Case study: Keishia (Invisalign Treatment) before Case study: Keishia (Invisalign Treatment) after

Keishia consulted Dr. Andy Frost, Creve Coeur orthodontist, about her gapped and misaligned teeth. Dr. Frost determined that the best treatment for Keishia was Invisalign – clear aligners that straighten teeth and close gaps between them. After 12 months, she had a beautiful, straightened smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually move teeth into the desired position. It also requires regular orthodontic supervision to ensure the best results.

Dr. Frost created a personalized plan for Keishia, including which aligners to use, how long she should wear them, and when to switch to the next set. She maintained regular appointments with Dr. Frost throughout treatment to ensure her progress.

Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is an effective and discreet treatment for orthodontic problems such as crookedness, teeth gaps, and minor crowding or spacing. In Keishia’s case, her gapped front teeth made her an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment.

We typically recommend Invisalign for adults and teens with good oral hygiene looking for a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. However, it’s not suitable for everyone – Dr. Frost can provide more advice on whether Invisalign is the best treatment for you.

If you’re considering Invisalign and want to know if you’d be a good candidate, take our brief survey using the link below.

Do You Qualify for Invisalign?

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

Keishia’s Invisalign treatment process began with an initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Frost utilized the state-of-the-art iTero scanner to obtain a 3D scan of her mouth.

Then, he created an individualized plan using the information gathered. Once they discussed the treatment length and her questions, he sent the 3D scan to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication.

Fitting & Follow-Ups

Once the laboratory finished her custom aligners, Keishia visited us for a fitting. Dr. Frost made the necessary adjustments and ensured that she was comfortable with the fit before sending her home with instructions on how to wear and care for them.

Keishia attended regular follow-up appointments approximately every six weeks throughout her Invisalign treatment to monitor her progress. During these appointments, Dr. Frost evaluated her smile and adjusted the aligners to continue moving her teeth into the desired position.

Wearing the Aligners

Keishia wore her aligners for 20-22 hours daily and removed them for meals, brushing, and flossing. Dr. Frost advised her to switch aligners every two weeks throughout her 12-month treatment. However, it’s important to note that the number of aligners and treatment lengths vary depending on the issues presented.

It’s best to follow all instructions from Dr. Frost to ensure successful treatment. Keishia followed Dr. Frost’s instructions for 12 months, and the results were outstanding – her gapped front teeth closed completely, giving her a beautiful, straightened smile.

After Treatment

Once Keishia completed her Invisalign treatment, Dr. Frost prescribed a retainer to maintain the results of her straightened teeth. Patients need to wear their retainers as directed. Otherwise, their teeth may shift again, reversing their progress.

The Benefits of Invisalign

There are several advantages to Invisalign treatment. The most notable include the following:

  • More discreet than traditional braces: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for special occasions, making them more discreet than traditional braces. 
  • Comfortable fit: The clear plastic used to make the aligners is comfortable and won’t irritate the gums or cheeks like metal brackets and wires can.
  • Faster treatment: Invisalign can be a quicker option for orthodontic treatment than traditional braces. Keishia’s case shows how effective Invisalign can be when supervised by an orthodontist – her gapped front teeth were closed in 12 months! 
  • Easier oral hygiene: Aligners can be easily removed for brushing and flossing, making oral hygiene easier.
  • Improved confidence: Invisalign can give you a straighter smile and improved self-confidence, as Keishia experienced after her treatment.

Choose Frost Orthodontics for Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is an effective orthodontic solution for many people looking for straight teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. Dr. Frost and our team at Frost Orthodontics have the experience and expertise to provide top-notch treatment and ensure excellent results. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you want to learn more about orthodontics in St. Louis!

If Keishia’s story has inspired you to start your orthodontic journey with Invisalign in Creve Coeur, contact Frost Orthodontics today to learn more about how we can help!

Schedule an Appointment



Frost Orthodontics of St. Louis - Case Study: Mark (Adult Invisalign) Before Photo
Mark’s smile before Invisalign
Frost Orthodontics of St. Louis - Case Study: Mark (Adult Invisalign) - After Photo
Mark’s smile after Invisalign

Mark, a 51-year-old male, visited our St. Louis orthodontist office in September of 2020 for an initial consultation. He wished to improve the appearance of his teeth in addition to his self-confidence. During his first appointment, Dr. Frost studied Mark’s smile, taking note of misalignment and any issues with his bite. Photos were taken documenting his teeth before orthodontic treatment, and it was determined that his primary issue was overcrowding.

What is Crowding Teeth?

Crowded teeth, also referred to as a form of malocclusion (misalignment), occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow straight. Therefore, the teeth are crooked and overlap. Patients with crowded teeth can either have mild, moderate, or severe misalignment.

