The best way to decide is to look at teeth aligner reviews, compare costs, find out how long you’ll be in treatment and what kind of clear aligners results you should expect. These are all important elements of your teeth straightening treatment, and getting your questions answered will help you decide which teeth aligners company to go with.
To help you make a decision that’s both good for your wallet and your smile, we’ll take a look at Byte vs. UpSmiles so that you have all the information you need to get started with a teeth aligner company.
By just looking at each website, you may think these two teeth aligners companies are very similar but do a little investigating, and you’ll find out there are some differences. Both will straighten your teeth and offer the fastest treatment times available on the market. But to really figure out if there are any differences you should be aware of, we’ll break down all the details below so you can decide which teeth straightening company is best for you.
Clear aligners give teens and adults a discrete way to straighten their teeth without having to wear traditional braces. The good news is both Byte and UpSmiles offer clear aligner treatments that are nearly invisible. Both also don’t require attachments or buttons commonly used with in-office Invisalign treatments. All that to say, your appearance shouldn’t be affected while in treatment with either of these teeth aligners companies. Furthermore, each brand makes its invisible aligners from a BPA-free material.
When it comes to deciding which brand to pick, treatment times are a big factor in your decision. A majority of teeth aligners companies on the market can take 6 to 12+ months to complete treatment, which is way too long for some people.
The awesome thing about both of these invisible aligner companies is that their treatment times are much shorter, and they offer daytime and nighttime treatment options.
Overall the treatment process for Byte vs. UpSmiles is pretty similar. To get started with either teeth aligner company, you will need to order a no-risk impression kit to see if you’re a candidate for invisible aligner treatment. You will take an at-home impression of your teeth and send it back for a dentist or orthodontist to review. The nice thing about both companies; if you’re deemed not a candidate for treatment, both UpSmiles and Byte will refund you the cost of the impression kit.
But if you are a candidate for treatment they will then share your customized treatment plan with you and a 3D simulation preview of your teeth.
After that, you can quickly get started with treatment and order your custom aligners to have delivered to your door. After you receive your aligners, both require 22-hours of daily wear and should only be removed to eat or drink and of course to brush and floss your teeth. The treatment process with Byte vs. UpSmiles is pretty similar.
Both teeth aligner companies have convenient options for you to straighten your teeth during the day or at night. If you prefer to wear your clear aligners during the day, both brands average treatment times take 3-4 months while using their accelerator tool (HyperByte® or OrthoPulse®). Both companies recommend wearing the aligners 22-hours a day to achieve results.
If you’d prefer to wear your invisible trays at night instead of wearing them during the day, both teeth aligners companies offer a nighttime aligner plan. Treatment times are a bit longer because you’ll only be wearing the aligners for 10+ hours a day. Byte and UpSmiles average nighttime treatments take 5-6 months to complete while using their accelerator tool (HyperByte® or OrthoPulse®).
Comparing byte vs. UpSmiles, you can see how both products are very similar in teeth straightening treatment duration and aligner options (all-day aligners and at-night aligners). Below we’ll take a look at what invisible aligners cost to see which option is more affordable.
Byte |
Cost: |
UpSmiles |
Cost: |
All-day aligners treatment |
Starts at $1895 |
All-day aligners treatment |
Starts at $1399 |
Night-time aligners treatment |
Starts at $2,295 |
Night-time aligners treatment |
Starts at $1799 |
Impression Kit |
$95 |
Impression Kit |
$49.95 |
HyperByte® |
$699 *included in treatment cost. |
OrthoPulse® |
$499 ($850 Value) *not included in treatment cost. |
Both teeth aligners companies offer affordable payment options with 100% guaranteed approval. You can also utilize your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars to pay for your treatment. As far as insurance goes, you may be able to be reimbursed by your dental insurance company if you have orthodontic benefits. Both teeth aligners companies recommend that you contact your insurance company to find out about your orthodontic coverage.
If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, check out some of these additional features and benefits each brand offers.
As a part of your treatment, Byte throws in a few extras, including:
As a part of your treatment with UpSmiles, these extras are included:
Both teeth aligners companies offer an exclusive accelerator tool to shorten your teeth straightening treatment duration. Byte uses a high-frequency vibration (VHF) tool called the HyperByte®, which uses soft micro pulses that transmit through the surrounding bone and roots of the teeth. It helps to seat your aligners, reduce discomfort and increase treatment results. HFV is FDA-cleared.
UpSmiles offers its patients the OrthoPulse®, which uses patented near infra-red light (nIR) technology to accelerate treatment results. OrthoPulse® increases cellular activity in your teeth and surrounding bone, reducing discomfort and treatment times by as much as 50%. Patients find that OrthoPulse’s nIR is comfortable. Infra-red light (NLR) technology is also FDA-cleared.
If you’re straightening your teeth from the comfort of your home, customer service is likely a top priority on your list. Both UpSmiles and Byte have a dedicated center for patient support and offer reliable service. Both are easy to reach by email or live chat on their websites. Throughout your smile journey, your progress will be monitored remotely, and your treatment is handled virtually. You won’t need to make appointments at a brick-and-mortar location; instead, you can move to the next set of trays conveniently at your home.
Besides patient and customer support, you’ll want to know what customers have said about each brand. If you’re like most people, a lot of your decision will probably come done to customer reviews. Several websites have reviewed byte and given it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5-stars. UpSmiles has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5-stars. Overall both have positive teeth aligner reviews, but don’t hesitate to do your own research before making your decision.
Both Byte and UpSmiles will provide clear aligners results you can see in shorter amounts of time vs. other teeth aligners companies. If the cost of your teeth aligners is a big factor to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted, UpSmiles does have cheaper treatment options vs. Byte. Both offer great additional features and benefits as well as virtual customer support. Although UpSmiles OrthoPulse® is an additional cost, it may be more comfortable than the high-frequency vibration tool, which is included in Byte’s treatment plans.
If clear aligners cost is a significant factor in your decision, UpSmiles has cheaper treatment options than Byte. Because teeth straightening treatment duration and cost are two important factors for people, we think the clear winner is UpSmiles. If you do, too, you can easily get started by clicking here.
]]>Benefits to Straighten Teeth
The main reason people get clear aligners is to have nice straight teeth but see for yourself what some of the health benefits of straighter teeth would be:
Reduced Gum Disease
When teeth are crowded or spaced apart, gums can become red, irritated, and inflamed quickly. When gums show those symptoms, it means they are infected. If your dentist or dental hygienist has said you have gingivitis, that means you have infected gums or gum disease. The bacteria from that active infection can be harmful to your overall health and circulate in your bloodstream. Over time if that continues, it can lead to periodontal disease, which causes bone loss. Having your teeth realigned will help the gums fit more securely around the teeth, ultimately creating a defense against gum disease.
Better Breath
When teeth are misaligned, it allows food and bacteria to be caught easily between gaps or crowded teeth. Eventually, that food and bacteria can create an odor in your mouth and cause you to have bad breath. A benefit to having straighter teeth is that it prevents food and plaque traps, makes cleaning the surfaces of your teeth easier to reach, and ultimately results in better-smelling breath no breath mints required!
Also Read: Causes of Crooked Teeth? How to fix?
Improves Health and Happiness
It’s incredible how our bodies work and how many things are connected to the health of our mouths. Poor dental health has been linked to heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, pregnancy and birth complications, and more. When teeth are misaligned, it removes harmful bacteria harder to achieve, leading to decay, gum disease, bone loss, and ultimately health issues. When your teeth are straight, it makes home-care easier, resulting in positive dental checkups and overall health benefits.
There is something to be said about the positive effects straight teeth have psychologically too. Once finishing your clear aligner journey with UpSmiles, you can expect to feel more confident about your teeth, causing you to smile more. And studies have shown that smiling can make people happier.
It’s nice to know, besides having a great smile, that other benefits to teeth straightening could include physical and psychological improvements too.
Reduce Jaw and Neck Pain
Besides realigning your teeth, UpSmiles clear aligners are positioning your teeth to have a functional bite. A bad taste leads to strain on your teeth and stress on your jaw joints.
The jaw joints are called the temporomandibular joints and connect to your skull in any area by your ear. Temporomandibular joints can become irritated by strain from crooked and misaligned teeth. Besides discomfort in the jaw joint, you can also experience headaches, dizziness, neck pain, earaches, and ringing in your ears. Sometimes treating the malocclusion can provide some relief from these symptoms.
Prevent Abnormal Teeth Wear
Biting and chewing forces generate a good amount of pressure on your teeth. If your teeth are properly aligned, they can handle those forces pretty well, but when they are misaligned, it can cause quite a bit of stress to areas of your teeth that weren’t designed to function in that way. When that happens, you can experience a premature wearing of the teeth, and over time, this can lead to chipping, abnormal flattening of the biting surface, fractures along the edges of the teeth, and notching at the gum line. Besides the fact that the damage is unattractive, it can weaken your teeth, increase your risk for periodontal issues, and the likelihood that you’ll need expensive dental work to repair your smile.
