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Invisalign vs. DIY Trays

From braces right down to Invisalign, today, the market offers users many teeth straightening alternatives. The wide variety of options may, ultimately, confuse you and make choosing an unnecessarily complicated task.

Among the best teeth straightening treatments are Invisalign and DIY trays. Here we discuss the benefits and risks of choosing either one of the two options:

Benefits of Invisalign

Here’s why people are increasingly seeking Invisalign as a way to treat misalignment:

  • Invisalign cases are comparatively faster than traditional braces as they can move multiple teeth at once.
  • These are nearly invisible; therefore, Invisalign is comparatively more aesthetical.
  • They are more comfortable as they lack wires and sharp corners.
  • Invisalign offers impressive results and can move your teeth better than braces.
  • Invisalign reduces the number of dental visits, thus saving you time.
  • Traditional braces make brushing a complex task and often leave you with braces breath. However, Invisalign offers you the liberty of removing the aligners to brush and floss.
  • Invisalign helps relieve myofascial and TMD symptoms
  • These can double as a mouthguard and whitening trays,

Risks of Invisalign

Some people using Invisalign because of the following results:

  • These are comparatively pricier.
  • Invisalign puts a layer of plastic over your teeth, making it difficult for you to speak properly.
  • There’s a slight chance Invisalign can irritate your lips, tongue, and gums.
  • You may have to remove your aligners before every meal.

Benefits of DIY Trays

DIY trays are an attractive option for people because:

  • DIY trays are a comfortable and convenient way to treat misaligned or discolored teeth.
  • It’s also a cost-effective way to treat discoloration. Plus, you don’t have to worry about frequent visits to the doctor.
  • DIY trays offer a pain-free solution to people seeking ways to whiten their teeth.
  • These promise long-lasting results to help ensure you keep smiling bright and healthy.

Risks of DIY Trays

Following are reasons buyers may avoid purchasing DIY trays:

  • Impressions are challenging to take, and a poor impression may lead to bad-quality DIY trays.
  • There’s a high percentage of chance that you’ll receive a tray that doesn’t match your needs.
  • In case your DIY tray encourages your teeth to move too fast, you may end up with shortened roots.

The Final Words

If you want to gain straight, pearly white teeth, you must choose the ideal oral health treatments. Invisalign is an effective and beneficial way of straightening your teeth. However, there are certain risks that you’ll have to consider before purchasing them.

On the flip side, DIY trays offer users convenience and ease-of-use. Determine which method best meets your needs by booking an appointment with your dentist. Venture onto our website Burke & Beckstrom Orthodontics, to connect with expert orthodontists.

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Why Technology is Important at the Orthodontist

Orthodontist and dental training is intense and relies so much on the ability of the professional to see the problem and make rational changes. Adding in some enhanced technology gives them a whole new field of vision that makes their job more in-depth and your visit better!

Digital X-Rays and 3D Dental Imaging

To make changes that will impact your life and your teeth in the best way possible, orthodontists need to be able to see the detailed structure of your mouth. With the advance of digital x-rays and 3D dental imaging, they can more accurately see and diagnose the problems you may be experiencing! Relying on digital rather than film for x-rays means your orthodontist can access the images immediately and provide a solution quickly and efficiently.

Digital Impressions with an Itero Scanner

If you’re the one in the orthodontist’s chair, getting braces may have felt like way too many sessions of impressions and molds before the final fit is found. With the Itero scanner, your orthodontist can create impressions of your teeth digitally instead of manually creating your perfect fit in just a few minutes. These digital impressions are also more accurate so you’ll spend less time getting fittings and more time doing things you love!

Nickel and Copper-Titanium Wires

Rather than fight the fit against stainless steel wires as orthodontists have done in the past, new types of wires made of nickel and copper-titanium are being used. These respond to the heat in the mouth and tighten naturally as teeth shift.

Robotic Wire Bending Technology and CAD/CAM

Making sure your brackets and wires are in the right place is a challenge and it used to be that only a few orthodontists could make it happen. With new robotic wire-bending assistance, it’s become a lot easier to manage and get right! Rather than bounce from orthodontist to orthodontist looking for the right fit, you’ll be able to get everything done in one place.

