Invisalign: Top Three Questions Answered about Invisible Braces

You’ve looked in the mirror enough times to realize that your teeth aren’t quite as straight as you’d like them to be. You’ve thought about talking with your dhealth cosmetic dentist about invisible braces.

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the top three questions people contemplating Invisalign braces ask.

Can People See Invisible Braces in My Mouth?

The whole idea behind Invisalign is that they are invisible in your mouth. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The primary difference is that the unique thermoplastic material used in invisible braces is custom made to fit your specific needs. Therefore, the fit is better than generic over-the-counter tooth-whitening trays.

If people look closely enough, sure, they might notice your Invisalign braces. However, the aligners are so slim and trim they’re designed to be invisible.

Will I Still Be Able to Eat, Drink, Talk, and Kiss with Invisalign Braces?

It’s not unusual for new orthodontic treatments to cause initial, temporary difficulties. In the case of invisible braces, you may feel pressure, discomfort, speech issues, or a slight lisp for a day or two as your tongue becomes accustomed to the aligners. Eventually, this will disappear.

As for eating and drinking, the removable design of the Invisalign trays mean you can take them out at mealtime. In fact, it’s a requirement for the treatment. Afterwards, you brush, floss, and rinse before replacing your aligners – much healthier for your teeth and gums than conventional metal braces.

Keep in mind that watching what you eat is still essential. Invisalign doesn’t protect your teeth from sugary or acidic food and drink. Coffee and wine will still stain. Citrus and sodas will still wreak havoc on your enamel. Good oral hygiene is required for healthy teeth and gums. No gum chewing with invisible braces either – even sugarless. It will stick to the trays.

The idea behind Invisalign is to allow you to lead as normal a life as possible. That means you can sleep, kiss, and even play sports in them. If you need to wear a mouthguard during sporting activities, just temporarily remove the trays until you’re done.

How Many Hours a Day do I Have to Wear Invisible Braces?

The bottom line is that to ensure Invisalign braces are effective you need to wear them a minimum of 20 hours per day. Many dental professionals recommend 22 hours a day. Ultimately, you should only take them out when necessary for hygiene purposes. No wearing only the top or bottom tray unless your dentist approves it.

And don’t worry about them falling out while you sleep. Your dhealth dentist designs them to fit your teeth specifically. You should have absolutely no problem with them falling out or even breaking.  

For more questions about Invisalign braces and whether they’re the right move for you, talk to your dhealth cosmetic dentist today. 

5 Little-Known Tooth Whitening Secrets

There are several tooth-whitening systems available today. Knowing which one is best for your or whether tooth whitening is even something you should try, however, depends on your expectations and circumstances.

To help you decide whether tooth whitening is right for you, review these five little-known secrets and then talk with your dhealth cosmetic dentist.

Tooth Whitening is the #1 Cosmetic Treatment Requested

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, most people agree that a whiter smile is not only an “important social asset,” it enhances career success. Additionally, the American Dental Association suggests that tooth whitening (sometimes referred to as tooth bleaching) “has become one of the most popular esthetic dental treatments.”

Tooth Whitening is Not Right for Everyone

Tooth whitening is not a process for everyone. Here’s why, according to the Australian Dental Association.

First, some people find that the process causes tooth sensitivity or pain. Factors such as receding gums or tooth decay may be the cause. Next, consider the effectiveness of the process. The whitening process won’t change the color of veneers, crowns, bridges, or fillings. Finally, factors such as your age, whether you smoke, or whether you drink a lot of coffee can affect the outcome of tooth whitening agents.

Tooth Whitening Works Best on Yellowing Teeth

What many people don’t realize is that certain teeth whitening easier than other teeth. Specifically, tooth color can range from yellowish brown to greenish gray. Experts have found that yellow-brown teeth tend to be more responsive to bleaching agents.

