7 Commonly Asked Questions about Invisalign Clear Aligners

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign Clear Aligners offer a modern and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Custom-made from a transparent, BPA-free plastic material, these removable trays are virtually invisible when worn. They gently and gradually shift teeth into their desired positions, providing a more comfortable and convenient orthodontic experience. With Invisalign, patients can enjoy improved dental aesthetics and a straighter smile without the hassle of brackets and wires.

7 Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign Clear Aligners

Here are some commonly asked questions about Invisalign clear aligners:

1) How Long Should You Wear Invisalign?

The duration of wearing Invisalign varies depending on the individual’s orthodontic needs. On average, treatment with Invisalign can range from 6 months to 18 months. The treatment duration is determined by factors such as the complexity of the case, the desired outcome, and the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners. Regularly wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily is crucial for achieving optimal results within the estimated timeframe.

2) How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on various factors, including the severity of the orthodontic issues, the duration of treatment, and the geographic location. On average, Invisalign treatment can range from $3,000 to $8,000. It is recommended to consult with our orthodontist who can provide a personalized treatment plan to get Invisalign clear aligners at 91710 and an accurate cost estimate. Additionally, dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for Invisalign treatment, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

3) Can You Sleep with Invisalign?

Yes, it is safe to sleep with Invisalign aligners in your mouth. Wearing them for 20-22 hours daily, including during sleep, is recommended for optimal results. The aligners are comfortable, allowing you to wear them throughout the day and night without discomfort. Sleeping with Invisalign aligners helps ensure consistent progress in straightening your teeth and achieving your desired smile. Remember to follow the instructions provided by our dentist in Chino, CA on wearing and caring for your aligners to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

4) Does Invisalign Affect Your Speech?

Initially, wearing Invisalign aligners may slightly affect your speech, but most people adapt quickly, and the impact is minimal. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made to fit but may initially feel slightly different in your mouth. Some individuals may experience a slight lisp or changes in tongue placement, but these typically improve within a short period as you adjust to the aligners. Speaking and enunciating clearly while wearing Invisalign aligners can be achieved with practice, and most people find that any speech impediments gradually disappear over time.

5) Can You Play Sports while Wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Yes, you can play sports while wearing Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removable, providing flexibility and convenience for physical activities. However, it is important to consider the sport and take necessary precautions. Wearing mouth protectors if you are playing contact sports for protection is advisable. Mouthguards can be used with Invisalign aligners to safeguard your teeth and aligners during sports.

6) Can You Eat & Drink with Invisalign?

You should remove Invisalign aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water. This is to prevent damage to the aligners and to maintain oral hygiene. Removing the aligners allows you to enjoy your meals without restrictions or interference. It also allows for easier cleaning of your teeth and the aligners.

7) Can a Pregnant Woman Wear Invisalign Clear Aligners?

While it is generally safe for pregnant women to wear Invisalign clear aligners, it is crucial to consult your orthodontist and obstetrician before proceeding with any orthodontic treatment during pregnancy. Pregnancy brings hormonal and physiological changes that can affect oral health, such as increased gum sensitivity and the risk of developing gum disease.

Our orthodontist near you will consider factors such as the stage of pregnancy, any existing dental concerns, and the necessity of orthodontic treatment.

Looking to Get Invisalign Treatment Near Chino Hills, CA?

Invisalign clear aligners provide a modern and convenient solution for orthodontic treatment. With their discreet and removable design, Invisalign aligners offer the flexibility to enjoy meals, engage in physical activities, and maintain oral hygiene. Book your appointment with Ramona Dentistry of Chino to get Invisalign in Chino, CA & get personalized guidance and recommendations based on your needs.

What are Gum (Periodontal) Disease Causes, Signs & Treatment Options?

Poor oral hygiene has a lot of detrimental effects on your oral health. Besides causing bad breath, poor oral hygiene leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to gum disease. So, what is this oral problem, its causes, symptoms and treatment? Below you will find the answers to these questions and more. So, let’s get into it.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. As mentioned earlier, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, but some people are more prone to the disease than others.

