Could Your Teenager Benefit from Invisalign®?
Let’s face it: teens aren’t exactly known as the pinnacle of responsibility, so while they may benefit from braces, you might be nervous about the investment. However, Invisalign® clear aligners are an excellent option for fixing overbites, underbites, and teeth crowding, especially for teenagers, since they don’t require the upkeep of traditional braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative teeth straightening solution that uses removable clear retainers rather than fixing metal brackets and wires directly to the teeth. Your dentist will take 3D images of your teeth and send them to the dental lab, which will create custom aligners. About every two weeks, you’ll receive a new set, and they will shift your teeth gradually over time.
What are the benefits of Clear Aligners?
The most significant benefit of Invisalign for many teenagers is that it’s an inconspicuous way to straighten teeth. The aligners are clear and removable, so many people don’t even realize you’re wearing them, which is especially helpful for teenagers worried about aesthetics.
They are also simple to care for. Remove the retainers when you eat and brush your teeth. After brushing your teeth, you can clean the aligners with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soaking them once a day for about 15 minutes can also help remove harmful bacteria.
You don’t have to worry about your teen eating something that could damage the device. People with traditional braces need to avoid hard and sticky foods like apples, popcorn, and candy, as damage to traditional braces can be expensive to fix. With Invisalign, your child removes the retainer before eating, so you don’t have to worry.
Invisalign at Family Dentistry of Lakewood
Dr. Jutrich at Family Dentistry of Lakewood is an Invisalign expert. He can assess your situation and determine if your child is a good candidate for clear aligners. While Invisalign can be pricey, like traditional braces, many dental insurance providers will cover at least some of the costs. We also accept third-party financing through Cherry and CareCredit. Ask if Invisalign is right for your teen.
Do You Need a New Dentist in Lakewood, WA?
Choosing the right dentist is crucial for maintaining your oral health. Whether you’ve recently moved to Lakewood, WA, or are considering switching from your current dental provider, finding a dentist who meets your needs and provides excellent care is essential. Here’s how you can determine what to look for in your new dental provider.
What to Look for in a New Dentist Office
- Qualifications and Experience: Ensure your new dentist is well-qualified and has a good track record. Look for credentials, continuing education, and professional memberships, which indicate a commitment to excellence.
- Comprehensive Services: Choose a dentist who offers a wide range of services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, to meet all your dental needs in one place.
- Advanced Technology: A modern dental practice should have up-to-date equipment and technology, particularly digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and laser dentistry tools. These advancements can help dentists more easily diagnose potential issues and make treatments more comfortable.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Check reviews on social media and Google. Additionally, you can ask the provider for testimonials from current patients. Positive feedback can provide insight into the quality of care and patient satisfaction. Conversely, a lot of negative reviews can provide important insights as well.
- Personal Comfort: Your comfort is paramount. It’s especially important to look for a dentist who prioritizes patient comfort through a friendly demeanor, gentle treatment methods, and options for sedation dentistry if needed.
Why Choose Family Dentistry of Lakewood?
At Family Dentistry of Lakewood, we understand the importance of finding a trustworthy dental provider. Dr. Jurtic and the rest of the expert staff provide exceptional dental care tailored to your needs. We’ve covered all your dental needs with comprehensive services ranging from routine cleanings and cavity fillings to advanced treatments like sedation dentistry and pediatric care. Our team utilizes the latest dental technology to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Choosing the right dentist can significantly improve your overall health and well-being in the long run. If you’re looking for a new dentist in Lakewood, WA, we invite you to experience the difference at Family Dentistry of Lakewood. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, making every visit a positive experience. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
How Same-Day Dental Crowns Can Restore Your Smile in a Single Visit
Dental crowns are a common device for replacing damaged teeth. A porcelain cap is added to the tooth to protect it from further damage. The procedure used to require a couple of visits to the dentist’s office. The dentist would create a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab. In the meantime, they’d place a temporary crown on the tooth until the permanent one arrived from the lab. However, new technology is speeding up the process and restoring your smile in just one day.
Understanding Same-Day Dental Crowns
Same-day dental crowns, or one-visit crowns, are crafted and placed within a single appointment. Unlike traditional crowns that require multiple visits and temporary crowns, same-day crowns use cutting-edge technology, CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology enables dentists to design, create, and fit a custom crown while you wait.
Instead of traditional impressions, the dentist starts by taking digital scans of your teeth. Using CAD/CAM technology, the dentist designs your crown on a computer. The design is sent to an in-office milling machine that crafts the crown from a ceramic block. Once the crown is ready, the dentist fits it onto your tooth, making any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit. Then, the dentist polishes the crown to match the natural sheen of your teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
Benefits of Same-Day Dental Crowns
The most significant benefit of this new technology is the time it saves. The entire process is completed in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments. There is no need for temporary crowns or numerous numbing sessions, leading to a more comfortable experience and faster recovery time. You leave the office with a fully restored tooth that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth rather than returning a week or two later to finish the process. Additionally, digital technology allows the dentist to take 3D photograph your mouth. The thorough imaging is precise and helps make a crown that fits your specific tooth perfectly.
Same-day crowns are ideal for patients with:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- Worn-down teeth
- Teeth that need aesthetic improvements
Cost and Insurance Considerations
While same-day crowns may have a higher upfront cost than traditional crowns, they often save money in the long run by reducing the need for additional appointments and temporary crowns. Many insurance plans cover same-day crowns, and financing options are available to make the procedure more affordable.
Same-day dental crowns provide a quick, efficient, and comfortable solution for restoring your smile. With advanced technology, you can walk into the dentist’s office and leave with a beautifully restored tooth in just one visit. Learn more about our restorative same-day crown services at Family Dentistry of Lakewood.
Learn More About Same-Day Crowns