Dr. Uyen Thompson with Thompson Center for Dentistry explains how Invisalign® clear, removable teeth aligners can help many adults and adolescents address common orthodontic concerns in a way that is much less noticeable than traditional braces.
Chula Vista, CA – Orthodontic problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, spaces and gaps between the teeth, and bite irregularities prompt thousands of individuals each year to consider options that can successfully address those concerns. While metal braces have served as one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for decades, many adults and teenagers may be reluctant to undergo the procedure because of the sheer noticeability of prominent brackets and wires placed on their teeth for an extensive period of time. Dr. Uyen Thompson, a dentist in Chula Vista and the head of Thompson Center for Dentistry, understands why the prospect of braces can be an unsettling proposition for adults and adolescents who fear being self-conscious about them while at work, school, or other social outings. Dr. Thompson notes that, while braces may still be necessary in cases where the orthodontic problems are more severe in nature, many adults and teens are good candidates for an alternative treatment called Invisalign®, which can correct a number of common orthodontic concerns by utilizing a series of removable, plastic aligners that are practically invisible when placed on the teeth.
Invisalign® is available in two versions at Dr. Thompson’s practice: the standard Invisalign® treatment and Invisalign® Teen, which is designed with the unique needs of adolescent patients in mind. Instead of the metal brackets and wires that compose traditional braces, Invisalign® involves a system of customized teeth aligners made of a translucent plastic material. The aligners are flexible and very thin, and they can be removed while eating, drinking, and performing regular oral hygiene routines. The Invisalign® treatment process works by gently and progressively moving the teeth into a straighter position—one set of the aligners is worn for about two weeks, and then changed out for the next in the series. Each subsequent set of aligners has been slightly modified from the previous set, allowing for gradual orthodontic improvement. The Invisalign® system can be helpful for the correction of mild to moderate orthodontic issues like spaces and gaps between the teeth, crowded teeth, and bite concerns such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Dr. Thompson says the innovative way Invisalign® works to address orthodontic conditions is one of its major benefits, particularly for adults and teenagers who want to be able to smile as usual while undergoing treatment without worrying about others seeing visible metal braces on their teeth. Plus, Invisalign® is known to provide a more comfortable treatment experience for many patients, and it is often capable of achieving optimal results in less time when compared to braces. In fact, Dr. Thompson says she offers an adjunctive treatment called PROPEL® Orthodontics, which is a special device that can be used in combination with Invisalign® to help further diminish overall treatment time and accelerate the results.
With all of the advantages for adults and teenagers alike that are possible with Invisalign®, Dr. Thompson says it is important to note that the procedure is not the best choice for everyone. Patients who have particularly severe orthodontic conditions may require traditional braces to achieve their treatment goals. In some cases, a cosmetic dentistry option such as porcelain veneers can even serve as an alternative, allowing patients to “hide” spaces and other forms of misalignment behind custom tooth restorations designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Ultimately, Dr. Thompson says adults and teens now have more options than ever to effectively correct teeth misalignment and other orthodontic concerns, and can take comfort in knowing that some of those options allow for the most discreet treatment possible. To determine whether Invisalign® is an ideal solution, Dr. Thompson says individuals should be sure to visit a qualified professional who can perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and make a recommendation that is specifically suited to their unique needs and expectations.
About Uyen Thompson, DDS, MAGD, FICOI
Dr. Uyen Thompson is the Director of Thompson Center for Dentistry in Chula Vista. A Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Thompson is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the International Association for Orthodontics, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and other prominent organizations. In addition to Invisalign®, Dr. Thompson and her dental team offer an expansive selection of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental care options, including dental implants, teeth whitening, family dentistry, preventive care, and many other treatments. Dr. Thompson is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Thompson Center for Dentistry, please visit thompsoncenterfordentistry.com and facebook.com/ThompsonCenterForDentistry.
Contact:
Thompson Center for Dentistry
688 Old Telegraph Canyon Rd.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 216-2121
Rosemont Media
858-200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com