  • Mild crowding occurs when one tooth is slightly rotated in the upper or lower jaw.
  • Moderate crowding is characterized by two or three teeth that overlap in the upper and lower jaw. 
  • Severe crowding is seen in patients where most of their teeth are crooked and overlapping in the upper and lower jaw.

What Causes Crowded Teeth?

Overcrowding can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, jaw size, and number of permanent teeth. Potential causes include:

  • When teeth are larger than the jaw bone as a result of genetics, they tend to misalign, overlap, and twist.
  • Those with genetically smaller jaws typically don’t have enough room to properly fit each permanent tooth as they develop.
  • Patients that lose primary (baby) teeth early have empty spaces that aren’t immediately filled by permanent teeth, and therefore are subject to movement.
  • On the other hand, some individuals retain their primary teeth longer than normal, thus suppressing the permanent structures beneath and affecting their development.

How to Fix Crowded Teeth

Braces

The traditional method of fixing crowded teeth is through braces. They consist of metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected by wire. The treatment requires regular orthodontic visits to tighten the hardware and therefore gradually move the teeth into their desired position. Length of treatment depends on each specific case.

Invisalign

An alternative to traditional braces, clear plastic aligners such as Invisalign are a more aesthetically pleasing and discreet way to straighten teeth. Although they are not 100% invisible, aligners are growing in popularity due to being less noticeable compared to braces. Mark underwent a 15-month Invisalign treatment, which transformed his overcrowded teeth into a straight, confident smile.

In addition to overcrowding, Invisalign can also treat spacing issues. However, more complex problems, such as those with the bite, will likely require more extensive orthodontic intervention. When you visit your orthodontist, they will be able to recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.

The Invisalign Process

The first step in Mark’s Invisalign treatment process was paying us a visit. Using the newly developed iTero Element Plus Mobile Scanner, Dr. Frost was able to create 3D impressions of Mark’s mouth without the traditional putty. Additionally, the latest technology will save the impressions forever, which allows patients like Mark to receive new treatments and trays without another consultation.

The impression was then used to create and implement a treatment regimen that included a series of customized plastic aligners that gradually moved Mark’s teeth over the 15-month time period. Gentle pressure was applied by the Invisalign with the goal of moving his teeth just enough to where the next aligner in the process would fit comfortably.

Mark was instructed to wear his Invisalign for at least 22 hours each day, only removing them when eating, drinking, or cleaning his teeth. Compared to braces, Mark could easily brush and floss his teeth without attempting to work around brackets and wires. Additionally, his ability to thoroughly clean his teeth allowed him to reduce his risk of gum disease. He was quite pleased with his treatment and results!

Contact our St. Louis Orthodontist Today

As you can see in our before and after photos, Mark’s smile greatly improved during his 15-month Invisalign treatment. His issue with dental crowding was solved through an attractive, effective, and minimally invasive process. Our team at Frost Orthodontics, led by Creve Coeur orthodontist Dr. Andy Frost, has helped thousands of patients like Mark across the St. Louis area improve their smiles, and we’ll do the same for you, too. Schedule your consultation for Invisalign in Creve Coeur today, and experience the latest in scanning technology! We look forward to meeting you.

Schedule an Appointment


case-study-featured-image-612x252.jpg

Young man wishing to correct the spacing of his teeth consulted with Frost Orthodontics to discuss available treatment options. Being an adult, Adam preferred an effective but discreet way to improve his smile. Dr. Frost and his team recommended using Invisalign!

To start off, Dr. Frost used the iTero scanner to make Adam’s Invisalign impressions faster, more accurate, and more comfortable. After completing the scanning process, we processed the images to give Adam a better understanding of how Invisalign would correct the gaps in his teeth.

Here was Adam before the Invisalign treatment:

Invisalign Archives | Frost Orthodontics

…and here is Adam’s smile following the treatment:

Invisalign Archives | Frost Orthodontics

Just look at the results after only 10 months! Adam is pleased with his new smile, all thanks to Dr. Frost and his team.

Are you an individual who has lived their entire life hiding your smile? Many adults are reluctant to seek help in correcting dental problems because they don’t want metal braces that would make them feel like a teenager all over again. However, we’re here to tell you that there are other options! For many adults in St. Louis, Invisalign is the clear choice— literally! With Invisalign’s clear design, hardly anyone will ever know you’re wearing them, all while straightening your teeth for a smile you’ve only dreamed of!

Now is the time to schedule a consultation with our Creve Coeur orthodontist. We can help you establish orthodontic goals, set up a unique treatment plan to reach those goals, and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. We work with individuals of all ages, which allows us to utilize the most comprehensive treatment experience and knowledge available anywhere.

