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We get a lot of questions from our adult patients about Invisalign. Below we have answered the five most common questions we get about the clear aligners from patients who are considering the treatment for themselves or their child. If your question isn’t answered, give us a call at (207) 873-7425 to speak with one of Smiles for Maine Orthodontics’s knowledgeable and friendly staff members.

 

1) How does Invisalign work?

As an Invisalign provider, Dr. Patterson and Dr. Ruff at Smiles for Maine Orthodontics, use precision technology to create a high-resolution, interactive image of your teeth and uses that to produce a comprehensive treatment plan that creates the pathway to your better smile. Every one-to-two weeks along the way you will get a new 3D printed aligner that applies just the right amount of force on your teeth. Each one is custom-made for your mouth to guide you toward your goal. Watch this video for a primer on the technology behind Invisalign and how it works.

 

2) How do I clean the aligners?

Caring for your aligners is easy. Rinse your aligners nightly and gently brush them with your toothbrush to keep them fresh and clean. There’s also a cleaning system available to keep your aligners clear. But, for the most part, you’ll only be wearing each custom-made set of aligners for about one to two weeks before being replaced so there isn’t enough time for them to get dingy if you brush them nightly.

 

3) What can’t I eat?

Trick question. There’s nothing you can’t eat! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t have restrictions on what you can’t chew while undergoing treatment. That’s because Invisalign appliances are removable. That said, we wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t warn you against eating sugary snacks and encouraging you to brush after every meal. Otherwise, when it comes to enjoying all of your favorite foods, we say go for it! Just remember that you need to wear your Invisalign appliances 20 to 22 hours a day for best results.

 

4) Are they comfortable?

Dr. Patterson and Dr. Ruff will take a precise scan of your teeth and plan out every move needed to give you the perfect smile. The treatment plan is personalized to fit your mouth. There is no guesswork so every aligner is made to ensure the utmost comfort, and they’re precision trimmed so they don’t cut your gums. Also, the patented plastic material is flexible and forms a snug fit over your teeth.

 

5) Is Invisalign plastic safe?

The aligners are made from SmartTrack material, an FDA-approved, flexible plastic that was invented by bioengineers exclusively for Invisalign. They contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten so we are confident that the material is safe for your mouth.

…and one more for good measure: 6) Is Invisalign good for teens?

Yes. Invisalign is not just for adults who don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. And, the overall cost of Invisalign is becoming much more comparable to metal braces. If your teen wants the benefits that come with Invisalign, click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

Give us a call and make an appointment for a consultation. Smiles for Maine Orthodontics offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website or call us at: (207) 873-7425 to request an appointment

Have you ever wondered if getting braces is only about achieving straight teeth? We get this question a lot and thought we would address why having straight teeth not only helps with confidence but also provides many health benefits. The benefits of braces are not merely aesthetic.

It has been proven that crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. Also, food tends to be easily lodged between misaligned teeth. Therefore, after undergoing this treatment your teeth will be straight and it will be much easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene results in the buildup of bacteria and food debris on your teeth and gums. With time, this causes some dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

By straightening your teeth and improving your oral hygiene, you will prevent the onset of these diseases which are the leading cause of tooth loss. Aside from straightening your teeth, braces can also fix other issues such as malocclusions. This is an aspect that is sometimes disregarded but it has great benefits for your oral health. When left untreated, a malocclusion becomes worse over time and results in pronounced clenching and grinding of your teeth.

Protruding teeth are more prone to dental injuries. Braces can shift these teeth back into their ideal positions and prevent any injuries.

Sometimes, crooked teeth can affect your speech and cause lisps. This can make people feel very self-conscious, but tends to be corrected after braces with Smiles For Maine.

For these reasons and many others we feel that orthodontic treatment is about so much more than just straight teeth. Want to give your teen a healthy smile that may even help boost their self confidence? Bring them to Smiles For Maine and we will help create a healthy smile. 

Give us a call and make an appointment for a consultation. Smiles for Maine Orthodontics offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website or call us at: (207)-873-7425 to request an appointment

 

There isn’t a specific age at which children should start undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, at around seven years old, your child will have grown out enough permanent teeth and the jaw is developed enough to tell if there are any current issues… or any on the horizon.

There are many benefits to getting orthodontic treatment as a child, including shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth, and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth because we:

• Guide teeth into desired positions early 
• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
• Guide jaw growth
• Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking 

 

Are there any signs I should look for?

