Orthodontic Dental Services by Reedley Family Dental Office

Night Guards in Reedley, CA

Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. Studies have shown that grinding can be associated with sleep apnea – a serious medical condition. The noise from teeth grinding and snoring can also disturb your spouse’s sleep if loud enough. Always consult with a dental professional if there are any questions or concerns.

If you clench or grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. This device, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.

There are also some things that you can do to try to consciously stop teeth grinding. Awareness of the problem can help to identify the times and situations that cause you to grind. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. Studies show that you should also avoid drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood of you grinding your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, set up an appointment with us today.

If you are looking for night guards in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your teeth and discuss whether a custom night guard may help protect your smile from the effects of nighttime teeth grinding or clenching. Bruxism can place excessive pressure on teeth and may contribute to worn enamel, chipped teeth, jaw discomfort, or damage to existing dental restorations.

A properly fitted night guard can create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Our dental team can evaluate your bite and overall oral health to determine whether a night guard is appropriate for your individual needs.

If you already have worn, cracked, or damaged teeth, dental crowns may be considered when additional protection or restoration is needed. Maintaining regular dental hygiene and dental examinations can also help monitor changes caused by grinding.

For patients who are also interested in improving tooth alignment, Invisalign may provide another treatment option to discuss with our dental team.

A consultation with Reedley Family Dental can help identify signs of teeth grinding and determine whether a custom night guard may be appropriate for you.

Traditional Braces in Reedley, CA

Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.

If you are looking for traditional braces in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can help you explore orthodontic treatment options for improving the alignment of your teeth and bite. Traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into more desirable positions. They may be considered for concerns such as crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth and certain bite problems.

Before beginning treatment, a dental evaluation can help determine your orthodontic needs and whether traditional braces are appropriate for your smile. Good oral hygiene is also important throughout orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires can make it more difficult to clean around the teeth. Regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help maintain healthy teeth and gums during treatment.

For patients who prefer a removable and less noticeable approach, Invisalign may be another orthodontic option to discuss. After orthodontic treatment, cosmetic services such as teeth whitening may also be considered to enhance the appearance of your smile.

If you have teeth that are damaged or weakened, dental crowns may provide a separate restorative option depending on your needs.

If you have an abnormal bite, our dentist at Reedley Family Dental may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:

tooth decay
gum disease
tooth loss
affected speech and/or chewing
abnormal wear to tooth enamel
jaw problems

Invisalign in Reedley, CA

If you are looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign may be an option to consider. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners designed to gradually move the teeth according to an individualized treatment plan.

At Reedley Family Dental, we provide Invisalign consultations in Reedley, CA for patients interested in improving tooth alignment, spacing, crowding, and certain bite concerns without traditional metal brackets and wires.

Every smile is different. During a consultation, our dental team can evaluate your teeth, bite, gums, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate for your needs.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually move teeth into planned positions.

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. This can make it easier for many patients to brush, floss, eat, and maintain their regular oral hygiene routine during treatment.

Each aligner is designed to be worn according to the treatment plan and changed as directed by your dental provider. The aligners apply controlled pressure to specific teeth to gradually guide them toward their planned positions.

The number of aligners and overall treatment time vary from patient to patient. Your dentist can provide a more individualized estimate after evaluating your smile.

Who May Be a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign may be considered for certain patients with orthodontic concerns such as:

Crowded teeth
Spacing between teeth
Crooked or rotated teeth
Certain bite problems
Mild to moderate alignment concerns
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment

However, clear aligners are not appropriate for every orthodontic condition.

A dental examination is important before beginning treatment because your dentist needs to evaluate the position of your teeth, your bite, gum health, and other factors that may affect treatment.

If traditional braces may be more appropriate for your situation, our team can also discuss traditional braces as another orthodontic option.

Benefits of Invisalign

Clear and Discreet

One of the most noticeable features of Invisalign is the clear appearance of the aligners. Many patients appreciate having an orthodontic appliance that is less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Removable Aligners

Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing according to your treatment instructions.

