Lumineers and Invisalign

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I wanted to get ten porcelain veneers in order to make my teeth look pretty. My front two teeth cross in front of each other a bit and they are old and stained. My dentist suggested I do Invisalign to straighten the front teeth and then Lumineers which won’t cause any grinding on my teeth. I’m not sure I can do both procedures, not without selling some things. Is it necessary to do both? I don’t know much about Lumineers, but I thought porcelain veneers could make teeth look straight. Did I misunderstand that in my excitement?

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

Invisalign aligner

Bear in mind that I haven’t examined your teeth. It could be that you have something unusual going on with your bite. However, without that exception, you are correct. Porcelain veneers can make teeth appear straight when you have a skilled cosmetic dentist working with them. The problem I think you are facing is you don’t have a skilled cosmetic dentist.

One of the things that makes me think that is his suggestion of Lumineers. While they are simply a brand of porcelain veneers, this brand is typically suggested by inexperienced cosmetic dentists. That is because they are highly marketed to them as being easy to place, as they may not need any tooth preparation. However, in many cases, they tend to end up looking bulky like that. Some patients have even described it as having horse teeth. He certainly couldn’t do it without any tooth prep with your front teeth being a bit crooked. This is probably why he suggested you get them straightened first.

I’d like to clear up a misconception. Your dentist used vernacular that hinted porcelain veneers would require your teeth to be ground down. In reality, there is very little tooth structure removed. The only thing that requires grinding of your teeth would be a dental crown.

If you still want porcelain veneers, I suggest you get a second opinion from a proven cosmetic dentist. Look for someone who is either accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or who is recommended on the mynewsmile.com website.

However, if the only thing wrong with your teeth is the crooked front teeth and the color, then you can save a lot of money by doing the Invisalign, to straighten your teeth, and teeth whitening. An added benefit is the Invisalign aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. All you’ll need is the professional strength gel to wear inside it. Your dentist can provide you with that. This method allows you to straighten and whiten your teeth at a fraction of the cost.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Will a Dental Flipper Make My Teeth Look Straight?

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I have crooked teeth but feel too old for braces. I wish I had gotten them when I was younger, but my parents couldn’t afford it. I’ve heard there is a dental flipper that snaps on to your teeth that will make your teeth look straight. Will this be useful for people like me?

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

dental flipper A dental flipper is used as a temporary tooth replacement. It doesn’t fit over your teeth, instead, it fills in the empty space from a missing tooth. This isn’t going to help you.

You may be thinking of Snap-on Smile. This is made of acrylic and snaps over your teeth. It looks okay. Not great. Because it snaps over your teeth, it can also make them look bulky. You do have other options though.

Straight Teeth with a Total Smile Makeover

If you get porcelain veneers, this will not only make your teeth look straight, it can completely remake your smile. These tiny porcelain magicians can change the shape, color, and size of your teeth. It is what Hollywood celebrities and wannabe celebrities go to in order to get those stunning smiles you see on the big screen. Mind you, this is your most expensive option. It’s an investment in your smile. Those who get porcelain veneers done by a skilled, preferably AACD accredited, cosmetic dentist find their confidence skyrockets.

Straight Teeth with Orthodontics

Invisalign aligner

I know what you are thinking when you read this heading. “I said no braces!” Yes. I know that. It isn’t what I am going to suggest. I totally get not wanting a mouth full of metal as an adult. Has anyone mentioned to you about Invisalign? Instead of metal, this uses clear aligners. It will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone even noticing. Generally, it does it in half the time of traditional braces as well.

In addition, it has a hidden benefit. The aligners used, are custom fit to your bite using a sophisticated software program. That also enables them to double as teeth whitening trays. All you will need then is to ask your dentist to provide you with professional teeth whitening gel and you can straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. This gives you a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the cost.

I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Finishing Invisalign: Do I Need Another Dentist?

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I am on my last pair of Invisalign aligners and have relocated to another city. It just occurred to me that I will probably need some type of retainer. Do I need to find another Invisalign dentist or can I just wear my last pair of aligners for a while longer?

Mandy

Dear Mandy,

Photo of upper and lower Invisalign aligners, which are available in San Diego from accredited cosmetic dentist Stephen Doan, DDS.

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible

You won’t need to find a new Invisalign dentist. However, while you can use your last pair of aligners as a retainer, just wearing them longer isn’t the way to go. You need to do it strategically so that you can wean off the aligners. Otherwise, your teeth will just start to shift again as soon as you stop wearing them.

