Use this guide to help prepare for this important appointment.

Before your Consultation Appointment: 

1. Research and choose a trusted orthodontist.

– Look for orthodontists with good reviews and credentials in your area.

– Ask friends and family for suggestions.

– Check if the doctor is a member of reputable orthodontic associations.

– See if the office offers the treatment you are interested in (such as Invisalign® or early braces).

2. Prepare your medical and dental history.

– Bring records of past dental work and any relevant medical history.

– Orthodontists should know about any allergies (latex, metals) or medications.

– A referral from a dentist is not necessary but can help if you are planning dental work in the future.

3. Verify your insurance benefits.

– Check to see if your insurance plan has any orthodontic coverage.

– Some insurances have age limits or waiting periods for orthodontic treatment that may affect your coverage.

– HSAs are great ways to pay for orthodontic treatment, so having your account funded and a card available will help you get started as soon as possible.

What to Expect During the Consultation:

1. Initial Examination.

– The orthodontist will examine your teeth and facial structure.

– X-rays, photos or digital scans may be taken to assess your teeth and jaw alignment.

2. Discussion of Treatment Options.

– The orthodontist will discuss your orthodontic problem list and the treatment options suitable for you (such as traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, expanders, etc).

– For complex cases, multiple treatment options may be presented.

– For children and teens, treatment may be recommended prior to all of the permanent teeth erupting (called Phase I) or the orthodontist may recommend periodic follow-up visits to monitor the growth and development and eruption of the permanent teeth (called Observation) until they are ready to begin treatment.

– Any recommended appliances or auxiliary equipment (such as elastics) will be reviewed.

– The orthodontist will review the pros, cons and sequencing of each option.

– A treatment time estimate for each treatment plan will be provided.

– In certain instances, the doctor may recommend dental work or extractions of baby teeth to be completed prior to treatment.

-The orthodontist should be able to comfortably answer your questions about your treatment options and help you make the best decision for your smile!

Helpful Questions to Ask

Every orthodontic treatment plan is different, so these questions can help you learn what to expect from your orthodontic treatment.

• What will be the duration of my treatment?

• How often do I need to schedule appointments?

• What is the cost of treatment? Are their financing options? Do you accept my insurance or payments from an HSA?

• Are there any lifestyle changes required if I move forward with this treatment plan?

• How can I maintain good oral hygiene during my treatment?

• What should I do in case of an emergency such as a broken or lost appliance?

• Should I be aware of any risks or side effects of the proposed treatment?

• What is the follow-up and retention plan after treatment is completed?

Post-Consultation:

1. Reflect on what you learned at your appointment to make an informed decision.

– Consider the treatment plan, costs and your confidence in the orthodontist.

– If you attend multiple consultations, compare the proposals of each office. You may consider factors such as office location, hours of operation and your impression of the staff.

– If multiple treatment options were offered, consider what aligns best with your treatment goals, budget and lifestyle.

2. Schedule your appointment to get started at your new orthodontic home!

– If you decide to proceed, schedule your next appointment to begin your treatment.

– If you decide to wait to save money, obtain insurance coverage, finish dental work, or wait for baby teeth to be lost, contact the office and they can get you scheduled to be contacted in the future.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask and team in Salt Lake City, Utah, is ready to assist you and your family with the orthodontic treatment you are looking for. Please call  385-500-7082 to learn more or schedule a consultation!

The post An Orthodontic Consultation Checklist for Your Orthodontic Journey first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Removable Orthodontic Appliances

The concept of using removable appliances to move teeth can be traced back to the 1940s when the orthodontist, Dr. H.D. Kesling, explored the idea of using a series of rubber retainer-like appliances to move teeth into better positions. Several other doctors expanded on this idea through the end of the twentieth century, but the treatment was not commonplace because it required significant lab work and could only improve very mild alignment issues. The materials and technology available were simply not advanced enough to make this concept a practical reality.

Align Technology and Invisalign® Orthodontic Aligners

In 1997, the missing piece of this treatment modality was identified. Stanford University graduate students, Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, founded Align Technology with the goal of developing a system that utilized computer technology and 3D printing to design a series of customized clear aligners to straighten teeth. Align Technology debuted Invisalign orthodontic aligners to the market in 1999. Invisalign rapidly gained widespread popularity with consumers who wanted a less noticeable and comfortable orthodontic treatment option.