Invisalign Aligners

Braces used to be the only option and a rite of passage for many in middle school and high school. But with newer technologies available, clear braces like Invisalign have reduced the need for metal braces and are created for your comfort. They are much less visible than the old style of braces and they can be removed for short periods. Instead of worrying about how clean you’ll be able to get your mouth as you would around metal braces, you’ll be sure to get a good clean each time you brush and floss!

Six Month Smiles

Your smile is your best feature and accessory and making sure you’re confident with that smile is a big reason why orthodontists operate. Six Month Smiles corrects only the teeth that show when you smile! While it won’t correct your bite or more serious issues, it will straighten out your smile and give you more confidence as you go through the world. This procedure only takes six months as opposed to the 2-3 years that traditional braces take.

Takeaway

Through the years, orthodontists have been perfecting and pursuing better practices for their patients. With the resultant technology, getting braces is far less scary, time-consuming, and uncomfortable than it has been in the past!

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Foods to Avoid with Invisalign

Invisalign is a super popular dental solution because of two main reasons; they’re comfortable and flexible, and they don’t restrict your diet.

A much healthier way of enhancing your beautiful smile, Invisalign is almost invisible and removable. Thus, with these high-quality dental cosmetics, you get an adequate amount of time and space from your ongoing treatment to enjoy eating without any challenges. Moreover, you can easily clean your teeth, as well as the appliance.

However, you should avoid a few eating habits to ensure the treatment goes according to plan. Moreover, there are certain food items that can lead to the discoloration of your aligners. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of foods you can and cannot eat with Invisalign down below:

What Foods Can I Not Eat with Invisalign?

Your main goal here is to get a beautifully aligned smile without compromising too much on your diet. Here we discuss certain foods you should avoid during your Invisalign treatment journey.

The basic rule of having Invisalign is to avoid foods that are:

  • Chewy
  • Crunchy
  • Sticky
  • Hard

Moving onto candies, you should avoid ones that are sour, hard, and sticky. Not only can they mess up your Invisalign, but they also destroy your tooth enamel, thus promoting early decay. Steer clear of:

  • Chewing gum
  • Sour Candy
  • Jawbreakers
  • Caramel
  • Licorice l
  • Nuts
  • Suckers
  • Popcorn

What Foods Can I Eat with Invisalign?

At the same time, we decided to make a list of scrumptious foods you can continue gorging on:

  • Soft fruits like bananas, strawberries, and grapes
  • In case you eat hard fruits/vegetables, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces
  • Potato chips and pretzels won’t damage your Invisalign
  • Pasta won’t interfere with the treatment either

In order to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can select one of the following treats:

  • Chocolate that contains no caramel and nuts
  • KitKats
  • Marshmallows
  • Peanut butter cups
  • Cookies
  • 3 Musketeers

What Liquids Should I Avoid with Invisalign?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment should avoid sugary drinks. It is because these liquids can seep under the aligners and result in the staining of both your teeth and aligners. It’s best to just stick with plain water and avoid the following:

  • Sodas
  • Flavored water
  • Sports drinks
  • Acidic liquids
  • Energy drinks
  • Fruit drinks

Experts recommend patients limit intake of the above-mentioned liquids. And when you do consume them, make sure you rinse and floss afterward.

What Foods Will Stain My Invisalign?

Unfortunately, a wide variety of foods and drinks can stain your aligners. Therefore, in order to avoid the discoloration of your braces, you should avoid the foods and beverages mentioned below:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Red wine
  • Grape juice
  • Beets and tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Curry
  • Mustard
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • And certain food colorings

In case you do end up consuming these foods, be sure to properly rinse, brush, and floss after you’re done.

If you’re seeking an expert Orthodontist in St. George, Utah, look no further! Schedule an appointment today with Burke and Beckstrom Orthodontics and allow us to help you achieve your best smile.

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What are the Different Types of Retainers after Braces or Invisalign?