Here is a plan I recommend:

Phase One

Wear them for a couple of extra weeks, then only at night for at least a month. you’d likely be better off with two months.

Phase Two

Try wearing them every other night, but make sure you are keeping an eye on whether or not the teeth are shifting. If they have shifted, you’ll be able to tell because it will get a tiny bit harder to put the aligners on in the morning. If that happens, go back to wearing them every night for a couple more weeks and then try again. Once you are able to go to every other night, do so for a month or two.

Phase Three

At this point, you can try wearing them once a week for a couple of months. Then finally not at all. Just be certain you periodically check to make sure it is still easy to put on those last two aligners. If it ever gets challenging, go back to wearing them at night for a while.

A Hidden Bonus with Invisalign

Many patients don’t realize that their Invisalign aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. You can utilize this by asking whatever dentist you end up with for your regular care to provide you with some professional strength teeth whitening gel. Let him know you already have the trays and just need the gel. Then, when you’re wearing them at night, put some gel in the aligners. You will whiten your teeth while you sleep all while keeping your teeth perfectly straight. It’s like getting a mini smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

He Needs to Runaway from this Dentist

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I have a 9 mm tooth gap. I’m tired of being embarrassed by my smile, but I’m too old for braces. My dentist suggested Snap-on Smile. We’d started the whole process, but it turned out I wasn’t a very good candidate. So, I’m back to square one. He’s now suggesting Lumineers, which is way more expensive than our original plan. Is there something in between?

Floyd

Dear Floyd,

Invisalign aligner

There are invisible alternatives to traditional braces.

The Bad News

I’d like you to find a different dentist to help you with this. He may have good intentions, but he is in over his head. First, Snap-on smile will only provide an adequate smile and only last a few years. It’s made of acrylic and will not be very attractive. However, the bigger issue here is his suggestion of Lumineers.

You have a 9mm gap in your front teeth. That is large enough to fit an additional tooth. It would take a top of the line cosmetic dentist to make this work. Very few top of the line cosmetic dentists choose Lumineers. They are a brand of porcelain veneers that are heavily marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. While they may be easy to place, they are not easy to get to look beautiful. This is especially true because the company that manufactures Lumineers (DenMat) requires dentists to use their lab. Many excellent cosmetic dentists feel the DenMat Lab gives subpar results and prefer to use a ceramist they handpick.

The Good News

There is a much more affordable solution for this problem. You mentioned you are too old for braces. I assume you’re referring to the metal braces we grew up seeing our peers wear. Is there a chance your dentist mentioned Invisalign to you? This is significantly less expensive than the Lumineers option he suggested.

These will straighten the gap in your teeth invisibly. Instead of metal wires and brackets, they use clear aligners. No one will know you are straightening your teeth. They also have another benefit of allowing you to whiten your teeth simultaneously. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. By the time you’re done with your treatment, you’ll have a mini smile makeover.

If you do decide to go with the porcelain veneers, I would make sure you only allowed an AACD accredited dentist to do the work.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Don’t Use Smile Direct Club

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I get a lot of questions about Smile Direct Club. I thought it would be better to post this so people can have a better understanding of what they would be getting into if they decide to go that direction. I’m going to be upfront and say that I think it is a bad idea and dangerous for patients.

smile direct club picture

However, for those who are unfamiliar with Smile Direct Club I’ll explain. It is a company that provides clear aligners, such as you can get with Invisalign, but it is more do it yourself than Invisalign. They send you a kit to do an impression which you send back to them. They’ll send you the aligners you will use over a period of about ten months. Here are my concerns.

The Impressions

When a dentist is doing the impression for an Invisalign case, they have to be very careful. There can be no bubbles, tears, or any other kind of defect. In fact, they have to be so careful many dentists won’t even let their assistants do it. If the impression is off, the whole case will be defective. What do you think the chance of a patient, with no training or experience, doing an accurate impression with a mailer do it yourself kit?

The Pre-Exam

You’re also talking about getting orthodontic treatment without any pre-exam. There are so many things which need to be looked at to ensure a patient’s teeth and gums are healthy enough. If there is the beginning of gum disease and you go through with treatment, it puts your teeth at risk. The gum disease will get worse. As that happens, there is bone loss, which can cause your teeth to literally fall out as they shift into new positions. This is why a dentist will do a thorough exam before any orthodontic treatment.

