teeth straightening

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic system that offers an alternative to traditional metal braces. It uses clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for each patient, allowing them to discreetly and comfortably realign their teeth without metal brackets or wires. Invisalign teeth straightening works by gradually moving your teeth into place as you wear one aligner after another.

Invisalign Teeth Straightening Process

In order to understand how Invisalign works to straighten teeth, it’s important to understand its orthodontic process. To know the process better of how Invisalign straightens your teeth, you need to consult an Orthodontist in Cortlandt. In general, it’s a straightforward procedure that’s easy to follow and can typically be completed in less time than traditional braces.

Step 1: Consultation

As with every other orthodontic treatment, Invisalign requires a thorough consultation with your orthodontist. During this appointment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and mouth, discuss Invisalign’s benefits and drawbacks, and decide whether Invisalign is the best option for you.

During the examination, they should be able to tell the level of complexity of your misaligned teeth. This confirms whether Invisalign is the best choice for you and helps your orthodontist determine how long Invisalign treatment will take. Teeth and gums evaluation will also tell if you are a good candidate or if any pre-treatment is necessary before Invisalign can be used.

Step 2: Scanning and Treatment Planning

Once you’ve decided, it’s time to move on to Invisalign’s scanning and treatment planning stage. In this stage, Invisalign’s 3D imaging technology captures high-resolution impressions of your teeth. Invisalign will use them to create a custom treatment plan.

Invisalign’s software helps determine the exact movements of each tooth throughout each stage of the process. It is also able to predict the end result of treatment, allowing you and your orthodontist to see a virtual representation of how Invisalign will move your teeth into the desired position.

Step 3: Invisalign Aligners & Fitting

Once your orthodontist has all the necessary data, they will send it to Invisalign. Invisalign then manufactures a series of custom-made aligners specifically designed for your treatment plan. Each set of Invisalign aligners usually needs to be worn for two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.

Once the first set is ready and available, your orthodontist will fit them into your teeth. During the fitting process, your orthodontist will let you get a feel of Invisalign’s aligners and help you adjust to them. In some cases, Invisalign may require custom-fit attachments (buttons) to be placed on your teeth in order to help Invisalign aligners fit better and to improve the end result.

Step 4: Invisalign Progress

When fitting is successful, the Invisalign teeth straightening process begins. To get the best results from Invisalign, it’s important to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Your orthodontist will provide you with a set of instructions on how to wear, replace, clean, and store Invisalign aligners.

Throughout the Invisalign process, you will need to visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks for progress check-ups. During these visits, your orthodontist will examine the progress of your teeth’ movement and provide you with Invisalign’s next series of aligners. In some cases, Invisalign may require adjustments between check-ups, so be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely.

Step 5: Invisalign Retention

Once treatment is complete, the retention phase begins. In this stage, Invisalign provides you with a set of custom-made plastic retainers to help keep your teeth in the desired position. During the first few months of Invisalign retention, it’s important to wear the retainers as much as possible. As time goes on, you will gradually reduce the wearing time until you have reached Invisalign’s recommended wearing schedule.

Is Invisalign Teeth Straightening for You?

In general, Invisalign is an ideal orthodontic solution for people with minor to moderate misalignments. It is also an attractive choice for those who are looking for a less visible alternative to traditional braces. Whether the patient is a child, teen, or adult, Invisalign is a safe and effective option that is tailored to their specific needs.

If you think Invisalign might be right for you or your child, it’s best to discuss the process with a qualified orthodontist. They will help you determine if Invisalign is the best solution for your needs. They will also provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision.

Consult Glaser Orthodontics in Cortlandt, NY Today

At Glaser Orthodontics, we provide Invisalign teeth straightening solutions to patients of all ages. Dr. Barry Glaser is an Invisalign VIP Platinum Provider, which means he has attained an exceptional level of experience treating patients with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, and over his professional career has treated many thousands of patients with braces as well.

He and his team continuously strive to provide excellence in orthodontics using the latest technologies, Invisalign included. Dr. Glaser continues to stay up to date on dental and orthodontic advancements and has a passion for creating beautiful smiles.

Call us today at (914) 353-4823 for questions or to schedule a free Invisalign consultation. You can also take advantage of our online smile assessment and get started on Invisalign teeth straightening right away. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Why do teeth shift? Although one might think teeth are solidly rooted in place and unmovable, they do move over time. With orthodontic treatment, an orthodontist can take advantage of this gradual mobility. With treatments like Invisalign and braces, teeth can shift very slowly to their ideal positions.

However, teeth also move gradually, all on their own naturally. As we age, this process can lead to problems like gaps and crowded teeth. Otherwise, minor shifts may not cause a problem.

Why Do Teeth Shift?

To understand why teeth shift, we’ll look at how teeth are held in place. Rather than being fixed in place by the gums and bone, a somewhat flexible ligament secures teeth.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) fastens teeth to the jaw with connective tissue and collagen. Light yellow minerals and collagen on the outside of the tooth’s roots, called cementum, interlocks with root dentin and helps to secure the ligament.  

