Category: Tooth Straightening

Articles, information and frequently asked questions about tooth straightening with dental bonding, dental veneers and orthodontics

Is a Virtual Dental Consultation a Good option?

Our world was already rapidly changing long before COVID-19 hit. Technological advancements are constantly occurring, and the pandemic certainly accelerated that aspect of our lives. As a result, zoom meetings and working online have become the new normal. 

Although the majority of us may not realize it, the realm of dentistry has also been impacted by these changes. Despite all that, it’s still important to prioritize your oral health and nowadays, it’s never been easier to do so.

What is Orthodontics? 

An orthodontist is a dental specialist that focuses on identifying and treating teeth that are unaligned. This Orthodontists in Orlando also addresses issues surrounding your jaw and therefore how you bite. And as is the case with any dentist, they educate their patients about their oral health and advocate for preventative action. 

Whether it’s regarding braces, wisdom teeth, bite patterns, or overcrowding, receiving orthodontic treatment is a very common experience. In most cases, navigating such a process is typically associated with one coming of age; however, orthodontics is not exclusive to any one age group. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to take control of your oral health. 

That said, if you’re interested in learning more about orthodontics and any subsequent procedures, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with an orthodontist first. Due to its convenience and because of COVID-19, you may want to consider participating in a virtual orthodontic consultation as opposed to an in-person one. Your safety is important, and you’ll be able to speak with a professional from the comfort of your own home. 

But what exactly does a virtual consultation entail?

A consultation is essentially a period of time when you can speak openly with your orthodontist, and they can do the same with you. Some questions that are frequently asked during these sessions include, but are not limited to the following: 

Don’t hesitate to let your orthodontist know if you have any concerns. They’ll be able to walk you through the multiple processes available to you, so you know exactly what to expect. 

You need to keep in mind that a consultation does not replace a preliminary oral exam and checkup. Eventually, you will need to come in to visit an orthodontist near you so they can physically evaluate your teeth and gums and take a series of x-rays. This allows them to establish an accurate and detailed image of your oral health situation and make an appropriate recommendation based on the level of care you need. 

If you are a candidate for braces near you or Invisalign , they’ll proceed to take impressions of your entire mouth. These molds, alongside your x-rays, are sent off to the dental lab to help create your customized arch wires or aligner trays.  

Are you looking to book a virtual orthodontic consultation near you? The book a consultation with an orthodontist, they will assist you with all your oral health needs. You deserve to receive quality dental care regardless of current circumstances.

Wisdom Teeth and Straightening: Here is What to Expect

Wisdom Teeth and Straightening: Here is What to Expect

When adults and teens finally decide to straighten their teeth, one question they often have is how their wisdom teeth will get factored into the process. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth grow at the back of the mouth and generally appear between the ages of 17 and 21 years.

These teeth do not serve a functional purpose as they aren’t relied upon for chewing. However, this does not mean that they will cause problems.

Numerous myths often revolve around how the third molars impact the process of teeth straightening. In this detailed guide, we will help you separate facts from fiction.

5 Common Wisdom Teeth Scenarios

Dentists have theorized that evolutionary processes have changed our jaws. As our diets changed, our foods became easier to chew, and dental care & hygiene improved, our jaws have gotten smaller. For this reason, most people often deal with the following scenarios:

  • The wisdom teeth come out perfectly.
  • The wisdom teeth have a gum flap covering them.
  • They come up at an angle – that is, there isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate them.
  • They stay hidden below the gum’s surface.
  • No wisdom teeth come up.

When to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth Before Orthodontic Treatments

Whether your orthodontist is using invisible teeth aligners or dental braces for teeth straightening, he/she will always consider your wisdom teeth before initiating the orthodontic treatment. In cases where your jaw has enough room for the wisdom teeth, your orthodontist will recommend leaving the teeth in place.

However, your orthodontist may recommend wisdom teeth removal in cases where:

  • One or more of your wisdom teeth are trapping food and causing cheek and gum infections.
  • Your wisdom teeth are trapping food and causing the decay of second molars. Also, the trapped food could be causing wisdom tooth decay.
  • Your wisdom teeth are extremely decayed and it is impossible to restore them.
  • You have a cyst or infection near one or more of your wisdom teeth.
  • Your wisdom teeth are causing pain.
  • Your wisdom tooth is impacted or growing at an angle towards your second molars.

What to Expect If You Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction Before Teeth Straightening

If your orthodontist recommends the removal of wisdom teeth ahead of the orthodontic treatment, understanding what to expect can ease anxiety about the entire procedure.

