We are all familiar with the term ‘a million dollar smile’ – the well aligned, straight and perfectly well-defined smile which speaks a lot about our precious pearls.
Seemingly perfect teeth of leading celebrities grab our attention when one flip through the glossy pages of magazines, but the real question is, how do they get that star-studded smile? There is a lot more to this than meets the eye.
While there are a few who are blessed with natural looking perfect smiles, there are some who have invested heavily in smile makeovers performed by holistic dentists in Durango, CO and Invisalign is one of them.
Smile makeovers with Invisalign
Of all possible options, the most advanced treatment that is gaining popularity in the world of dentistry is the Invisalign procedure. As a great alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign works effectively for teens and adults.
From fixing crowded teeth and closing large gaps between teeth to problems related to bad bites and alignment of teeth, Invisalign can help you find a perfect solution for a better and healthier smile.
Picture perfect smile with Invisalign
We all agree that a mouth full of metal is never a pleasant sight. Invisalign is an innovative breakthrough in modern dentistry.
Here are the striking benefits you will see and feel with Invisalign:
*No show – the Invisible set of teeth aligners are smooth to glide on, comfortable and painless. What more one can wish for?
*Feels natural and exudes confidence – The discreet Invisalign blends in with the natural tone of your teeth making it virtually invisible!
*Comfort – The aesthetics in Invisalign ensures you smile and laugh freely again. You can certainly be yourself, talk with ease and not feel awkward in a social setup.
You can help prevent your baby from getting cavities or developing what is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries, by beginning an oral hygiene routine within the first few days after birth.
Start by cleaning your baby’s mouth by wiping the gums with a clean gauze pad. This helps removes plaque that can harm erupting teeth. When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
For bottle feedings, place only formula, milk or breast milk inside and avoid using sugary beverages such as juice or soda. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed.
Dental Emergencies
Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child’s permanent tooth. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to take your child to the dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.
Here are some tips if your child experiences a common dental emergency:
For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your child’s cheek and gum, or in milk.
For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
If your child bites his tongue or lip, clean the area gently and apply a cold compress.
For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.
Thumbsucking
Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects. It may help them relax or make them feel safe or happy. Most children stop sucking by age 4.
If your child continues to thumb suck that after the permanent teeth have come in, it can cause problems with tooth alignment and your child’s bite. The frequency, duration and intensity of a habit will determine whether or not dental problems may result.
Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. If you are worried about your child’s sucking habits, talk to your dentist or consult your child’s pediatrician.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers help “hold space” for permanent teeth. Your child may need one if he or she loses a baby tooth prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a primary tooth is lost too early, adult teeth can erupt into the empty space instead of where they should be.
When more adult teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there may not be enough room for them because of the lost space. To prevent this from happening, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer to hold open the space left by the missing tooth.
Sealants
Sealants are a fast and easy way of protecting your child’s teeth that act as barriers to cavity-prone areas. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and sometimes used to cover deep pits and grooves. Sealing a tooth is fast and there is virtually no discomfort.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing but may have to be reapplied if needed. Both primary and permanent teeth can benefit from sealants. You should ask the holistic dentists in Durango, CO if sealants will help your child.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards can help protect your child from a dental emergency. They should be worn whenever your child is participating in sports and recreational activities.
Mouthguards cushion blows that would otherwise cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips and face and sometimes even jaw fractures.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion, or bad bite, is a condition in which the teeth are crowded, crooked or out of alignment, or the jaws don’t meet properly. This may become particularly noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, when a child’s permanent teeth are coming in.
If not treated early, a bad bite can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean where teeth are crooked or crowded, increasing the risk for cavities and gum disease.
Bad bites can also:
Affect proper development of the jaws.
Make the protruding teeth at risk for chips and fractures.
Affect eating and speaking.
Make some teeth more likely to wear abnormally or faster than those that are properly aligned.
Many of us have had a dentist announce that we need a root canal done. As if routine dental check-ups weren’t terrifying enough, now you have the additional stress of a root canal.
One usually fear what we don’t know, and that’s what I am here to fix. Read on to equip yourself with everything to know about root canals before you get one done.
What is a Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that deep cleans your teeth from the inside to get rid of infections that could spread and ruin the entire tooth. A root canal nips the problem in the bud so as to prevent it from spreading outside the tooth and rotting it entirely.
The Holistic dentistry in Durango, CO has come up with best root canal procedures that can only be performed by skilled and experienced dentists.
Why Do You Need A Root Canal?
A root canal is often a lifesaver for your teeth, treating the infection inside the tooth that is threatening to decay or destroy it. Our teeth have pulp inside that can get infected by a variety of reasons. These include:
A tooth abscess
A recently done tooth crown
Bad dental hygiene
Cracked teeth and trauma
Teeth fillings
Symptoms often include severe tooth pain, temperature sensitivity, or soreness. If you experience any of the symptoms, get a dental check-up done to see if you need a root canal.