What are the Types of Gum Disease?

There are three main types of periodontal disease. They include:

  • Gingivitis– this type of gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque: a soft, sticky substance caused by bacteria. Failure to brush and floss your teeth regularly leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with food debris stuck between teeth leading to gingivitis. This disease is accompanied by gum inflammation and bleeding gums. Therefore, it is advisable to go for gum disease treatment, as soon as possible. Other symptoms of gingivitis are occasional bad breath even after brushing and swollen or red gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable and does not require complicated treatment for it to resolve.
  • Periodontitis– failure to go for periodontal disease treatment leads to the progression of gingivitis, causing periodontitis. At this stage, the disease spreads to the ligaments that hold your teeth. Furthermore, your gums start to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets that harbour bacteria and plaque. It also becomes challenging to clean your teeth as the plaque hardens, becoming tartar. Gum recession may leave your tooth roots exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. Additionally, your teeth may feel loose as no ligaments or bones are holding the teeth in place.
  • Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)– this is a more severe type of gum disease. The disease is a result of bacterial infection that leads to toothache, ulcers, swelling and Halitosis. Some of the symptoms of ANUG are difficulty swallowing or speaking, a metallic taste in your mouth, very painful ulcers and having a lot of saliva in your mouth. If you notice some signs of ANUG, you should visit our gum disease specialist at 91710 immediately. This is because the disease can lead to tooth loss.

What are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Here are some of the causes of gum disease:

  • Plaque build-up.
  • Chewing or smoking tobacco.
  • Prescription medications- some medications reduce saliva production and flow, which is essential in removing food debris stuck between teeth.
  • Crooked teeth- are hard to clean, leading to plaque build-up.
  • Family history.
  • Hormonal shift for females.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Below are the common signs & symptoms of gum disease:

  • Loose teeth.
  • Receded gums.
  • Bad breath.
  • Bleeding gums.
  • Purplish or reddish gums.
  • Pain when chewing.
  • Soreness.
  • Unpleasant or bad taste in your mouth.
  • Gums that feel tender to the touch.

What are the Different Treatments for Gum Disease?

When you go for gum disease treatment, the dentist will explain that there are different types of treatments for periodontal disease. However, different factors affect which treatment will be right for you. These factors include whether you smoke, your health, treatments you’ve undergone in the past and the severity of the periodontal disease.

Here are some of the treatment options for gum disease:

1) Scaling and Root Planning

this procedure is similar to routine dental cleaning, but the difference is that cleaning is deeper. The dental hygienist will clean beneath your gums and remove plaque that a toothbrush cannot remove.

2) Improved Oral Hygiene and Dental Cleaning

If you go for treatment in the early stages of gum disease, our dentist in Chino, CA will perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque on your teeth surface. Moreover, the dentist will encourage you to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent disease progression.

3) Pocket Reduction Surgery

If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, the dentist will recommend pocket reduction surgery. The procedure focuses on removing plaque and tartar found deep under the gums. During this treatment, the periodontist makes an incision in your gums and makes a flap. The flap allows the periodontist to move your gums back from your teeth roots. Next, the dentist cleans your teeth roots to remove bacteria, tartar and plaque. Lastly, the dentist repositions your gums and uses stitches to close the incision.

Get Gum Disease Treatment Near You

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an acute condition that can lead to tooth loss if not addressed. If you notice the signs of gum disease & looking for periodontal disease treatment near Chino Hills, don’t hesitate to contact Ramona Dentistry to get gum disease treatment in Chino, CA. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Not just sleep, but rather the quality of sleep matters for proper brain and bodily functions. If you are not getting sleep, it’s only a matter of time before your work or school performance starts dwindling. There are various causes of sleep problems. The treatments may also vary per patient depending on what is causing the sleep problems. We will talk about sleep apnea, its symptoms and treatment options in this article.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition affecting many people, regardless of age and dental health. People suffering from sleep apnea tend to experience breathing difficulties when sleeping, which as a result, causes them to get inefficient, low-quality sleep. The condition occurs when there is a limited air intake due to the upper airway muscles relaxing, thus limiting air passage. The disease affects men more than women and is more prevalent in overweight people,

Unfortunately, many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed until they advance and become severe and challenging to treat.

