’s nooks and crannies once they are applied directly on teeth with the aligners off. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are allowed as well as whitening strips and whitening trays, allowing patients to achieve both a well-aligned and pearly white smile.

How to practice good oral hygiene with clear aligners

Apart from being discreet and keeping users away from the metal mouth appearance that traditional braces give them, clear aligners also make it easy and convenient to take care of teeth during treatment. Of course, while pursuing that beautiful, perfect smile, it’s still crucial to maintain a proper hygiene regime to avoid any dental or gum problems afterward. Below are some ways to practice good oral hygiene with clear aligners, as well as some tools that can help keep teeth sparkling clean.

Invest in a good-quality toothbrush – A good-quality toothbrush is one of the most effective instruments you can have when maintaining your oral hygiene. Some people personally prefer manual toothbrushes while others opt for electric toothbrushes. Manual toothbrushes are considerably more budget-friendly and accessible, while electric toothbrushes are more effective when it comes to combating plaque. Whichever one you choose, the most important thing is that you brush regularly and for a minimum of two minutes for each session, making sure that each tooth is well scrubbed.

Floss regularly – Even after brushing, there can still be food debris or plaque present in the mouth, especially between teeth. Flossing regularly, at least once a day and preferably before bed after meals, makes sure that even the spaces between your teeth are well cleaned. Regular dental floss is sufficient for patients with clear aligners but orthodontic flossers and floss threaders can help speed up the process.

Use a water flosser – For spaces that are more difficult to reach and especially along the gum line, water flossers are a handy tool that can help achieve that squeaky clean feeling. While it isn’t a substitute for regular flossing and it isn’t a requirement for orthodontic patients, water flossers are a helpful tool for getting teeth extra clean and knocking stubborn pieces of food debris loose.

Finish off with a fluoride mouthwash – Wearing braces, whatever kind they might be, may give patients a higher likelihood of getting cavities because they can sometimes trap food and plaque. Wrapping up your dental hygiene routine with a high-quality fluoride mouthwash is a good way to cap the day off with extra protection.

Dos and Don’ts for keeping your teeth clean while using clear aligners

Now that we have gone over some helpful tools, below are some handy tips for keeping your teeth clean while using clear aligners.

DO adhere to your oral hygiene regimen – Having the tools you need for proper dental hygiene is only the first step. Especially during the course of your alignment, it is important to always adhere to your oral hygiene regimen to make sure your dental and gum health is well taken care of.

DO brush your teeth after every meal – While you only really need to do your full oral hygiene routine at night when you have finished eating for the day, it’s a healthy habit to brush your teeth after every meal. Making sure that there is no food debris or plaque stuck in your mouth throughout the day will make it much easier for your teeth to get clean at the end of the day.

DO feel free to whiten teeth within reason – Clear aligners are one of the only teeth alignment methods that offer you the luxury of teeth whitening during the course of treatment. However, it is crucial to stay well-informed with the whitening products you are using, as well as making sure that you are not whitening your teeth to the point of sacrificing dental health for aesthetics.

DON’T regularly consume food that can stain teeth – Prevention is better than cure, so avoiding food that can leave stains on your teeth means that you won’t have to go through the trouble of reversing their effects afterwards. This includes drinks like coffee and food that are highly sugary or acidic as they may erode your enamel.

DON’T forget to clean your clear aligners regularly – When cleaning your teeth, don’t forget to also clean your aligners! Making sure to scrub them clean of any buildup or remaining debris helps keep them (and you!) looking great.

DON’T neglect your alignment plan – After your oral hygiene routine, don’t forget to put your aligners back on your teeth. Invisible braces prices vary from case to case but they are a worthwhile investment that should be well maintained and adhered to. Dental hygiene is important, but so is your alignment plan, and to ensure that your progress is on the right track, be sure to wear your aligners according to the recommended hours your dentist has prescribed to you.

Why come to ALINA for clear aligners in the Philippines

Because they are so effective, convenient, and discreet, clear aligners are highly popular among those who want to achieve perfectly aligned teeth. But those who really want to uncover their smile should talk to their dentist about ALINA today. With ALINA, you can expect:

Better materials – ALINA’s clear aligners are made with a space-age material approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, so you know it’s reliable and safe to use.
Better technology – The AlinaSmile technology that we use is powered by Ai and helps determine the best position not just of your teeth, but your other features as well, to help you achieve your most beautiful smile.
Better results – Only ALINA gives you more than 25 years of experience in aesthetic dentistry, with thousands of satisfied patients.

To learn more about the process and philosophy behind this approach, visit our how ALINA works pages.

Conclusion

With invisible braces, the dream of perfectly aligned teeth is entirely possible without the hassle and downsides of traditional teeth alignment methods. To begin your journey towards your dream smile, book a consult with us today.

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