The world of braces has changed dramatically over the years. The word braces used to evoke feelings of dread as people pictured bulky metal and headgear. Now, there are many more options making braces less uncomfortable and less obvious. The age that many people wear braces is also changing. While braces are typically seen on school-aged children, more and more adults are getting braces. If you missed the opportunity for braces as a child, or your teeth have shifted since then, there are several reasons you should consider braces as an adult. 

1.    Invisalign is an Option

Unlike when you were an adolescent, there are many more options to straighten your teeth. Clear aligners such as Invisalign will still give you the impact of traditional braces without the discomfort or visibility of metal (or colorful rubber bands). At Atkins & Anderson, DDS, we are thrilled to offer Invisalign to our patients. Schedule an appointment with us today to discover if Invisalign is right for you. 

2.    Improve Your Overall Oral Health

Braces do more than simply straighten your teeth. Braces reduce discomfort in your jaw and correct an overbite or underbite. Misalignment of your teeth can lead to more serious dental conditions causing persistent pain, sleep disruptions, and difficulty eating. Jaw-related issues such as TMJ, overcrowded teeth, or a history of grinding your teeth can be reduced with the help of braces. Sometimes the position of the teeth makes it difficult to brush or floss effectively which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Braces are a simple solution to a host of dental problems. 

3.    Smile with Confidence

Life is too short to be self-conscious. We want you to love your smile. Wearing braces for a short time is worth it if the result gives you more confidence. We want you to be successful in both your personal and professional life. Having a smile you’re proud of is a great step toward putting yourself out there and achieving your goals.

4.    It’s Worth the Investment

Braces often cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Check with your insurance company to see if you have orthodontics coverage. If braces are needed for reasons beyond cosmetics, dental insurance may help cover the costs. While braces are a financial investment, they can positively impact your life and protect your mouth from various dental issues. If you’re concerned about the cost of braces, talk to our front office about payment plans. Our team at Atkins & Anderson will show you the best options for braces that meet your oral needs as well as your budget. 

If you have questions about braces or want to see if Invisalign is right for you, schedule an appointment with us at Atkins & Anderson, DDS, today! 

If you want to straighten your teeth but are hesitant about how obvious and uncomfortable traditional braces often are, we have good news! Anderson & Atkins, DDS offers Invisalign to our patients. Invisalign is one of the best ways you can gain confidence in your smile — both during and after the process of straightening your teeth. Below we’ll answer frequently asked questions about Invisalign so you can determine if this is the next right step for your smile.

 

Q1: Is Invisalign only used for cosmetic purposes?

A1: Teeth that are aligned and in the right spot function properly. Chewing and talking cause your teeth to bite together thousands of times a day. Incorrect tooth function can lead to damage like a receding gum or fractured tooth. Invisalign is used to straighten your teeth, but it gives you more than a nice smile!

 

Q2: Can you tell if someone is wearing Invisalign?

A2: Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that fit your teeth perfectly and shift them into the right position. Because they are clear, they are largely unnoticeable.

 

Q3: How do I get fitted for Invisalign?

A3: After a free consultation with your dentist, we’ll schedule a time for you to come in and take molds of your teeth. We’ll send the molds and several pictures of your mouth to a team at Invisalign that will determine the best way to move your teeth into their ideal position. At your follow-up appointment, we’ll go over your treatment plan, and you’ll sign off for your custom aligners.

 

Q4: How long will I wear my Invisalign aligners?

A4: Every situation and patient is different. We’ll discuss how long your treatment plan will take at your follow-up appointment. However, your aligners will need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. Forgetting to wear them for long periods will prolong your treatment. 

 

Q5: How much does Invisalign cost?

A5: The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000-$8,000. However, the exact cost depends on the severity of your case. Talk to your insurance company to find out how much, if any, of the cost is covered.

 

Q6: Is everyone a candidate for Invisalign?

A6: Most people are candidates for Invisalign! Whether you’ve never had braces, or your teeth have shifted later in life, Invisalign may be the best choice to straighten your smile and align your teeth.

