Orthodontics and Invisalign

Restorative Dentists serving Scottsdale and Phoenix AZ

Princess Center Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ
At Princess Center Dentistry, we have your smile in mind and your comfort at heart.

Many of our patients come in for an orthodontic and smile assessment asking, if braces and teeth straightening is only for children.

That has to be a true statement, right?

Some also have asked if orthodontic dentistry is only for cosmetic purposes.

Want some simple and good news?

The answer to both questions is . . .

We will get to that in just a minute, first we need to cover something important.

What is Orthodontics in Dentistry?

Dentistry has many different ways if helping patients have optimal oral health, especially when it comes to the:

  • Mouth
  • Jaw
  • Gums
  • Nerves
  • Teeth

What sets orthodontic dentistry apart is that an orthodontist has extra dental training to specialize in three main aspects of dentistry:

  1. Jaw alignment:  Do your top and bottom jaws align? Sometimes one part of the jaw is smaller than another which can lead to our second aspect.
  2. Bite correction: You may have heard of cross bite, overbite, or underbite. Each is connected to how  teeth on the top and bottom do not make contact with each other.
  3. Teeth straightening: Straighter teeth is a goal of orthodontics. You may hear a dentist use the  word occlusion when talking about how your teeth align and make contact with each other.

So yes, orthodontic dentistry is about straight teeth but it’s also about helping you with any jaw or bite difficulties.

The extra dental training that an orthodontist has means that they are your do to type of dentist for metal braces if that is what you need for your oral health needs.

So. . .

Is Orthodontic Dentistry Only Done for Cosmetic Reasons?

Alright, here is the answer to one of those questions, and it is simple.

No, Orthodontic dentistry is not only done for cosmetic reasons.

Although many patients may choose to start orthodontic treatments for personal cosmetic reasons why does not want straight teeth? Orthodontic dentistry can come with two added bonus benefits for your oral and overall health:

  1. Communication: Speaking and communication can become easier when your jaw and teeth are aligned.
  2. Eating: When you eat you need to be able to chew and bite. When teeth and your top and bottom jaw align this can be achieved with greater ease.

That being said, who is orthodontic dentistry treatment for?

Is Orthodontic Dentistry Only for Children?

Although when you think of braces you may think of a family member in elementary or middle school.

No, orthodontic dentistry is not just for children.

It is often recommended that a child get an orthodontic assessment by age seven, however, that does not put an age limit on who can be treated for orthodontic care.

Your Orthodontic Dental Needs and Princess Center Dentistry

At Princess Center Dentistry, we want to help all of our patients achieve their best smiles.

We do this through modern techniques and Invisalign treatment. As well as our family and restorative dentistry services.

A Hassle-Free Option for Orthodontic Dental Treatment

Would you like a straighter smile without the hassles of bracks and metal wrires that often come with braces and orthodontic dentistry?

At Princess Center Dentistry, Invisalign, sometimes called clear braces are offered by  Scottsdale dentist Dr. Ann Andrews because it enables patients a subtle, discreet way to a straighter smile.

Don’t think Invisalign will be able to meet your orthodontic dental needs?

Think again!

Approximately 9 out of 10 patients considering Invisalign are able to participate in the treatment process.

Call today to set up an orthodontic assessment appointment to see if Invisalign is a good fit for you.

5 Ways Invisalign has Revolutionized Orthodontic Treatment

Still unsure if you fit the criteria for Invisalign?

Did you know that Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment as we know it today?

Outside of helping with straightening teeth, there are also five ways and oral health conditions that can be corrected using invisalign:

  1. Rotations
  2. Crowding
  3. Spacing
  4. Shifting
  5. Minor overbite or overbite issues

Braces v Invisalign: 6 Benefits of Invisalign

When compared to metal braces, Invisalign has six main benefits:

  1. Clear: Virtually invisible, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
  2. Comfortable: The aligners are designed of smooth plastic materials that are gentle on your mouth.
  3. Removable: You can remove them at any time to eat, brush, or floss.
  4. Fast: The treatment period is generally shorter compared to traditional braces. We will monitor your progress approximately every six weeks.
  5. Convenient: Can be worn anytime, anywhere!
  6. Affordable: It is often less expensive compared to traditional orthodontic treatment.

Speaking of affordability . . .

Invisalign And Costs

When it comes to finances and Invisalign, many of our patients at Princess Center Dentistry have many common questions.

Here are FAQ for Costs:

  • Do you accept dental insurance for Invisalign treatments?

We do accept insurance for our dental services. It is important to note that not all dental insurance providers or plans cover treatments like Invisalign.

  • How can I finance Invisalign treatments?

There are many ways to finance Invisalign treatments! You can use a 3rd-party finance company like CareCredit, or use one of the many payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

  • What can I expect Invisalign treatment to cost in Scottsdale?

There are many factors that can impact the cost of Invisalign treatment in Scottsdale. To help you gain insight into costs, check out our guide.

At Princess Center Dentistry, we believe everyone should have access to affordable orthodontics and dental care. We genuinely recommend Invisalign to our interested patients.

To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign in the Scottsdale area, call our office today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Andrews (an Invisalign Preferred Provider).

Invisalign Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. The aesthetic factor. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is almost unnoticeable. For teenagers and young adults who care about their appearance, clear aligners are the best option because they are far less obvious than the wires and brackets of braces.
  1. Removable. If necessary, you can manually take the aligner out of your mouth. You can also do normal brushing and flossing without difficulty.
  1. Convenient. Compared to braces, Invisalign treatment requires fewer follow-up consultations. Additionally, the appointments are shorter. Overall, treatment time is often faster as well.
  1. Less Discomfort and Irritation. It may take some time to adjust to braces. There is typically some discomfort from the new braces and wires that are put on your teeth until your cheeks adapt and “toughen up.” Invisalign significantly lessens or completely eliminates the discomfort that patients with braces must endure by taking the braces and wires out of the picture.
  1. Ease of cleaning your teeth. By removing the aligner, you can easily brush and floss your teeth, without having to work around wires and brackets. Additionally, cleaning the aligners is simple. Just use a toothbrush and some soap to scrub. You can also let them soak in antibacterial mouthwash overnight.

Cons

  1. It is pricey. Because of improvements in 3D scanning technology and the flexible material used to make the aligner, the cost of Invisalign can be comparable to that of braces. The national average price for Invisalign is between $2,500 and $8,000 without insurance.
  1. Patients need to be disciplined. Being able to remove your aligners is both a pro and a con. You won’t wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day if you don’t have the discipline to put them back in your mouth after eating or brushing. If the aligners aren’t worn for the recommended amount of time, your treatment could not yield the optimum outcomes.
  1. Food limitations. You may experience tooth soreness when the aligner is removed, which can limit your food choices. Hard foods, especially, should be avoided. Also, when you’re eating or drinking, you may need to take the aligners out. If you don’t, food or drink can get into them.

What are Our Hours?

At Princess Center Dentistry, our hours are set to meet your needs no matter if you need an appointment before or after work or something in between. We even have hours on the weekend to meet your family’s need for flexibility. Check out our hours in Scottsdale, Arizona:

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Are You Ready for Your Best Smile?

Book your consultation today!