Technological Advancements and SmartTrack®

Over the years, Invisalign has pioneered significant technological advancements. The introduction of digital scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) allowed for more precise and efficient treatment planning while removing the need for alginate impressions (everyone’s least favorite experience!). Additionally, the company’s development of SmartTrack® material and use of composite attachments has improved the aligners’ effectiveness.

Other Clear Aligner Systems

As the success of Invisalign became evident, other companies began developing their own clear aligner systems. Today, there are several clear aligner companies available in the market, including ClearCorrect, 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners, SureSmile, and Spark Aligners. These systems offer similar benefits and treatment approaches as Invisalign. Each orthodontist chooses to utilize the clear aligner company that works best for their patients and treatment philosophy.

Clear aligner treatment has come a long way since its inception and it continues to evolve. It is popular with modern orthodontists because technological advances have made the product more efficient and effective, leading to treatment outcomes that are comparable to traditional braces. Clear aligners have also gained significant popularity with patients of all ages due to their aesthetics, comfort and convenience. Being able to remove your aligners for eating, brushing and special occasions is something that is a huge advantage compared to braces. Clear aligner orthodontics, pioneered by Invisalign, has transformed the orthodontic industry by providing an alternative way to improve your smile.

Call To Learn More 

Our experienced team at Bluebird Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign® clear aligners exclusively for our patients seeking their best smile. Our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask, and her team offer clear aligners to make sure your treatment is both comfortable, aesthetic and effective. Please call 385-500-7082 to learn more about Invisalign® treatment in Salt Lake City, Utah, and schedule your personal consultation!

The post Smiling Confidently: A Journey Through the History of Clear Aligner Orthodontics first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

The post Why Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment if I Have Straight Teeth? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Luckily, orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry and improve the symmetry of your smile. But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Misaligned teeth or jaws
• Birth defects
• The early loss of baby teeth
• Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Trauma to the face or jaw
• Infection or tumors in the mouth or jaw area

How Can Orthodontists Help Facial Asymmetry?

Orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the facial asymmetry.

Some common treatments for facial asymmetry include:

Braces or  Invisalign®

By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can help to improve the symmetry of your smile. In some cases, headgear may also be used to correct severe cases of misalignment.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are devices that are used to gradually widen the upper jaw. This treatment is often used for patients who have narrow upper jaws, which can cause facial asymmetry.

Surgery

In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of misaligned teeth and jaws. This type of surgery is usually reserved for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment.

Types of Facial Asymmetry That Orthodontists Treat

Orthodontists can help with a wide variety of facial asymmetries. Here we will discuss four of the most common:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Orthodontic Treatment For Overbite

Orthodontists commonly treat patients with overbites, but the severity of the overbite will dictate the orthodontic treatment required to correct it. Many people have some degree of an overbite, which is when the upper teeth protrude further out than the lower teeth. In some cases, an overbite can be caused by genetics, but it can also be the result of thumb-sucking or other habits during childhood.

An overbite can impact both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. For instance, people with an overbite are more likely to experience gum problems and tooth wear. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help to correct an overbite and improve your oral health. If you’re concerned about your overbite, talk to our orthodontist here at Bluebird Orthodontics about treatment options.

If you have a mild overbite, braces or aligners can be used to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. However, if you have a severe overbite, orthodontics may not be able to completely correct it. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the jaws.

Overall, orthodontics can be an effective treatment for an overbite, but the best way to treat your overbite will depend on the severity of your condition.

Orthodontic Treatment For Underbite

An underbite is a common orthodontic condition in which the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This can cause the teeth to overlap, making it difficult to bite and chew properly. Underbites can also lead to speech issues and damage to the teeth.

There are several different types of underbites, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or misalignment of the jaws. Treatment for an underbite typically involves orthodontic braces or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are a few different ways that orthodontics can be used to correct an underbite, and the best option will depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be used to simply move the teeth into a better position.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the jaw. However, orthodontists commonly help patients to improve the appearance of an underbite and make it easier to eat and speak.

Orthodontic Treatment For Crossbite

If you have a crossbite, it means that your teeth don’t line up the way they’re supposed to. Your upper teeth should sit slightly in front of your lower teeth, but with a crossbite, your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can happen on just one side of your mouth or on both sides.