 

To learn more, check out our comparison of Invisalign to traditional braces. If you want to know if Invisalign is right for you, schedule your free consultation at Anderson & Atkins Dentistry today.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth, several options will give you the confidence to smile again. In fact, two of the most common dental cosmetic services create a straighter and whiter smile. Atkins and Anderson Dentistry will customize a treatment plan based on your age, goals, and financial comfort level. When you trust us to take care of your cosmetic dental needs, you won’t want to hide your smile anymore. 

If you want a straighter smile:

Invisalign 

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that move your teeth into their correct position. Invisalign can redefine your smile and correct your bite. And because the aligners are nearly invisible, you may feel more comfortable and confident during the process than if you were wearing traditional braces. If you’re ready to take the next step towards a straighter smile, contact us today and schedule a free consultation to find out if Invisalign is right for you. 

If you want a brighter smile:

DIY Whitening Tips 

There are a few things you can do at home to decrease plaque buildup, limit stains, and make them appear whiter. 

1. Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar supports the growth of bacteria that causes plaque buildup and gingivitis. 
2. Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, soda, wine, and dark berries that are known for staining your teeth. Tobacco also stains your teeth and should be avoided. 
3. Brush and floss regularly, especially after eating sugar or drinking or teeth-staining beverages. 
4. Consume calcium-rich food like milk, cheese, and broccoli to strengthen the white enamel on your teeth and prevent the exposure of yellow dentin underneath. 
5. Eat more fruits like strawberries and pineapples that contain teeth-whitening properties. Consuming raw vegetables not only promotes overall health but may help rub plaque away while you chew.

Professional Whitening Kit 

At Atkins and Anderson Dentistry, we trust Opalescence to safely and effectively brighten your smile. This dentist-supervised whitening system is customized to fit your teeth. Prescription-strength whitening gel and clear instructions will give you a whiter smile in less than a month. Compared to over-the-counter tooth whitening kits, Opalescence is effective and long-lasting.

If you’re ready to move forward in creating a brighter, straighter smile, call Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. Together, we’ll customize a plan that meets your needs aesthetically and financially. 

Your smile is an important part of who you are. It’s how you express joy and greet others. It’s how you encourage your child when he looks for you in the stands during his basketball game. At Atkins and Anderson Dentistry, we want you to love your smile and show it off as often as possible. If you have concerns or are embarrassed about your teeth, we offer many cosmetic dental services to correct various minor issues. It’s time to show off your smile, not hide it!

Cosmetic Service for a Brighter Smile:

Teeth Whitening System

Maybe you’ve tried at-home teeth whitening systems before, but at Anderson & Atkins, we trust Opalescence to safely and effectively brighten your smile. This is a dentist-supervised whitening system that is customized to fit your teeth. It includes prescription-strength whitening gel and clear instructions that will give you a whiter smile in less than a month. Compared to over-the-counter tooth whitening kits, Opalescence is effective and long-lasting.

Cosmetic Service for Crooked Teeth:

Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that move your teeth into their correct position. Because the aligners are nearly invisible, you may feel more comfortable and confident during the process than if you were wearing traditional braces. Even if you had braces as a child and your teeth have shifted, Invisalign can redefine your smile. Schedule an appointment with us at Anderson & Atkins to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Cosmetic Services for Broken, Chipped, or Missing Teeth:

Porcelain Crowns

If you have experienced natural wear and tear over the years, your dentist may encourage putting in a crown. At Anderson & Atkins, we use a porcelain, tooth-like crown that can restore a decayed tooth, a broken or chipped tooth, and even correct gaps in your teeth. The crown is delicately matched to the color of your other teeth, so no one but you will know it’s there.

Porcelain Bridges

To remedy missing teeth, a porcelain bridge can be anchored to your existing teeth on either side of the missing teeth. With precise color-matching, your smile will look flawless.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Did you have a cavity as a child and receive a silver filling? Advancements in dentistry have led to a tooth-colored filling to ensure a brighter smile. The tooth-colored material is bonded to the tooth for a stronger restoration.