Also Read: Teeth Aligners more Comfortable
Decrease Risk in Teeth
Why not decrease the risk in your teeth and health and get your teeth realigned?! Pursuing orthodontic treatment to reposition your teeth has never been easier and can be done discreetly. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and adolescents anymore but for adults of all ages.
When you take steps to realign your teeth, you’re investing in more than just the esthetic improvements but the health benefits of straighter teeth, too. Decreasing the risk to your teeth and overall health can have quite an impact on your life.
Make Teeth Clean
After your teeth have been realigned with UpSmiles clear aligners making your teeth clean is so much easier. Since your teeth are no longer crowded and spaces have been closed, brushing and flossing can be a much smoother process. You won’t have to spend time figuring out how to angle your toothbrush to reach a crowded area or carry floss around with you to clean out gaps in your teeth after every meal. Caring for straight teeth is much easier and less time-consuming.
UpSmiles Straighten Teeth
We want to be a part of your journey in enjoying not only a nice smile but the health benefits of straighter teeth. UpSmiles treatments are fairly simple and can help you achieve these advantages within half the amount of time than other aligner companies. To get started, order a no-risk impression kit and find out if you’re a candidate for UpSmiles clear aligners. From there, we’ll determine what level of care you will need and go over treatment details. Once your custom aligners arrive, you can start the process of straightening your teeth and reaping the health benefits.
Conclusion
There is never a better time to get your teeth realigned than now. Invest in your smile and your overall health by starting your UpSmiles journey today! Your whole body will thank you.
]]>
Just like you can be born with genes that give you great tooth alignment, you can also be born with genes that give you the opposite. It's possible that your smile can be primarily be traced back to one of your parents or grandparents. Some parents aren't surprised when they get the report back from the orthodontist that their child needs early treatment due to a severe underbite. After all, they remember hearing the same diagnosis when they were a child.
Some children inherit large teeth from one parent and a small mouth from their other parent. This size difference between the teeth and the lack of space in the mouth often leads to crowding and misalignment.
Bad Habits
Many young children seem to have perfect spacing and alignment, yet when their adult teeth come in, everything seems to go haywire. In these children, we can see that it's not just our genes that make or break our smiles. Our genes affect what we have been born with or without, but our everyday habits are also a big factor in determining our smiles.
Some habits are created in infancy, and while most babies don't have many teeth when the habits form, the ripple effect can be seen on their teeth as they get older. One such example is thumb and finger sucking. Many babies use a pacifier or suck their thumb to comfort and self soothe themselves. While this can seem harmless at the time, it's possible that if it continues into the toddler and childhood years, it can actually lead to the child developing crooked teeth or even an open bite.
Disordered Mouth Habits
Not all habits are as obvious as using a pacifier. Some habits or mouth disorders, such as tongue-thrusting, are more unconscious in nature. Many people are not even aware that their tongue is moving forward when they are swallowing. In tongue-thrusting, the pressure that the tongue puts on the front teeth is very significant. The tongue is a strong muscle, and its forward motion over time can keep the teeth from being able to come into the proper position. Often tongue-thrusters have front teeth that flare out towards or past their lips.
Mouth Breathing
We were each created to breathe through our nose, but that doesn't always happen. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils or small airways can keep us from breathing through our nose, and instead, we breathe through our mouth. Mouth breathing leads to bad breath and gum disease, but it can also lead to a long and narrow palate and jaw due to the mouth being in an open position most of the time. A narrow palate and jaw are concerning because it means less room for teeth, which often means more crowding. Many of these habits listed above can be hard to break, so even after the teeth have been straightened, it is recommended that patients continue to wear retainers to maintain proper teeth alignment.
Also Read: Teeth Whitening Tips for Smile Brighter
Injury
An injury or trauma to the face can lead to crooked teeth. Whether you knock out a tooth or suffer from a broken jaw, your smile will be affected. After a facial injury, the remaining teeth will slowly shift into open spaces, and it can happen rather quickly. Finding an orthodontist right away is important so that you can work together to keep your teeth from shifting.
Unhealthy Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are essential for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons for keeping them healthy is that they maintain space for the adult teeth to come in. If baby teeth aren't well cared for or if they experience trauma, it's possible that they may need to be taken out early. If baby teeth are taken out too early, other teeth can shift into their place and keep permanent teeth from erupting properly.
Why Is It Important To Treat Crooked Teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth is about more than the looks of your smile! Having crooked teeth can create difficulty when brushing and flossing, thus leading to poor oral hygiene. If brushing and flossing isn't being done thoroughly, it could lead to more cavities and problems with gum disease. Over time, decay and gum disease can affect your overall health and even lead to feelings of discomfort and pain in your mouth as well as tooth loss.
Also Read: Teeth Straightening Treatment Options
The great news is that no matter the causes of your crooked teeth, we can correct them. Solutions for correcting crooked teeth depends on each person's specific case. For some, the only treatment that is needed for their crooked teeth is invisible teeth aligners. For others, such as those with severe cases or cases that involved facial trauma, surgery may be needed in addition to clear teeth aligners. If you have misaligned teeth, know that there are crooked teeth treatment options available for you.
It's not always easy figuring out what specifically contributed to someone's crooked teeth, and many times it can be a variety of factors. No matter whether it's genes, mouth breathing, or bad habits that have lead to misaligned teeth, the answer is orthodontics. If you're worried about your crooked teeth or that of a family member, contact us so that we can determine the best teeth straightening options for you. It's important to have aligned teeth so that your teeth can do their job properly!
]]>We want this process to be simple and easy for all our patients so we have created easy to follow steps and tips for you! Our goal is for you to find that taking good dental impressions at home is a breeze.
Taking a Good Impression:
When it comes to taking a good impression it is important to make sure that the impression shows the details that our software needs to generate your unique trays. It's important that the impressions show every tooth and that there aren't air pockets or voids in the impression material. Any imperfections in the impression could inhibit our software from having the correct information that it needs to draw up plans for your perfect smile.
Take time to read through all the steps provided below before taking your first impression. Taking a good impression is time dependent so you want to be sure to be prepared for the entire process. You won't want to waste time trying to understand the instructions while the putty is hardening as this can lead to poor impressions. Let's get started!
Step 1: Set up:
It is important that your mouth and teeth are clean prior to taking impressions. Food particles can stick to the impression material and if this happens it can create bubbles or voids the impressions. Cleaning your teeth is as simple as brushing and flossing well to remove food and bacteria. Once your mouth is clean you are ready for your dental impression kit!
Step 2: Glove Up!
Since you are going to be working in your mouth, we want to provide you with the proper protection to do so. A pair of gloves is provided in your dental impression kit. Open the kit and put on the gloves. You will be wearing these gloves from start to finish of the impression process.
Step 3: Check Tray Fitting:
Even as adults, our mouths can be different sizes. While the impression trays that are provided fit most mouths, you may find that the tray is too small or too big for you. So let's take a look and see how the trays fit you.
If you did find that one or both of the trays don't fit well, contact us and we will send out additional sizes for you.
Step 4: Using Putty:
Now it is time to mix the putty. Prior to opening putting ingredient containers, you should make sure that you have a timer handy. Once the putty is mixed, it will begin to set or harden so you do want to make sure you keep moving to step 5 in a timely manner.
Your impression kit comes with 2 different putty containers that will need to be mixed together.
Now roll the putty in your palms until it forms a 4-inch sausage shape. Place this shaped putty into your first tray. The putty should fill the tray completely to both ends. Shaping the putty and filling the tray should only take about 15 seconds.
Step 5: Taking Impressions:
To take your first impression, place the tray in your mouth so that your teeth rest in the center of the tray. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the tray with your fingers. Keep pushing until the putty reaches your gum tissue and then don't move the tray. You will need to let the tray stay in your mouth for 4 minutes while the impression material continues to set.
Step 6: Distract Yourself Without Moving The Tray:
Step 7: Remove the Tray
After 4 minutes, you can remove the tray. Pull straight down on the impression's handle to release the impression mold from your teeth. Leave the impression in the plastic tray and gently set the tray back in the impression kit box that you will be returning to us.
Step 8: Repeat
You will repeat these steps until you have two upper and two lower arch trays to send back with your impression kit.
That's it! We all love Smile Impressions and we hope that these simple steps and tips have helped you to see that you too can easily take impressions by using our dental impression kit at home. It really doesn't get much easier than Smile Impressions! We know life is busy for you and that's why we keep this system easy for you! Get those impressions done and we will handle your smile from here! Once you send in your impression tray, you can expect to see your custom invisible trays on your doorstep in about 2 weeks!
If you haven't ordered your Teeth Impression Kit yet, what are you waiting for? You can visit us at www.upsmiles.com and get started by ordering your kit today!
