What is Invisalign? How can it help you?

Invisalign is a trademark of Align Technology Inc., named for a process of orthodontics: an "invisible" way of straightening teeth without using braces. Instead of metal braces, you are fitted to clear custom-fabricated aligners which will gradually move your teeth into the right place.

The advantage to having Invisalign is that you are able to make your teeth straighter and more properly aligned. This can be both cosmetic or a functional change that is needed for your dental health and well being. Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, so there is less force per week and less pain than tightening down a wire across the teeth - the way standard metal braces are designed. Invisalign is also quicker than many other cosmetic treatments.

Although there are many advantages, one needs to know that there are several disadvantages as well. Because the Invisalign aligners are removable, they are not always in contact with the teeth, which may affect performance. You must get in the habit of keeping them in all the time and may be tempted to often remove them. Also, you must take them out each time you eat. Another small but important precaution to note is that there are occasionally people who show allergic reactions to the implantable grade plastic. The FDA has recorded the symptoms to be mainly minor symptoms such as sore throat, cough and nausea, however.

Talk to Your Dentist. Be sure to consult with your local AACD member cosmetic dentist to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

Losing Hair? Alopecia Tied To Dental Health

In a recent NBC report, researchers claim to have found that some hair loss cases (alopecia) were actually closely tied to having infections of the teeth.

"We have found that bald patches caused by tooth infection are not always in the same place. They normally appear on a line projected from the dental infection and can thus can be located on the face at the level of the maxillary teeth, above a line through the lip-angle to the scalp, beard, or even to the eyebrow. Nevertheless, they can also be located far from infection outbreak," researchers Gil Montoya and Cutando Soriano said in a news release.

The researchers also said some cases of alopecia may be attributed to auto-immune problems, meaning the body attacks hair follicles as if they were invaders.