Cosmetic Service to Remedy Any Issues:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers give you the straighter, brilliant smile you’ve dreamed of! If you want to correct chipped or crooked teeth, gaps in your teeth, or stained teeth, veneers may be the solution. This is a more costly procedure, but it produces a dramatic difference that enhances your appearance in a lasting way.

Composite Bonding

To correct chipped, broken, discolored, or stained teeth, composite bonding can be applied. It is a tooth-colored material that adheres to the surface of your tooth so you can confidently smile again. Composite bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, the material does not last as long. Over time, the bonding can become stained from consuming certain food and beverages.

If you’re ready to make an investment in your smile, contact Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. We’ll go over your options and customize a plan that meets your needs aesthetically and financially.

There isn’t a clear-cut answer to the question many people have asked us: “Which is better, braces or Invisalign?” In most cases, either choice is a great option for achieving a straighter smile. However, straight teeth are more than just a cosmetic aim, it’s imperative to a mouth that functions correctly. We’re here to educate you on the advantages and disadvantages of both options, so that you can confidently decide if braces or Invisalign is best for you.

The Advantages of Braces

Traditional braces are metal brackets that are attached to your teeth. Rubber bands and metal wires are also used to move your teeth into their ideal position. Below are the top three advantages to braces.

1. More Power

   The use of metal brackets and wires is the strongest way to effectively pull your teeth into correct alignment, even for those with difficult cases. Because braces are so powerful, you can correct multiple dental issues with a single treatment.

2. Faster Treatment

   Most people want to finish orthodontic work as quickly as possible. Braces tend to close gaps and align teeth faster than Invisalign.

3. More Options

   If you’re concerned about the visibility of traditional braces, don’t be! You now have more options to keep your orthodontic work hidden. Lingual (behind the teeth) and ceramic braces can give you the power and speed of braces without the cold metal. ​​​​​​​

The Disadvantages of Braces

While traditional braces are strong and effective, there are some drawbacks.

1. Inconvenient Brushing

   With braces, brushing and flossing can be challenging. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque can build up around the brackets and lead to staining and decay. ​​​​​​​

2. Food Limitations

   There are certain foods that you will be unable to eat while wearing braces. Hard, sticky foods and candies can cause a bracket to break. Every time a bracket breaks, treatment is prolonged. ​​​​​​​

3. Regular Consultations

   Every month, you’ll need to schedule a visit to the orthodontist to have your braces adjusted and make sure your teeth are moving in the right direction.​​​​​​​

The Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is a virtually invisible aligner that moves your teeth the way traditional braces do. There are many pros to this customizable dental treatment.

1. Aligners are Removable

   Invisalign needs to be worn 20-22 hours a day, so you can take them out to eat. This means you don’t have to change your diet during treatment. ​​​​​​​

2. Comfortable and Invisible

   Many people appreciate the fact that the plastic aligners are unnoticeable. They are also comfortable to wear and do not cut the inside of your mouth the way traditional metal braces do. ​​​​​​​

3. Easier to Brush

   Because you can remove Invisalign for a short time, you can take out the aligners every time you brush and floss your teeth. ​​​​​​​

4. Fewer Consultations 

   Before you receive your first set of aligners, 3D scans of your teeth are used to customize every set of retainers. You will not need to see an orthodontist as frequently as you do with braces. Instead, you’ll follow instructions and change your aligners over a period of time and watch as your teeth adjust.​​​​​​​

The Disadvantages of Invisalign

While Invisalign tends to be a favorite option compared to braces, there are several disadvantages that you’ll want to consider.

1. You Must Be Disciplined

   If you are not a disciplined person, there is a huge disadvantage to Invisalign. You are responsible for wearing the aligners for 22 hours every day. If you forget to put them in after brushing your teeth or choose to take them out for a long time, you will prolong your treatment process or prevent the proper tooth alignment. ​​​​​​​

2. Potential Inconvenience

   ​​​​​​​While some people see the ability to take their retainers out as a pro, it can be inconvenient. If you are out at a restaurant or grab a cup of coffee in the breakroom, you’ll need to discreetly remove the aligners. It is also necessary to brush your teeth before putting the retainers back in. Food particles can prevent movement, or cause plaque buildup and cavities.