Yes, definitely! Here are some of the signs to keep in mind:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting into food
• Grinding and/or clenching of teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Speech difficulties
• Thumb or other finger sucking habit
• Crowding, misplacement, or blocking of teeth
• Jaw shifts or jaw noises like popping
• Protruding of teeth
• Biting the inside of his or her cheek 
• Teeth meet abnormally or do not meet at all
• Jaw and teeth do not appear to be proportionate to the face

Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee that your child needs treatment, but they may indicate that an orthodontic evaluation may be a good idea.

Do some of these signs look familiar to you? 

Have no fear, your child will be in good hands! The Smiles for Maine team has worked hard to build a family-oriented, professional practice. They are no strangers to the latest technology so you can be sure that our team will always be to date on the newest trends in orthodontics. 

Think your child may need an orthodontic evaluation?

Give us a call and make an appointment for a consultation. Smiles for Maine Orthodontics offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website or call us at: (207)-873-7425 to request an appointment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET DR. BRIAN PATTERSON

Dr. Brian is a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston where he was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society.  He then completed his Master’s degree and orthodontic certificate at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education in 2018, where he was awarded the best clinician in his class.  He is a member of the Maine Dental Association (MDA), American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and a candidate for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification.  Dr. Brian said that he chose orthodontics because it is a unique blend of both art and science, which aligns with his personality.  He also explained that his unwavering commitment and passion for orthodontics stems from his personal experience in orthodontic treatment and the impression that it had in his life – both aesthetically and in his self-confidence.  Dr. Brian has said that he “feels blessed to have a job to create smiles that not only look beautiful, but truly have the ability to change someone’s life.”

Read more about Dr Brian Patterson here.

 

We often get questions at Smiles for Maine about Invisalign Clear Aligners: Are they as good as braces? Do they take longer? Are they more expensive? The answers are yes, no and no. Yes, we can treat just about any case with Invisalign that we could treat with traditional braces. No, they don’t take longer (sometimes they’re even faster!). And no, they are not more expensive – we price our Invisalign treatment at the same cost as braces so that doesn’t have to be a factor in your decision making.

But why do we like Invisalign so much? Well there are the technical reasons – high tech, great flexibility, specificity in movement, etc. But what does your teen care about? Invisalign is clear, cool and comfortable.

Clear: Invisalign clear aligners make metal mouth a thing of the past. The aligners are worn for 22 hours per day and are barely discernible – no closed lipped selfies necessary.

Cool: While we wish it weren’t a factor, we know that kids and teens want what’s cool. Whether they want to decorate their aligners with Stickables (Invisaligns newest trend) or stick to the crystal clear look, they get to have fun with their smile journey when Invisalign is involved.

Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligners are 3D printed to our exact specifications. That means they are unique to your child’s mouth, preventing chafing from extraneous plastic or loose wires.

It’s for these reasons and more that we offer Invisalign as a treatment option for our patients (kids, teens and adults alike).

If you’d like to learn more or find out if Invisalign is the right fit for your child, contact us today! We offer complimentary consultations and can’t wait to meet you!

Smiles for Maine Orthodontics offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website or call us at: (207)-873-7425 to request an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET DR. BRIAN PATTERSON

Dr. Brian is a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston where he was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society.  He then completed his Master’s degree and orthodontic certificate at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education in 2018, where he was awarded the best clinician in his class.  He is a member of the Maine Dental Association (MDA), American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and a candidate for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification.  Dr. Brian said that he chose orthodontics because it is a unique blend of both art and science, which aligns with his personality.  He also explained that his unwavering commitment and passion for orthodontics stems from his personal experience in orthodontic treatment and the impression that it had in his life – both esthetically and in his self-confidence.  Dr. Brian has said that he “feels blessed to have a job to create smiles that not only look beautiful, but truly have the ability to change someone’s life.”

Read more about Dr Brian Patterson here.

 

Providing our patients with a unique and positive experience that they can’t find elsewhere is one of the main goals at Smiles for Maine Orthodontics. We strive to provide treatment that’s effective yet also comfortable by incorporating the latest innovative technology into the practice of orthodontics.

That’s why we are proud to talk about our state-of-the-art, iTero® Element™digital scanner, which is used to take 3D impressions on each patient, allowing us to permanently retire that uncomfortable, gooey, impressions material that is typically used. At the same time, it provides more precise information for better fitting appliances and enables shorter appointment times.

