GUM DISEASE – THE DOMINO EFFECT

FLOSSING WITH INVISALIGN: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT & HOW TO DO IT

Invisalign aligners are removable and allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment. But, if you don’t properly clean your aligners, you could harm your treatment. Read on to learn how to clean your Invisalign aligners and when to do so. WHAT IS INVISALIGN? Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of clear, plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper alignment. Invisalign is the modern alternative to braces and brackets; it’s fast, convenient, virtually invisible, and very effective at treating a wide range of common orthodontic concerns. At your consultation appointment, your dentist will help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. If they are, they will take x-rays and digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth. This model is used to plan your tooth movements throughout the treatment process. Once your personalized treatment plan is complete, each aligner in the set is worn for anywhere between one and two weeks before being switched out for the next in the series. Most patients complete the treatment in about twelve months or less. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, they are also easily taken out when needed. This allows patients to eat all of their favorite foods without the fear of getting food stuck in their appliances. It’s also much easier to brush and floss with Invisalign than it is with traditional braces! HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK? Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to correct your teeth and straighten your smile over time. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be removed to eat and clean your teeth, as well as for special occasions like parties and weddings. (You should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day to get the best results.) Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks at a time; then, a new set is used. This continues until treatment is complete. FLOSSING WITH INVISALIGN Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can take them out as needed to brush and floss your teeth. You can also keep your regular brushing schedule throughout treatment, which will help keep your teeth cleaner than if you’d worn traditional metal braces. But even with Invisalign’s easy care and maintenance, it’s still important to keep practicing good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment. Here are a few things to remember about flossing with Invisalign treatment. WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED? * An interdental toothbrush or floss threader * A waterpik or water flosser * Toothpaste or a fluoride rinse HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FLOSS? You should floss at least once per day during your Invisalign treatment. Some patients may need to floss more often—once in the morning and once in the evening may be required if you have particularly deep gum pockets or other oral health complications that require extra attention from your dentist. HOW DO YOU FLOSS WITH INVISALIGN? With Invisalign, you should remove the aligner trays before flossing. You can use an interdental toothbrush to clean between teeth, or you can use an attachment on your water flosser. If your teeth are especially sensitive, you may want to add a dab of toothpaste to your Waterpik first. Remember to rinse your aligners before putting them back into your mouth. It’s best to wash them right away after a meal, so bacteria don’t have time to build up on the appliance. It’s also important to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours per day during treatment to get the best possible results. If you have any questions about how to best care for your Invisalign aligners, be sure to ask our dentist!

DENTIST IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS SHARES 5 ORAL TIPS FOR SICKNESS

It’s normal to not even want to get out of bed when you’re sick. Normally, your doctor and dentist would advise you to get as much rest as you can to recuperate quickly, but there is one task that you should never skip: brushing and flossing your teeth. Just because you’re under the weather doesn’t mean that you should let your oral health fall by the wayside. In fact, maintaining a clean mouth might aid in removing some of the harmful germs and bacteria. This week's blog article from your neighborhood dentist in Altamonte Springs will teach you more about how to take care of your teeth when you're ill. 1.      Buy a new toothbrush. There are a lot of different bacteria that linger in your mouth—good and bad. Even after cleaning your teeth, microorganisms often remain on the toothbrush. In order to stop the transmission of germs, it is crucial that you get a new toothbrush while you are unwell. Utilizing the same old toothbrush can perhaps make your current problems worse. 2.      Brush your teeth more often. As mentioned above, bacteria are rampant when you’re sick. So, it’s normal to up your brushing habits when you’re not feeling well. To keep bacteria from multiplying, brush your teeth as often as you can—up to 3 times a day—to remove germs from your mouth! 3.      Don’t skip out on flossing. There are many things that you probably don’t want to do when you’re sick, but flossing is mandatory to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Not to mention, it helps to remove more bacteria and lingering materials from up to 35% more of your smile! You may not feel like getting out of bed, but by keeping floss nearby on a close nightstand can help you to accomplish the task. 4.      Use a mouthwash during your dental routine. You may not be able to brush as consistently as you want while sick because you’re experiencing painful symptoms, but mouthwash may be able to lend a helping hand. Antimicrobial mouthwashes already work to kill off lingering bacteria from the smile normally, so using one while you’re sick could help keep bad bacteria at bay. Plus, your breath will smell fresher! 5.      Visit your dentist when you feel better. Unless you have a dental emergency, you should wait to visit your dentist until you start to feel like your normal self. It’s important to visit soon after you recover so that your dentist can determine if your recent sickness has negatively affected your smile and how to address it. If you need more advice on how to care for your smile while you’re sick, don’t hesitate to give your local practice a call! About Our Office Here at Distinctive Dentistry on Maitland, we work to keep your smile in great condition no matter what you’re experiencing. If you’re already feeling under the weather, you can begin to feel worse if you don’t maintain good oral health. Learn more about how we may be able to help you in your time of need by giving us a call today.  