Invisalign and retainers

Just the thought of finally getting rid of your braces is exciting. Now, the whole world can see your bright smile – minus the chunky wires. However, what if we tell you that the process doesn’t end here? One step still remains. This involves wearing a retainer(s). We understand it might be coming off as too much of a hassle, but wearing these is worth it.

If you cannot relate to the idea of wearing retainers, you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss what one should expect when it comes to retainers and the types of retainers.

Why Must You Wear a Retainer?

There are different parts when it comes to orthodontic treatment. One is the active phase, during which the braces or Invisalign puts steady pressure on your teeth. This leads to the breakage of the supporting bone. This allows the teeth to start settling into their new positions.

Then comes the second part: the retention phase. Once you take off your braces or Invisalign, the teeth tend to move back to their existing position. This is when retainers come in handy as they hold the teeth in place while the tissue rebuilds itself.

How long you must wear a retainer depends on your condition. Initially, you may have to wear it all the time. But gradually, you can limit its use to a few nights each week. Other reasons make wearing retainers important, such as the age factor that can make the teeth drift apart.

Types of Retainers

 

Permanent or lingual retainer

A permanent, linguistic, or a fixed retainer is a thin film made of metal. It bonds on the tongue’s side to the back of the teeth. You don’t have to worry about them being visible when you smile.

In fact, once you become comfortable with it, you won’t even feel it inside your mouth. It is important to note that plaque could pile up, so make sure you practice strict oral hygiene.

Hawley Retainer

It is an acrylic retainer, accompanied by a thin wire that folds around your teeth. This type of retainer tends to blend in with the roof of your mouth. Hence, it can be useful for both arches (upper and lower).

 

You can easily brush, eat, or even floss, considering that this type of retainer is, by all means, easy to remove. In addition to this, they are super comfortable to wear. However, they are visible when you smile, unlike the lingual retainers.

Essix-Type or Clear Retainer

An Essix retainer and Invisalign retainer are somewhat similar. This type of retainer is plastic, which is BPA-free. Moreover, it is removable and quite comfortable.

While this particular type is durable, they, however, can crack or lose their shape. Since it is removable, you must be careful when it comes to its storage.  Keep and use its case wisely!

Conclusion

If you are not sure which type to go for, call us now for a consultation.

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How to Fix an Underbite

Are you looking to correct your underbite, but do not want to go through the process of wearing braces? Invisalign is a great alternative that works just as well as traditional braces and can not be seen by others.

 

Burk & Beckstrom are the #1 Invisalign doctors in Southern Utah, so we can help you get the best possible orthodontic care in the area. We put together this short guide, that way you can be informed on how to correct your underbite.

 

What’s an Underbite?

An underbite is when your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper teeth when your mouth is closed naturally. This often means that your jaw is pushed too far forward, which may cause problems with chewing and speaking or other problems to your oral health.

 

How Does Invisalign Help an Underbite?

Invisalign works in much the same way that braces do. The clear aligners put constant pressure on your teeth to move them slowly over time. They work to push your lower teeth back while moving your upper teeth forward at the same time.

 

Depending on the severity of your underbite, you might require surgery before you get the aligners to wear. This is because underbites are often caused by jaw misalignment. Our team of orthodontists are skilled in using Invisalign to correct bites, so you can have the utmost confidence in us.

 

Invisalign treatments are often shorter than traditional braces treatment. You can expect it to take three to four months to fix small overbites. More serious underbites can be adjusted in a year with Invisalign. Plus, when it comes to Invisalign, you have the benefit of still being able to eat whatever you want. You can not do that with braces.

 

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?

Invisalign requires state of the art technology to create customized aligners for you. You will wear each set of aligners for a week and replace them with a new set. This adjusts your teeth into the proper position over time.

 

You will need to leave them on as much as possible. That includes any time when you are not eating or brushing your teeth. If you wear the aligners as you should, then you can expect your treatment time to go by quickly. Not wearing them enough can cause the process to take longer.

 

The aligners are designed to fit in your mouth perfectly, with enough room to take them out easily. No one can tell that you are wearing them, making Invisalign a popular choice with adults.