Many dentists perform the wisdom tooth extraction procedure in their offices. However, in cases where patients have a deeply impacted wisdom tooth, the dentist may send him/her to an oral surgeon.

Depending on how complicated the procedure will be, your dentist may use sedation or a local numbing medication. If your dentist uses sedation, you will sleep through the whole wisdom tooth extraction procedure.

When using a local numbing medication, the dentist will apply a numbing gel to your gums before administering an injection around each wisdom tooth he/she will be extracting. You will remain fully awake. However, while you may feel a sensation of movement and pressure on your gums, you won’t feel any pain.

During wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist will make a small incision into your gum line to expose both the wisdom tooth and bone. Next, he/she will pull out the wisdom teeth whole or in pieces.

Your dentist will then disinfect the site and close the wound. You may need to place gauze over your wound to stop the bleeding.

What Happens If Wisdom Teeth Grow After Teeth Straightening

When parents are considering teeth straightening for their kids, they often wonder whether future wisdom teeth development will affect orthodontic treatment. Future wisdom teeth growth does not affect teeth straightening.

You do not have to wait until your wisdom teeth develop to initiate your orthodontic treatment. A large number of first-time orthodontic patients finish their teeth straightening procedures before their wisdom teeth develop. The third molars, however, do not pose any risk to the teeth’ alignment after straightening.

Wisdom teeth generally exert a very small amount of force. For this reason, they won’t push your teeth out of the way.

The wisdom teeth will only break in if your jaw has enough space for them. If the jaw does not have sufficient space, the third molars will either break in partially or fail to break in at all.

If your wisdom teeth need to be removed in the future, the procedure won’t disrupt the work done by your orthodontist. If your teeth move after working with a team like Straight Teeth Invisible, this is usually a result of natural shifting – this process, however, can be prevented by wearing a retainer.

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What’s the Best Option Between Clear Aligners and Braces for Teenagers?

What’s the Best Option Between Clear Aligners and Braces for Teenagers?

Clear aligners are all the rage right now and look like the perfect alternative to traditional braces. One group that seems to gravitate towards them is teenagers who may not want to deal with the embarrassment of wearing braces. Clear aligners are almost impossible to detect to someone who doesn’t know them and have many other benefits. There are still some cases where traditional braces might be the best or only option. Let’s take a look at which one you should pick.

How Severe is the Condition?

You should know that while clear aligners are great at what they do, they have some limits. In some extreme cases, you will have no choice but to go with them to fix the issue. Severe malocclusions will not only require braces but also multiple follow-up visits.

If the issue is minor, however, then clear aligners are definitely the best option. These will allow you to correct the issues simply and unobtrusively. There will be no need to visit a doctor, or even leave the comfort of your home.

You have services like ALIGNERCO that that will allow you to get those shipped right to your door. They also have a guide that explains all you need to know before you buy your clear braces. They outline exactly how they work, their limitations, and how much they cost. They also run down some additional benefits they have over traditional braces, so you can make a wise decision.

What’s Your Budget?

You should also know that braces can get very expensive. Metal braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, and the price can go as high as $10,000 if we’re talking about ceramic braces. Clear aligners, on the other hand, can be found for as low as $1,150 and will do just as great of a job as long as the issue is not as severe.

How Responsible Are They?

This is another very important thing you’ll need to assess before you get a teenager braces. While these do not have the same restrictions as traditional braces, you still have to use them with care. For instance, these will need to be removed and the teeth brushed after every single meal. So, if you have to run after them so they brush their teeth before going to bed, you might have an issue.

How Self Conscious are They?

You also have to look at their temperament before you pick braces. If they’re already suffering from self-image issues or have trouble socializing at school, you don’t want to put an additional layer of embarrassment by giving them braces. Bullying wouldn’t exist in a perfect world, but the sad truth is that kids can be extremely cruel and will use anything to bully someone. So, consider how much self-confidence they have before getting braces, and don’t be afraid to talk to them to get a better idea of their mental state.

Clear aligners could be the best option for your child, but it all depends on their condition, temperament, and how much you can spend. Sit down with them and ask their opinion, and make sure that they’re responsible enough to care for them.

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7 Essentials for Any Invisalign User

essentials for any Invisalign user

You are getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign (or SmileDirect Club, StraightTeethDirect or WonderSmile) and you have just been handed your case and aligners, a few cleaning tablets and not much else. However, you might also need to buy the following:

On The Go

You will be wearing your clear aligners for up to 22 hours a day, which also means that you will need to have some essentials for your kit when you are on the go. 

1. Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Hygiene is very important when wearing clear aligners that are seated on top of your teeth all day. Therefore, you should always have a oral care travel kit along with you in your purse. Getting a travel toothbrush will save space in your purse, as well as it being slightly more hygienic since travel toothbrushes usually can be folded together. Make sure that the toothpaste you get does not have any abrasive ingredients, since this will break down your enamel and cause your teeth to become more sensitive, because you are brushing your teeth 3-4 times a day. 

2. Aligner Case

An aligner case is essential to any Invisalign user. Not only does a case prevent you from misplacing your aligners and inevitably throwing them out because you placed them on a napkin, but it is also more hygienic. When you are placing your aligners out in the open in public, you risk bacteria getting all over your Invisalign, which is not ideal, since you will be putting your aligners back in your mouth. You might think that you already have a case, however a lot of people decide to buy an extra case, so that they have one at home and one in their purse. This ensures that you do not forget your case at home, which then prevents any misplacing of your Invisalign.

3. Orthodontic Aligner Removal Tool

If you’re not fond of putting your fingers into your mouth out in public or if your nails are an issue, and you don’t want to risk breaking them, there’s a solution. There are aligner remover tools made specifically for making the removal process easier and more hygienic for clear aligner users. We recommend OrthoKey, since it fits in most aligner cases and features a ergonomic design that is easy to use. Moreover, if you experience pain associated with removing your aligners and have trouble taking them out without drooling all over yourself, a aligner removal tool is definitely for you.

At Home

4. Chewies Aligner Seaters

Chewies are an essential to any clear aligner user. Not only do they reduce pain associated with getting your teeth straightened, but they also help ensure correct tracking. Chewies seat the aligners firmly onto your teeth, eliminating any potential air bubbles and therefore ensuring that your aligner is seated correctly to guarantee effective teeth movement. They are typically quite inexpensive and can be used several times, and as a bonus; they fit in your aligner case.

5. Aligner Cleaning Tablets

Keeping your Invisalign clean is crucial to keep your trays odor free and to prevent any staining of the clear aligners. If you are an Invisalign user, you probably received some Invisalign Cleaning Crystals when you got your Invisalign. However, they only supply you with a sample pack, which will not last you very long. Make sure that you buy some cleaning tablets that are made for clear aligners, you will most definitely need it. Simply pop the aligners into a dental bath in the morning with a cleaning tablet and let it do its magic.

6. Dental Bath

Soaking your aligners every morning is a good ritual to get into. This removes any odor (when used along with cleaning tablets) and help to release any plaque and buildup that might have built up throughout the night. After you have finished your breakfast, you just rinse them under water and give them a good brush, and they are ready for another day.

7. Floss

I can not stress the importance of flossing when you are using Invisalign. It is important to think about the fact that your teeth are trapped in the trays all day and are isolated from your naturally cleansing saliva. Therefore, if you missed a piece of chicken or some candy, those will be stuck inside your trays until you remove them and clean them. This causes even more bacteria build up, which leads to plaque and decay. So remember; floss!

You can typically find these accessories on Amazon or through SmileDirect Club’s online shop as well as Invisaligns accessory shop if you are a clear aligner user in USA or Canada. For some European users, you might find the accessories on Amazon or even through smilemate, that supply Europeans with Invisalign and clear aligner accessories online.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Orthodontic Problem of Underbite

Did you know that orthodontic problems can affect your overall health also? Improper dental alignment can not only cause pain and early wear and tear of the teeth enamel but also affect your speech and chewing ability.

Mental health impacts include lower self-esteem as misaligned teeth are generally not considered as attractive as perfectly straight teeth. An underbite is one such example of misaligned teeth. So, what is an underbite? What are its causes, implications and the treatment options available for this orthodontic condition? All of these questions are answered here. Take a look:

What Is an Underbite?

In case of perfectly aligned teeth, the top front teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth. When this ideal alignment is disrupted, a bad bite occurs. An underbite is a condition in which the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. This is clinically known as prognathism. The severity of an underbite can vary between a mild stage where the two rows of teeth almost meet and an extreme stage where the teeth don’t meet at all because of a wide gap between them. It is important to keep in mind that even slight underbites can cause significant health problems.

What are the Causes? 

Genetics is the most common cause of an underbite. If either or both parents have it, the child is at a higher risk of being born with a natural tendency for an underbite. Other less common factors include thumb sucking, constantly pushing the tongue against the teeth or extended use of pacifier which puts excessive pressure on teeth, thus forming an underbite.

What Are the Associated Complications?

