Author: Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra

graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry in 2016. She has practiced at several different clinics throughout the metro, including DentPro Dental Services and BrightSmile Avenue Dental Clinic. She completed her Orthodontic Preceptorship Course for General Dentists from DACI Inc. in 2018, and completed the Postgraduate Program in Esthetic Dentistry from the Philippine Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (PAED), graduating in 2021 with an Award of Merit. Dr. Bonaobra is an Associate Member of both the International Association for Orthodontics and PAED.

Health

Teeth Shifting in Your 20s: Harmless or Cause For Concern?

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 27, 2022
No Comments on Teeth Shifting in Your 20s: Harmless or Cause For Concern?

Our bodies are constantly evolving, changing to accommodate our needs and lifestyles according to our current life stages. Therefore, it’s actually quite possible and even common to experience teeth shifting well into adulthood. This is most commonly a result of mesial drift, a process where teeth gradually move towards the mouth’s front and center. However, this process is incredibly subtle and can progress over the course of a few years, often going unnoticed by patients until they see any major changes in the appearance of their teeth. This can lead to further complications, such as misaligned teeth and jaw misalignment. Several factors can increase the likelihood and the pace of teeth shifting, but there are also ways to prevent it entirely, especially with the help of qualified dental providers. To learn more about teeth shifting and what you can do to remedy it, read on in this comprehensive guide.

Can your teeth shift in your 20s?

Teeth shifting can happen in your 20s, as well as at any phase in your adult life. Although the shifts in a patient’s body and bone structure aren’t as apparent in adulthood as they are in the patient’s childhood and adolescence, they continue to occur at a more gradual pace. Many people tend to experience minor and subtle changes to their teeth as they grow older, and many of these changes are common age-related adjustments. Some frequent causes for teeth shifting in your 20s include the following:

Natural Causes

As a person’s bone structure shifts during the course of their life, it can naturally cause their teeth to shift as well. Genetics may also factor into how much a patient’s teeth change in adulthood, as well as changes in the shape of the jaw, shifts in their lifestyle and regular habits, and changes in their bone density. All of these natural causes can bring about changes in the position and placement of teeth.

Missing Teeth

When a tooth is extracted, whether deliberately with the help of a dentist or accidentally through unexpected circumstances, it leaves behind a gap. This gap causes an absence of tension between adjacent teeth, allowing them to shift their position in order to fill the empty space. Rather than allowing this to organically happen, some patients can consider alternative solutions such as implants or dental bridges. Addressing the gap before other issues arise can also minimize the risk of overcrowding, keeping the remaining teeth in their initial proper positions.

Gum Disease

When left untreated, the earliest stage of gum disease (also known as gingivitis) can subsequently lead to a later, more severe stage. This disease is known as periodontitis, which can cause weakened gums that no longer have the same ability to contain teeth in their proper positions. Further on down the line, periodontitis can also cause the loss of the surrounding bone matter that supports teeth. In extreme cases, this can lead to shifting and loose teeth

Frequent Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, more commonly known as excessive teeth grinding, tends to put persistent and recurring pressure on a patient’s teeth and gums. This can lead the enamel to wear down, shortening the teeth and sometimes changing the position of teeth and the default setting of a patient’s bite. Some patients opt to approach their bruxism issue with the help of a night guard at the advice of their dentist.

Whether the root cause of teeth shifting is one or a combination of these factors, it is always advisable that patients approach their trusted dental provider at the first sign of teeth shifting before it causes any further issues. To learn about invisible braces and one of the best ways to address misalignment caused by teeth shifting, click here to learn how ALINA works.

What does teeth shifting feel like?

While consulting with a qualified dentist is the best way to definitively determine whether or not a patient’s teeth are shifting, there are some signs patients can watch out for. Some common signs of teeth shifting include:

Shifting Midline

The midline refers to the line between the two front teeth on the upper and lower dental arches. When the midline on both or either the upper or lower teeth begin to look asymmetrical, it may be a sign of movement in the teeth.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are an early sign of periodontal or gum disease. This increases the likelihood of teeth shifting across the dental arches.

Changes in Spacing

When a patient observes a widening gap between teeth or teeth beginning to overlap, it is often a telltale sign that teeth are indeed shifting.

Tooth Pain

Sudden and recurring pain can often be a signal that the teeth are moving from their proper positions.This discomfort stems from the sudden shift from how patients are used to teeth fitting together.

At what age do teeth stop shifting?