Thankfully, the PDL acts like a shock absorber when you chew. In cases of grinding teeth, it can help, though constant grinding called bruxism can damage teeth over time.

As another advantage, the PDL allows a dentist to remove a problem tooth if necessary. With no direct attachment to the jawbone, wisdom teeth can come out if necessary, for example.

Grinding Teeth

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, the pressure can enlarge the PDL ligament. Then, your teeth are more likely to shift over time. Over time, it can damage the surrounding tissue.

Also, bruxism often leads to problems with the temporomandibular joint in the jaws. Once more, an orthodontist like Dr. Glaser can help. Please, contact us if you believe you suffer from bruxism or have jaw pain.

Teeth Shift Naturally

As people age, teeth naturally drift toward the front of the mouth. The process is called mesial or physiological drift. 

Over years of chewing and grinding teeth, the enamel can wear down. As a result, small gaps form with can become larger over time. Then, teeth will drift more as spaces grow larger. When a tooth is lost, the drift becomes worse and underlying bone can recede.

Crooked and Crowded Teeth

Unfortunately, as many as nine in ten people have teeth that are at least slightly misaligned. Such misalignments are called malocclusions ( or a bad bite) and often involve crowded or crooked teeth. 

When there are malocclusions, they can get worse over time. Fortunately, orthodontists can correct malocclusions with a range of treatments like Invisalign or braces.

With treatment, we can guide the teeth to drift back toward their ideal positions slowly. Then, wearing a retainer after treatment ensures they stay put. 

 

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Teeth Shift When You Lose a Tooth 

In America, most adults can expect to lose a tooth. By age 65, as many as 30 percent of adults may have no natural teeth.

When you lose a tooth, the underlying bone can recede. Thus, it can change your appearance, and teeth will shift where there are open spaces. 

However, a combination of restorative dentistry and orthodontic treatment can restore your smile in both appearance and health. At Glaser Orthodontics, treatment is affordable and can help you look and feel your best.

Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal (gum) disease can damage the PDL and lead to infections in the gums and bone. Since about 47% of adults age 30 have periodontal disease, this can lead to loose teeth and – you guessed it – teeth shift.

With routine dental check-ups and orthodontic care, you can avoid potentially serious health problems.

How to Keep Teeth from Shifting

Since teeth naturally drift with age, we can expect some movement. However, an orthodontist is a specialist in aligning the teeth and jaws. Then, you can avoid oral health concerns and be proud of your stunning smile.

At Glaser Orthodontics, the retention stage of treatment starts immediately after braces or Invisalign. By wearing a retainer, you can ensure your teeth won’t shift again. So, you can enjoy your perfect smile for a lifetime.

We hope this helps with the question, “Why do teeth shift?” With an expert orthodontist like Dr. Glaser, your teeth will stay in place and look amazing.

For any questions, give us a call at 914.739.6400 anytime. 

Proudly providing orthodontic services to Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties. Including Cortlandt Manor, Peekskill, Yorktown Heights, Mahopac, Croton-On-Hudson, and Cold Spring.

See Dr. Glaser discuss “Why do teeth shift?” below:

Why do teeth shift with age? From the time our first teeth come in around the first birthday, our teeth can move. As we age, slow, gradual movement is normal. At Glaser Orthodontics, we often see patients who are surprised to learn that tooth movement is a lifelong process.

Sometimes, larger shifts can happen. When teeth move, orthodontic treatment can help guide them gradually back to their ideal positions. Without treatment, shifting teeth may lead to crowding, bite problems, and deterioration in oral health. Glaser Orthodontics specializes in evaluating these changes and recommending the right treatment options.

The Periodontal Ligament

How are teeth held in place? Often, people believe the gums and jawbone hold the teeth firmly in place. However, there’s another quite flexible way teeth are secured. 

The periodontal ligament (PDL) fastens teeth to the jaw with connective tissue and collagen. Light yellow minerals and collagen on the outside of the tooth’s roots, called cementum, interlocks with root dentin and further secures the ligament.  

This special ligament serves as a kind of shock absorber when you chew and grind your teeth. However, if constant or excess pressure is applied, teeth can become loose.

Thankfully, there are big advantages to the PDL. For example, a dentist can remove a tooth without affecting the underlying bone. Plus, orthodontists can apply constant pressure with braces or Invisalign. Thus, we can gradually shift teeth and straighten your smile.

Bruxism – Grinding Teeth

Sometimes, excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching can enlarge the PDL. Then, teeth are more prone to shifting. Over the years, bruxism can damage surrounding bone and gum tissue. 

Also, grinding teeth can impact the temporomandibular joint in the jaws. Consequently, TMJ symptoms can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms.

Natural Mesial Drift

Through a process of mesial drift, teeth naturally move toward the front of the mouth as we age. Sometimes, this can cause misalignments that negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.

Over a lifetime of chewing and consuming food, tooth enamel becomes worn or damaged. Often, people lose teeth as they age. Occasionally, injuries damage teeth. As things like this happen, it can leave gaps that encourage teeth to shift.  

Whenever there are open gaps and lost teeth, neighboring teeth can shift. Worse, the underlying bone can recede. Without the constant pressure of the tooth above it, the bone deteriorates. It’s similar to how muscles atrophy if you don’t use them.

