Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Charles Ruff

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Ruff wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at the office of Dr. Charles Ruff, give us a call!

Ask Dr. Ruff: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Ruff. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Ruff is a certified Invisalign provider in Waterville, Skowhegan, and Dover-Foxcroft ME. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. Ruff: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Waterville, Skowhegan, and Dover-Foxcroft, ME orthodontist Dr. Charles Ruff and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at our office can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Charles Ruff can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Charles Ruff

Trust us when we say Dr. Charles Ruff and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at the office of Dr. Charles J. Ruff, feel free to give us a call.

Invisalign treatment with Dr. Charles Ruff: How does it work? [Video]

Maybe you've wondered how Invisalign treatment by Waterville orthodontist Dr. Charles Ruff manages to straighten your teeth without using traditional metallic braces? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient Waterville office. To learn more about how Invisalign treatment with Dr. Ruff can give you that beautiful smile you've always wanted, please give our office a call at (207) 873-7425. Dr. Charles J. Ruff is a Certified Invisalign Provider in Maine.

Have a GREAT week, everyone!