]]>Ways To Make Teeth Aligners Comfortable
1. Switch The Teeth Aligners At Night
When starting treatment or switching to your next set of invisible aligners, put them in at night before going to bed. This will give your teeth time to adjust to this new position the aligners are shifting your teeth into. Your teeth will have the whole night to get used to this new feeling, and you’ll likely sleep through the discomfort- resulting in more comfortable aligners in the morning.
2. Chewies Makes Aligners Comfortable
Chewies are soft plastic aligner tray seaters that help close air bubbles between your invisible aligners and your teeth when biting pressure is applied. They help to improve the fit of your clear aligners and ensure they work properly and feel comfortable. Aligner chewies are necessary only if the invisible aligners aren’t fitting correctly, usually noticed when switching to a new set of trays.
Chewies are similar in shape and size to a cotton roll or pencil grip and are specifically designed and made for invisible aligner treatment to improve comfort and fit.
When you first put in a new set of invisible aligners, they might not fit perfectly initially. Maybe even causing you to say, “my retainer hurts.” But these aligner tray seaters will help work the invisible aligners into a better fit.
To use, just bite down on a Chewie for 5-10 minutes a day. Make sure to move the Chewie around to different areas of your mouth, especially anywhere you see or feel air bubbles. Experiencing air bubbles means the aligner isn’t snug against your teeth, but the aligner tray seaters will help.
Typically Chewies are used to adjust new aligner trays but feel free to use them as often as you’d like.
The ideal time to use Chewies is before bed; this will help to keep your invisible aligners snug all through the night.
To clean them, simply wash them in warm soapy water and reuse them until they lose their elasticity and shape. You can easily find Chewies online if you would like to purchase some.
Also Read: Teeth Whitening Tips Make your Smile Brighter
3. Use An Emery Board
Sometimes your trays may feel a little rough, making your retainer hurt to wear. To make the invisible aligners more comfortable, they may need a bit of fine-tuning to their shape. You can use a brand new emery board to lightly file down any rough or sharp edges. If you notice any excess material on your clear aligners, just use a small pair of scissors to trim it off, and then use the emery board to adjust the new edge.
Sometimes rough edges can cause sores in your mouth called ulcers. Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable and last for a week or two. To treat a mouth ulcer, make sure the area of the aligner that caused the ulcer is smoothed down with an emery board. Then you will want to rinse with a mixture of saltwater and baking soda. Also, placing milk of magnesia on the mouth ulcer is said to help. Worst case, there are some over-the-counter topical anesthetic products you can purchase. While the ulcer is healing, make sure to avoid foods or drinks that are acidic, hot, or spicy- those can irritate the ulcer and prolong healing.
4. Use Dental Wax
Dental wax can come in handy for particularly sore areas between your invisible aligners and teeth. Applying the wax is very easy; simply put a small wad of dental wax in the place that is bothering you. The wax will work as a cushion to your teeth, allowing you to get used to your clear aligners.
Helpful Tip: Apply the wax to dry aligners to ensure that the wax stays in place.
5. Eat Cold Foods
Cold temperatures help soothe a sore mouth, and what better way to make your mouth more comfortable than by enjoying a smoothie, popsicle, frozen fruit, or another delicious frozen snack. If you do give it a try, just make sure to remove your clear aligners before drinking or eating anything besides water.
If you’d like longer cooling relief but would prefer not to have a frozen treat, applying an ice pack or frozen washcloth to the outside of your mouth can have a similar soothing effect.
If you’ve tried all these tips and are still saying, “this retainer hurts my teeth,” you may want to consider taking an over the counter painkiller for a few days to ease any discomfort.
Whatever you do, make sure to keep wearing your invisible aligners and try to hang in there! Stopping for a day or two to give your teeth a break will only make it more challenging when you place them back in your mouth and prolong your treatment time.
If you have tried a few of these tips and are still having discomfort or if you’re experiencing significant pain, please contact UpSmiles right away. We can give additional recommendations specific to your treatment plan to help make your clear aligners easier to wear.
UpSmiles can also offer another solution to help reduce discomfort with the AcceleDent® Optima®. An FDA-cleared Vibratory Orthodontic Device that is clinically proven to speed up orthodontic treatment and reduce discomfort. AcceleDent® Optima® uses patented SoftPulse Technology® to send micropulse vibrations to the roots of your teeth and surrounding bone. These gentle vibrations help increase cellular activity, speed up your treatment time by up to 50%, and reduce orthodontic discomfort by 71%, which results in you getting out of your invisible aligners quicker and enjoying your straight teeth sooner!
No matter what, just remember that despite some brief discomfort, the results of your smile journey will be worth it!
]]>Dental Impressions At Home
Making a dental impression in the comfort of your home is very easy because we’ll include all the tools to help you. In your no-risk impression kit, you will receive:
To ensure your dental impression is made correctly, your no-risk kit includes a tele-visit with our staff to help you achieve great dental impressions at home. When making your dental impressions, make sure to have at least 30 minutes available to create perfect impressions. We would also advise making them in your bathroom; that way, you are close to a sink and have a mirror to see what you’re doing.
What Are Dental Impressions?
Dental impressions are imprints of your upper and lower teeth and gums, which your dentist/orthodontist uses to review and determine if you will be a Mild, Moderate, or Moderate+ UpSmile’s aligner case. Then the lab uses the impressions to create your custom invisible aligners.
Things to Avoid While Making an Impression
Improper Putty Mixture
You will receive two different putty colors, green and white. One is a catalyst putty, and the other one is a base putty. These two putties need to be mixed together until they are a solid color. If you see streaks are a marbled like look of the green or white colors, it means the impression putty isn’t mixed properly. When the two putties are not combined well, the impression will not set up correctly. To avoid this dental impression error, make sure to follow the directions and mix the two colors really well for the specified amount of time.
Taking a Double Impression
Another mistake to avoid with your home teeth impression kit is taking a double impression.
Once the putty is mixed well and placed in the impression tray, you will need to place the tray in your mouth evenly over your teeth and apply light pressure to both sides of the tray with your thumbs. Not holding the tray in place can cause it to shift and make a double impression. To avoid this dental impression error, gently hold the tray in place to ensure that it doesn’t move while making your dental impression until the putty material sets.
Uneven Shape
To avoid an uneven shape, make sure to center the U-shaped tray over your teeth when taking your dental impressions at home. Once the tray is centered over your teeth, slowly press the tray onto the surfaces of your teeth with even pressure. If the tray isn’t centered or pressed down properly, the shape of your dental arch will be uneven, and your teeth will appear shallow on one side. To avoid this dental impression error, make sure to maintain gentle pressure with your thumbs on both sides of the tray so that the impression of your teeth is even. Also, line up the U-shaped tray to match the U-shape of your teeth.
Make a Good Impression
A good impression will be even on both sides and show the correct shape of your teeth past the gum line. Here are a few dental impressions tips to help you make a good impression.
Don’t worry about making your dental impressions at home; we’ll guide you through the process and give you dental impression tips to assist you in making a great set of dental impressions. Just make sure to follow the directions and the specific time limits provided.
Also Read: Teeth Whitening Tips To Make Your Smile Brighter
What if I Have a Gag Issue?
No problem, we have some dental impression tips for you! A few ways you can suppress your gagging while taking your dental impressions at home would include:
These are just a few common ways to help relax your gag reflex while taking a dental impression at home.
Conclusion:
Have no fear; with all these helpful tips and guided tele-visit with one of our UpSmile’s staff, you will have all the tools to make great dental impressions at home.
After that, the next step will be to send them in for review to determine your treatment plan. Then we will guide you through your customized plan and provide a preview of how your teeth will realign. Within a few short weeks, your custom aligners and treatment plan are delivered to your door. It’s that easy!
But it all starts with a great dental impression at home, which we know you can achieve!
]]>Clear Aligners and Tooth Movement
The process of moving teeth can cause some level of discomfort for every patient. Invisible aligners use pressure to move teeth into their proper place. The discomfort felt from the pressure being applied to your teeth is completely normal. When you first start your clear aligners treatment, the clear aligner will fit quite tight. The directional pressure that is put on your teeth by the aligner is what will help to move your teeth into its next position. Most of this movement happens in the first day or two of wearing the aligner. Once your tooth reaches its new holding position in the aligner, you will continue to wear this aligner for the remaining of the two weeks. After the first two days of wearing the tray, the pressure usually subsides. You probably won't feel pressure until you get your next tray. Upon inserting the next tray, you again will likely feel the discomfort of pressure for the next day or two.
Also Read: What are Aligners and How it Works
Tongue or Gum Tissue Irritation
Another discomfort that patients occasionally note is that the aligner feels sharp to their tongue or that it is poking their tissue. This is not normal or common with the aligners. If you find this to be the case, it may be that there is a rough edge on your tray. If you do find this happening find comfort in that it is usually an easy fix. We know how painful and irritating these mouth sores can be, so we recommend that you schedule an appointment with your dental office to have it looked at. Usually your dentist is able to smooth the plastic's rough edge and usually your tissue will heal quickly. If you are unable to get to your dentist, you can try adding dental wax to the rough patch. We don't recommend making any adjustments to the tray on your own as this may harm your invisible tray or make tissue matters worse.