This removable design can make daily oral hygiene more convenient for some patients.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Keeping teeth clean is important throughout orthodontic treatment. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and clean between your teeth without having to work around permanent brackets and wires.

Regular dental hygiene care is also important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

No Traditional Brackets and Wires

Invisalign does not use the conventional brackets and archwires associated with traditional braces. This may be appealing to patients who prefer a more discreet approach to orthodontic treatment.

Designed Around Your Treatment Plan

Clear aligners are created as part of an individualized treatment plan. The exact movements, number of aligners, and treatment duration depend on your specific orthodontic needs.

Invisalign for Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space for teeth to align properly.

Depending on the severity and cause of the crowding, clear aligners may be one treatment option.

Crowded teeth can also make daily cleaning more difficult because certain areas may be harder to reach with a toothbrush or floss.

If you are concerned about crowded teeth, an examination can help determine whether Invisalign or another orthodontic approach is appropriate.

Invisalign for Gaps Between Teeth

Spaces between teeth can occur for a number of reasons, including tooth size, tooth position, and the relationship between the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Invisalign may be used in appropriate cases to gradually move teeth and reduce certain spaces.

A dental evaluation is important because some types of spacing may require additional treatment.

For example, patients with a prominent or restrictive frenulum may need an evaluation for a frenectomy before or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Invisalign and Bite Problems

Orthodontic treatment is not only about making teeth look straighter.

The position of the teeth can also affect how the upper and lower teeth come together. Depending on the type and severity of the bite problem, Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment may be considered.

During your consultation, your dentist can evaluate your bite and discuss which treatment options may be appropriate.

What Is the Invisalign Process?

Although treatment varies from patient to patient, Invisalign treatment generally involves several steps.

1. Consultation

The first step is a dental and orthodontic evaluation.

Your dentist will discuss your concerns and examine your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.

2. Treatment Planning

If clear aligners are appropriate, your treatment will be planned around your individual orthodontic needs.

Digital imaging and other diagnostic information may be used when appropriate.

Reedley Family Dental provides digital X-rays that can help evaluate teeth, roots, bone, and other structures as part of a comprehensive dental examination.

3. Custom Clear Aligners

Your aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth according to the treatment plan.

Each stage of treatment is planned to produce specific tooth movements.

4. Wearing Your Aligners

Your dentist will provide instructions regarding how and when to wear your aligners and when they should be changed.

Following your treatment instructions is important for keeping treatment on track.

5. Progress Checks

Periodic dental visits allow your provider to monitor tooth movement and evaluate your oral health throughout treatment.

Treatment can be adjusted when necessary based on your progress and individual needs.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

There is no single treatment time that applies to every Invisalign patient.

The duration depends on factors such as:

The amount of tooth movement required
The complexity of your case
Your bite
How consistently you follow your aligner instructions
Your individual response to treatment
Whether additional treatment is necessary

Some cases may be relatively straightforward, while more complex cases can require a longer treatment period.

Rather than relying on a general timeline, your dentist can provide a more useful estimate after evaluating your teeth.

How Many Hours a Day Should Invisalign Aligners Be Worn?

Your dental provider will give you specific instructions for wearing your aligners.

Because Invisalign depends on consistent use to move teeth according to the treatment plan, following those instructions is an important part of treatment.

Patients should also remove their aligners when instructed, including when eating or performing oral hygiene.

Always follow the specific recommendations provided by your dental team rather than relying on a general schedule.

Eating and Drinking With Invisalign

One advantage of removable aligners is that they can be taken out when eating.

After eating, brushing and cleaning your teeth before replacing the aligners can help maintain good oral hygiene.

Water is generally the simplest choice while wearing aligners. Follow your provider’s instructions regarding beverages and aligner care.

Invisalign and Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is particularly important during orthodontic treatment.

Food particles and plaque can contribute to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and other oral health problems.

