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A popular option for straightening teeth at Weaver Dentistry, Invisalign can be a great method for improving your smile, and can help patients with crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and more.

Invisalign, which is different from traditional braces, works by applying a series of clear, retainer-like aligners in order to eventually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Patients typically swap aligners approximately every couple of weeks.

At Weaver Dentistry, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the beautiful and healthy smile they’ve always wanted. During your initial visit at our Raleigh, NC office, the first thing we do is take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want, and brushing and flossing are easier. Invisalign’s aligners are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during your treatment. And, no metal and wires usually means you spend less time at our office getting adjustments. With Invisalign, you can view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete!

Depending on the severity of the problem, Invisalign treatment may take anywhere from three to 18 months to complete. You should be aware that Invisalign is not as effective as traditional braces in treating bite problems, teeth that are lower or higher than others, or severely overcrowded teeth. Both teens and adults are now great candidates for Invisalign, so we invite you to contact our Raleigh, NC office to set up an initial consultation and learn more on how Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Many adults we see here at Weaver Dentistry suffer from chronic jaw and facial pain. Some common symptoms they experience include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, pain when biting, and even headaches. Dr. Gregory Weaver and our team note that many things can cause facial pain, so it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Possible causes of jaw pain or facial pain include:

• Sinus problems
• Toothache
• Infections
• Arthritis
• Injury
• Tooth grinding
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Problems with your jaw or the temporomandibular joint

If you suffer from jaw pain or facial pain, we encourage you to give Weaver Dentistry a call to schedule a visit with Dr. Gregory Weaver. During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the cause of the issue.

At our convenient Raleigh, NC office, we are proud to offer our patients TruDenta®, a form of treatment that utilizes systems and methods perfected in sports medicine. With TruDenta, we are able to rapidly and painlessly resolve pain issues related to disorders involving the TMJ. For more information about TruDenta and TMJ treatment, give us a call today!

More than one patient has come into our office and asked, “What can I do to help my teeth when wearing Invisalign?”

While everyone’s teeth and dental needs are different, there are certain things everyone can do to make wearing their Invisalign aligners a more rewarding experience. Always follow the list of instructions and tips from Dr. Gregory Weaver, and add the following advice to your daily routine.

Always ask us about teeth whitening. Our team at Weaver Dentistry knows how important it is for you to keep your teeth white and stain-free from the foods and drinks you consume daily. If you have attachments to your teeth, they will not whiten properly. Ask our office about teeth whitening when wearing your aligners; it might be best to wait until your treatment is complete.

Continue flossing every day. You should be flossing in any case. But it can be easy to assume that Invisalign will protect your teeth from bacteria. This is not true. Bacteria can get behind the aligners and affect the health of your teeth and gums, so keep up with your flossing schedule.

Follow the 48-hour rule when wearing your aligners. When you insert every new set of aligners, you should leave them in as much as possible during the first 48 hours. Your teeth will move more during this timeframe, and the aligners do the most good during this time.

You may experience slight discomfort while wearing your Invisalign aligners. You can take a pain reliever to help with the discomfort, but if you experience too much pain, please give us a call at our convenient Raleigh, NC office to schedule an appointment!

Great question! Yes, in fact, tooth decay is preventable! Decay, which is caused by sugars left in your child’s mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down his or her teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits.

So, how can your child prevent tooth decay?

• Start early. After the age of two, brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. And, if possible, clean between the teeth with dental floss at least once a day, preferably before they go to bed.
• Don’t allow your little ones to eat after cleaning teeth at bedtime, as salivary flow decreases while they sleep and their teeth become vulnerable to cavities.
• Do not allow your little ones to nibble food or sip drinks continuously, and keep in mind that a low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay. Allow time between meals for saliva to neutralize acids and repair the teeth.
• Drinking water frequently throughout the day can also reduce the possibility of new cavities forming.
• Dental sealants can also protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, act as a shield between the tooth and harmful bacteria.

Finally, make sure your child visits Weaver Dentistry approximately every six months for a checkup and routine cleaning! Please give us a call at our Raleigh, NC office.