3. Cost

   Just like braces, the cost of Invisalign depends on the severity of your case. Invisalign can cost between $5,000 and $8,000. The cost of braces can be anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. Talk to your insurance company to determine if Invisalign is covered.

There are many pros and cons to both braces and Invisalign and our team of dentists can help you make the decision that will give you the smile you’ve been waiting for. Contact us today for a free Invisalign consultation.

Are you ready to gift yourself with the smile of your dreams but don’t want braces? The beauty of Invisalign is fast-working, reliable technology that straightens your teeth and corrects your bite without any metal. The only evidence is a straighter smile. At Anderson and Atkins DDS, we are proud to offer Invisalign to our patients. We’re here to answer your questions and help you determine if this treatment is best for you.

Who is Invisalign for?

Invisalign has successfully transformed smiles for teenagers and adults alike. Whether your smile needs a small adjustment, or you have a tough case, Invisalign can work for you. The first step includes scheduling a free consultation with us at Anderson and Atkins. If you’re curious about whether or not Invisalign can make a product specifically for your teeth, take the Smile Assessment on their website. We’ve used Invisalign to treat patients who had braces as children, but their teeth shifted over time as well as those who have never had braces before. 

How Does It Work?

In our office, we’ll take pictures and molds of your teeth and work with the Invisalign lab to establish a treatment plan. Then, we’ll know how long you’ll need to wear your aligners in order to move your teeth into the correct position. In some cases, patients have only needed 6 months to complete treatment. We will ensure that your aligners fit perfectly before you leave our office and then we’ll see you back for regular check-ins every 6-8 weeks. At each visit, you’ll receive a new set of aligners that will continue pushing your teeth into a new position. You may experience some discomfort during the first few days of wearing your new aligners, but this is a normal indicator that your teeth are shifting. Over time, you’ll achieve a confident smile!

Why is Invisalign Important? 

Having straight teeth is so much more than improving your smile. It’s about improving your oral health. Your teeth function effectively when they are in the right position. If you have an incorrect bite, you risk grinding your teeth, cracking them, or wearing them down abnormally. Your gum health is even at risk from incorrect teeth alignment. At Anderson and Atkins DDS, we care about your entire mouth. We offer services like Invisalign to help guard against potential damage.

To learn more about Invisalign, contact us at Anderson and Atkins, DDS. Schedule a free consultation with one of our dentists to find out if Invisalign is right for you. Let’s take care of your teeth today! 

The most common New Year’s resolutions in America are: save money, lose weight/exercise, get a new job or hobby, and make new friends. We know that many of you are already working diligently to begin fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions. While we want to cheer you on towards your goals, we also want you to consider another resolution—take care of your oral health. It’s never too late to enhance your smile by resolving to care for your teeth and gums. Here are five things you can do this year that will really give you something to smile about.

1. Revamp your Habits

Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day to successfully remove plaque. You may need to upgrade your toothbrush to an electric toothbrush or trade your old, frayed toothbrush for a new, soft-bristled brush. Try a new toothpaste that has fluoride to improve your oral health. If you tend to brush too hard, you risk scraping off the enamel. So this year, brush your teeth gently, at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. If you do not consistently floss, add in this important discipline. Flossing removes food, plaque, and bacteria that accumulates in between your teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits protect you from gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath.

2. Adjust your Diet

This is not only a suggestion for those who want to lose weight but for those who want to improve their oral health. It’s a win-win! There are certain foods and beverages that can be detrimental to your oral health and should be consumed with caution. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as foods and drinks that are high in acidity and sugar lead to plaque build up and tooth decay. Limit your consumption of these products, or avoid them entirely. If you consume these foods and beverages, especially when snacking, it’s important to brush your teeth afterward.

3. Stop Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco are known causes of gum disease. Infection can get underneath your gums and even damage the bone structure that supports your teeth. Let this be the year you stop smoking and using tobacco. This decision will enhance your overall physical and oral health as well as your oral hygiene. Lean on friends and family for support, download an app to help you track your progress, and utilize free online resources and support groups.