Several physical and mental health related complications are associated with the condition of underbite. Some of them are listed below:

  • Pain – The protruded jaw puts unnecessary pressure and stress on the body which often leads to painful conditions such as earaches, discomfort or severe pain in the jaw and headaches. This may eventually lead to a more serious and painful chronic joint condition known as the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ disorder.
  • Tooth Decay / Breakage – Misaligned teeth often lead to excessive wear and tear of the teeth enamel. This leaves the teeth exposed and makes them more prone to decay and breakage.
  • Gum Infection / Diseases – Due to improperly aligned teeth, there are spaces formed between the teeth which encourage the accumulation of food debris. This increases the risk of bacterial growth. If neglected it can affect the gums and result in infection and diseases.
  • Speaking / Chewing / Swallowing / Breathing Trouble – The severity of the underbite is associated with multiple complications such as experiencing difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking and sometimes even breathing. Lisping or slurring can occur while speaking and difficulty in breathing may affect sleep quality causing the person to snore or have sleep apnea episodes.
  • Altered Shape of Face – Underbite can dramatically alter a person’s face shape as the chin tends to jut out and appear much larger than its actual size.
  • Low Self-esteem – Difficulty in speaking and the altered face shape can have a negative impact on the person’s mental health as these complications often result in low self-esteem.

Some other complications include chronic mouth breathing, bacterial infections and halitosis or chronic bad breath.

What Happens If an Underbite Remains Untreated?

Even the mild cases of underbite should be treated at the earliest. This is because the symptoms and the complications associated with an underbite worsen over time. For instance, the misalignment of teeth gradually leads to an increase in pain and the eroded enamel means higher risk of teeth and gum decay. Also, if an underbite is left untreated for long, it may eventually cause more severe oral and overall health problems.

What are the Orthodontic Treatment Options?

There are several surgical and non-surgical orthodontic treatments available today for correcting an underbite. The type of treatment prescribed to you depends on the severity of your underbite. Described below are some of the orthodontic treatments:

Braces 

Braces is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for an underbite. The structure of braces comprises several components. However, basically they consist of brackets which are bonded directly to the teeth. These brackets hold the wires which move teeth back to their ideal positions. Braces can also include separators or spacers which create space between the teeth as required. The rubber ties which hold the wire so that they remain attached to the brackets and the rubber bands which attach to the brackets, both work together to apply consistent pressure for creating a flawless bite.

Upper Jaw Expander 

This is a device which is fitted into the mouth for correcting an underbite. It is not removable once worn for the period you are prescribed, but you can adjust it on your own as required. The upper jaw expander actually helps your upper jaw to become wider which in turn corrects your underbite. Most patients need to wear it for about a year and then follow it with a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back to the misaligned position.

Headgear

It is a device which is attached to the molars in the mouth. It comprises a band which wraps around the head or the neck of the patient. It has several applications in orthodontics including pulling the protruded upper jaw back in its ideal position. A headgear can accelerate the treatment time with effective results for correcting an underbite. It is usually worn at night and for not more than a total of 12 hours during a day.

Surgery

In some rare cases, a jaw surgery may be prescribed. This surgical procedure involves an oral surgeon modifying the jawbone to reposition the lower jaw farther back. This orthodontic treatment option is not necessary in a majority of cases. Only in extreme cases, this surgery can be the most beneficial option to rectify an underbite.

Adults often require more invasive orthodontic treatment options but braces still remain an important part of their treatment course. Underbites are mostly frustrating which cause physical as well as mental stress. But the good news is that they can be corrected regardless of age and the severity of the condition. It is essential that you maintain your oral health as it can impact your overall health in several ways.

How To Get Quick Straight Teeth?

Don’t let your crooked teeth ruin your smile and self-confidence!

Are your crooked and misaligned teeth affecting your smile and personality? Do you wish to have perfectly aligned, pearly-white teeth? Many people want to know how to get quick straight teeth for a variety of reasons, predominantly the fact that fast braces mitigate the need to prepare teeth for veneers and can maintain natural tooth structure, meaning they are one of the best ways to get straight teeth fast, read on to find out all of your options

What Is The Fastest Invisalign Works To Straighten Teeth?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, patients want to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome in the shortest amount of time. If you are planning to get braces of invisible aligners to get your teeth straightened, then you might be wondering about teeth straightening option that offers the quickest results. 

Well, it all comes down to a few factors. Firstly, the severity of your problem. The more complex the orthodontic problem is, the longer it will take to straighten your teeth. Orthodontists will recommend an orthodontic treatment option that best only suits your dental needs but also provides the best – and the fastest – aesthetic outcome. Another factor is patient compliance. The more you adhere to your dentist’s instructions, the quicker will be the outcome. Lastly, the most crucial factor is the skill of the orthodontist.