Following a personalized review, Dr. Frost can determine if you are qualified for Invisalign and provide you with a cost and time estimate for the treatment.

There is no age limit on getting the smile you’ve always wanted! Contact us now to learn more and get started with Invisalign in Creve Coeur!


case-study-featured-image-612x252.jpg

Adult male wishing to correct a slight gap in his front teeth consulted with Dr. Frost of Frost Orthodontics to discuss what treatment options were available. After his review, Dr. Frost opted to recommend to Tim an express treatment with Invisalign which lasts just as long as a full Invisalign treatment but targets a smaller dental issue.

Here was Tim before the express Invisalign treatment:

 

case-study-tim-before

…and here is Tim’s smile following the treatment:

case-study-after-tim

In less than one year, Dr. Frost and his experienced team provided an express Invisalign treatment personalized for Tim’s needs and corrected the problem in a short amount of time. Rather than providing a standard Invisalign treatment, Dr. Frost is prepared to use the latest technology to provide patients with exactly what they need – no more and no less.

Are you an adult with a minor dental correction and think Invisalign might be a good option for you? If so, contact Frost Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Frost and his team will take a look at the dental problems of most concern to you and recommend a treatment option that is not only personalized, but provides you with the peace of mind you need to decide if an express Invisalign treatment is right for you.


case-study-featured-image-612x252.jpg

Adult female sought help from Dr. Frost and the team at Frost Orthodontics to correct crowding and alignment of her teeth with Invisalign. After her consultation, Brittany was reassured Dr. Frost would be able to provide high quality Invisalign to correct her problem.

In order to make a dental impression quickly that is not only a good fit but is more comfortable and accurate than traditional braces, Dr. Frost used the iTero scanner to give Brittany a better understanding of how Invisalign would fix her teeth.

Here was Brittany before starting Invisalign treatment:

Frost-Case-Study-Brittany-Before

…and after completing the treatment:

Frost-Case-Study-Brittany-After

Brittany is happy with her results and is satisfied with the changes in her smile thanks to Dr. Frost and his team.

If you have been considering Invisalign, now is the time to contact Frost Orthodontics to schedule your consultation. Following a personalized review and answering any questions you may have regarding Invisalign, Dr. Frost will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Creve Coeur and provide a cost estimate. You have nothing to lose when you schedule your Invisalign consultation, but a lot to gain from a brief consult on your smile!


case-study-featured-image-612x252.jpg

Adult male was seeking help from Dr. Frost, an orthodontist in Creve Coeur, and the team at Frost Orthodontics to correct the spacing of his teeth with Invisalign. After his consultation, Aravinth was confident Dr. Frost would be able to help correct the problem.

To make the beginning of the treatment process more efficient, Dr. Frost uses the iTero scanner to make his patients’ Invisalign impressions faster, more comfortable, and more accurate. After Aravinth completed the scanning process, Dr. Frost was able to pull up the images from the iTero Scanner to show how the Invisalign will correct his teeth.

Here was Aravinth before starting his Invisalign treatment:

Frost-Case-Study-Aravinth-Before

 

…and after completing treatment:

Frost-Case-Study-Aravinth-After

Aravinth received great results and is pleased with his treatment! You can see how straight his teeth look!

Are you an adult who has been thinking about Invisalign? Now is the time to contact our office to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Frost. After examining your unique situation, he will determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Creve Coeur, and he will also provide a time and cost estimate. No matter how old you think you are, you have nothing to lose except another year without a perfect smile!


Braces-before-after-612x252.jpg


A technology like braces has long been dreamt about by humans hoping to achieve a perfect smile. Even Hippocrates and Aristotle wondered how to straighten teeth.

However, it wasn’t until the 1700s that advancements in straightening teeth were taken from ideas to actual devices. The oh-so-stylish French pioneered the first teeth straightening device. It looked like a horseshoe and sounds more like a torture device than anything, but it was believed to increase the arch of the mouth allowing more room for the teeth fill in to.

However, there was nothing to to pull the teeth with. Eventually, there were holes placed in the horseshoe-like device for wires which would be bound to the teeth and and tightened periodically. This tightening concept is very similar to the idea behind today’s braces.

As early as the 1800s, gum rubbers were used as bands to pull the teeth into place, and it wasn’t until the early 1900s that orthodontists implemented a crib construction with loops and hooks to pull the wires through. These hooks and loops were made of precious metals due to their incredible bendable nature.

In the 1960s, the braces of today finally began to take shape. Stainless steel became the industry standard material and in the 1970s, glued brackets on the front of the teeth became the standard. There were even braces that mounted behind the teeth, which served as the invisible braces of the time.