A good daily routine should include:

Brushing your teeth regularly
Cleaning between your teeth
Cleaning your aligners according to your provider’s instructions
Maintaining regular dental examinations
Scheduling professional cleanings as recommended

Our dental hygiene services can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums during and after orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Both Invisalign and traditional braces can be used to address certain orthodontic problems, but they work differently.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses removable clear aligners.

Potential advantages include:

Clear appearance
Removable design
Easier access to teeth for brushing and flossing
No traditional brackets and wires

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled forces to the teeth.

They may be appropriate for a broader range of orthodontic situations depending on the patient’s specific needs.

You can learn more about traditional braces in Reedley, CA before deciding which questions to discuss with your dental provider.

Neither treatment is automatically right for every patient. The appropriate option depends on your teeth, bite, oral health, treatment goals, and the complexity of the required tooth movements.

Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

Some patients who are interested in straightening their teeth are also interested in improving the color of their smile.

Orthodontic treatment and cosmetic whitening address different concerns.

Invisalign is designed to address tooth alignment, while professional teeth whitening focuses on certain types of tooth discoloration.

If you are considering both treatments, discuss the appropriate timing with your dental team.

Invisalign and Dental Crowns

Patients with existing dental restorations may still be interested in orthodontic treatment, but treatment planning can be different when crowns or other restorations are present.

If you have damaged or weakened teeth, your dentist may also discuss dental crowns as a restorative option.

Your provider can evaluate your existing restorations and determine how they may affect orthodontic treatment.

Can Invisalign Fix Every Orthodontic Problem?

No orthodontic treatment is appropriate for every patient or every type of tooth movement.

Invisalign can address many common alignment concerns, but some cases may require another orthodontic approach.

The best way to determine whether Invisalign may work for you is to have your teeth and bite evaluated by a dental professional.

If Invisalign is not appropriate for your specific situation, traditional braces or another treatment approach may be discussed.

Caring for Your Teeth After Invisalign

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth can continue to move over time.

Your dentist may recommend a retainer or another method of maintaining your results.

Continued oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are also important after orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums helps protect your smile long after your Invisalign treatment is completed.

Why Choose Reedley Family Dental for Invisalign?

At Reedley Family Dental, Invisalign is part of a broader range of dental services available for patients in Reedley, CA.

Our office provides orthodontic, preventive, restorative, cosmetic, implant, and periodontal services.

This allows our dental team to consider your overall oral health rather than looking only at tooth alignment.

Our office also provides diagnostic technology such as digital X-rays, which can be used when appropriate for evaluating teeth and supporting structures.

Reedley Family Dental welcomes new patients and provides dental care at:

929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Is Invisalign painful?

Some patients experience temporary pressure, tightness, or mild discomfort when beginning a new aligner. This can occur as the aligners apply pressure to move the teeth.

If you experience significant or persistent pain, contact your dental provider.

Is Invisalign suitable for adults?

Adults may be candidates for Invisalign depending on their orthodontic needs and oral health.

Age alone does not determine whether clear aligners are appropriate. A dental examination is necessary to evaluate your individual situation.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Some teenagers may be candidates for clear aligner treatment. Suitability depends on their dental development, orthodontic needs, ability to follow treatment instructions, and other factors.

Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?

Aligners are generally removed when eating. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners.

How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?

Follow-up appointments are scheduled according to your treatment plan so your dental provider can monitor your progress and oral health.

The exact frequency varies between patients.

Is Invisalign better than braces?

Invisalign and traditional braces are different orthodontic treatments. Neither is universally better for every patient.

Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and bite and explain which options may be appropriate for your particular needs.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Reedley, CA

If you are considering clear aligners and want to know whether Invisalign may be appropriate for your smile, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your teeth and discuss your orthodontic options.

Whether you are concerned about crowded teeth, spacing, crooked teeth, or certain bite concerns, an individualized consultation can help you understand the next steps.

Reedley Family Dental
929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654

Phone: (559) 637-0123

Contact Reedley Family Dental to schedule an Invisalign consultation in Reedley, CA.