What Orthodontic Services are available

There are a variety of cost-effective orthodontic treatment options to suit the dental, aesthetic and budgetary needs of our patients. No matter how complicated your problem is, we have a solution for it!

  • Fixed Braces – we offer metal braces – but if you do not like the metal appearance of the braces, then there is a perfect solution! “Champagne”, gold-coloured braces by ICONIX that are not only more efficient but also less conspicuous than the conventional metal braces. If you are not a fan of gold-coloured braces, then you can get invisible braces. These braces, also called the lingual braces, are attached to the inner side of your teeth. Hence, they are not visible and won’t affect your facial aesthetics. 
  • Clear Aligners – for patients who find the fixed braces uncomfortable or those who do not like their metallic appearance, there are different types of clear aligners, also known as the removable braces. 

If you have a minor orthodontic problem – like crowding or spacing – orthodontists may recommend the Invisalign i7 – an aligner system that contains only 7 aligners. These aligners are designed to be cost-effective and to fix mild problems in a short duration. I7 Invisalign aligners may cost you around £1,995.

Similar to the Invisalign i7, is Invisalign Lite – a 14-stage aligner system that is also used for treating mild to moderate problems. Treatment with Invisalign Lite costs around £3,120. 

For more complex problems, orthodontists often recommend the Invisalign comprehensive package. The Invisalign comprehensive is designed to fix complex orthodontic problems involving the bite – costing around £4,800.

Can Fixed Braces Give Straight Teeth Quickly?

The amount of time required for fixing your teeth mainly depends on the severity of your problem. For mild to moderate orthodontic problems, both fixed braces and Invisalign aligner can be used for a quick treatment. However, fixed braces are generally more suitable for handling more complicated issues involving the bite, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The average treatment time required for the treatment of moderate to severe orthodontic problems with Invisalign is about 12-18 weeks, while it is about 22 months for fixed braces.

How Long Will It Take For Traditional Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

On average, treatment with metal braces requires around 18-24 months for completion  – depending on the age, the complexity of the problem and the expertise of the orthodontist. Generally, younger people need lesser time for treatment while the treatment time becomes longer for older people. 

During your treatment, our orthodontists will precisely monitor and control the speed of your tooth movement. This is very crucial because if excessive orthodontic forces are applied to the teeth, it can cause damage to the gums and may result in accelerated resorption of the underlying jawbone. 

Can I Get Braces At The Age Of 20, 30 or 40?

Generally, people think that they can only get their teeth straightened during the earlier years of life. Invisalign aligners are suitable for both teenagers and adults. No matter how old you are – whether you’re 20, 30, 40 or even older – or no matter how complex your problem, there is a solution.

You might wonder “ so, why do dentists recommend seeking orthodontic treatment at an earlier age?” This is because, in the younger years, the jawbone is more flexible and more amenable to remodelling and tooth movement. However, as we age, the jawbone becomes brittle, and hence, more time will be required for moving your teeth in the desired direction. 

Age is just a number. You are never too old to have a beautiful and attractive smile!

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Will My Braces Still Move My Teeth With A Broken Wire?

Have you ever wondered how the fixed braces move the teeth? The fixed braces contain slots through which the metal orthodontic wire passes and engages the teeth. This wire is attached to the brackets with the help of rubber bands called ties. Essentially, the braces move the teeth due to the force generated by the “tightness” of the orthodontic wire. 

Hence, in cases where an orthodontic wire is broken, it will not be able to exert sufficient force on all – or some of the teeth – to move or realign in the desired direction or angulation. Besides, a broken wire may also injure your cheeks, lips or gums. Therefore, if you feel that you have a broken wire, you must call us immediately to book an emergency appointment with us – so that we can replace the wire. 

Your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. Perfectly aligned and pearly white teeth will not only make you look attractive, but people also perceive you to be more confident, friendly and approachable. People with beautiful smiles have higher chances of landing jobs and doing well during office presentations and meetings. What are you waiting for?

6 Causes of Crooked Teeth in Children and How to Treat Them

Crooked teeth can mainly occur when the teeth in the kids’ mouth are larger than the available space in the jaw. When the teeth erupt, they follow the path of least resistance. If there is inadequate space for them to come in straight, they will become crooked. Read on to know more. 

6 Common Causes of Crooked Teeth in Children

  • Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is common until the ages of 2 – 4 years. However, if this continues past the ages of 6 and 7 years, the front teeth will be misaligned. Thumb sucking will push the front teeth forward and possibly create an open bite. It may also lead to narrowing of the upper jaw which may require jaw expansion plates or braces. 