Top Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Dental phobia or fear of the dentist is a common condition that affects many people, and it causes them to avoid going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can cause people to delay going to the dentist, which can lead to dental issues. Discuss your dental fears It is important to discuss your fears before undergoing any dental treatment. Your dentist can discuss your fears and reassure you about them. When speaking to the dentist about your discomfort, be specific about what makes you feel anxious. That way, you can get tips and advice on how to overcome those fears. For instance, if the sound of a drill bothers you, the dentist can let you know that it will only be used for a short period of time and then switched out with a soft tool.  Agree on a signal It’s common for patients to feel uncomfortable at the dentist’s office due to a number of factors. Some of them include the sound of the drill, the proximity of their cheek to the suction tube, or the smell of chemicals used to clean the teeth. If you feel nervous, tell your dentist about it and agree on a signal beforehand. This way, you can inform your dental hygienist that you need a break. The signal should be something simple so that your dentist doesn’t confuse it with something else. For example, you can simply raise your hand to indicate you need a short break. You can also nod your head or raise your eyebrows to indicate that you’re uncomfortable and need to take a break. Take a friend or family member with you It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before a dentist appointment, but bringing a friend or family member along can help prevent you from feeling alone and awkward in the dentist’s chair. Your friend or family member can distract you during your appointment, helping to ease your tension. They can also help you remember the things you are supposed to talk about with your dental assistant or dentist. They can even tell you if you need to speak up!  Have a distraction with you If you’re feeling anxious during your appointment, bring your phone or some headphones to listen to some music. You may also bring your book or magazine to read in case your dentist is running behind. This will give you some time to relax and ease your anxiety. If your child becomes frightened at the prospect of sitting in the dentist’s chair, having his favorite toy with him can help him cope with his anxiety. Ask for sedation dentistry There are two different types of dental sedation you can use to relax during a dental procedure. The first is nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas. It is inhaled through a mask that is placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide allows you to feel relaxed but conscious during your dental treatment. The second type of sedation is oral sedatives, which allow you to be in a more relaxed stage. To find out more about the dental services we offer at Distinctive Dental on Maitland, call (407) 830-9800 or schedule your consultation online. You can also visit us at 609 Maitland Ave STE 1, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH WINTER MOUTH ISSUES?

