Dental advances can improve your smile

Dr. Wayne B. Murdock Dr. Joshua Reid Bell Dr. Justin D. Bell 2205 Channing Way Idaho Falls, ID 83404 (208) 529-4484

Idaho Falls Health: What is Invisalign?
Foothills Dental Care: Invisalign is new way to straighten teeth that uses 3-D computer imaging technology to plan and predict the outcome of an orthodontic case. It’s an alternative to braces that can be used to treat many cases of crooked, crowded or otherwise misaligned teeth. It’s also a great way to eliminate spaces or gaps between teeth.

Idaho Falls Health: How does it work?
Foothills Dental Care: Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays to move the teeth to the desired and predetermined position. A set of clear trays is worn for a two-week period. Then a new set of trays is used for another two weeks and so on until all of the teeth are straight. Each set of successive trays is a slightly different shape than the previous ones. This difference in shape applies gentle force to the teeth, moving them in a way very similar to braces until all teeth are in the desired position.

Idaho Falls Health: What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Foothills Dental Care: Invisalign straightens your teeth without many of the drawbacks of braces. The clear Invisalign trays often go unnoticed by those around you. There are no metal brackets, no rubber bands and no wires. While it is often used for teenagers, it is great for adults that want to straighten their teeth but don’t want braces.  Also, keeping your teeth clean at home is much easier than with braces. The trays can be removed to brush and floss your teeth. The results are predictable. Since Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology, the final result can be seen before treatment even begins. This allows the patient to see what can be accomplished as well as give input on how they want their teeth to look.

Idaho Falls Health: How do I get started?
Foothills Dental Care: While some cases can’t be treated with Invisalign, many can. If you are curious to see if you qualify, just schedule a consultation with your provider. It is a great way to see if Invisalign is for you, as well as learn if your dental insurance will cover it or to discuss financing options.

Idaho Falls Health: What are Lumineers?
Foothills Dental Care: Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that are bonded to the enamel of teeth. They are used to permanently whiten a smile. They are also used to address other problems such as chipped, stained, misaligned or discolored teeth. Often they can be used to close gaps between teeth as well. Basically they are a smile makeover. The patient can choose what shade as well as what shape of teeth they want.  

Idaho Falls Health: Is there any discomfort with Lumineers?
Foothills Dental Care: Lumineers are so thin that very little reshaping of the tooth is needed. Often there is no need to drill at all before Lumineer placement. When reshaping is required it is so minor that no anesthesia is necessary, which means no needles and no shots.  

Idaho Falls Health: How long will it take to change my smile?
Foothills Dental Care: Generally speaking Lumineers require two office visits. At the first visit an impression is taken. This visit is fairly short. The next visit is usually two to three weeks later and takes about an hour. At the second visit the Lumineers are tried on and bonded to the teeth. Before and after photos are usually taken as well.

Idaho Falls Health: How can I find out if Lumineers would work for me?
Foothills Dental Care: A free consultation is the easiest way to learn more about Lumineers in general. You can find out what shade your teeth are now and see what shade they could be. The dentist will also help you decide how many you should do based on your smile line.