 

Conclusion

If you want to fix your underbite, then our orthodontic team at Burk & Beckstrom can help you. We have many years of experience in working with these aligners, so we are certain that we can correct your bite easily.

 

If you want to learn more about how Invisalign can be helpful to you, then be sure to contact us today. The treatment is more effective the earlier that you start, meaning that you will get better results the sooner you get in touch with our practice.

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Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Right for You?

Your smile. It’s one of the most common things we take for granted as adults. We were all taught just how to take care of our smiles when we were children. And those habits have stuck with us for decades.

 

According to the most recent estimate from the American Association of Orthodontists, adults over the age of 18 male up one in three of all orthodontist visits in North America. And the need to make a good first impression has never been more critical than in 2020. But adult orthodontic care is about more than just properly brushing and flossing your teeth each day. It’s not just about cosmetic appearances. It’s about the health and strength of your teeth.

 

As we get older, our teeth are subject to a much greater amount of stress and wear than we had as children. The potential for gum decay, impacted or chipped teeth, bruising and overcrowding becomes significantly more pronounced over the age of 18. The result isn’t just an unsightly smile. It can mean a painful smile; one that can turn even everyday tasks like chewing properly into a burden.

 

But adult orthodontic care doesn’t necessarily mean expensive and tedious dental visits. And it can help turn your smile from an embarrassment into confidence.  Here are some of the more common orthodontic issues facing many adults.

 

Shifting Teeth

 

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we grow older. Metabolism can decrease and youthful resilience and buoyancy can lead to sluggishness and inertia quicker than we think. But what you may not know is that our teeth can change just as rapidly as our bodies., with a once-perfect smile now transformed into crooked and shifting teeth. It’s not unheard of for many adults to wear retainers. But unfortunately, the vast majority of them need to be changed every few years to accommodate further displacement.

Tooth Crowding and Tooth Loss

 

Most Americans over a particular age are aware that bone density loss can present a dramatic problem. Few, however, are aware that bone density loss in the jaw is one of the more common forms and tends to be even more common in individuals who have been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis. Density loss leads to a mismatched jawbone, often resulting in overcrowding of the bottom teeth and tooth loss in many cases.

Malocclusion

 

Malocclusion is a jaw disorder that occurs due to a misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, resulting in excessive tooth grinding, painful sinus headaches and flashes of sharp pain in the joints of your jaw. It’s common for many patients suffering from malocclusion to have severe difficulty chewing and digesting food, which can lead to dramatic shifts in both their metabolism as well as their immune systems.

How Adult Orthodontic Treatment Can Help

 

Adult orthodontic treatment isn’t merely for cosmetic reasons. And it doesn’t take the place of regular dental checkups. Orthodontic treatment for adults is a corrective treatment that can reverse serious oral health problems which could otherwise result in displacement, decay, and outright loss.

 

While the average orthodontic visit is somewhat lengthier for adults than children, state of the art technologies like Invisalign® and other forms of clear braces don’t just result in a great smile. They can actually help keep your teeth and gums in perfect condition, combating disease, and common jaw disorders which can from the natural effects of age.

 

But adult orthodontic care gives back more than just oral care. It gives you back your confidence. It gives you back your vitality. And while no treatment will ever be a fountain of youth, adult orthodontic treatment gives the world back something even more valuable. Your smile.

 

With four separate locations throughout southern Utah and Nevada, Burke & Beckstrom are simply a smile and a call away. Find out more about adult orthodontic treatments at Burke & Beckstrom Orthodontics.

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What is Invisalign?

Burke and Beckstrom Orthodontics understands that a smile is more than a smile. It conveys happiness and exudes how you feel about yourself. That is why our staff utilize their expertise and top of the line technology to ensure that your smile reflects that. We offer an array of services that will have you smiling forward, including Invisalign treatments to straighten teeth at a similar cost to the traditional method of braces.