Can the Time of Day Affect Pain Levels?
You may notice that certain activities seem to cause more pressure on your mouth than others. Some activities, such as eating or drinking, may be more challenging in the first few days that you wear your aligner. It has been suggested that the best time to start wearing a new tray is just before bedtime. Putting a new invisible aligner tray in at night will allow 8 hours or so for the tray to settle.
Should I Avoid Routine Dental Check-ups and Cleanings While In Clear Aligners Treatment?
Not at all. It is actually very important to keep up with routine dental care while in treatment. In doing routine dental check-ups, your dentist will be able to monitor your teeth for decay as well as monitor your gum tissue for good health. Your dentist can also make any adjustments at this appointment to your aligner if it seems to be irritating your tongue or gum tissue. He or she will check existing restorations and make sure that everything is looking good. Routine cleanings are also important as maintaining good oral hygiene can be a little more challenging when wearing invisible aligners. Your hygienist will evaluate your homecare and be able to give you additional pointers for keeping things clean.
What Food is Best to Eat if My Aligners Are Hurting Me?
If you find that you are having discomfort or sensitivity from your clear aligners, it can be beneficial to eat cold foods. Cold foods can be soothing to the tissue whereas hot foods can be more irritating in areas of inflammation or irritation. If you find chewing to be difficult due to it putting added pressure on your already sore mouth, you might find it helpful to stick with foods that are softer in nature for a day or two. Although, studies show that the more you use your mouth, the more quickly your teeth will move into their new positions. Chewing food can be a great way to use your mouth and exercise it!
Can Anything Else Be Done for the Discomfort and Sensitivity That I Feel?
There are a few things that you can try to help boost your comfort level. Your mouth will adjust naturally to treatment over time which means you may find yourself less sore with time. If you still need a boost in comfort, swishing with warm salt water rinse can be soothing for the tissue.
You can easily make a warm salt water rinse by adding half a teaspoon salt to 1 cup of warm water. Ice packs can also be used and they are helpful in reducing inflammation. Sucking on an ice chip may also have the same cooling sensation in your mouth. Over-the-counter painkillers can also help especially when first beginning treatment of invisible aligners. Different people do better or worse with different over-the-counter painkillers so choose the one that works best for you. You should follow the directions printed on the bottle for pain relief.
When it comes to invisible aligners, it's important to remember that there will be some discomfort. While discomfort is a normal part of the moving teeth process, you now have several things that you can try to keep yourself most comfortable. If pain is due to roughness on your aligner, we encourage you to avoid self-adjustments at home as this can damage the aligner or irritate your tissue more. We don't want you to let discomfort keep you from getting the smile that you want.
We hope that this article has given you the tools that you need for comfortable clear aligners treatment. Are you ready to schedule your next appointment for invisible aligners?
]]>Benefits Of Using Retainers
The easiest way to explain retainers is that they retain the position of your teeth. Once you have finished your UpSmiles treatment, you will receive a final set of plastic aligners, which are your retainers. These custom adult retainers are molded to your completed smile to help keep your teeth in place. Your teeth gradually move and shift throughout the day, so wearing a retainer at night helps to redirect your teeth back to that perfect straight position you worked so hard to achieve. You heard that right; you will typically only wear your retainers during the night while sleeping. And since you will only be wearing them at night, they will be very manageable and won’t interfere with your daily routine. Wearing retainers is easier when you understand the importance and reasoning behind it.
Types Of Retainers
There are several different styles of retainers available, and the difference between them is the material used to make them and their appearance. Below are the three most common retainers people wear.
Essix Retainers
The retainers you will be receiving after you have completed your UpSmiles treatment are usually referred to as Essix retainers. Essix retainers are clear retainers made from a safe plastic material similar to your UpSmiles aligners. A benefit to Essix retainers is that they are invisible, making them easy to wear even throughout the day if you would like. Another plus to an Essix retainer is that it is removable and easy to clean, making retainer care pretty simple. As part of your UpSmiles treatment, one set of clear retainers will be included.
Hawley Retainers
Another type of retainer is called a Hawleys and is one of the oldest types of retainers still being used. The Hawley retainer is made with plastic and metal. The metal wire sits against the six upper and lower front teeth and loops in front of the canines. Due to the plastic and wire components, it is easy for them to become distorted by heat or damage from any impact.
Another reason why Hawley retainers aren’t as popular is that they are not invisible. Because they look similar to braces, people are less likely to wear them.
Bonded Retainers
Lastly, another popular type of adult retainer is a bonded retainer or fixed retainer. The bonded retainer consists of a wire placed behind the upper and lower front teeth. The benefits to the fixed retainer are that it is not removable, so your teeth will stay straight 24/7. Also, you won’t have to remember to put your retainers in before bed since they are permanently fixed to your teeth.
Some issues to keep in mind with the bonded retainer, are that the glue pads can easily come off. Once that happens, your teeth can start shifting if you don’t get it replaced quickly.
Furthermore, the bonded retainer will not keep the back teeth straight since it is only glued to the front teeth.
Another big downside to the fixed retainer is that it is hard to clean and floss properly around the glue pads. If that area is not maintained correctly, your mouth can easily develop gums disease and bone loss. Since retainer care can be challenging, to avoid that altogether, wearing the Essix retainer is the best choice, and your hygienist will thank you too!
Tip: Remember, retainers don’t last forever. Essix retainers tend to last 1-3 years, depending on how they are cared for. If you start noticing cracks in your retainer, it is probably time for a new set. Another thing to watch for is if the chewing surface of the retainer starts getting holes in them. Holes would indicate that you are grinding your teeth. If that’s the case, you may want to look into a nightguard, which would act as a retainer but is made with a harder material to withstand teeth grinding.
The Do’s and Don’ts With Wearing Retainers
When it comes to your UpSmiles retainer, there are a couple do’s and don’t to keep in mind.
Do’s:
Don’t:
UpSmiles Retainer
Your UpSmiles retainer is meant to help you keep all the progress you’ve made to improve your teeth alignment. By including a retainer as part of your treatment, we want to help you continue showing off that great smile. But to do that, we need your help! Once you have finished your treatment, a dental professional will recommend how often you should wear your retainer. By following those recommendations and consistently wearing your UpSmiles retainers, you should be able to maintain your bright smile for years to come.
If you have any questions about your UpSmiles retainers or, unfortunately, one of your current UpSmiles retainers broke or was misplaced, we are here to help! Contact us by email support@upsmiles.com or chat with us online at our website www.upsmiles.com
]]>Choosing a treatment to straighten your teeth is a big decision. There are several factors to consider, including treatment time, effectiveness, convenience, and cost. Traditionally, metal braces are the go-to treatment to straighten teeth. However, braces can cost thousands of dollars, and most adults prefer a less noticeable treatment option.
Luckily, braces are no longer the only effective treatment for crooked teeth. Clear aligners can straighten your teeth just as successfully in about half the time- and at a much lower cost. Braces are pricey, averaging about $3,000 - $5,000. In contrast, the average UpSmiles aligner cost range is about $999 - $1599.
Aligners are comfortable, clear trays that straighten your teeth by slowly moving them into the desired position. The trays are custom-made to fit your smile and are nearly invisible on the teeth. Today, there are several brands of aligners to choose from. However, if cost of treatment is important to you, our custom-fit smile aligners are an excellent choice.
Our smile aligners are the same quality and have the same effectiveness as leading aligner brands but at a much lower cost. If you’re searching for a discrete, affordable option to straighten your teeth, aligners are the most popular alternative to more traditional options, like braces.
Also Read: 7 Steps to Maintain Invisible Aligners
Benefits of Aligners
Clear aligners have become one of the most popular treatment options for teeth crowding and spacing, especially among adults. Most people simply prefer a less conspicuous treatment and one that won’t take years to achieve their desired results.
The option of removing your aligners anytime you want is also an attractive feature. Braces can be difficult to clean and tend to get in the way when brushing or flossing. Clear aligners can be removed at any time, so maintenance and good oral hygiene are both easier to manage.
Top Benefits of Smile Aligners include:
How Do Aligners Work?
The first step for treatment with clear aligners is to take photos and a mold of your teeth/smile. From these a customized treatment plan is developed for custom-fit aligners. Every treatment includes several sets of both top and bottom teeth aligners. Each set is worn for about two weeks at a time and slowly moves your teeth to the desired position.
You’ll wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. They may feel tight or sore at first, but any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will create one last set of aligners, aftercare aligners, which help preserve your new smile. Your aftercare aligners should be worn 22 hours per day for the first few months. Then, you can wear them only at night to keep your teeth in place.
How Long You Have to Wear Aligners
Treatment time for clear aligners largely depends on the severity of the case. More complex cases simply take longer to treat. Still, the average treatment time for aligners is about 6-9 months.