Because of the naturally occurring mesial drift and other factors that could possibly affect the placement of teeth, there is no specific age at which teeth stop shifting. Teeth can potentially change position and be shifted out of alignment regardless of how old a patient is, so it is always a good idea to consult with a qualified dental provider for ways to prevent the issue. One of the most subtle, consistent, and effective ways to align teeth (and ensure they remain aligned) is invisible braces, also alternatively known as clear aligners. Invisible braces prices can vary across different clinics and providers, so when considering your options it is always advisable to choose a provider with an excellent track record– one that can provide your teeth the care it deserves using the highest quality invisible braces.

How ALINA can help with teeth shifting

Teeth shifting may be a common occurrence, but it can eventually lead to overcrowding, bite, and jaw misalignment problems. Luckily with ALINA, patients can be sure that their teeth become aligned and stay aligned, avoiding further issues that can stem from misaligned teeth. That’s because our invisible braces are made with:

Better materials – Our invisible braces are made from a perfectly transparent, space-age material that’s FDA approved and completely hypoallergenic.
Better technology – With AlinaSmile AI technology, ALINA takes into consideration all of your facial features to help you achieve your most beautiful smile.
Better results – Over 25 years, ALINA has helped uncover the smiles of more than a million happy patients in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Take the first step to uncovering your most beautiful smile and book a consult today.

Health

Misaligned Jaw Treatment

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 23, 2022
No Comments on Misaligned Jaw Treatment

Our bodies are sets of intricate and carefully calibrated systems that work together, enabling us to perform our tasks and go about our day to day lives. Even relatively minor imbalances or misalignments can have effects on our quality of life. Among these issues, a misaligned jaw is one of those that can range from mild to severe–sometimes requiring medical attention as soon as possible.

Having a misaligned jaw means that the patient’s jaw is askew, which is most easily observable when they bite down. Ideally, a well-aligned jaw and set of teeth is one where the teeth come together evenly along the mouth when biting down. When there are gaps between some teeth or a dental arch protrudes past the other, this is considered jaw misalignment. This condition can cause not only cosmetic issues but also further issues in jaw functionality.

Jaw misalignment can develop over time, with the condition going unnoticed at first before growing more severe the longer it goes left untreated. This is why it is so crucial to watch out for early warning signs of a misaligned jaw before the condition escalates. Some of the symptoms can also be considered similar to symptoms of other conditions, so it is always best to approach a trained medical professional to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of a misaligned jaw include:

Pain in the area surrounding the jaw joint
Pain in the area surrounding the temples
Jaws that feel tight or click when they are in motion
Intermittent popping in the ears
Pain in the shoulder area or back area

These symptoms, combined with the presence of risk factors such as poorly aligned or teeth that are overcrowded, underbites, and overbites can be indicators of jaw misalignment.

How do you fix a misaligned jaw?

Some extreme cases of misalignment need more invasive or intensive procedures in order to remedy them, such as orthognathic jaw surgery. However, there are several ways to fix misaligned jaw without surgery. One of the most common ways that dentists and orthodontists prescribe to remedy this condition is to install braces along the patient’s dental arches. Alongside braces, some dentists install specialized orthodontic gear to address specific issues. This is apart from the usual combination of brackets permanently attached to individual teeth and the archwires involved in standard braces treatments. For example cases that involve extreme cases of overbites and underbites require headgear braces in order to set the jaw in its proper position. Some cases of underbites can also be treated with an upper jaw expander that allows the palate to widen enough and make space for the lower teeth to correct their position.

While braces are the most common treatment plans prescribed to patients with jaw misalignment issues, there are more discreet alternative options available on the market. For example, clear aligners (also known as invisible braces) are able to address most misalignment issues, offering patients a more discreet and less invasive alternative.

Can aligners fix jaw alignment?

Patients who are exploring how to fix misaligned jaws should consider invisible braces as one of their top alternatives because it addresses one of the common root causes of jaw misalignment. More often than not, the origin of jaw misalignment is teeth misalignment, as misaligned or overcrowded teeth force the jaw to set at irregular positions. Because other treatment options are either inconvenient, invasive, or disruptive to a patient’s lifestyle, the option of invisible braces is one of the best options that patients can consider. Invisible braces can address misalignment issues in the upper and lower jaw, allowing both the teeth and the jaw to settle into their optimal positions all while being discreet and incredibly non disruptive. Invisible braces prices can vary across different dental providers, so it is always crucial to explore options that are of high-quality, provided by well trained and highly qualified dental professionals. Once treatment is concluded, patients will find that they are able to speak, eat, and move their jaw around freely and with no issue.

What happens if you don’t fix a misaligned jaw?

