Alexandria Cosmetic Dentists

Is It Normal to Have Dry Lips and Have Lost Some Sense of Taste AFter Beginning Invisalign Treatment?

My teeth are fairly straight I just wanted to make them perfect. I got my invisilign last Saturday 2/3/12. As soon as I left the office , havign both plates in my mouth my lips turned very red and dry as though if I had a wind burn. I also noticed that trying to have lunch that day was not the same as usual. My taste is off and have very little of it, and constantly bit my lips on the inside of my mouth. Does this sound like a common side effect? an allergic reaction to cement, plastic, o

It is probably a coincadence that you have finished your invisalign and now experiencing dry lips and altered taste.  This is the first report I have heard of this type.  There is no known physiologic connection between the events.  Dry lips and altered taste can be manifestations of other systemic conditions such as Scleroderma or Bechet's syndrome to name a couple.  Most likely your sensory alterations a just a temporary aberration, but you should get checked by an internal medicine specialist and or endocrinologist. Invisalign can't cause dry lips or altered taste.  An allergic reaction or chemical burn is possible, but I have never heard of it with invisalign before.

Lawrence Singer, DMD

Washington Cosmetic Dentist

Can I Have Ceramic Braces Only for Upper Jaw to Address Diastema? (photo)

I have large gap between my maxillary central incisors although my mandibular teeth are perfect. Can I have ceramic braces only for upper jaw? will it be able to fix my diastema? I don't want to have traditional metallic braces as they will effect aesthetics. I have attached my pictures too.

Yes, you look to be an excellent candidate for ceramic braces.  Your doctor may want to treat both arches so that the new alignment of the upper meets correctly with the alignment of the lower.

Lawrence Singer, DMD

Washington Cosmetic Dentist

Braces And/or Invisalign for Crooked Canine Teeth? (photo)

Hi, I'm interested in treating my crooked canine teeth (photos attached) but I'm not sure what the best solution. I'm not worried about my bottom, for the most the part they're aligned correctly. Plus, I can only afford my top teeth. What can you recommend? Thanks for your help! I appreciate it.

Your pictures seem to push the limit of invisaligh.  Certainly conventional braces would be quicker and have a better result.  Be careful of doctors telling you what you want to hear and what is best for you.  Ask to see before and after cases treated with invisalign that are just like yours.  Good Luck

Lawrence Singer, DMD

Washington Cosmetic Dentist