Common issues that may require a longer than normal treatment time include more severe cases of teeth crowding or spacing and bite issues, such as overbite or overjet. Because of this, the best candidates for retainer treatment are people with mild-to-moderate misalignments.
Once your treatment is over, you’ll need to wear aftercare aligners for as long as you want your results to last. The first few months after treatment, your teeth are particularly unstable and more susceptible to shifting. As we previously mentioned, most dentists recommend wearing aftercare aligners 22 hours per day immediately following treatment. Then, after about a year, you can switch to wearing your aligners 3-4 times per week, and only at night.
How to Clean and Care for Aligners
One of the biggest advantages of aligners is how easy they are to clean. Because they are removable and stain-resistant, our smile aligners don’t require any complicated maintenance.
It’s best to clean your aligners daily by gently brushing and rinsing them with water. For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in a cleansing solution or distilled water about once per week to remove any bacteria.
Caring for your smile aligners is also fairly simple. Most importantly, you should remove your aligners to brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything besides water. Eating and drinking without removing your aligners could cause staining or scratches, making them more noticeable and less effective.
Brushing your teeth or, at the very least, rinsing your mouth with water after meals is also a good practice to keep your aligners clean. Finally, be sure to place your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. Setting them down on the counter or sink is often unsanitary, and you’ll risk accidentally losing them. Play it safe, and use your retainer case every time you remove your aligners.
How to Make Your Aligners Long-Lasting
Even with the best maintenance and care, you will need to replace your aligners eventually. However, by using the tips above,
Regular and consistent maintenance is key to keeping your aligners clean and working properly. The best way to maintain your aligners is by cleaning them daily and deep cleaning once per week. Avoid using mouthwash, toothpaste, or other non-approved cleaning solutions for your retainer. Water is more than sufficient and won’t cause any damage.
You should also avoid squeezing or playing with your aligners (ex. repeatedly clicking your teeth), as these can both cause damage that will make your aligners less effective.
You’ll know it’s time to purchase a new retainer when it becomes especially loose or if there is any visible damage or staining. So, if your retainer no longer feels snug on your teeth, it may be time to purchase a replacement.
Conclusion
Smile aligners are the new and improved way to straighten your teeth- without the hassle of high costs and lengthy treatment time. Our aligners are highly effective, safe, and comfortable to wear. And, our prices are significantly lower than the market average.
If you have a lower budget but don’t want to sacrifice on quality, UpSmiles may be the perfect option. Check out our smile aligners today and begin your journey to achieving a beautiful smile.
]]>
Below are some helpful tips to get your teeth the brightest color ever.
Whitening Tip: Start With A Dental Checkup
Before you visit your local dental aisle for whitening strips or online for an at-home whitening kit, you should get your regular dental check-up and cleaning.
Visiting your dentist often is essential to a healthy, bright smile. If you notice stains on your teeth, getting a dental check-up will determine what those stains are. If it's been a couple of years since you've had a dental cleaning, you may have tartar build-up on your teeth. Tartar, also called calculus, is a crusty deposit that traps stains and causes discoloration to your teeth. Tartar build-up is an indication it is time for a dental cleaning and check-up.
Also, staining in the grooves or between the teeth can be an indication you have a cavity. You may think stains have to be sensitive or painful to be a cavity. But that is not the case; some cavities do not have any symptoms. Getting stains checked by a dentist is the best way to determine if you have a cavity.
Once you have a thorough cleaning and dental check-up, your dentist will advise you how often you should come in for dental cleanings; typically every six months. Getting a dental cleaning before whitening your teeth will help you to achieve the best whitening results.
Whitening Tip: Whitening Toothpaste Removes Surface Stain
Once you've had a dental cleaning and check-up, you can start checking out available whitening toothpaste. There is a variety of whitening toothpaste on the market like:
All do help brighten your smile but only by removing the surface stain. Also, some should not be used every day like toothpaste with activated charcoal. The activated charcoal contains abrasive particles that help remove staining, but over time, can be harmful to tooth enamel.
Whitening Tip: Reduce Sugar In Your Diet
Having a healthy environment for your teeth is key to a bright smile. Your mouth is a battleground of bacteria, and adding sugar to the mix is just fuel to the fire of potential cavities. So how does sugar affect the color of your teeth? By causing cavities. Cavities look like dark stains on or between the teeth that dental whitening can not remove. A cavity is a decayed tooth structure usually caused by a high sugar and carb diet.
Treating a cavity involves a dentist removing the decayed tooth structure and replacing it with a filling. The dentist will match the material used to fill the tooth to your natural tooth color. So if your natural tooth color is yellow at the time of your filling, your filing will match. After having any dental work done, if you choose to whiten your teeth, restorations like fillings and crowns will not change in color. To avoid this altogether, reduce your sugar intake to lower your risk of tooth decay and potentially fillings.
Whitening Tip: Brush And Floss Your Teeth
If you want to have a bright smile that starts with good hygiene habits. Did you know 70% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day? Sadly, 23% of Americans have gone two or more days without brushing their teeth, and for adults between the ages of 18-24, that number is 37%! And flossing isn't any better, only 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth at least once a day. 20% don't floss their teeth at all. So, how often should you brush and floss your teeth?
Brushing And Flossing Recommendations To brush your teeth properly involves brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, which would total four minutes of your day spent on brushing. What about flossing? Flossing is only necessary to do at least once a day. Practicing in the mirror is helpful, and over time you will get the hang of it. The average time it should take to floss is two minutes. So total to brush and floss your teeth, it should take you six minutes.
What Type Of Toothbrush and Floss Should You Use?
The best tool to properly brush your teeth with is an electric toothbrush. The brush head on an electric toothbrush can move in several directions, removing more plaque and food than a regular toothbrush. Also, electric toothbrushes have a built-in two-minute timer and sensors to
let you know if you are brushing too hard. Electric toothbrushes can be a bit pricey but worth the investment.
As far as dental floss goes, avoid using the floss picks and get regular string floss. When flossing your teeth, the correct technique is to hug the dental floss around your tooth like the letter C. Then, while hugging your tooth with the floss, you will want to slide the floss under each side of the gum triangle located between your teeth. This step is key to removing plaque and bacteria from under your gums. Once you start adding flossing into your daily routine, your dentists and teeth will thank you.
Whitening Tip: Use Mouthwash Liquids
Another popular way to whitening your teeth is by using a whitening mouthwash. There are several brands available that use hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent. Over time, this will help remove stains and whiten your teeth, but only if you have a mild staining level.
Non-whitening mouthwashes are helpful too. Regular mouthwash kills bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel when used correctly. Some of the blue mouthwashes are known to stain the teeth due to the dye used. But not to worry, the blue stain on your teeth or tongue washes away with normal eating and drinking. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash will help keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright too.
Whitening Tip: Watch Out For Food And Drinks That Discolor Your Teeth
Food and beverages play a significant role in the color of your teeth. Certain foods and drinks are known to stain or discolor your teeth due to sugar and acid they contain. Here are some foods and drinks to watch out for when trying to get clear white teeth.
Some of these foods and drinks you can find alternatives for, but others would be best to avoid altogether. When it comes to beverages, drinking from a straw helps keep the liquid away from your teeth. And when you have any staining beverages, try not to sip on them or let them linger in your mouth too long. Promptly finishing your drink will cut down on the amount of time teeth are vulnerable to sugar and acid. Once you finish eating or drinking anything acidic, sugary, or that causes staining, rinse with some water, then wait 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth- any sooner could hurt your teeth' enamel.
Time To Show Off Your Bright Smile
Now that you understand all the ways to whiten your teeth, you can get started today on brightening your smile. During the process, if you still aren't happy with the way your teeth look, you may discover it's not the color of your teeth that bothers you but the position of your teeth. UpSmiles offers custom aligner kits that only take 4 to 6 months to straighten your teeth. Our aligners will quickly get you on your way to a straighter smile that you can be proud to show off with our short treatment times.
To learn more about our aligners, straightening your teeth or other helpful teeth brightening tips check out our website. UpSmiles
Braces vs Aligners - What’s the Difference?
Braces are traditionally made of stainless steel. But, clear braces can be made from clear ceramic or polycarbonate which is a type of plastic. The treatment involves an orthodontist affixing the braces to a patient’s teeth. The braces must remain on the teeth the duration of the treatment process, which can vary from 18 months to 24 months or longer.
Aligners, on the other hand are thin, clear, BPA-free, plastic trays. Aligners are custom-made trays created from the impression of your teeth. Aligners look very similar to retainers that most patients are required to wear after their braces are removed. Unlike braces, aligners are not permanently affixed to your teeth and are made to be easily removed by the patient.
How Long Do Braces Take vs. Clear Aligners To Straighten Teeth?
The amount of time a patient must wear braces is based upon the degree of alignment required. Patients must follow up with an orthodontist every 4-8 weeks approximately to check the progress of their teeth. During follow-up visits the orthodontist may also tighten braces and replace wires.