Professional In-home Tooth Whitening Works Best

Although many feel that tooth whitening requires a trip to their dhealth dentist to get the best results, many over-the-counter whitening products work quite well. One of the most important factors to remember, especially when using an in-home treatment with whitening trays: make sure the tray fits your mouth properly. Poor fitting trays can allow the tooth-whitening agent to leak. This may cause gum irritation or the treatment to be less effective.

Tooth Whitening Does Not Last Forever

Lifestyle factors play an important role in the success of your tooth whitening treatment, as does the whitening method you use. For instances, whitening toothpastes use non-bleaching agents to merely remove surface stains through gentle polishing, while in-office whitening treatments whiten using hydrogen peroxide in concentrations as high as 35 percent.

Depending on the method you choose, you may need to repeat the process in a year or two. For those who smoke or drink stain-producing beverages, you may need a touch up even sooner.

Whatever choice you make regarding tooth whitening, talk to your dhealth cosmetic dentist. He’ll want to conduct a thorough exam and help you determine the best tooth whitening process for you.

Root Canal as an Alternative to Tooth Loss

When people hear the term “root canal,” they generally become squeamish. They see it as a painful, unwanted dental treatment. However, according to the American Association of Endodontics (AAE) it’s all about the dental professional you choose.

In fact, in a survey the AAE found that patients who have visited an endodontist for a root canal “describe the procedure as virtually painless.” Additionally, 85 percent said they would return to the endodontist in the future.

Here’s what you need to know about root canals and how they can be used as an alternative to tooth loss.

Purpose of Using a Root Canal

Dental experts have long known that natural teeth are stronger and more efficient than dental implants. Not to mention that 76 percent of participants in the AAE survey indicated they would prefer a root canal to losing a tooth. Therefore, it’s important to make every effort to save natural teeth whenever possible.

Root canals save teeth damaged by disease, decay, or injury. Instead of pulling the tooth, your dental specialist will remove the nerve and pulp in the center of the tooth. Afterwards, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled, and sealed. The nerve doesn’t impact the health and function of the tooth. It merely lets you know if something is hot or cold. Besides, without a root canal, your tooth may become infected or abscessed and eventually fall out.

Your natural teeth are the best option when it comes to having full functionality of your teeth for chewing. If you lose a tooth, you’re only choices are to get a bridge, dentures, or dental implant.

Knowing You Need a Root Canal

There are several reasons the nerve and pulp in your tooth may become irritated, including deep decay, large fillings, a crack or chip, multiple dental procedures, or an accident. However, you won’t always know there is a problem because symptoms aren’t always present.

Be sure and speak with your dental professional if you experience: 

• Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing
• Sensitivity or pain to hot or cold, even after removing heat and cold
• Darkening tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in gums
• Pimple on your gums 

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dhealth professional immediately for a checkup.

Facts about Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is not something to fear. While good oral hygiene is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, if you must undergo a root canal, here are a few facts you should know. 

• Root canal treatment may take more than one visit to your dental professional
• Your dentist will use a temporary filling to protect the tooth between visits
• Not every dental patient experiences pain from root canal treatment
• Your dental specialist may use a porcelain or gold crown to protect and seal the tooth 

The only way to know if you need a root canal is to speak with your dental care professional. If you have any questions, contact your dhealth dentist today.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

If you have never visited a cosmetic dentist before, you may be wondering how to select one that is right for you. Here are three factors that we believe you should consider when making your decision.

Proper Training Key in Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

One of the most important factors you should consider when choosing the right cosmetic dentist is background and dental training.

Minimally, dentists in Australia must have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery/B Dent or Bachelor of Dental Science from an Australian, New Zealand, or United Kingdom university before registering with a state to practice as a dentist. Registration requirements vary from state to state. Additionally, those who graduate from other foreign universities must become a resident of a state with an approved visa for employment to become a registered dentist.

It’s also important to find out the number of years a cosmetic dentist has practiced, especially in the specific treatment you require. This should include advanced training in cosmetic dentistry beyond the initial dental training.

