Ask Dr. Cottingham: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

We’ve discussed the power of Invisalign treatment in a previous post, and today thought we’d share the oral health benefits of wearing Invisalign’s clear aligners.

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us about the advantages of Invisalign treatment. Just like traditional braces, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign, a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, not only help straighten your teeth, but, just like traditional braces, they can also improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Regardless of treatment methods, straight teeth and a proper bite allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore, brushing and flossing are somewhat easier than conventional braces. This can improve your ability to maintain a healthy mouth during treatment. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

Dr. Cottingham is a certified Invisalign provider here in Indianapolis, Avon and surrounding communities. If you have any questions about Invisalign, please give us a call at (317) 202-1873 to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. We also invite you to post your question on our interactive Facebook page!

Happy Thursday!

Dr. Cottingham, helping you save face this summer

With summer 2010 in full swing, Dr. Karen Cottingham would like to remind all our athletes in treatment to be extra careful when out on the field. After all, most mouth and facial injuries occur during the summer months.

If you'll be playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. Cottingham for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and many more.

In case of any accident involving your face, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment to see your general dentist or Dr. Cottingham immediately. And don’t forget to ask us at your next scheduled appointment—Dr. Cottingham will be more than happy to provide a proper mouth guard for any patient in treatment!

Our staff at Cottingham Orthodontics will tell you that only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries this summer. Please give us a call at our convenient offices in Indianapolis or Avon if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

We hope you’re having a great summer!

Welcome, Dr. Mitchell!

Indianapolis orthodontist Dr. Karen Cottingham routinely invites new orthodontists from around the region into her practice to allow them the opportunity to see an established practice in action. It helps the new orthodontist understand how a practice operates and how staff members interact with patients. It also gives them the chance to ask questions and seek advice from an experienced orthodontist. Dr. Cottingham is proud to have another orthodontist—Dr. Morgan Mitchell from Prospect, Kentucky—observe her practice in action next week.

Dr. Cottingham enjoys having others observe her practice, such as high school students looking to fulfill career day requirements. Many times, these students have an interest in dentistry or orthodontics and want to learn more about it. On many occasions, these students are patients of Dr. Cottingham. She has also had college students and dental students in her practice, as well as anyone interested in specializing in the ever-exciting world of orthodontics.

We look forward to seeing Dr. Mitchell! If you’re in for an appointment next week, be sure to say hi to her!

If you have thought about observing a caring, lighthearted and smart practice at work, we invite you to join us for day. Please give us a call for more information!