The Complications

Rarely, does a case go just as planned. With most cases, there is crowding of the teeth. Often that means a premolar needs to be extracted or maybe some shaving at the sides of the teeth to open up some room. They’ll likely send you to a dentist they have a contract with. However, that dentist isn’t invested in your case and will likely just get you in and out as quickly as possible.

Also, sometimes teeth don’t move the way they are supposed to. When that happens, a tiny button is bonded on to the tooth that is being uncooperative in order to help grip it and enable it to turn the way it should. But, you won’t be under the care of a dentist making sure things are going as they are supposed to.

Safely Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign

If you truly want to straighten your teeth safely, I recommend doing it under the care of a dentist. Invisalign will still do it invisibly. The difference being it will do it safely because you have a dentist keeping an eye on things every step of the way.

There is another benefit. The Invisalign aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. Your dentist can provide you with professional teeth whitening gel that you can wear in your aligners while you straighten your teeth. It’s like getting a mini smile makeover at a discount because you won’t have to have teeth whitening trays made.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Will Invisalign Correct Misalignment?

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I’m a little confused about something. I went to see my dentist about the possibility of getting Invisalign to straighten my teeth. He told me that it won’t work to correct misalignment and I’ll need to get traditional braces. Is that accurate?

Paula

Dear Paula,

Invisalign aligner

There are invisible alternatives to traditional braces.

First, I’ll say right off the bat, yes, Invisalign can fix misalignment. That’s exactly why it was made— to fix teeth. In the beginning, it couldn’t handle the really difficult cases, but these days it can fix most cases. While I can’t say with certainty why your dentist said it won’t work, I have a few ideas.

First, he may just not be open to new ideas. “Invisible braces? That’s not how we’ve done it before.” To that I’d reply, “Hey Boomer, advancements in technology are good.”

A second possibility is he doesn’t understand everything Invisalign can do. This means he’s either not interested in orthodontics as a whole, or he doesn’t keep up with his field.

A final possibility is you have a unique case which he realizes doesn’t make you a good candidate for this option. The only way to know if you are is to get a second opinion. Make sure it is a dentist who actually uses Invisalign.

A Hidden Benefit to Invisalign

While most people understand the advantages of having invisible braces, where you can straighten your teeth with no one even knowing, along with the other benefits of being much more comfortable and working in half the time, there is another cosmetic benefit as well.

Your Invisalign aligners can actually double as teeth whitening trays. This means that while you are straightening your teeth, you can simultaneously whiten them as well. Just ask your dentist for some teeth whitening gel you can use in the aligners. By the time you’ve completed your treatment, you will have a mini smile makeover with both straight and white teeth.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Making My Teeth Look Straight

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I have crooked teeth and some of them stick out a little. I don’t want braces because, as an adult, it would be just as unattractive to have a mouth full of metal. I was thinking a dental flipper could snap over my teeth and help them look straight. Do you think that could work for me?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Invisalign aligner

There are invisible alternatives to traditional braces.

I think you’re confused about what a dental flipper is. This doesn’t snap over your teeth at all. It’s is actually a temporary tooth replacement. It has a false tooth which has two clasps that attach to the adjacent teeth in order to remain in place.

It’s possible you are mixing this up with a snap-on smile. This does snap over your teeth. It’s made of an acrylic resin. These will last a few years. However, it would take a skilled cosmetic dentist to get them to look good. Additionally, because they fit over your teeth they can look a tad bulky. This will be especially true with your teeth because you mentioned some of your teeth stick out a little.

I have another suggestion I believe you will like better.

Invisalign—The Modern Alternative to Braces

You don’t have to get traditional braces anymore. They now make orthodontics, called Invisalign, which have no metal wires or brackets. Instead, they use clear aligners to straighten your teeth. These are invisible even at a conversational distance.

As you can see from the picture above, they just slide onto your teeth. You wear each aligner for two weeks and then switch them out for the next pair. They’re not only more attractive than traditional braces, but they’re more comfortable and work in about half the time.

You’ll also find they have another cosmetic advantage as well. The aligners you wear can double as teeth whitening trays. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. It’s like having a mini smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Fixing a Crooked Front Tooth

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I need to fix a crooked front tooth. I’m afraid regular braces may be my only option. It’s crooked behind the tooth next to it. Do I have any options aside from traditional braces?