Malocclusions – Misaligned Teeth and Jaws

Unfortunately, most people aren’t lucky enough to have a perfectly aligned smile from birth. Due to changes in the human diet over thousands of years, people tend to have more crowding and spacing issues. In particular, sugary soft foods contribute to dental problems.

Thus, misalignments called malocclusions ( or a bad bite) are very common. Common malocclusions include overbites, underbites, crossbites, openbites, and more. Often, the jaws can become misaligned, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.

Fortunately, orthodontists have many options to address malocclusions. With treatments like Invisalign, braces, and corrective surgery, you can have a picture-perfect smile again. It’s not too late to get started. Today, more adults are going forward to get the smiles they’ve always wanted.

Lost Teeth and Gaps

Whenever you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may shift, leading to malocclusions. As many as 178 million Americans have lost at least one tooth. However, by age 65, up to 30 percent of Americans may lose all of their teeth. If teeth are missing, restorative dentistry and orthodontics ensure teeth don’t shift. Even in advanced cases, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile.

Periodontal Disease 

As we age, we are more likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. By age 30, 47.2% of adults have periodontal disease, and 70.1% of adults over 65 are affected. Gum disease is the result of bacteria that forms plaque and tartar below the gum line.

When this happens, it can damage the PDL and the underlying bone. Once more, teeth become more prone to shifting. However, dental professionals can treat gum disease effectively.

FAQ

Do your teeth move as you get older?
Yes, teeth can move as you get older. Natural aging, changes in jawbone structure, and everyday chewing forces can cause gradual tooth movement over time.

Do teeth shift as you age?
Yes, teeth shifting with age is common. As bone density changes and the ligaments supporting the teeth loosen slightly, teeth may crowd, tilt, or overlap.

Do teeth move with age even if you never had braces?
Yes, even people who never had braces can experience tooth movement with age. Aging affects everyone differently, and teeth can still shift naturally.

Do teeth move as you age after braces treatment?
Yes, teeth can still move after braces if retainers are not worn as recommended. Retainers help maintain alignment as aging continues.

Why do teeth shift with age?
Teeth shift due to jaw growth changes, natural tooth wear, loss of teeth, gum disease, teeth grinding, and constant pressure from chewing.

Is teeth movement with age normal?
Yes, mild tooth movement with age is normal. However, noticeable crowding or bite changes may need orthodontic evaluation.

At what age do teeth start shifting?
Teeth can shift at any age, but changes are often more noticeable in adulthood, especially after the age of 30.

Can teeth shifting with age be prevented?
While aging cannot be stopped, teeth shifting can be minimized by wearing retainers, maintaining good oral hygiene, and treating gum problems early.

Stopping Teeth from Shifting

Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign can slowly move teeth in a controlled way. During treatment, you’ll notice gradual changes and see your teeth moving. Finally, your teeth will reach their ideal positions.

Immediately after orthodontic treatment, teeth will be more susceptible to shifting again. Thus, you will need to wear a retainer to keep teeth in place. A retainer ensures you’ll enjoy your beautiful new smile for a lifetime. 

Wearing a retainer means you’ll continue to enjoy fantastic results. We’ll discuss retainers when your treatment concludes. Then, you’re ready to show the world your spectacular, healthy smile.

We hope this helps with the question, “Why do teeth shift with age?” Although some shifting is inevitable, an orthodontist can shift the movement back in your favor.

Please, check out our Before and After Gallery and testimonials for examples of the smiles we help create.

Today, you can get started from home for free. Take a free virtual consultation and learn more. Or schedule your first in-person visit with a top award-winning orthodontist, Dr. Barry J Glaser.

For any questions, give us a call at 914.739.6400 anytime. 

Proudly providing orthodontic services to Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties. Including Cortlandt Manor, Peekskill, Yorktown Heights, Mahopac, Croton-On-Hudson, and Cold Spring.

After your braces are removed you will move on to the retention stage. Dr. Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics in Cortlandt Manor, NY stresses that retention is a life-long commitment and that your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers. A retainer is needed post-braces because even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift. The custom-made, removable appliance is typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth. We know, you just want to show off your teeth already—varying from patient to patient, a retainer needs to be worn all the time for the first six months and then usually only during sleep.

Please do no hesitate to contact Dr. Glaser at  914.739.6400 if you are transitioning into the retention stage of your orthodontic treatment or if you have lost or broken your retainer and need a replacement. Keep smiling!

Have you been lacking confidence in your smile and are looking for a change? Then look no further than Glaser Orthodontics in Cortlandt Manor, NY to help you make the necessary changes to straighten your teeth and obtain that winning, radiant smile with the help of Glaser Orthodontics. Whether you’re a child, teen or adult, don’t wait any longer to correct common issues including crowding of the teeth, spacing of the teeth and overbites, all of which can easily be corrected at Glaser Orthodontics. Offering many different treatment options, Glaser Orthodontics will give you amazing results, so don’t hesitate to visit our website at https://glaserorthodontics.com/or contact us at 914.739.6400 TODAY!