Invisalign technology consists of fitted trays that are molded to the shape of your teeth. The trays are systematically changed out as your teeth alignment progresses. Whether the alignment is a simple or complex shift in your dental structure, Invisalign offers a fast and predictable method for achieving the perfect smile. Beyond getting the smile you have always dreamed of, Invisalign also offers a variety of other benefits, including:

  • Clear aligners that are less obvious than braces
  • No pokey wires or need for brackets on your teeth
  • Less time spent in the office having oral maintenance done
  • Easier upkeep for keeping teeth clean and healthy
  • Similar in cost to braces

Achieving a great smile with Invisalign begins with a consult with your orthodontist. At Burke and Beckstrom, we are happy to walk you through the process. We begin by taking a 3D scan of your mouth so we can custom tailor your dental treatment with precision. From there, we develop a treatment plan that includes wearing your aligners, regular appointments to monitor treatment, and pickup of your next set of aligners as progress is made. With consistency, you will likely begin to see results in a matter of weeks!

After the initial consult, your custom-made aligners are tailored to ensure the right fit. The beauty of the aligners is that they are virtually transparent and easy to take out, leaving little impact on your routine. This is ideal if you want to achieve the look of straight teeth without the upkeep and duration of the “metal mouth” look of having brackets, wires, and rubber bands on your teeth. Cleaning your teeth is much easier without the obstruction of braces.

The length of your Invisalign treatment varies with the complexity of your case, but overall tends to be shorter than wearing braces. And who doesn’t want quick results? Invisalign is a proven method for achieving a look worth smiling about. At Burke and Beckstrom, we provide services for people of all ages who are looking to achieve a great smile with decreased treatment time and increased comfort.

Finally, once you have your beautiful, brand-new smile, Invisalign offers long-term retainers that will keep you smiling for years to come. These ensure that you will not have to worry about shifting and keep your smile in tip-top shape.

Overall, the Invisalign system is a great alternative to traditional braces for those who are looking for faster, simpler results. It is especially great for adults who are looking to avoid the look of having braces or the upkeep of long in-office appointments. If you are looking to achieve great results, Invisalign technology is the way to go, and Burke and Beckstrom is the provider that will get you there.

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Why Is It Important to Go To The Dentist During Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Empty Dentist Chair

Believe it or not, there is a consistent belief that if you are seeing an orthodontist for treatment, such as braces, it shouldn’t be necessary to see a dentist as well. After all, both are doctors that are working on your teeth, so why should you see both? However, while orthodontists and dentists work in the same area of the body, they are entirely different specialties. If anything, having braces means that it is even more important to maintain all elements of your oral health routine, including dental visits.

 

What Is the Role of a Dentist?

 

A good analogy for the role of a dentist in your life is that of your primary care provider in your life. You see your PCP for a regular checkup. Many issues they can treat on their own and you don’t see anyone else and can go about your life. Sometimes, you’ll need to see a specialist, like an ear-nose-throat doctor or any number of specialties. Just because you start seeing a specialist, it doesn’t mean that you should stop seeing your primary care provider. If anything, keeping your regular doctor apprised of any medical issues or treatments from your specialist is a prudent tactic. This is exactly how the relationship between you, your dentist, and your orthodontist should be during treatment.

 

Why Is Seeing Your Dentist So Important?

 

Braces do a lot of good for you during the treatment period, fixing alignment problems and alleviating a host of potential oral health issues. However, like any treatment in medicine, there are side effects. One of the side effects of braces is that it can make your teeth more susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up. While this can be addressed by the rest of your normal oral health routine, getting professional dental cleanings is the only way to remove this buildup from your teeth. You should pay more attention and perhaps even schedule more frequent dental cleanings during your orthodontic treatment just to stay on top of these issues. As a result, many orthodontists recommend that you see a dentist for cleanings more frequently during braces – as much as two to four times per year during the treatment.

 

Maintaining your dental health during an orthodontist treatment is vital. This means continuing diligence with your at-home care routine, including teeth brushing and flossing. In addition, that may mean extra visits with your dentist. Your dentist and orthodontist can help you chart out a treatment plan that ensures you are at your maximum oral health throughout your orthodontics treatment.

 

Contact us today to learn more and gain the smile you want!