Here’s how it works: With a scanning wand, we’re able to take hundreds of photos of a patient’s teeth in minutes. These photos are then displayed on our computer, providing 3D imaging of the mouth from any angle. The use of the scanner helps provide a clear image that results in appliances that are fitted with precision accuracy.

Another positive aspect of using the scanner is that it’s directly linked with the Invisalign® system, which allows me to use aligners to create a perfect smile. Once the patient is scanned, their images are sent directly to Invisalign. You can even see the outcome of your treatment ahead of time!

And the final result? Faster turnaround time, and perfectly fitted aligners.

Digital impressions are less time consuming, safe, and comfortable. So the next time you hear the word “impressions,”– don’t worry!

Smiles for Maine Orthodontics offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website or call us at: (207)-873-7425 to request an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET DR. BRIAN PATTERSON

Dr. Brian is a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston where he was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society.  He then completed his Master’s degree and orthodontic certificate at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education in 2018, where he was awarded the best clinician in his class.  He is a member of the Maine Dental Association (MDA), American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and a candidate for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification.  Dr. Brian said that he chose orthodontics because it is a unique blend of both art and science, which aligns with his personality.  He also explained that his unwavering commitment and passion for orthodontics stems from his personal experience in orthodontic treatment and the impression that it had in his life – both esthetically and in his self-confidence.  Dr. Brian has said that he “feels blessed to have a job to create smiles that not only look beautiful, but truly have the ability to change someone’s life.”

Read more about Dr Brian Patterson here.

 

 

At Smiles For Maine Orthodontics we’ve noticed a trend over the past year: more and more adults looking to straighten their teeth with orthodontics. Adults have always been interested in having a great smile but we think there’s a reason for this sharp increase in requests: Zoom. 

Think about it, pre-Covid you’d finish your morning routine at the mirror and then you wouldn’t see yourself again until it was time for your bedtime routine – other than the occasional trip to the bathroom or to take a fun selfie. Now that we’re on Zoom and FaceTime for all our meetings (sometimes even if you’re back at the office) and virtual gatherings, we’re busy staring at ourselves, and our smiles, ALL DAY LONG! 

No wonder more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. And it’s not just any orthodontic treatment they’re after – Invisalign is the most highly sought. Invisalign Clear Aligners are the way to go for adult orthodontic treatment. Not only do they take less time than traditional braces, but they’re virtually invisible! Plus, we can treat only the elements of your smile that are most important to you.

 

Get that new smile before we go maskless again!

Here’s how it works: we start with a 3D scan of your teeth and then Dr. Brian Patterson uses our 3D imaging technology to map out a unique treatment plan and create custom aligners to guide your teeth along their journey. It will be important that you wear your aligners 22 hours per day – and since we’re all home more often these days, good hygiene will be easier to attain. 

We know there are a lot of direct to consumer options out there – here’s why we think it’s important to seek orthodontic care at a local practice: Orthodontists MOVE BONES IN YOUR FACE. Your teeth are bones! Without proper x-rays (we do 3D ones!) you could cause serious damage to your jaw, bite and smile. A local orthodontist, like Dr. Patterson has spent years studying in dental school, then additional years of education to gain an Orthodontic specialty degree and he is trusted by thousands of families in our community. 

 

You’ve figured out your Zoom background, it’s time to focus on the foreground.

If you’ve been staring at your smile wishing it was straighter, don’t waste another minute. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation – yes, free! We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. 

Call us today at (207) 873-7425 to schedule a free consultation – we can start virtually or in person – your choice! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET DR. BRIAN PATTERSON

Dr. Brian is a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston where he was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society.  He then completed his Master’s degree and orthodontic certificate at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education in 2018, where he was awarded the best clinician in his class.  He is a member of the Maine Dental Association (MDA), American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and a candidate for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification.  Dr. Brian said that he chose orthodontics because it is a unique blend of both art and science, which aligns with his personality.  He also explained that his unwavering commitment and passion for orthodontics stems from his personal experience in orthodontic treatment and the impression that it had in his life – both esthetically and in his self-confidence.  Dr. Brian has said that he “feels blessed to have a job to create smiles that not only look beautiful, but truly have the ability to change someone’s life.”

Read more about Dr Brian Patterson here.