Results from aligners can be achieved in as little as 4-6 months. Aligners also don’t require monthly follow-up visits with the orthodontist. Patients usually don’t need to return to their dentist except for regular cleanings.
Do Clear Aligners Hurt As Much As Braces?
All orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners, involve moving the teeth. This movement requires force, which will cause some level of discomfort. So clear aligners may make your teeth feel sore, especially in the beginning of treatment. However, while braces can cause fairly moderate pain and soreness, pain from clear aligners is much less intense. The most common and effective ways to alleviate pain or soreness from clear aligners are:
Also Read: Do Aligners Hurt?
Are Clear Aligners Cheaper Than Braces?
Yes, because clear aligner treatment does not require office visits, aligners typically cost approximately 60% less than braces. The total cost for aligners is usually around $1895, while the average cost of treatment with braces is $5,000 - $8,000. Clear aligner companies, like UpSmiles, also frequently offer promotions and financing programs to make their aligners more affordable.
Can You Straighten Teeth Without Braces?
There are several methods to straighten teeth without braces. Among the most popular are porcelain veneers, bonding/contouring, and clear aligners. Clear aligners are the most popular braces alternative because of their convenience and lower cost.
Bonding is more suitable for small changes, like chips or slight spacing, while porcelain veneers are ideal for patients seeking a complete smile transformation. Dental contouring, bonding, crown work and porcelain veneers are the different types of restorative treatments that can also be used straighten teeth.
These methods can be used instead of braces to correct the following:
Treatment to Straighten Teeth Without Braces
For many people, traditional braces aren’t convenient and take longer than they’d hope to straighten their teeth. As an alternative, clear aligners have become the leading choice for convenience and effectiveness. Clear aligners can straighten your teeth in about half the time required for braces, and at a much lower cost.
Can UpSmiles Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Although braces remain the most comprehensive orthodontic treatment, clear aligners can treat many of the same conditions. As we previously discussed, our aligners can treat crowded teeth, spacing between teeth, and mild bite issues. Our aligners are comparable in quality to some of the leading clear aligner providers. But we offer our aligners at a affordable prices.
Cost isn’t the only perk of straightening your teeth with clear aligners. Patients report various benefits, including:
Straightening Teeth Using Clear Aligners
Custom, clear aligners that straighten teeth without braces have gained a great deal of popularity over the last few years. Many patients find clear aligners to be a more affordable, quicker, and convenient option compared to traditional, metal braces. At UpSmiles, we offer high quality aligners at a lower cost than our competitors.
We make getting started simple by sending you a home impression kit and then mailing your aligners. So, you never have to leave the comfort of your own home. Impressions are simple to take, and we’ll send you instructions to make things easier. Once you receive your custom aligners, you can begin treatment.
Clear aligner treatments can be completed in just 3 easy steps:
Also Read: Maintain your Invisible Aligners in Simple Steps
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Are you ready to take the next step toward straightening your teeth without braces and achieving the smile you’ve always wanted? UpSmiles offers a free, no obligation, consultation to help you explore the treatments available to straighten your teeth without braces.
During your consultation, one of our highly trained orthodontists will explain each treatment we offer based on your individual needs and preferences. Your doctor will also take images of your teeth during the initial consultation and use them to show you what the final results of your treatment can look like.
Consultations are risk-free and require no obligation to order aligners. If you have questions or if you’re ready to begin treatment, visit UpSmiles today to schedule your consultation.
]]>Setting their nearly-invisible benefit aside for a moment, here are 9 additional benefits or reasons to buy clear aligners online:
1. Amazing discounts - If you invest in clear aligners online, you receive amazing discounts. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, some businesses charge the same flat fee to everyone. Their pricing doesn't take into consideration the complexity or the simplicity of your individual case. This is not the case at UpSmiles. We offer a tiered pricing system based on the level of treatment needed. Therefore, you only pay for the level of treatment that you require.UpSmiles offers safe and affordable teeth alignment starting at just $999.
2. Easy connection and communication with UpSmiles online - Whether you have a question about impressions or a concern about the fit of your clear aligner tray, UpSmiles staff is available and excited to help. At UpSmiles, we are a tele-medicine facility. This allows our dental professionals to provide you top- notch treatment and excellent service no matter where you are located. We are able to do this via video chat with our professional team. The best part is that you receive the dental support that you need without having to drive to an office facility to get it!
3. Doorstep Delivery - At UpSmiles, we are all about making the process easiest and most efficient for you! You order your no risk impression kit and the package arrives days later on your doorstep. You get to begin the process quickly. No waiting weeks for an office evaluation. No time wasted traveling to an office facility. When you are ready to start, you are only a few days away from receiving your impression kit and only a few short weeks from receiving your clear aligners and beginning treatment.
4. Raving Fans - You've probably heard the saying, "A testimony is worth a thousand words." Nothing speaks louder to a product's success than a satisfied customer. Many have shared their experience with clear aligners through live feedback and testimonials. A 16 year old reported that they love food and were thrilled when they didn't have to avoid any foods during treatment with clear aligners. A 42 year old mom shared that the process was so incredibly easy and that now her only regret is that she didn't do it sooner! Many have shared that if you are thinking about it, just do it! As you go through treatment, we trust that you will soon be another happy customer sharing about your journey!
5. Money-back Assurance - When it comes to UpSmiles, assurance is part of your treatment. Your investment begins with your impression kit. You take your impressions. Then you mail them back to us. Then we use them to evaluate if you're a good candidate for clear aligners. If so, we will let you know your treatment plan and the investment cost of your treatment. If you are not a candidate, we will refund your impression kit!
6. Financing Available - While online clear aligners are a much more affordable option when compared to braces and other in-office aligners options, we understand that it can still be challenging to have the resources to do so. There are many ways that UpSmiles can still be an option for you. Do you have dental insurance? Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, call your insurance company to see if you have this coverage. If you do, there is a chance that you can be reimbursed for a portion of your orthodontic services and treatment. Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA)? Ordering an impression kit and aligner system can be a great way to put these funds to use! We also offer payment plans that can help spread out your payments, thus making the investment of treatment fit within your personal budget needs.
7. The Safe Choice - You aren't compromising on your smile or your safety when you choose to work with UpSmiles. When working with UpSmiles, you are working with dental professionals who care about the quality of your smile. They begin with a customized treatment plan for you and follow your progress remotely until your treatment is complete and your smile is beautiful!
8. Lasting Smile - Remote monitoring keeps you on track during the treatment process. Your progress is remote monitored as you move through each aligner set. Teeth have a tendency to shift over time, so a retainer is included in your treatment. It's important to us that your beautiful smile stays after your treatment is completed. Regularly wearing your retainer will help make sure that your smile years from now will look as good as it did the day you completed treatment.
9. Fastest treatment - Updated technology and techniques allow clear aligners to work effectively and efficiently. Treatment length varies depending on your individual needs. You can be sure that with our advanced technology and experienced dental professionals, your treatment will be completed efficiently and in a timely manner. If you get started soon, your smile can be ready for that wedding or graduation that you have coming up next year!
Looking for invisible braces online to get the smile you have been hoping for? UpSmiles makes sure the clear aligner process is easy, effective, and affordable for you. There are so many reasons for choosing these clear aligners online, so many that esthetics is just icing on the cake! To get started, call UpSmiles at 312-683-8300 or visit us at www.upsmiles.com TODAY!
]]>
Still, they require care, maintenance and cleaning, just like any medical device, and it's vital that you take care of them, not only so they'll continue to work properly, but also to stay healthy. Learn all about invisible aligners and an easy seven-step process to clean and maintain them so they function perfectly throughout the time you need them.
An Overview of Invisible Aligners
For centuries, the traditional way to fix a smile was with braces. These devices use brackets with wires threaded through to straighten teeth. The wires are tightened every so often to encourage the teeth to move, gradually adjusting your mouth to a straight smile. Invisible aligners use a similar principle but involve custom-made mouthpieces built around a mold of your teeth.
These mouthpieces are usually made from a type of clear acrylic and are a tight fit over your teeth. As you wear them, your teeth will adjust to the fit, and then you'll move to a new aligner, which again will feel tight. The process continues through several stages that can vary from patient to patient until your teeth are straight. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to two years, depending on the amount of correction required.
For the most part, invisible aligners are not designed to be worn while eating, but they are easy to remove and re-insert so you can take them out to enjoy a meal.
Clear orthodontic aligners are not for everyone. They are usually recommended only for mild-to-moderate crowding or spacing between teeth. If you have a serious condition like a major underbite, overbite or crossbite, you may need more complicated treatments.
Seven Steps to Maintaining Aligners
Just like with any dental or medical device, you'll need to take the right steps to maintain and protect your aligners. This will both help keep them functioning as they should and keep them clean so they don't develop bacteria that could cause issues with your teeth, gums and even your overall health.