Completely neglecting the treatment of a misaligned jaw issue can often continue to disrupt the patient’s quality of life. The jaw is an incredibly crucial joint in the body, being primarily responsible for eating in order to give the body sustenance and speaking in order to facilitate interpersonal communications. Because of this, disruptions in the jaw’s functionality can be deeply disruptive to a patient’s life, preventing them from performing regular day to day activities. Having a misaligned jaw can also make the patient prone to lockjaw, making them unable to use the jaw joint entirely for a period of time.

Does a misaligned jaw get worse?

As with most medical issues, a misaligned jaw can get progressively worse the longer it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Leaving your teeth and jaw misaligned means that the jaw settles in an incorrect position, leading to further issues with speaking, eating, and interacting with those around you in general. Without fixing the core issue of misalignment, it may eventually become much more difficult to properly address a misaligned jaw. Doing so increases the patient’s risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ, resulting in a number of jaw-related issues. This includes difficulty sleeping, jaw pain upon waking up, trouble opening the jaw joint to its full range of motion, worn down teeth, and chronic jaw pain.

Apart from this, neglecting to treat misalignment issues can affect the patient’s oral and dental health. Misalignments make it difficult for patients to effectively maintain an oral hygiene routine, which can also lead to further issues down the line.

It is highly advisable that treatment for misaligned jaws and misaligned teeth are addressed sooner rather than later. To learn how to fix misaligned jaw without the usual inconvenience and disruption of traditional metal braces, learn how ALINA works today.

How ALINA Invisible Braces can help with a misaligned jaw

ALINA invisible braces are an innovative, non-invasive, and non-disruptive option for anyone seeking to treat any misalignment issues–both for teeth and jaws. That’s because our aligner trays feature:

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.

Treat misalignment issues with the best option on the market and book a consult today.

Industry

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Braces

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date September 14, 2022
No Comments on The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Braces

woman choosing between different types of braces

Introduction

Teeth misalignment has been an age old dental issue that patients have wanted to address. Since the invention of modern braces in 1819 by Christophe-Francois Delabarre, there have been leaps and bounds in terms of innovation in the field of dentistry. While the function and the purpose of braces remain largely the same, modern and digital dentistry have found ways to achieve beautiful and healthy teeth for patients as quickly and effectively as possible. Today, there is a range of different types of braces available for those who want to achieve a perfectly aligned bite and avoid any of the potential health complications that might arise from badly misaligned teeth. To learn more about the most common different kinds of braces (and help determine which one would be right for you), read on in this comprehensive guide.

What are the 4 types of braces?

While there are several different types of braces for teeth that patients can consider (some of them still in the experimental stage), there are 4 primary types of braces that dentists and orthodontists most commonly recommend. These types can be defined as the following:

Metal Braces – Metal braces are the most common method of teeth alignment that dentists prescribe to patients. Made of metal wires and brackets, traditional metal braces are attached to a patient’s teeth for a set duration of time, permanently installed throughout the course of treatment and requiring regular maintenance and adjustments. Although metal braces are the most common and usually most affordable alternative, there are still several downsides to choosing them as a patient’s preferred teeth alignment treatment. Because traditional metal braces are permanently attached to a patient’s teeth throughout the course of treatment, it can become difficult for patients to perform their usual dental hygiene routine amidst the brackets and wires getting in the way. This also requires patients to adhere to some food restrictions to reduce the risk of food particles getting stuck between their orthodontic gear. Apart from this, among the most common methods of teeth alignment, traditional metal braces are the most visually disruptive, leading to a drastic change in a patient’s appearance once they are installed.

Ceramic Braces – Although ceramic braces function nearly identically to traditional metal braces, the key difference allows them to be more discreet than the previous option. Ceramic braces are made of ceramic material, which is more visually similar to the color of teeth, somewhat reducing the jarring shift in a patient’s appearance once they are installed. However, they still share the same downsides with metal braces and they cost significantly more because of the material that they are made of. Ceramic braces also require patients to undergo the same frequency of maintenance and adjustments as metal braces.

Lingual Braces – Lingual braces share similarities with traditional metal braces because unlike ceramic braces they are made of the same material. However, the key difference is the placement of lingual braces, with wires and brackets being placed behind a patient’s dental arch instead of the front. Because they are out of the usual line of view, lingual braces are significantly more discreet than both ceramic braces and traditional metal braces. However, because it is a far less common method of alignment, it may be difficult to find a qualified dental professional who will be able to effectively assess, prescribe, and treat alignment issues using lingual braces. Apart from its limited availability, the placement of lingual braces are also less effective than traditional and ceramic braces. This means that while patients might have a more discreet experience throughout the course of their treatment, it will most likely also go on for much longer.