Crossbites can happen in the front or back of your mouth and can even involve your jaw. If you have a crossbite, you might not even realize it because it’s often something that develops slowly. However, there are some signs you can look for, such as difficulty chewing or biting down properly, mouth pain, jaw pain, teeth that are worn down or chipped, and gaps between your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for a crossbite can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Orthodontists can help to correct these issues. In some cases, braces may be used to gradually move the teeth into their proper position. In other cases, orthodontic appliances may be used to expand the upper jaw and align the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can take several months or even years to complete, but the results are well worth it. A healthy, beautiful smile is something that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime.

Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bite

Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in order to improve someone’s bite and smile, including those with an open bite. While orthodontics can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, one of the most common problems that orthodontists see is an open bite.

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or clenching/grinding the teeth.

In some cases, an open bite may also be due to genetics. Orthodontic treatment is usually very successful in correcting an open bite. Our orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan based on the individual’s needs. This may involve wearing braces or other appliances for several months to a couple of years. Our orthodontist will work closely with you so you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about facial asymmetry, don’t despair! Orthodontic treatment can go a long way in correcting the problem and giving you a more symmetrical smile. If you’re interested in learning more about how orthodontics can help you achieve facial harmony, schedule your free consultation with our board-certified orthodontist at Bluebird Orthodontics!

The post Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how Invisalign works and what you can expect from the treatment process. From the initial consultation to the final results, read on to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.

How Does Invisalign Work

Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. First, an orthodontist scans the inside of your mouth using a 3D scanner that uploads your teeth and structure into a computer program called iTero.

Once uploaded into the iTero program, an orthodontist will virtually move your teeth into the correct position. You can often see an example of how your smile will look during the day of your scan using predictive movements in the software.

The scans your orthodontist took are then submitted to Invisalign where they will design a series of custom aligners based on your 3D scans. After about a week, your new clear aligners will arrive at your orthodontics office.

Since teeth are generally smooth, Invisalign requires small bumps to be placed periodically on your teeth to help with movement. You’ll have another short visit to your orthodontist to get the bumps placed on your teeth and pick up about 8 weeks’ worth of Invisalign trays.

As you wear the aligners, your teeth will gently move into the final position! Treatment time varies based on your specific issues and goals. You will likely visit your orthodontist about once every 8 weeks during your treatment, which is less than with braces.

This cuts down significantly on the time you need to spend missing work or school to visit your orthodontist. It also allows you to travel farther to see the orthodontist of your choosing instead of the closest one to your home or work. This makes Invisalign great for adults or teens who want to avoid the frequent commutes they would have with braces!

What You Should Expect During Your Initial Consultation

When you arrive at Bluebird Orthodontics for your initial consultation for Invisalign, you’ll fill out our new patient paper if you haven’t already. We’ll then take you to our photo and X-ray room to gather some records.

We take about 6-8 photos of each patient’s teeth and bite to have a good record of where you started. We then bring you over to our 3D X-ray machine to get a 3D model of your mouth. This gives our orthodontist a better understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface of your gums and makes sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

We’ll then take you into one of our private exam rooms for our orthodontists to do a full assessment and find out what your goals for your new smile are! We develop a full treatment plan and determine if there is any dental work needed before you can get started.

Then, we’ll go over pricing and what your Invisalign treatment will look like. We’ll give you an estimate of how long it will take and show you models of what your smile will look like once treatment is complete!

Patients can usually get started on the same day if no dental work is necessary!

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?

Your teeth start straightening from the first set of aligners you wear. You should start noticing changes in your smile within the first few weeks. It usually takes around 6-12 months to complete treatment in Invisalign. However, every case is different.

After Invisalign Treatment

Once you have finished your last tray and both you and the orthodontist are happy with your smile, you’ll come into the office to have your attachments removed and get scanned for a retainer.

We use the same 3D scanner that we used during your initial visit. Invisalign will make you a custom-fitted retainer to help maintain your smile and keep your teeth from retracing.

For a short time after finishing treatment, you may need to wear your retainers for the entire day just as you wore your Invisalign trays. Once our orthodontist feels confident enough in your smile, you can start to wear them only at night. You should plan on wearing them at night forever if you want to keep your teeth extra straight!

Conclusion

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to wear braces. The process works by using a series of clear, customized aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, we take extra care to make sure your teeth look the way you want them before treatment is complete. If you’re interested in finding out if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hailee today!

The post How Does Invisalign® Work: 4 Things You Should Know first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

What is the average cost of braces in Utah?

How much does Invisalign® cost?

Does Medicaid cover braces?

Does dental insurance cover braces?

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Are braces worth it?

Conclusion

The post How Much Do Braces Cost? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.