Fortunately, it's very easy to maintain invisible aligners. Just follow these basic steps:
1. Brush and Floss Before Wearing
Keeping your teeth clean is even more vital than normal when wearing aligners. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth for at least two minutes. Floss well to make sure there's no plaque or food particle buildup between your teeth. This is normal dental hygiene, but it's important that there's nothing between your teeth to interfere with the work of the aligners, so it takes on an extra level of importance here.
2. Always Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Your aligners are made from a type of dental acrylic, and they are not designed to be worn while you eat or drink! They're easy to pop in and out, so just make sure that when you go out to eat or you sit down at a meal with your beloved, you pop out your aligners. If you can, always rinse them well with cool water when you take them out, and remember that you need to brush and floss before putting them back in!
While we're on the subject, especially avoid bringing your aligners in contact with dark liquids like coffee, soda, liquor and the like. These can stain them and make them, well, less than invisible.
3. Store Aligners in a Cool, Dry Place
Your aligners should have come with a carrying case. When you're not using them, place them in the case and store them somewhere cool and dry. This will prevent the growth of bacteria that can thrive in warmth and moisture.
4. Never Leave Them Out in the Open
Don't ever leave your invisible dental aligners out in the open. When you lay them on a table or countertop outside their case, you may be exposing them to bacteria and pathogens that could cause tooth decay, gum disease or even make you sick. You might also forget where you put them and lose them.
5. Don't Use Hot Water to Clean Them
Keeping your aligners clean is important, but it's just as important to avoid mistakes while cleaning them. The first and most common mistake people make is using hot water to clean aligners. Hot water can actually damage the aligners, causing them to lose their shape. This means they can't do their job right in your mouth and you may need to replace them, which can be costly.
6. Don't Use Toothpaste
Don't use abrasives like toothpaste when you clean your dental aligners. Abrasives can scratch and damage the surface of the aligners. This can both make them harder to clean in the future, which will make them less invisible in your mouth, and create crevices and scratches in which bacteria can grow.
7. Use Approved Cleaning Solutions
Many aligners will come with an approved cleaning solution. That's your best bet for cleaning them. If you run out or need a different option, cool water and antibacterial soap will do the job. You can also soak them in a denture cleaner. Don't use mouthwash! Mouthwashes are colored, which can stain your aligners.
By following these general tips and steps to maintain your invisible aligners, you'll get plenty of wear and life out of them, and you'll find that the process of getting that sparkling smile will be as smooth as silk. For more information and help, check out our UpSmiles, and if you need a checkup, give us a call today!
]]>Teeth straightening treatments do precisely what their name suggests they move or “align” your teeth slowly, over time, until they reach the desired position. The result is a straighter, more attractive smile. Because of this, teeth straightening treatments are habitually marketed as cosmetic dental treatments. While that is true, they also significantly improve oral health and are highly effective at preventing more serious issues.
Common issues that teeth straightening treatments can correct are misalignments, such as teeth crowding or spacing, and bite issues, like an overbite. However, dentists and orthodontists also recommend teeth straightening treatment to prevent more significant dental health concerns and improve a patient’s oral hygiene.
Crooked or misaligned teeth are typically more difficult to clean and may cause buildups of plaque and bacteria. The result is decay (cavities) and possibly gum disease. Straightening the teeth can improve gum health and make it easier to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
Benefits of Teeth Straightening
Being uncomfortable with your teeth can seriously affect your self-confidence. Your smile is the first thing that most people notice, and it can completely change your overall appearance. The most obvious benefit of teeth straightening treatment is a more attractive smile and, as a result, improved confidence.
As we previously discussed, improved oral hygiene, while not as trendy, is also a significant benefit of teeth straightening treatment. Once treatment is complete, patients often notice that brushing and flossing are much more manageable, and their oral health tends to improve naturally. Improved oral hygiene then leads to fewer cavities and lowers the risk of cavities or periodontal disease.
Top benefits of teeth straightening treatments include:
Treatment Options for Teeth Straightening
Until recently, there were very few options for teeth straightening treatment. Luckily, the industry has since exploded and now includes several options to suit a wide variety of patients. The major factors to consider when choosing treatment are cost, convenience, and treatment time. Depending on what’s important to you, there are multiple ways to straighten your teeth.
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular teeth straightening treatment, and they have the longest history of success. Traditional braces are typically considered the most versatile treatment and can treat almost any type of misalignment. As a result, they’re great for more complex cases and severe bite issues that other treatments can’t correct. Despite this, braces are losing popularity due to more convenient options flooding the market.
Most people prefer their treatment be as hidden as possible and may be embarrassed to wear braces as an adult. Braces also require monthly dental visits and are typically less convenient than newer teeth straightening options. Ultimately, they are a highly effective and flexible treatment, but their appearance and a lengthy treatment time make braces less than ideal for most adults.
Damon Braces
Damon braces are marketed as a more comfortable and convenient version of traditional braces. They consist of a sliding mechanism, which is used to attach wires to brackets without requiring steel or elastic ties. This allows them to move more naturally and makes the braces more comfortable to wear.
Damon braces also boast a shorter treatment time than braces, although they appear very similar on the teeth. Still, they are significantly more expensive than traditional braces, so Damon braces are not ideal for patients with a tighter budget.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are another alternative to traditional metal braces. They have metal wires and brackets, but they are placed on the backside of the teeth, as opposed to the front. The brackets and wires are customized to fit the contours of your teeth and are nearly invisible in the mouth. Lingual braces are ideal for people who want a discreet treatment option because they’re very hard to see, even when talking.
Like Damon braces, lingual braces are expensive, so they’re not great for patients on a budget. And although they are customized to be as comfortable as possible, patients often experience tongue irritation and develop a slight lisp as they get used to the positioning of the braces. Brushing lingual braces can also be challenging, as the brackets and wires may be difficult to see and clean.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the leading teeth straightening treatment for adults who want a quicker, more convenient option than braces. Custom made to fit your smile and boasting a treatment time as fast as 3-4 months, clear aligners are also the most affordable option on this list, starting at around $1800.
Closely resembling clear retainer trays, clear aligners are nearly invisible on the teeth, and they’re removable. So, you can take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Clear aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day to ensure they work correctly and deliver maximum results. So, they’re not a good choice for people who don’t have the discipline to control their own treatment. There are two types of clear aligners in-office aligners and at-home or “online” aligners.
In-office aligners include the leading clear aligner brand, Invisalign, and the less known brand, ClearCorrect. Treatment with in-office aligners requires monthly visits to the dentist. However, overall treatment time is usually shorter than braces. Because they include regular dental visits, in-office aligners are also fairly versatile and can treat most cases of teeth crowding and spacing.
At-home or “online” aligners are almost identical to in-office aligners in appearance, but treatment is completed entirely from home. Because of the lack of dental visits, the cost of treatment for online aligners is significantly less than braces. However, this also means that they’re not suitable for more severe cases, which require in-person treatment with an orthodontist. The leading at-home aligner brand is SmileDirectClub, followed closely by byte and Candid.
Treatment Duration and Cost
Ultimately, both the treatment time and cost will depend on the severity of your case. More complex cases simply require more time to treat, so the severity of your case should be a major deciding factor for the treatment you choose. Still, there are some teeth straightening treatments that are faster than others in most situations.
At-home clear aligners are currently the quickest and cheapest treatment option. Most accepted cases for online aligner treatment take about six months to treat, but you can complete treatment in as little as three months.
Online aligner brands offer treatment starting at $1800, about half the average cost of braces. All of the top brands also offer payment plans and financing to make their aligners more affordable. SmileDirectClub and byte stand out from the pack by providing financing without a credit check, allowing more people to start treatment without spending thousands of dollars upfront.
In-office aligners, like Invisalign, average $3,000 - $5,000 and usually take 12-18 months. Most dentists and orthodontists offer financing programs, such as Care Credit, to make treatment more affordable. However, these programs typically require a credit check and possibly a down payment.
Traditional braces typically cost $4,000 - $5,000 and require 18-24 months of treatment time. The alternative lingual and Damon braces are the most expensive teeth straightening treatments, at about $6,000 – $10,000. They require slightly less treatment time than braces, with an average of 18 months.
Teeth Straightening with UpSmiles
At UpSmiles, we offer high-quality clear aligners, very similar to byte- but at a significantly reduced cost. Our low-cost aligners provide the same great perks, including shorter treatment time and little-to-no visibility on the teeth.
Clear aligners are an innovative, discrete way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of dental visits or lengthy treatment time. But, that doesn’t mean your treatment has to be expensive. If you have a tighter budget but don’t want to sacrifice on quality, consider treatment with our affordable clear aligners, and get one step closer to your perfect smile.
]]>How would you like to achieve your beautiful smile without the pain and metal to show that you are in treatment? Today, aligners allow you the luxury of esthetically-pleasing straight teeth. They even allow it without the pain and without letting others in on the secret that you are actually in treatment.