  • Genetics

If the parents have crooked teeth, the genes may pass on to the kid. Crooked teeth will be prominent if the kid inherits a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from the other parent. The child may also inherit an overbite or underbite from the parents.

  • Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is when the tongue presses forward too far in the teeth. This habit results in an open bite as the pressure from the tongue thrust can make the front teeth move outward. 

If left untreated, tongue trust can lead to long-term damage to speech. It can also cause the tongue to protrude from between the teeth or elongate your kid’s facial shape. 

  • Tooth Decay 

The most common reason for tooth decay is due to the nursing bottle syndrome. If the tooth decay is ignored or left untreated, it can cause further damage that can result in crooked teeth. This is because the permanent teeth cannot be guided into their correct position.

  • Misaligned Jaw 

If the lower jaw juts out farther than the upper front teeth, the child will have an underbite. An overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude out farther than the lower front teeth. This misalignment in the jaw caused by an underbite and overbite may lead to crooked teeth in kids. 

  • Poor Dental Habits

Kids tend to put everything into their mouths. This habit can affect how the teeth erupt and develop, and it may cause crooked teeth. Wrong dental habits also include prolonged use of pacifiers, thumb sucking or prolonged bottle-feeding.

Treating Crooked Teeth

Early intervention of braces will help in treating crooked teeth. Don’t wait until your kid turns a teenager to fix their crooked teeth. Early orthodontic treatment will be beneficial. 

Consult with an orthodontist about the different techniques that can be used to fix crooked teeth. They might suggest braces to straighten teeth, spacers to stop overcrowding or a plate to guide jaw growth. The sooner you fix the crooked teeth, less extensive treatment will be required later to correct bite and jaw alignment.

Final Words

Getting braces treatment will help improve the child’s oral health. Not only will it straighten the crooked teeth but also help in correcting the bite and jaw movement. Make an appointment with an orthodontist soon if your kid has crooked teeth. 

Author Bio:

Sharon Williams’ day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.

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5 Ways A Dentist Can Help You Smile More!

Smiles are beautiful. It’s one of the most attractive aspects of one’s personality. It can make anyone look more inviting, warm and friendly.

 However, if you feel less confident while smiling because of discolored or crooked teeth and would rather cover your mouth while smiling or laughing, you are not alone. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health on the impact of dental esthetics on self-confidence, approximately a quarter of the participants felt insecure while smiling and covered their teeth every time they smiled.   

So is there a way to feel more confident about your smile and have a set of pearly whites to show off?

Of course!

This article explains 5 ways through which dentists can help you smile more. Keep reading to find out!

  1. Whitening 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure aimed to reduce stains and discoloration from the teeth to make them appear whiter and healthier. A dentist can conduct this procedure in their clinic or prescribe the patient a take-home kit for an at-home whitening procedure. 

Whitening usually involves treating the surface of the teeth with bleaching agents to get rid of the stains and discoloration. Your dentist will first perform a dental examination to ensure whether whitening is appropriate for you.

  1. Veneers  

Veneers are porcelain or resin shells that serve as restorations for the teeth. They cover the surface of the teeth and help in correcting small gaps, cracks or chips, crooked teeth or discolorations. Your dentist can recommend you veneers as an alternative to teeth whitening and if you want to alter the shape of your teeth as well. Moreover, your dentist will select the material of the veneer according to the color of your natural teeth. 

However, this is for minor cracks or crookedness. For more serious conditions, your dentist may recommend you avail orthodontic treatment. 

  1. Orthodontics 

Orthodontics involve the use of braces or aligners to help in correcting misaligned teeth or jaws. This treatment can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem as it makes the teeth appear straighter. Moreover, people who don’t want to get the very noticeable metal braces can get clear aligners. 

Your dentist will decide the treatment length based on your particular case and the aligners you select. In this regard, treatment may take anywhere from a few months to a few years. 

  1. Crowns 

A crown is a dental cap made out of ceramic or porcelain to completely cap a tooth usually following a root canal treatment or other dental surgery procedures. Crowns are also used for covering severely damaged, discolored or crooked teeth. Your dentist will color match the crown to the rest of your teeth for a more natural-looking finish. Usually, it’ll take you a couple of visits down to your dental clinic to get a crown; however, your dentist can also offer you same-day crowns. 

  1. Bridges 

Bridges are false teeth that are fitted between two crowns and are used for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will first examine and prepare the teeth at either side of the gap to put crowns and cement the bridge between them. 

