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. James P Gagliardi on Invisalign
Dr. James P Gagliardi 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 form of orthodontics that can straighten teeth without the need to attach metal wires or brackets as with conventional orthodontics.
This is accomplished with the use of clear "aligners" that fit over the teeth and gradually move crooked teeth until they are straight.
Q. How does invisalign work?
A. Each patient receives a complete exam which includes any necessary x-rays, charting, photos and impressions.
These records are sent to the Invisalign company along with a prescription with specific instructions for a particular patients needs. After a review of the report that is sent back in video form showing the predicted movements needed to achieve the specific goals for that patient, the case is approved for completion and the aligners are made and shipped to our office for delivery. At the delivery appointment we instruct the patient on the usage of the aligners and all the do’s and don’ts. Each aligner is worn for two weeks for no less that 20-22 hours per day. In other words, they are only removed when you are eating or cleaning your teeth..
The total number of aligners is determined by the complexity of the case..ie. the more crowded the teeth or complex the movements needed, the longer the treatment and hence the greater the number of aligners.
Q. What are the primary benefits of invisalign?
A. The benefits...First they are clear and nearly invisible..they are removable so you can take them out when you eat, brush and floss...which makes hygiene much easier than traditional braces. Next, the treatment time is usually much shorter that regular braces. And also, if you were to have photos taken at some event like graduation you can take them out for that too.
Q. How long does invisalign treatment take?
A. Treatment time vary with each case but the average time in treatment is about 8-14 months.
Simple cases can be as short as 6 months.
Q. How much does invisalign cost?
A. Cost is based on case difficulty and length of treatment.
Prices can range from $.2500.00 to 5800.00 and arrangements are usually made for some form of monthly payment.
Q. Who uses invisalign?
A. Invisalign can be used in about 80% or more of most orthodontic cases. Teens and adults can use Invisalign.
Q. Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?
A. Invisalign,or regular braces should not be applied in any individual with existing gum disease or tooth decay.
Invisalign should not be used in any individual that has mixed dentition ie. has both adult and baby teeth present.
Certain specific allergies to plastics may preclude the use of Invisalign, as well as certain jaw mal-formations.
Q. How to contact Dr. Gagliardi if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1033 Regents Blvd #201
Fircrest, Washington 98466
Telephone:(253)564-2570
Email:drg@tacoma-dentist.com
Website:http://www.tacoma-dentist.com/