Invisible Braces/Aligners – A departure from the brackets and wires approach from our initial three different types of teeth straightening, invisible braces (also known as clear aligners) are the most innovative method of teeth alignment available on the market today. Made from custom fit plastic trays that are clear and near invisible, not only are invisible braces incredibly discreet, they are also removable. This allows patients to remove them as needed, whether it is to eat or to maintain their oral hygiene routine–making them the method of teeth alignment that is the least disruptive for a patient’s lifestyle and usual diet. Because invisible braces apply pressure to teeth all across the dental arch in order to guide teeth to their proper place, they are also the option that achieves aligned teeth much quicker than other different braces. The only downside to invisible aligners is that treatment can be more expensive than other methods of teeth alignment. Invisible braces prices vary across different providers, so it is important to consider an expert provider that gives quality treatment with quality materials.

consulting dentist about different types of braces

Which type of braces are the best?

Each of the different types of braces have their own pros and cons and whichever one you choose offers some degree of effectivity as they have been recommended by dentists for years. However, among the 4 types of braces, invisible braces are the clear best option, for a variety of reasons:

They are nearly invisible. The material that invisible braces are made of is far more discreet than opaque metal or ceramic. This makes them significantly less conspicuous than the other options mentioned above, allowing patients to avoid a drastic change in appearance while getting closer to their goal of well-aligned teeth.
They are removable. Clear aligners are inconspicuous while being non-intrusive, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of teeth alignment without drastically having to change their lifestyle. Patients are free to eat, drink, and maintain their oral hygiene routine as they normally would throughout the course of treatment–all they have to do is remove the braces as needed and place them back on once they are done.
They reduce the risk of oral hygiene problems during treatment. Because patients are able to effectively clean both their teeth and aligners during the course of treatment, patients who opt for clear aligners are at a lower risk of developing poor oral hygiene during alignment. This significantly reduces the risk of developing oral hygiene problems.

What type of braces work the fastest?

The placement of braces directly affects the effectiveness and duration of a patient’s alignment treatment. Ceramic braces and traditional metal braces have similar treatment times, while lingual braces often take longer to achieve alignment because the brackets and wires are placed behind the dental arch. Clear aligners on the other hand apply pressure all throughout the dental arch as the aligners are custom fit and designed to fit over the entire dental arch. Because of this, treatment using clear aligners lasts significantly shorter than treatment with other options.

Treatment with invisible braces can last between 10 to 24 months, but adult patients who have had braces earlier in life can achieve alignment even earlier. These special cases can take as little as 10 weeks. In order for treatment to be effective and for progress to be made, dentists recommend wearing the aligners for most hours of the day.

Why ALINA should be your choice when choosing among different types of braces

Today, how ALINA works is unique and innovative, helping patients achieve their most beautiful smiles that fit perfectly with the rest of their face. When choosing ALINA as your partner for uncovering your smile, you can expect:

Better materials – Our invisible braces are made from a perfectly transparent, space-age material that’s FDA approved and completely hypoallergenic.
Better technology – With AlinaSmile AI technology, ALINA takes into consideration all of your facial features to help you achieve your most beautiful smile.
Better results – Over 25 years, ALINA has helped uncover the smiles of more than a million happy patients in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Start uncovering your smile and book a consult with Alina today.

Aesthetic

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.

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.

Aesthetic Health

Invisible Braces: The Answer to Misaligned Teeth

Post author By Dr. Kristine Mae Bonaobra
Post date August 23, 2022
No Comments on Invisible Braces: The Answer to Misaligned Teeth

Good oral hygiene is the key to a beautiful smile. The way people speak, smile, and interact with those around them are affected by our oral health – and that’s exactly why it is so important to keep it up. One of the most common dental problems that take a toll on self-confidence and self-esteem is misaligned teeth. It can sometimes be difficult to speak freely and smile confidently and candidly when we feel conscious about the way our teeth look when we do. Luckily, there are solutions that can help you achieve perfectly aligned teeth, and among the most effective, convenient, and discreet ways to achieve them is through invisible braces. Also known as transparent aligners or removable braces, invisible braces allow you to truly uncover your beautiful smile without the usual hassles of traditional metal braces.

Can anyone get invisible braces?

Of course, it would always be best to approach trained professionals before proceeding with any dental treatments, including invisible braces. Philippines dental clinics can offer a more professional opinion and comprehensive consultation. However, some of the ways to tell whether or not invisible braces might be for you would be to inspect your teeth and watch out for these early indicators.