Like other options, your dentist will examine your mouth and evaluate if you need bridges or not. While these are temporary options for lost tooth, they are suitable if the teeth near the gap already have crowns or fillings. 

Author Bio

Sophie Taylor is an avid reader and writer. She loves to write about different topics – ranging from business development to crafting tips, healthcare and elderly care.

If you want to enhance your pearly whites to have the perfect smile, get in touch with Blackburn Dental Centre for a dentist in Orleans. The dental team at the clinic will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and jaws to determine what kind of treatment will be best for you and begin your treatment plan accordingly. Get in touch today for personalized treatment and compassionate care.  

How Should You Be Getting The Most Out Of Your Invisalign Treatment?

Crooked teeth can be an embarrassment for many, it also impacts the confidence of the individual. There are many new developments in the field of dentistry which has paved the way for development of new tools which helps in overcoming problems like crooked or misaligned teeth.

Invisalign is one such development. It is an excellent choice for the individuals who would prefer not to go with the customary metal bracket and wire braces. Invisalign is a comfortable removable device, making it simple to take out, to eat and brush your teeth, something that is completely inconceivable with conventional braces. At the same time Invisalign remains a robust orthodontic treatment, and to take advantage of your treatment, we have two or three hints and tips to ensure Invisalign does what it should.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligner

It is a kind of orthodontic treatment which is administered to those who are looking for straightening their teeth without the use of any metal braces. This treatment involves wearing customized transparent plastic aligners which helps in shifting the teeth thereby giving them a proper position. Once the treatment is done, you need to take proper care of the same to ensure that you don’t face any side-effects. 

Care after Invisalign Treatment:

Floss each day: – You may as of now be brushing every day, but are you flossing every day? The aligners hold any gunk that is left over after your cleaning routine. Make sure to completely clean the gaps within your teeth with floss every day. 

Adhere to the 48-hour Instruction: – The first 48 hours after undergoing the treatment, you need to ensure that you wear the aligners for as long as possible. Most orthodontists suggest just taking it out to brush your teeth, and after that, it ought to go directly back in. Obviously, you should always wear your aligners as much as possible, but this goes double for the next 48 hours.

Focus on wearing them for 22 hours consistently: – At the beginning of any treatment you will be told how long that treatment will last but this is entirely dependent on how many hours per day you wear your Invisalign braces. Expect quick, positive outcomes from it if you wear them for at least twenty hours each day.

Keep your teeth clean: – A standout amongst the most significant parts of keeping your aligners clean is ensuring your teeth are clean as well. Brush and floss your teeth after each dinner to dispose of plaque and remaining food particles that can stall out in the middle of your teeth.  There should be no food particles stuck between your teeth as it may result in decay of teeth thereby affecting the aligners. Food particles can keep your aligner plate from fitting in your mouth properly. 

Change your aligners on schedule and organized appropriately: – Make sure you visit the dentist after the treatment to check if the aligners are in position or not. Sometimes the dentist may suggest that you need to change the aligner, in such cases you should change them.  If you are asked to continue using it for a couple of days more, do that. If you remove your aligners or don’t change them as often as required then the treatment may take longer than desired.

Get used to it steadily: – When you have your first aligner placed in, you will most likely notice that you speak with a lisp. The ideal approach to get rid of this problem isn’t to take out the aligner. Rather you should be working on speaking with it in its place. You will eventually adapt to it in all respects quickly. 

Adhere to the dietary directions: – You need to follow the instructions laid out by your dentist regarding your diet while you under the Invisalign treatment. Just as traditional braces, your mouth is going to detect that something is off. Few face problems with excessive saliva present in their mouth, and others may feel as they have a dry mouth. You can easily fix these problems by spitting or by rehydrating. However, what you should not do is something which can interfere with the treatment.

You need also make sure that the aligners are clean before each insertion. You can clean them with soft bristle brushes but avoid using toothpaste as this can be a little abrasive.

Ensure you rinse each aligner thoroughly with water after each cleaning it so that not cleaning agents or prevailing germs stick around. To keep your aligner clean, you can utilize a retainer or put them through a denture cleaning process at regular intervals. Don’t forget to follow up with your doctor. In case you face excessive dryness in mouth or saliva secretion, you must contact the dentist or specialist orthodontist. Before going for this treatment, you must thoroughly inquire about the dentist, this will ensure that you undergo the right Invisalign treatment.

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How To Lower Your Biological Age With Cosmetic Dentistry

Aging comes with plenty of changes to our hormone levels, our bodies, and yes, our teeth. Especially in women, it can drastically impact the look of your smile. For instance, calcium depletion can cause considerable changes to your overall oral health.