Eden

Dear Eden,

A woman placing her Invisalign aligners on her teeth in two images

You have a couple of great options which won’t require you to use traditional braces.

Straightening Teeth with Invisalign

When it comes to straightening crooked teeth, Invisalign does a great job. Unlike traditional braces, there is no metal involved. Instead, it uses clear aligners to gently move the tooth into position. You’ll switch out aligners every two weeks.

It has another less well-known benefit of being able to double as teeth whitening trays. This means, if you wanted to, you could simultaneously straighten and whiten your teeth.

Combining these two procedures is like getting a mini smile makeover.

Straightening Teeth with Porcelain Veneers

If you’re interested in changing more than just the crooked tooth, porcelain veneers can completely remake your smile. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth all at once. This requires more expertise than the first recommended procedure. Smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school so not all dentists are qualified.

If you decide to go this route, I’d recommend you go to a dentist who’s been accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists and the top in the country. They will be able to give you an absolutely stunning smile.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

Can You Get Invisalign If You Already Had Braces?

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According to one study, one in five patients stop wearing their retainer within 19 to 24 months of completing orthodontic treatment. Many of them find that their teeth have gradually shifted. Among them are adults who want to repeat treatment with Invisalign because the aligners aren’t very noticeable. If you had braces in the past, is Invisalign treatment possible?

Invisalign after Braces?

Photo of upper and lower Invisalign aligners, which are available in San Diego from accredited cosmetic dentist Stephen Doan, DDS.

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible

Although Dr. Doan would need to examine your teeth to let you know your treatment options, Invisalign might be right for you. Mild spacing or crowding issues can often be corrected within six months. The clear aligners will also correct the following imperfections in teeth:

  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Open bite

Of course, after treatment with Invisalign, you must be diligent about wearing a retainer—for life—to keep your teeth in alignment.

Advantages of Invisalign

If you’ve worn traditional braces in the past, you will quickly notice the advantages of Invisalign. Some of them include:

  • Faster treatment time
  • Fewer checkup appointments
  • Increased comfort
  • Precise alignment
  • Easier to maintain good oral hygiene, because you can remove the aligners
  • Virtually invisible aligners

What Else Should You Know?

  • Invisalign costs more than traditional braces, but your dentist likely offers payment plans or financing options to make treatment affordable.
  • When you remove them to eat, drink, or floss and brush your teeth, you must remember to put the aligners back on your teeth.
  • Aligners need to be worn about 22 hours per day. Failure to wear them as directed can prolong your treatment time.
  • In some cases, tooth-colored attachments are temporarily bonded to your teeth for increased contact and grip to correctly move your teeth. The attachments, or bumps, on your teeth might make Invisalign a bit more noticeable.

Schedule an appointment with a certified Invisalign provider to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Stephen Doan, an accredited cosmetic dentist in La Jolla, CA.

Do I Need to Repeat Invisalign?

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I had Invisalign several years ago as a teenager. I then wore a retainer for two years. Now, my teeth seem to be shifting again, creating noticeable gaps. I went back to my dentist and he made me a new retainer he just wanted me wearing at night. I’ve noticed that my teeth will shift between the AM and the PM. Do I need to do the whole treatment over? Have you seen this before?

Amanda

Amanda,

Invisalign aligner
Invisalign aligner

Some movement is both normal and necessary in teeth. Without it, there wouldn’t be any give during injuries. However, what you’re referring to is different.

Often we see noticeable shifting in teeth with teenagers who don’t wear their retainers. That’s not what you’re doing. You’ve been very diligent with your Invisalign treatment plan as well your post-treatment, and even went back right away when you started noticing a problem.

I think what you’re bumping up against is genetics. Some people will just have teeth which try to perpetually move. When that happens, you need a full-time retainer. But, don’t despair. There are invisible options for that these days. You won’t have to wear a line of metal across your front teeth.

Full-Time Retainers After Invisalign

Your first option is to wear an invisible removable retainer, which is similar to Invisalign.

Another option, which many adults in your situation prefer is to have a lingual retainer placed. It is permanent and anchored to the back of your teeth where no one will see it.

There’s not a right or wrong with this. It is strictly a matter of preference. Talk to your dentist and discuss the pros and cons of them to get an idea of which one is a better fit for you.

This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.

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Dr. Doan is retiring and Dr. Moeckel is taking over the practice. 

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