Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Tuan Pham on Invisalign
Dr. Tuan Pham is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Invisalign.
Q. What is an invisalign?
A. Invisalign is a technique for orthodontic movement. In simpler terms, it is braces which move your teeth into alignment using a prescribed series of clear aligners.
Q. How does invisalign work?
A. Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners (they look like rigid clear plastic retainers) that move your teeth into alignment. Initially, an impression (mold) of your teeth is taken. That is sent to the Invisalign lab where their computers scan your impressions. From the scan, Invisalign can determine what movements are necessary to move your teeth into alignment. A series of aligners are fabricated and sent back to the dentist’s office for delivery to the patient. When the aligners are initially delivered, sometimes little tooth colored "buttons" are placed on certain teeth to aid in movement of the teeth. Also, sometimes certain areas in between your teeth (where you floss) are polished to create space for teeth movement facilitated by the aligners. An aligner is typically used for 2 weeks and then switched out with a new one after that until your teeth are in a straight position.
Q. What are the primary benefits of invisalign?
A. The primary benefit of Invisalign is the ability to move your teeth into a beautiful smile as invisibly as possible. The aligners are clear and as close to invisible as possible. You also have the added benefit of being able to remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth.
Q. How long does invisalign treatment take?
A. Invisalign on average will take about 1 year for completion of a case. Of course, this is only a generalization. Less severe cases may be as fast as 6 months. More comprehensive cases may take 2 years or longer. The best guess can be provided by your dentist.
Q. How much does invisalign cost?
A. Costs vary according to the doctor. Usually they will run between $. 4000-5000 for a comprehensive case. Keep in mind that there maybe additional fees at the end for retainers (which hold your straight teeth in position). You should ask if the fee presented includes the cost of retainers.
Q. Who uses invisalign?
A. Invisalign is available to adults and teenagers. However, compliance (wearing the retainers at least 22 hours a day) in teenagers is often an issue so often times, teens will not be recommended Invisalign.
Q. Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?
A. Certainly if you have large cavities and/or other gum or teeth issues, it would prevent you from having Invisalign or other forms of braces until those are resolved. Invisalign is great for minor to moderate crowding of teeth. For more complicated cases involving severe crowding and/or skeletal issues in your jaw, Invisalign is often times not indicated. Your dentist should be able to inform you if Invisalign or other forms of braces are best indicated.
Q. How to contact Dr. Pham, if we have further questions?
A. Dr. Tuan Pham is located at Circle C Dental, 9600 Escarpment Blvd Ste 770, Austin, TX 78749 and can be reached via email at contact@circlecdental.com or www.circlecdental.com . Our phone number is 512-301-2483 (BITE).