From staining to crowding, and even losing teeth, your smile ages you as much as the condition of your skin. And with all the changes that come with age, including dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease, there are real health benefits to cosmetic dentistry. Not only can it help you keep your smile and your confidence, but it will help you look younger, and can even help against gum disease, a weakened chin, and help you avoid other problems as you age.

Protect Against Staining With Cosmetic Whitening

One of the most significant indicators of the age of your teeth is color and staining. Acidic degradation of tooth enamel can leave your teeth with discoloration and stains. You can sometimes see the enamel wearing away on your teeth as greyish, as it wears away the white and reveals your tooth as more translucent.

Whitening or bleaching can help you keep the white shine to your teeth. There are several whitening options available, from drug store simple to more complicated dental whitening you can talk to your dentist about. Over-the-counter whiteners work perfectly fine if you’ve already got healthy teeth and gums.

If you’ve got a lot of visible fillings, or your gums aren’t in great shape, consider checking with your dentist before deciding what type of whitener you should be using. Another option is to stick with whitening toothpaste. These use whitening agents directly in your toothpaste, and work to bleach your teeth a small amount day by day, and might be easier to fit into your schedule than a monthly, or bi-monthly whitening treatment.

Try Veneers to Fix Chips and Cracks

Chips and cracks don’t just change the look of your smile. They also weaken tooth enamel and the overall structure of the tooth, leading to deeper cracks or breaks later on. Even if the chips or cracks aren’t big or deep enough to cause pain now, there’s no guarantee that the wear and tear of the years won’t cause problems later.

Veneers are a fantastic way to change the shape, color, and overall look of your smile. They are generally made of porcelain. They are made to match the color of your original teeth (but you can add a few shades whiter if you need to.) Unlike whitening, they don’t require upkeep to stay white, though you should consult with a dentist on how to properly take care of and protect veneers. You should not use over-the-counter whitening strips or treatments if you have veneers.

Crowns Can Help You Fix Broken or Vulnerable Teeth

If you want to keep your teeth as you age, sometimes, your best bet is a crown. Though they’re more expensive than veneers, they are an excellent way to give your troubled teeth new life. Crowns are perfect for teeth that have been severely broken or cracked, or if you’ve needed any root canals. The crown replaces the surface of your tooth, to protect it from further damage. Like veneers, it is designed to maintain the shape and color of your natural tooth.

Crowns are also a good idea if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. Veneers are primarily cosmetic, and designed to fit on the front of your teeth. Crowns can be installed along the edge of your tooth, protecting you from further cracks or wearing.

Watch Your Gumline

As we age, the collagen in our skin and hair can thin. This can cause wrinkles and grey hairs. But it’s not the only place we need to worry about. Our gumline is also full of collagen. As we age, the depletion of collagen can cause your teeth to look longer, and keep you looking older. Years of aggressive brushing, or gum disease and tartar buildup can also wear away at your gumline. As well as aging your smile, it also exposes the root of the tooth, which can cause a lot of pain, and may eventually require a root canal.

Brushing less aggressively can help, so switch to an electric toothbrush. Dentists can also offer surgical options, with gum grafting surgery to lower your receding gums and keep your smile looking young.

Consider Getting Braces

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Even if you avoided braces as an awkward adolescent, you might find you need them more as you age. The bad news is that as you age, your teeth and jawline, and even your chin, can start to fall inward. That means even if you had work done, it could begin to collapse.

The good news is, if your teeth are healthy, there’s no age limit to straightening them. Orthodontics can have a massive impact on the look of your smile, no matter your age. It’s a long-term investment, and more complicated than crowning or veneers. But crowns and veneers only last 10-25 years, depending on the material, and your dentist. Braces come in a variety of types and styles, and the effects can last much longer. Just be sure to do your research, so you know what you’re getting into before you make a long-term decision.

Smile More!

If you really want your smile to convey a younger-looking you? The trick is to smile more often! A confident, open expression looks more youthful than a closed off one. Though the research on smiling and wrinkles seem inconclusive, it does suggest that most people find a smile to make you more attractive. Which is sure to make you feel more youthful and confident!

Your smile says a lot about you. But is it aging you? As we get older, everything from a loss of collagen, to a loss of confidence can impact our smile. To look and feel younger, cosmetic dentistry may provide the answer. Whether your teeth are stained from years of strong coffee, or you’re literally feeling long in the tooth, there is a solution to get you the brighter, younger-looking grin that will keep you feeling as radiant and youthful as ever.

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