Malocclusions – Malocclusions indicate overcrowding across either the top or bottom dental arch. Some of the indicators include teeth that are rotated sideways, protruding teeth, or teeth that overlap with one another. If a patient has a particularly difficult time when flossing, especially between specific teeth, it may be a sign of malocclusions.

Irregular Spacing – In other cases, irregular spacing can also be an indication that a patient needs invisible aligners. Missing teeth, unevenly sized teeth, and teeth that are too far apart from one another are easily identifiable visual cues for irregular spacing.

Misaligned bite – Another way to tell whether or not a patient might need invisible braces is to assess their bite. A proper bite means they can comfortably bite down with their teeth coming together evenly. When the misalignment starts to affect the way the patient’s mouth moves or the way they speak, it may be time to seek guidance from a dental professional.

How do invisible braces work?

Transparent braces work towards the same goal as traditional braces: well-aligned teeth across the top and bottom arch. However, there are some distinctions that set them apart:

Permanence – For one, invisible aligners are not permanently attached to the patient’s teeth during the course of alignment. Once the patient receives their aligners, they have the freedom to take them out as needed. This makes it easier for the patient to eat comfortably as well as perform their oral hygiene routine.

Placement – Instead of being orthodontic gear attached to only the outer side of teeth, removable braces are a set of clear plastic trays that fit over teeth and apply pressure throughout the entire row. This often allows for a quicker duration of treatment, as long as the patient complies with the treatment consistently.

Maintenance – While traditional metal braces require the patient to visit their dentist regularly, clear aligners do not require the same number of visits throughout the course of treatment. Instead, they’ll be given a set of several aligners, each one getting the patient closer and closer to their goal of well-aligned teeth. This means that apart from periodic checkups and progress checks, invisible braces require minimal intervention from the dental provider.

How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible braces?

Each case that requires invisible aligners requires a different duration of treatment, and to answer the question of how long it takes to straighten teeth using invisible braces always depends on a consultation with a dentist. The span of treatment depends on how much a patient’s teeth need to be rotated or moved. However, in most cases treatment using invisible braces takes much shorter than traditional metal braces because the trays apply pressure on all sides of the teeth, more effectively leading them to the proper position.

Treatment can typically last between 10 to 24 months before the suitable alignment is achieved. In cases involving adult patients who have already had braces during their childhood, alignment can take as little as 10 weeks. In order to achieve optimal results most efficiently, most dentists would recommend that patients wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day.

Which tooth conditions can be treated by invisible braces?

Much like traditional metal braces, most tooth conditions or misalignment issues can be treated by invisible braces. Apart from its aesthetic benefits, clear aligners also improve your overall dental health in the long run. The most common issues that can be treated by invisible braces include the following:

Crowding – When too many teeth converge on a single space, it can cause problems for the patient’s bite and general comfort. Invisible aligners help direct teeth away from areas in the dental arch that suffer from crowding, allowing them to have a proper space of their own.

Spacing – On the opposite end of alignment issues, teeth that are spaced too far apart can also benefit from invisible aligners. Applying pressure so that spacing between teeth is more even, aligners can guide teeth so that they are situated at a consistent and comfortable distance from each other.

Protrusion or Rotation – Teeth that stick too far out of your mouth or are rotated sideways can often cause discomfort as well as an inconsistent appearance across your dental arch. Clear aligners can fix these alignment problems by guiding misaligned teeth parallel to the rest of the teeth, orienting them in the right position.

These conditions and the severity of each misalignment issue are all factors that affect invisible braces prices. To determine the best approach to address your particular case, the best first step would be to approach a trusted dental professional.

Why choose ALINA when it comes to invisible braces?

While there are a few options available on the market, when choosing a dental provider it is crucial that you consider the expertise of the clinic as well as the standard of the materials that will be used for your aligners. After all, invisible braces are an investment and it is important that you choose a provider that will customize a treatment that caters to your specific case. With ALINA, you can be sure to get the following:

Better materials – ALINA’s clear aligners are made with space-age materials approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, ensuring their safety and reliability.
Better technology – It’s only from ALINA that you’ll have access to the AlinaSmile technology that uses Ai to predict the optimal positions for your teeth, to truly uncover your smile.
Better results – With more than 25 years of experience in designing beautiful smiles in the US and Canada, you can be sure you’ll love your beautiful smile with ALINA.

To learn more about how to uncover your smile, visit our how ALINA works pages.

Conclusion

Well-aligned teeth are a crucial foundation on which great smiles are built. Take the first step to achieving the smile of your dreams and book a consult today.

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