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What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Crooked Teeth

If there is one thing those of us in the orthodontics world are known for, it’s braces and the fact that they are used to treat cases of crooked teeth (among other things) in our patients. However, one of the more commonly asked questions we get is, why do some people get crooked teeth, to begin with? After all, if you take a look around, most people don’t have the picture-perfect smile we all imagine without some orthodontics help. There are a variety of factors that can cause people to have some kind of crooked teeth.

 

Sometimes You Are Just Born with Them

 

It can be hard to escape your genetics sometimes, and crooked teeth can certainly be one of those genetic factors you can’t avoid. In fact, it is the most common cause of crooked teeth, meaning that there is little to nothing most people can do to prevent crooked teeth. These genes can manifest in a number of ways. For instance, crowded teeth can be caused by smaller mouths, certainly a genetic trait that can cause misaligned jaws or crooked teeth.

 

There Are Some Bad Habits That Cause Crooked Teeth

 

While most people have absolutely no control over their teeth, there are some bad habits that can actually cause this problem. Perhaps the most common is prolonged thumb sucking. While this can be cute in infants for a while, at some point, it actually causes enough of a ripple effect down the line to lead to the development of crooked teeth, which is why some parents struggle to break this habit before it’s too late. The other behavioral traits that can cause this are often subconscious, and they include mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or reverse swallowing. All of these can contribute to crooked teeth.

 

Baby Teeth Actually Do Matter

 

There is often a joke about whether or not taking care of your baby teeth really matters because you are just going to lose them anyway. However, the health of your baby teeth is directly linked to the health of your adult teeth. If you lose baby teeth prematurely due to decay, it causes the timing of your adult teeth to be off, which can greatly contribute to crooked teeth. In addition, the harmful bacteria that caused the baby tooth to decay can already impact the enamel of the adult tooth before it has even fully emerged.

 

Of course, the good news is that crooked teeth are eminently treatable in the hands of practiced and skilled orthodontists. We can perform treatments at all ages, although the sooner we start, the lower the costs and shorter the treatment times tend to be. However, many people, even the ones with picture-perfect smiles now, had to deal with crooked teeth. We’ll be happy to help you overcome this condition with our professional orthodontics treatments. Contact us now to learn more.

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Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club

For those who are looking to improve their smile, there are a couple of big names that many patients ask about: Invisalign and Smile Direct Club. Both of these solutions advertise significant results and an affordable cost with not a lot of hassle. Many customers become curious about the efficacy of these products and what the differences are between them

 

How Does Smile Direct Club Work?

 

If you’ve seen any of Smile Direct Club’s many television commercials, the premise is pretty enticing. Get orthodontic treatments at home without having to visit an orthodontist. This works with an initial visit to one of their Smile Shops for scanning to get a 3D image of your current bite and smile. In the likely event that a Smile Shop is not near you, the company will send you an impression kit to allow you to provide the initial information from your home. With this data, a treatment plan is set up, which lasts for an average of about six months. The retainers are then sent to you directly based on this plan.

 

How Does Invisalign Work?

 

The mechanism of Invisalign is actually very similar to that of Smile Direct Club. The goal is to provide clear aligners that will move your teeth into a preferred alignment without the relative inconvenience of braces. However, instead of an at-home impression kit or a visit to one of the retail locations, the Invisalign treatment plan is overseen by your trusted orthodontist. Instead of a follow-up plan of new aligners being mailed to you, an Invisalign treatment involves professional oversight to ensure that everything is moving at the speed intended. While the process is similar, there are a few big differences.

 

What Are the Big Differences Between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club?

 

Smile Direct Club advertises itself as one of the most convenient ways to get orthodontics treatments. However, that convenience only comes if you happen to be near a Smile Shop (as they call them) in your vicinity. Otherwise, the company will have to send you an at-home impression kit, which can cause problems and a mess. In addition, the lack of an orthodontist overseeing the treatment directly can mean it’s a faceless person managing your treatment instead of someone that you know and trust.

 

While the mechanisms are similar between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club, there can be small details that make a big difference. Let us help you through your journey! Contact us now and let us help you gain the smile of your dreams!

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