Now, with further advancements in orthodontics, invisible braces have become even more widespread. But instead of using brackets, these braces are clear and look more like a mouth guard. These invisible braces are known as Invisalign, and instead of having the wires tightened periodically, there is a series of thermoplastic aligners used to straighten your teeth.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or braces in Creve Coeur, we would love to give you more information! Call us today at (314) 567-1888 or schedule an appointment here!



dr-frost-orthodontist-page-image-612x252.jpg

Before you get braces or consider Invisalign, there are a lot of questions that you want—and need—to ask yourself. How the treatment will be paid for is often the first question to come up, and it’s important to know your options before you get started. Here are some common questions patients ask:

Does insurance cover braces?

It depends. Every patient’s insurance is just as different as every patient’s treatment plan. Some insurance plans have separate orthodontic coverage, some will only cover certain types of treatment under certain circumstances, and some plans may cover little to no part of the cost of orthodontia.

However, insurance companies are generally more sympathetic to issues that cause pain or discomfort which could be corrected with braces or another orthodontic treatment. It all depends on your insurance and your treatment needs. When you call our office or come in for your first visit, we will review your case and your insurance to see how much of the treatment will be covered.

Can I finance my orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely. We offer financing along with several other payment options. Just like your treatment plan, we will work out a payment solution that works best for you.

How much do braces cost?

It’s difficult to say. Every patient has different wants and needs, the details of which will determine the final cost of treatment. When you contact us, we will be able to give you a more detailed estimate once we have some more information about you, your needs, and your insurance.

Does Invisalign cost more than braces?

The cost of Invisalign compared to braces is pretty even. On average, Invisalign tends to cost a little more, but not by very much. Again, it will all depend on your unique situation, so schedule a free consultation with our orthodontist in Creve Coeur to get a more solid and detailed estimate.

>>Click here to schedule an appointment!



Invisalign is in the news again, but this time it’s for a fairly odd reason: copyright laws. It turns out that a competitor of Invisalign sends its digital images electronically to and from Pakistan to be processed, which Invisalign says is a breach of its copyright.

Invisalign’s parent company, Align Technology, Inc., said that because the digital impressions are sent to technicians in Pakistan and back to Houston to be made, they count as imports even if they are sent electronically.

Google and the movie industry have clashed over this issue in the past and remain major players in the ongoing legal battle. Google maintains that digital property should be excluded from the same rules as physical media due to legal precedent. The movie industry and others argue the opposite, that digital media should be treated the same as physical media because the data being sent and received is essentially the same.

In this case, the judge involved in the case ruled in Invisalign’s favor and found that the transmissions were imports, meaning Invisalign’s competitor violated Invisalign’s patents. However, the arguments are ongoing. The questions involved are broad and wide-ranging, affecting entire industries and individuals at the same time, all with a medium that is very difficult to control or regulate. That means there probably won’t be a final decision on the issue for a long while.

Invisalign remains America’s top choice for straightening teeth without braces. Dr. Andy Frost in Creve Coeur, MO has years of experience treating patients with Invisalign. And by using new technology like our iTero scanner, getting Invisalign has never been faster or more comfortable.

Call us today for a free consultation or an appointment at (314) 567-1888, or contact us online. Whether you’re thinking about braces or Invisalign, we will be able to determine the best treatment for your unique smile.



While all of us by now are familiar with both traditional braces and Invisalign, not all of us may be aware of what different cases they are used for.

As with any medical treatment, the decision of which tool to use is made on an individual basis by your orthodontist. Since you will be undergoing the treatment and it will affect your smile, you should have as much information as possible before making a decision.

What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?

Very basically, traditional braces use wires and brackets attached to the teeth which are adjusted according to the patient’s treatment needs. Invisalign, however, is a patented system which uses machine-made trays to achieve a similar effect.

Advantages of Invisalign

The main advantage of Invisalign is right there in its name: the trays are near invisible. This is great for patients who don’t want other people to know that they are wearing braces, those who may feel less comfortable in social situations if they had braces, or those who would like to maintain a natural appearance for professional reasons. Additionally, Invisalign trays are removable and they do not affect the wearer’s speech. Invisalign is also a great choice for candidates who would like to close spaces between teeth.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

However, Invisalign does have its limits. Most patients with more complicated orthodontic needs will not always be good candidates for Invisalign. Traditional braces can fix slight problems to the most complicated of issues in a reasonable amount of time. Braces will often be the best choice for patients who need adjustments to their bite.

While they have their differences, both braces and Invisalign are good tools with their own advantages and limitations. For a free consultation with orthodontist Dr. Andy Frost in Creve Coeur, fill out our online form or call (314) 567-1888. We will evaluate your individual needs, desires, and educate you on the best choices for you and your unique smile.


Copyright ©2024 Frost Orthodontics. All Rights Reserved.