Type of Cosmetic Dentistry Experience Helps Determine Best Cosmetic Dentist

Naturally, one of the first things you need to consider is the type of cosmetic dentistry procedure you are having done. Find out how many times your cosmetic dentist has completed this type of procedure. Ask for before-and-after photographs of the dentist’s work.

You also might want to find out what lab the dentist uses for procedures such as crowns and veneers to ensure it is a certified dental lab.

Find a Cosmetic Dentist You Can Talk to Comfortably

Lastly, it is vital that you select a cosmetic dentist that makes you feel comfortable. You will want to discuss thoroughly all aspects of any dental procedure you require. Find a cosmetic dentist who is open, honest, and able to communicate easily about the dental treatment and what you should expect.

You may want to be prepared with a list of questions to ensure you know things such as: 

• Length of time in practice
• Number of times he has performed this dental treatment or procedure
• Possibility of complications and how to prevent them
• Your alternative dental choices
• Steps involved in this dental treatment or procedure
• How long it will take from start to recovery
• The expected outcome
• The total cost

Finding the right cosmetic dentist for you is all about finding someone who is capable, confident, and makes you feel confident. Don’t go to just any cosmetic dentist. Talk to family members and friends to see if they can recommend someone they trust.

It’s important to your smile.

You’re Never Too Old for Straight Teeth

You look in the mirror and don’t like your smile. Your teeth look a bit crowded and crooked. You wish they were all nicely aligned and straight.

Well, regardless of your age, if you’ve always dreamed of a straighter smile, it’s not too late. It’s time to talk to your dhealth cosmetic dentist about Invisalign braces.

How Conventional Metal Braces Work

Many adults see braces as a dental treatment just for kids. Not only do they mistakenly assume adults are too old for braces, they cringe at the thought of having a mouth full of metal like Ugly Betty. Both assumptions are wrong. Today’s dhealth dentist offers Invisalign, the virtually invisible braces.

Conventional braces consist of metal brackets and arch wires. Your dentist bonds a metal bracket to the front of each tooth. A thin metal wire, called an arch wire, connects each bracket and realigns your teeth by placing pressure on them.

In addition, some conventional braces use a small elastic ligature called an o-ring (much like a small, round rubber band) stretched between the upper and lower brackets to aid in the realignment. Others, called self-ligating braces, work without the elastic ligatures.

How Invisalign Braces Work

Invisalign braces, on the other hand, differ from metal braces in a number of ways. Instead of brackets and arch wire, Invisalign braces adjust your teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners. That means you can take them out when you eat as well as when you clean your teeth. Plus, the aligner trays are smooth, clear plastic, making them virtually invisible to others.

Here’s how it works. You receive a set of Invisalign aligner trays. You wear them in succession, each for approximately two weeks. Wearing the aligners gently shifts your teeth into alignment according to a preplanned design by your dhealth cosmetic dentist.

A visit to your dentist every six weeks will ensure the aligners are working as expected. While the specific amount of time required to straighten teeth varies according to each dental patient’s specific circumstances, it usually takes 9 to 15 months and 18 to 30 sets of aligner trays for the complete Invisalign treatment.

There’s no reason to feel self-conscious about your smile. Invisalign braces allow you to feel good about your smile both during and after the process, and only you will know why.

If you want the benefits of straight teeth without the unsightly look of conventional metal braces, talk to your dhealth dentist about Invisalign braces today.

3 Factors that Influence Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening

You’ve decided it’s time to talk to your dentist about whitening your teeth. However, you’re unsure it’s right for you. Will it really make your smile as radiant as you hope?

Many factors – controllable and uncontrollable – influence tooth whitening. For that reason, actual results will vary by dental patient. Here are three factors that you should consider and discuss with your dhealth cosmetic dentist before deciding on tooth whitening.

Current Color of Your Teeth

When it comes to whitening your teeth, where you start has a lot to do with where you end up. It is a well-documented fact that yellowish teeth respond better to whitening than grayish or brownish teeth. The grayish color is generally caused by medications, such as tetracycline, whereas the brownish hue commonly occurs due to too much fluoride use.