Winter is a time when people try to have as much fun as possible. From holiday parties to snowy hikes, this time of year brings many opportunities for fun and adventure. However, there are also many threats to your oral health. ORAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING WINTER AND THEIR SOLUTIONS Is the weather cold, windy, or dry where you live? If so, you’re probably familiar with some of the common effects of winter on your oral health – such as sensitive teeth, chapped lips, and bad breath. Your dentist has seen it all before! Here are some pointers from your dentist to combat these issues. * Stay hydrated. Sure, it’s important to stay hydrated no matter the season, but in the winter, it’s especially important. That’s because the cold air dries out your mouth. What’s more, if you use supplemental heating in your home during the colder months, this causes the air to be even drier. That’s why you’ll want plenty of water on hand to sip throughout the day. * Protect your lips. Lips become extra susceptible to chapping during the winter months, so you’ll want to invest in a good lip balm. Look for one that contains sunscreen as well, as this will help prevent the sun from burning your lips once springtime arrives. * Keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once per day. This will keep your teeth clean and your gums pink and healthy. Stay on top of your daily habits, so your smile will stay healthy over the next month. * Schedule routine cleanings and exams. Just because the season changes doesn’t mean you should stop coming in to see us twice a year for regular cleaning and exam. In fact, you’ll be even more prone to developing oral health problems during the cooler months, so you’ll want to come in more frequently than you normally would. These appointments help us catch any problems before they have a chance to worsen and cause more pain for you. * Use a mouthwash: Your dentist may recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash this winter to help kill germs and bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque buildup, and other common winter mouth issues. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance before making a purchase. If you’re due for a checkup, don’t wait to schedule your next appointment. Call your dental office today to arrange an appointment at a time that’s convenient for your schedule. 

Are Dental Implants Really the Best Solution?

Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort and embarrassment caused by missing teeth? Don't worry because dental implants are here to save the day! Whether you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or any other reason, dental implants offer a permanent solution that will restore your smile and confidence. HOW DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK Dental implants are small titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This post acts as the root of the new tooth and provides a stable foundation for the replacement tooth or crown. The implant is then left to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone over a period of several months. Once the implant has fully healed and fused with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to it. This serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. A custom-made crown is placed on top of the abutment to complete your new smile. THE IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCESS The implant placement process is a crucial step in getting dental implants. It involves several stages that ensure the successful integration of the implant into your jawbone. * First, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health and take X-rays or CT scans to assess the condition of your jawbone. This helps determine if you have enough bone density to support an implant. * If necessary, a bone graft may be required to augment the existing jawbone before the implant can be placed. This involves taking bone tissue from another part of your body or using synthetic materials to strengthen and build up the area where the implant will go. * Once your jawbone is ready, the next step is surgically placing the dental implant into the socket created by drilling into your jawbone. A healing period follows, during which osseointegration occurs – this is when new bone forms around and fuses with the implanted post. * After osseointegration has taken place, an abutment is attached to connect the implant with a custom-made crown or prosthetic tooth. The final restoration will closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. It's important to note that each person's experience with dental implants may vary slightly depending on their unique circumstances. Your dentist will guide you through every step of this process while ensuring optimal results for your missing teeth replacement solution. BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the best solution available today. Unlike other alternatives like dentures or bridges, dental implants offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve your oral health and quality of life. * One major advantage of dental implants is their durability. While dentures may need to be replaced every 5-10 years and bridges may require replacement after 10-15 years, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with proper care. This means you won't have to worry about constantly investing in new prosthetics. * In addition to their longevity, dental implants also provide superior stability and functionality compared to other options. Because they are securely anchored into the jawbone, they function just like natural teeth. You can confidently eat your favorite foods without fear of them slipping or shifting in your mouth. * Another significant benefit of dental implants is that they help maintain bone density in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. However, by placing an implant into the jawbone, this process can be halted as it mimics the roots of a natural tooth and stimulates bone growth. * Dental implants offer improved aesthetics by closely replicating the appearance of natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and can be customized for shape, size, and color so that they match perfectly with your smile. * Another advantage worth mentioning is how dental implants enhance speech clarity. Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can affect speech patterns and pronunciation; however, dental implants eliminate these issues by providing a stable foundation for articulation. To find out more about the dental services we offer at Distinctive Dental on Maitland, call (407) 830-9800 or schedule your consultation online. You can also visit us at 609 Maitland Ave STE 1, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.