What are Aligners and How Do they Work?
Aligners are clear plastic trays that accurately and effectively straighten teeth. These trays are custom designed and made to fit your exact teeth, bringing you the most complete results.
Initially, an evaluation of your teeth and their alignment will be done. This often of your mouth. It is through this quick and pain-free process that precise details are collected. An individualized plan is drawn up in regards to your mouth's needs. Usually a before and after, allowing you to see a sneak peek of your new beautiful smile.
Following this assessment phase, you will begin treatment in which you receive your custom series of aligners. Each tray is slightly unique from the next and as each tray is worn it gently and steadily applies pressure to move your teeth. For this reason, it is important to wear aligners day and night and also to wear them in their proper, systematic order. Most aligners will be worn for 2-3 weeks and then you will move onto the next tray in the series.
The length of your treatment is dependent on the complexity of your case. Treatment is very individualized, some are completed in as few as 6 months while other more complex treatment plans may take 18 months.
What Benefits are there to Aligners?
The main benefit of aligners is usually associated with straightening teeth and achieving a beautiful smile. Aligners have the benefit of being able to successfully correct many teeth straightening fixes including:
The great thing about aligners is that it doesn't matter if you have one of these misalignments or many. They can be successful, even in some complex cases.
The benefits don't stop at straight teeth either. Due to their clear nature, aligners are very discreet and most people won't even realize you are in treatment. With clear aligners, you can keep on smiling throughout treatment without the dreadful appearance of traditional braces.
Aligners are easily removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Their easy removal allows for better oral hygiene. When braces are removed at the end of treatment, there can often be unattractive white spots around the brackets. Aligners greatly reduce this risk of white spots as teeth cleaning is much easier with them.
Aligners are more comfortable than braces. They fit snuggly over your teeth and there are no metal brackets or pokey wires to hassle with when it comes to wearing them.
Precautions (Wearing and Caring for Aligners)
Aligners are not meant to be worn while eating or drinking anything other than water. They are to be removed during eating to avoid risk of plastic material cracking. Drinking anything other than water can lead to these clear aligners picking up stain. It's important to remember that many drinks contain sugar and they increase your risk of getting tooth decay. Also, hot food or beverages may warp the plastic trays.
While you can easily remove these aligners, it is recommended that they be worn for 20-22 hours a day. If you do remove them, resume wearing them as soon as possible. This helps ensure that your treatment will continue as planned.
It is very important to keep your teeth clean during treatment. Taking time to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day helps keep your gum tissue healthy and your teeth free from decay. It is also important to keep your clear aligners clean and smelling fresh. This can easily be done by brushing them daily with a soft toothbrush and then rinsing them with water.
Invisible Aligners' Cost (Investing in your beautiful smile is within reach)
When it comes to getting the smile that you love, it doesn't have to break the bank. Aligners offer you affordable teeth straightening additionally, offer breaking up your investment into smaller monthly payments. This allows the invisible aligners' cost to be most manageable for you.
If you have searched online invisible aligners, you will notice that there is quite the range in investment. Much of this cost difference includes whether or not the treatment involves office visits.
Invisalign aligners are very similar in cost to traditional braces. This treatment ranges in price from $3,000-$7,000 depending on the complexity and length of your treatment needed. With Invisalign, you work with a dentist or orthodontist and see them routinely for office evaluations.
ClearCorrect is similar to Invisalign in that you make many dental office visits during your treatment. The cost for treatment with ClearCorrect ranges from $2,000-$8,000.
Candid aligner's treatment is about $2,400. This treatment involves being remotely monitored by orthodontists, no office visits are needed.
SnapCorrect is another clear aligner option and they are currently offered at $1749. This method involves taking your own impressions and pictures and sending them to their lab.
Smile Direct Club offers clear aligners at a flat rate of $1895. You would also be required to personally take your own at-home impressions and then everything else would be done by mail.
Are you ready to get started on your own beautiful smile?
Fortunately aligners offer an effective and discreet solution to straighten teeth and help you achieve your own beautiful smile. There are many different options when it comes to clear aligners, allowing you the freedom to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Not only will aligners help you achieve your beautiful smile, they also assure that the process will be easy, comfortable, and affordable for you too!
]]>
Understanding the differences between braces vs. aligners will help you to decide which is the best option for you. To help make your decision, continue reading to learn more about braces, aligners, cost difference, treatment time, and which is more effective.
Braces
When you think of straightening your teeth, traditional dental braces come to mind. Traditional braces consist of brackets, wires, molar bands, and O-rings ( the colorful rubber bands around the brackets). The brackets, wires, and bands are usually made with stainless steel, making this option the most noticeable. Also, the brackets and bands are secured to the teeth by a composite material (dental glue), making them not removable. Traditional metal braces may not be the best option for you if you feel a little self-conscious about wearing braces.
Hygiene Requirements
To clean braces effectively, you have to be pretty meticulous. Brushing, flossing, and using a Waterpik are all necessary tools to clean braces properly. The whole process can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to flossing. A special floss threader is required to thread the dental floss under the wire to floss between the teeth successfully.
Food Restrictions
While in traditional braces, there are several food restrictions. Certain foods can get stuck in brackets or bands and make it easier for them to pop off or break, which ends up prolonging treatment. Foods on the no-no list would include popcorn, nuts, ice, chewy/sticky candies, hard candies, gum, chips, pretzels, and hard bread (like a bagel) to name a few.
Are Braces Comfortable?
Comfort-wise, you will need time to adjust to dental braces. Brackets and wires can rub areas in the mouth, irritating the gums, tongue, and cheeks. Trauma to these areas can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth, which can heal but be painful. Also, talking while in braces can take some time for you to adjust.
Treatment and Options
Dental braces treat adults that need teeth correction or jaw alignment. Orthodontic cases that are more difficult may require only traditional braces to treat effectively. Before starting treatment, records (X-rays, photos, scans) will show if your case requires traditional braces.
Besides stainless steel braces, there are two other options available.
All consist of similar techniques to place them on the teeth. Also, all of these options are not removable, require good hygiene habits, food restrictions, and can be uncomfortable at times.
Aligners
Invisible aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to the fact that you're in orthodontic treatment. At UpSmiles, we offer our patients clear aligners to treat your orthodontic needs. The aligners are virtually invisible and made from a BPA-free material that is smooth and comfortable to wear.
The fact aligners are removable makes them desirable and allows you to eat, drink, brush, and floss without restrictions or challenges. Aligners make orthodontic treatment more adaptable to your everyday life.
Also Read: What are Aligners and How it Works
Hygiene Requirements
Caring for your teeth and aligners is less maintenance compared to traditional braces. Important things to remember; you must take the aligners out before eating or drinking anything (other than water). Also, to prevent the aligners from staining, you must brush your teeth after eating or drinking (other than water) before placing them back in your mouth. Besides that, you may brush and floss like normal.
Food Restrictions
With removable aligners, there are no food restrictions as long as you do not wear the aligners while eating. You can wear them if you are only drinking water.
Are Aligners Comfortable?
Comfort-wise, the trays do take some getting used to because they are placing pressure on the teeth to move. In the beginning, they may affect your speech some, but once you get used to wearing them, it is not a problem. The advantages of not having difficulty eating or discomfort from the wires make it all worth it.
Treatment and Options
At UpSmiles, to start the process of getting invisible aligners, you will get impressions, or scans of your teeth. Once those are complete, they are reviewed, adjusted (if necessary), and approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. A lab will then create your trays; after that, your kit will arrive with your custom aligners, and treatment can begin.
There are different types of clear aligners on the market - some more costly than others. The difference with other aligners compared to ours is some require teeth, frequent visits to a dentist or an orthodontist, and longer treatment times. Our aligners are an excellent choice for busy adults that would like to see quick results.
Cost Difference
Choosing between dental braces and invisible aligners can come down to price. The average braces cost for adults can range anywhere from $1,800 to $5,500. Also, the clear braces price or price of lingual braces (braces on the back of the teeth) can be more expensive than what metal braces cost. Teeth aligners like Invisalign, on average, cost about $5,000. To learn more about what our custom aligner kits cost, please visit our website for pricing information.
Treatment Time
Treatment times can verify depending on your case and comparing braces vs. aligners. If the case is pretty straight forward, the typical treatment time for braces is two years with braces on 24/7. For aligners, the average treatment time is 6 to 18 months, wearing removable aligners for 22-24 hours a day.
With our treatment system, the majority of our treatment plans are 4-6 months, wearing the teeth aligners 22 hours a day. Since the aligners are moving teeth simultaneously, treatment times reduced. So, if you have a wedding or class reunion in the next few months, this would be an excellent option!
Which Is More Effective?
Both braces and aligners will straighten your teeth effectively. "The advantages of using our aligners vs. braces" are pretty clear.
We make it easy for you to get that beautiful smile you have been looking for, all while fitting into everyday life. Please visit our website to get started.
]]>