Why Do You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea may not be easy to self-diagnose since its symptoms tend to occur at night when the patient is asleep and unconscious. Unfortunately, this can have dire consequences as undiagnosed sleep apnea has been linked to severe health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

a) Reduces Risks of Vehicle Accidents

Sleep apnea treatment is essential as it can significantly reduce vehicle accidents caused by fatigue. Research shows vehicle drivers with sleep apnea are more likely to cause vehicle accidents than those who don’t have the condition. That is because lack of sufficient sleep causes loss of concentration and impedes fast decision-making, which can affect driving.

b) Improves Mental Health

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of getting mental health problems such as moodiness, irritability and depression. Studies also found sleep apnea to be associated with anxiety. Mental health issues can cause self-esteem issues that can affect your performance and social life. Our sleep apnea dentist near Chino Hills can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea before it worsens and causes mental health problems.

c) Helps in Better Diabetes Management

Sleep apnea increases the chances of developing diabetes. The American Thoracic Society found that treating sleep apnea led to better insulin resistance in patients not diagnosed with diabetes. Research also found untreated sleep apnea patients already diagnosed with diabetes have a difficult time managing their blood sugar levels.

d) Increases Sleep Quality

People living with sleep apnea tend to regularly stop breathing, sometimes forcing them to wake up at night to catch a breath. The frequent interruptions in the patient’s sleeping patterns greatly affected their quality of sleep which caused them to feel tired and sleepy during the day. In addition, sleep apnea patients tend to snore at night, affecting their partner’s sleep. It’s, therefore, essential to see a sleep apnea dentist to seek treatment for your sleep apnea.

What are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are two common types of sleep apneas:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is commonly abbreviated to OSA, is the most common type of sleep apnea. The condition is caused by irregular breathing patterns resulting from over-relaxation of throat muscles, which limits air intake. OSA patients also tend to experience morning headaches and feel tired and sleepy during the daytime due to not getting enough sleep. Below are things that may increase the chances of getting obstructive sleep apnea:

> Lifestyle

Smoking and consuming alcohol regularly can increase the risk of getting obstructive sleep apnea. Drinking alcohol leads to the relaxation of throat muscles worsening the effects of OSA. On the other hand, smoking increases fluid retention and inflammation in the upper airways worsening the condition.

> Underlying Health Issues

Suffering from cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes makes it easier for you to get OSA. Having a lung disorder like asthma can also make symptoms more severe.

> Obesity

People carrying excess weight are more likely to experience OSA than healthy individuals. That is because obese patients tend to have excess fat, which may be deposited in the upper airway making it harder to breath.

> Age and Gender

In terms of age, patients above 60 years are more affected by sleep apnea than their younger counterparts. Regarding gender, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.

2) Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is caused by failure of the brain to send signals to respiratory muscles resulting in shortness of breath. Like OSA, central sleep apnea can affect anyone, irrespective of age. Obesity, being male and regular smoking and drinking will increase the risks of contracting central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Shortness of breath when sleeping
  • Snoring at night
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of concentration
  • Morning headaches

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatment will vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. If you are suffering from mild sleep apnea, our dentist in Chino, CA 91710, may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss and giving up smoking and drinking. If the changes don’t work, our dentist will recommend sleep apnea therapy which is usually very successful at treating sleep apnea.

Get Sleep Apnea Treatment Near You

Sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause severe health problems if left untreated. Our dentist in Chino recommends immediate sleep apnea treatment to prevent complications resulting from sleep apnea. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Ramona Dentistry of Chino for diagnosis and sleep apnea treatment in Chino, CA!

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