4. Schedule Appointments for Restorative Dentistry

Have you been putting off a simple oral procedure? This is the year to get that filling, crown, or implant you just haven’t made the time for. These simple actions can improve your oral health by protecting tooth alignment or structure. At Anderson & Atkins, DDS, we work with most major insurance companies. You can call our front office to find the answer to your financial questions and schedule the appointment you know you need to make.

5. Come See Us Regularly

We recommend scheduling a dentist appointment every six months. A routine visit can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and significantly reduce the number of procedures you may need. When our team of dentists and oral hygienists see you regularly, we can discover—and treat— gum disease early, or anticipate and monitor problem areas before they become a major issue.

Don’t wait until your gums or teeth are painful before you contact us. Call Anderson and Atkins, DDS at (979)846-1813 to make an appointment for routine cleaning. We are also accepting new patients, so if this is the year you’re ready to take your oral health seriously, come see us!

 

Sources: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/national/these-are-the-top-new-years-resolutions-for-2019

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/a-new-years-you-dental-health-resolutions-0114

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html

Are you concerned that your child will have to experience the physical and emotional pain you went through when metal brackets overshadowed your winning smile? It doesn’t have to be painful for you or your children. At Anderson & Atkins DDS, we’ll help prepare you—and your kids—for braces.

Why Braces?

There are several different reasons your child may need braces. One scenario called malocclusion indicates differing jaw sizes. If the upper jaw is bigger than the lower, your child will have an overbite. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is bigger than the upper. In the event of malocclusion, braces will correct and realign the jaw. A second scenario includes overcrowded or overlapping teeth. Sometimes the mouth is too small to support all of the adult teeth and a permanent tooth will need to be removed before your child can get braces. In this case, or in the case of crooked teeth, braces will align the teeth and ensure there is plenty of space for each tooth. Not only will this improve your child’s smile, but it will allow them to speak more clearly, chew more easily, and may eliminate the need for dental surgery later in life. At Anderson & Atkins DDS, we will closely monitor your child of any potential jaw and tooth problems before it becomes a major issue.

What to Expect

Your first orthodontist visit should be a free consultation when your child is around seven years old. This may seem young, however, orthodontists have discovered that the sooner a child receives braces, the easier and faster their treatment. By age seven, most children have lost all of their primary teeth and their adult teeth are beginning to come in. A child has softer bones than an adult which allow the jaw and teeth to shift more easily. Receiving braces at a younger age shaves as much as one year off of the amount of time braces must be worn.

When you meet with the orthodontist, he or she will check for an overbite or underbite and crowding or overlapping teeth. He or she may also take an x-ray, or create a mold, of your child’s mouth to determine the best kind of braces for your child. This will allow the orthodontist to see the position of the teeth and how much space is available for adult teeth.

Type of Braces

The typical kind of braces is the kind you most likely wore—the metal brackets and wire with colorful rubber bands. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll schedule an appointment to have the wire tightened (and the rubber bands changed). This puts pressure on the teeth that cause them to shift into proper alignment. The pressure often causes discomfort but will subside within a day or two. During this time, you can give your child OTC pain medication and encourage them to eat soft foods.

You may also have the opportunity to choose clear or white ceramic braces that have the concept as metal brackets but are much less noticeable. Or, your child may qualify for an aligner—a clear removable tray, shaped like your teeth. The type of braces is different for every child, as is the amount of time they must be worn. However, the average child wears braces for two years. During that time, your child will need to take good care of his or her teeth, brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and avoiding foods like popcorn, gum, and hard candies that can easily damage the braces. If your child wears an aligner, he must remove it before eating.

If you wore braces, chances are your child will need them too. Don’t hesitate to talk to us about your child’s need for braces. We’re here to evaluate potential tooth and jaw problems and can give you a referral for trusted orthodontists in Bryan-College Station, simply make an appointment at Anderson & Atkins DDS today.

 

Sources:  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html

https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/does-your-kid-really-need-braces/