Fact: First impressions matter. People generally form their views of a person in about seven seconds, and for better or worse, it takes a lot of work for them to ever deviate from these hastily-formed judgments.

Fact: Your smile is one of the first things that a person notices about you, and one of the most prominent and memorable traits that you have. This is true whether such observations are made consciously or not.

More and more frequently we see social research that confirms these two conclusions, leading many people to wonder how they can improve their smile and present themselves the way they want to be seen. In turn, this demand has forced dentists and other health-care specialists to find new treatments to address these desires.

Nowhere is this seen more starkly than in the realm of orthodontics (tooth movement). For many people, the thought of braces evokes images of awkward teenagers, self-consciously trying to hide their bracketed teeth from their peers. And while most adults have matured beyond this adolescent insecurity, there are still plenty of people who, for personal or professional reasons, are not thrilled about the idea of metal brackets and wires in their mouths.

Fortunately, there is another way.

Clear aligners, most commonly known by the brand name Invisalign, are a quick, easy, and predictable alternative to all the hardware that has come to be associated with orthodontics. This option works by giving you a series of transparent plastic trays to wear, each of which is just a little bit different than the one before it. This gradually brings your teeth into alignment while at the same time letting you maintain your natural smile for the entire duration of treatment (usually between six months and a year). Of course, you have regular visits with your dentist or orthodontist along the way to track progress and make midcourse adjustments if needed. Overall though, it's a way of moving teeth that most people find to be extremely convenient and hassle-free.

Dr. Hazard works at Loftus Family Dental with locations in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls. At Loftus Family Dental, we offer free exams and X-rays for all new patients, treatment for the entire family, a wonderful team, and acceptance of almost all insurances in the area. Invisalign is offered in both of our locations as a convenience for you. For more information, call 1-855-LOFTUS.