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Now that many of the schools in Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Afton, and Salmon are back in session, Dr. Lowder would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Lowder Orthodontics this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with a convenient appointment time.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Lowder and our team. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for you and your family!

The iTero® Intraoral Scanner has revolutionized the way orthodontic impressions are taken. Now there's no need for messy, uncomfortable molds. Getting high-quality and accurate impressions has never been easier or more reliable.

When a patient comes to our Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Afton, and Salmon office for a consultation, Dr. Lowder will need to take records of the person’s teeth and bite. Having a replica of a patient’s teeth and bite enables the orthodontist to plan out and visualize the most effective and timely treatment plan.

Traditionally, this was achieved by creating a plaster mold or cast. Putting the impression material and trays onto the teeth can be an uncomfortable process for many patients, especially those who have a sensitive gag reflex.

All that is history with iTero digital impressions. Our patients and team members alike love the speed and accuracy of the iTero Intraoral Scanner. We simply move the wand around your teeth and gums, and within seconds, you get a high-quality, accurate, and color digital impression. That’s all there is to it!

Here’s what patients love about iTero:

• There are no messy and gag-inducing molds involved.
• It’s quick, so the process doesn’t interfere with your busy schedule.
• It’s painless and can be used on even the most pain-sensitive patients.
• Impressions are saved in a digital format, so there’s no risk of molds breaking or needing to be recast.
• Cutting-edge accuracy makes for more timely, comfortable, and effective orthodontic treatment.

Our Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Afton, and Salmon office is equipped with the latest iTero technology to make your office visit a breeze. So many aspects of our lives have been digitized and simplified, why should your orthodontic treatment be any different?

If you’re thinking about getting braces or clear aligners, iTero will optimize the experience and help ensure you get the best treatment you possibly can!

After patients complete their ClearCorrect treatment at our Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Afton, and Salmon office, many will be given retainers to wear at night to prevent their teeth from moving. This is done after all treatment with any type of braces. There are two types of retainers available from Dr. Lowder: removable and permanent.

Removable Retainers

If you are given the option of having a clear removable retainer to use, it will most likely only need to be worn at bedtime. They are the easiest and most preferred and are able to be removed to brush your teeth, floss, eat, and drink.

Permanent Retainers

If you are not a good candidate for a clear removable retainer you will be given the option of having a permanent metal retainer placed behind your teeth. Permanent retainers are made from a thin metal wire that is attached to your teeth. This type of retainer is the perfect option for those who will not be disciplined enough to wear their removable retainer or keep track of where it is. Once this retainer is placed in the mouth it will provide protection from your teeth shifting for years.

In order to retain the alignment of your teeth and protect all of the orthodontic work you have had completed, speak with Dr. Lowder about which form of retainer would be best for your individual dental needs.

Straightening your teeth has plenty of benefits. You’ll be prouder of your smile, and your bite may feel more comfortable. You can get additional benefits by selecting ClearCorrect aligners instead of traditional metal braces. Treatment will be more comfortable, you won’t need to cut out your favorite foods, and you’ll be able to keep your teeth clean throughout your treatment.

No Food Restrictions

Among the first things you may worry about when you consider treatments to straighten your teeth is missing out on your favorite foods. This can affect your daily life and make special occasions less fun, too. The following foods are forbidden with traditional metal braces, but not with ClearCorrect.

• Hard candies
• Chewy foods, such as bagels and many kinds of meat
• Sticky foods, such as fruit roll-ups, toffee, bubble gum, and caramels
• Popcorn, seeds, and nuts, since they can get stuck
• Hard foods, such as carrots and apples

The reason why you can’t eat these foods with braces is that they can stick in your braces, making your teeth dirty, or dislodge your braces. Neither of these is a problem with ClearCorrect because you get to remove the trays whenever you eat.

Ability to Clean Your Teeth

You can take your ClearCorrect aligners out of your mouth when it’s time to take care of your teeth. You can brush and floss normally, unlike with braces. That means that when you’re done with ClearCorrect treatment, you won’t have any nasty surprises like rotting teeth that were covered by dirty braces.

Invisible Treatment

No matter how young or old you are, you want to look your best. Teens want to fit in at school, and adults want to look professional and unremarkable. You can’t hide metal braces, but ClearCorrect treatment can be done almost in secret. The aligner trays are so close to being invisible that only your family and any coworkers or friends you choose to tell may know that you have them.

Straightening your teeth is an exciting proposition, but the thought of metal braces can be a barrier. With ClearCorrect treatment, you can get the benefits of straighter teeth without many of the hassles of braces. Contact our Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Afton, and Salmon office to learn more!