Straight Talk About Invisalign From Dr. Vickie Greenberg

More than half a million patients can boast experience with Invisalign treatment. While this invisible method of moving teeth is proven to be effective, many would-be candidates for Invisalign treatment have confusion about whether it’s right for them. Here are some common questions and concerns about Invisalign, with straight answers from Dr. Greenberg.

Have you been told that Invisalign won’t fix your bite?

There are certain movements that are more successful with Invisalign than with braces – it just depends on the type of bite that you have. Invisalign statistics show that over 80% of bad bites (malocclusions) can be corrected by Invisalign. The other 20% can be corrected in conjunction with Invisalign by using braces that are hidden behind the teeth.

Are you worried that Invisalign is expensive?

The cost of Invisalign in most cases is comparable to traditional orthodontics. We do offer affordable financing options with low monthly payments. If it’s important to you to have straight teeth and a more confident smile, we will help make Invisalign affordable for you.

Have you heard that Invisalign doesn’t work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that requires special technique and product knowledge. Our office is well trained in this system and we have successfully treated a broad range of patient types.

Are you concerned about your speech being affected?

Most patients will not notice a significant change in their speech. Certain patients may take a couple of days to a couple of weeks to become accustomed to their aligners. The tongue typically adapts more quickly in patients who speak two languages.
Smiling patient

Have you heard that you can’t drink liquids (including alcohol) with Invisalign?

You can certainly drink liquids while you’re in treatment. However, we recommend that when you do, you take the time to brush your teeth and clean your aligners afterward. If you’re away from home and don’t have access to your toothbrush, it’s best to rinse your aligners with water when your drink is finished. You can drink coffee and tea, but stay away from drinks that are too hot and drinks heavy in sugar.

Have you been told in the past you are not a candidate for Invisalign treatment?

Come in for a free consultation at Dr. Greenberg's office. We have treated a wide variety of Invisalign cases and are comfortable with the technique. Most likely we can show you an example of a case similar to yours that we have treated successfully.

Make Your Best First Impression with an Invisalign Smile

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

This age-old aphorism has been used to describe situations in business, in Hollywood, in the classroom, as well as in simple everyday life. A recent piece of research confirms the sentiment, with a particular emphasis on the impression made by the quality of your smile – and the teeth it reveals.

According to a study conducted by Beall Research & Training of Chicago, Illinois, on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, your smile has quite a lot to say about you to strangers.

Researchers showed photos of eight individuals to hundreds of Americans. Some of the photos showed the individuals before undergoing dental improvements, and some showed them after. The “before” photos all showed people within a normal range of dental quality: there were no rotten or missing teeth, for example. The level of improvement displayed in the “after” photos ranged from mild, to moderate, to major. Those viewing the photos were not told that the subjects of the images had undergone dental improvements.

The results were telling. Across the board, respondents indicated that the people in the “after” photos were more attractive, more intelligent, more interesting, more successful in their careers, more sensitive to other people, more popular with the opposite sex, friendlier, happier, kinder, and wealthier than the people in the “before” photos.

If something is bothering you about your smile, give us a call. We are certified Invisalign practitioners. Time-tested by over half a million people, Invisalign allows you to improve your smile invisibly, with no metal wires or bands. Adults and teenagers alike opt to straighten their teeth with a series of clear aligners, which can be removed for meals and cleaning, as well as on special occasions.

Your new and improved first impression could be right around the corner. Call us today at Greenberg Orthodontics to discuss the future of your smile.

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Dr. Vickie Greenberg is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 626-768-7775.

Fluoride is your Friend

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Toothbrush Trivia

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

· Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color

· The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India

· On average, children smile about 400 times per day

· Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months

· The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Learn About Invisalign in LA With This Video

I just came across this video and had to share it. Is there a question you have about getting Invisalign in the Los Angeles area? Contact my office today and we can setup an appointment!

What People Say About Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics

Your Invisalign Orthodontist of Los Angeles - LA Invisalign

Dr. Greenberg is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in the greater Los Angeles, California (CA) Metro Area (Your Invisalign Source in Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Altadena)

If you are located in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Altadena and all surrounding areas and in need of state-of-the-art orthodontic care, then consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces. A complimentary consultation with me (Dr. Vickie Greenberg) can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

What is it?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign and I am a certified Invisalign orthodontist located in your Los Angeles area.

Why would I want it?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does it work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Greenberg has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Greenberg about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com.