However, even between dental patients with a yellowish color to their teeth there can be differences in level of whitening. Experts believe that each person has their own unique whitening level.

Regardless, to get the best results have your dhealth dentist clean your teeth before starting any whitening treatment. Otherwise, surface stains may affect the results.

Whitening Process Utilized

As we mentioned in our previous post, “Make Your Smile Shine with Tooth Whitening,” there are three basic tooth-whitening processes. Each uses a whitening agent. However, the percentage of whitening agent used varies.

Specifically, the higher the concentration of whitening agent used, the faster the results. That’s why over-the-counter treatments take longer and fade faster. They utilize a lower level of whitening agent. However, a higher concentration also means a greater risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.

Therefore, it’s important to speak with your dhealth cosmetic dentist prior to any tooth-whitening treatment. Additionally, follow all procedures according to directions including how to apply the agent and how long to leave it on. This will help minimize any risks.

Oral Habits Afterwards

Once you’ve completed your whitening treatment, that’s not the end. To maintain a healthy, bright smile requires maintenance.

Just like before your whitening treatment, it’s important to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. That includes brushing at least twice and flossing at least once daily. Additionally, you’ll need to visit your dhealth dentist on a regular basis to get a professional cleaning. This will help you keep your smile looking good longer.

Finally, watch what you eat and drink. Acidic or dark food and drink such as citrus, tea, coffee, and wine can stain and erode your teeth. So can tobacco products and chewing on foreign objects like the tip of a pencil. Think before you put something in your mouth. Don’t destroy the beauty of your smile.

The Before and After of Tooth Whitening

Your smile is an asset. "When someone has a big smile, it shows they’re willing to open up and expose a part of themselves," says Pamela McClain, DDS, a past president of the American Academy of Periodontology. The difficulty is in keeping your smile looking white and bright.

Tooth whitening, sometimes referred to as bleaching, is probably the most common cosmetic dental procedure requested by dental patients today. If you’re thinking of talking with your dhealth cosmetic dentist about an in-office or at-home tooth whitening procedure, here are a few facts to know beforehand.

Reasons You May Need Tooth Whitening

Although we all start our lives with sparkling, white teeth, here are five reasons why tooth color may change.

• Stains. Long-time consumption of food and drink such as red wine, coffee, blueberries, and carrots, can cause stains.
• Tobacco. The nicotine in smoking or chewing tobacco leaves brownish deposits on teeth.
• Medications. Some medications, such as tetracycline, may cause a grey or brown ribbon effect on teeth, particularly in young children.
• Grinding. People who grind their teeth are apt to see more stains in the small cracks tooth grinding causes to teeth.
• Age. Over time, it’s natural for teeth to darken and accumulate stains. That’s why tooth whitening typically works best for younger dental patients. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get worthwhile results in older dental patients. 

Another reason that teeth may appear to lose their vibrant color is due to thinning enamel. Enamel is the outer layer that helps to protect and insulate your teeth during daily use. What you eat and drink as well as genetics and medication have much to do with how your teeth wear. Unfortunately, your dhealth dentist cannot correct thinning enamel through tooth whitening.

Steps to Take to Maintain Tooth Whitening

It’s important to understand that tooth whitening will not make your teeth healthier or stronger. Additionally, it is not a permanent solution. Teeth may stain again if you continue to expose them to the substances that stained them previously. You’ll need to follow the same dedicated oral hygiene process – daily brushing and flossing – that you followed prior to the whitening procedure.

Moreover, your dhealth cosmetic dentist may recommend you:

• Stop smoking immediately
• Avoid eating certain foods that can cause stains or weaken your tooth enamel
• Sip dark-colored beverages through a straw, specifically aiming the straw at the back of your mouth and away from your teeth
• Rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods
• Continue using an at-home treatment, such as whitening toothpaste, to remove surface stains and yellowing
• Check with your dental professional to see if you need a touch up 

Before you decide that tooth whitening is right for you and to ensure the best tooth whitening results possible, talk to a cosmetic dentist.