How Is A Root Canal Done?
Let me walk you through a root canal, so you know what to expect during one.
First, an x-ray of your teeth will be done to gauge the extent of the damage.
Local anesthesia will be administered to the patient to make sure they are comfortable during the procedure.
The dentist will place a rubber guard against the tooth to keep the area dry of any saliva.
A hole is drilled into the tooth to get to the infected pulp. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, and the infection is removed.
The tooth is then filled with a special filling, which not only strengthens the tooth but also makes it less vulnerable to reinfection
A crown is used to top the tooth and complete the procedure.
With the root canal done, you need to be careful for a few days before your teeth get back to normal once again.
While practicing good oral hygiene obviously benefits your teeth and your gums, it doesn’t just stop there. Practicing good oral hygiene has a number of health advantages, benefiting your entire body and the overall state of your health.
REDUCED RISK OF GUM DISEASE
One of the most obvious benefits of good oral hygiene is a reduced risk of gum disease. Those who don’t brush their teeth and floss on a regular basis are susceptible to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Over time, these diseases can cause bleeding, swelling, bad breath, tooth loss, and other problems. Simply sticking to your daily oral hygiene routine can help you avoid these conditions.
REDUCED RISK OF TOOTH DECAY
Another benefit of good oral hygiene is a reduced risk of tooth decay. Those who eat sugary foods and forego brushing and flossing will often develop cavities, and in the long-run might even start to lose teeth.
If you want to keep your teeth strong, and healthy, good oral hygiene is essential.
REDUCED RISK OF HEART DISEASE
What you might not realize is that oral health may have an impact on your cardiovascular health as well. While studies are still inconclusive, they show that there is a relationship between the two. Research shows that those with significant dental issues suffer more heart attacks and strokes than those without.
Brushing and flossing are a good starting point in promoting whole-body health.
REDUCED RISK OF DIABETES
There is also a fairly well-known link between poor oral health and diabetes. what’s the connection between bad oral health and diabetes? Gum disease.
As gum disease arises, it causes blood sugar levels in the body to increase. One indicator of diabetes is having too much sugar in the blood, so the connection is fairly clear.
If you already have diabetes, or if you’re at risk for diabetes, you may want to take your oral hygiene very seriously.
REDUCED RISK OF LUNG DISEASE
Several studies have shown a connection between lung disease and bad oral health. As the gums become inflamed, and as bad bacteria arise, it can travel to the lungs. These bacteria can remain within the lungs, and can eventually cause an infection.
In addition to respiratory infections, bad oral hygiene can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis as well. These are serious and painful conditions.
REDUCED RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S
One last medical condition that has been linked to bad oral hygiene is Alzheimer’s disease. When the gums are neglected, they can become inflamed. When this inflammation occurs, chemicals can be released from the gums and can travel to the brain.
Faced with prolonged exposure to these chemicals, certain parts of the brain can start to deteriorate. Over time, this may result in memory loss. While brushing and flossing won’t entirely eliminate the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s, they can help.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DENTIST
Part of practicing good oral hygiene is scheduling twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings with a licensed holistic dentist in Durango, CO. These inspections and cleanings will keep plaque to a minimum, and will alert you to any possible problems.
What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. One important difference is that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.
How are they similar?
The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they both focus on oral care. An orthodontist can work in a dental office and provide the same care as a dentist. So in this respect, they are quite similar. They are both considered doctors, and deal with the teeth and gums.
How are they different?
There are more differences than similarities. An orthodontist requires additional schooling as a dental specialty; the situation is similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. Another difference is that orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, or fitting them for corrective braces and devices. If a patient has an overbite, a dentist will refer him or her to an orthodontist.
Dentists typically encourage good oral hygiene and provide services related to:
Tooth decay
Root canals
Gum disease
Crowns
Bridges
Veneers
Teeth whitening
Orthodontists are dentists that specialize in the alignment of teeth, and provide services related to:
Misaligned teeth
Crowded teeth
Overbite
Underbite
What an orthodontist can help with
Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, but they assist patients with other issues as well. These include overbites and underbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additional problems with the jaw also need to be treated by an orthodontist.
While the holistic dentists in Durango, CO are trained to provide orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings. Trusting an orthodontist for your smile can better balance the different procedures you require.
If you’re looking to achieve a gleaming photo-worthy smile in 2019, whitening is one of the best ways to do just that.
With a number of whitening products on the market from gels and mouthwashes to strips and kits, it can be challenging to know which way to go.
To help, here are some myths dispelled for you.
Myth #1: My whitening results will be permanent. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. As you may drink coffee, tea, wine or dark fruit juices, your teeth are likely to acquire fresh stains. If you want to keep your teeth white, you will need to touch them up periodically.
Myth #2: All teeth whitening products will produce the same results. While drugstore variety whitening products can get your teeth whiter, they won’t be as effective as a visit to dental practice.
Myth #3: I can’t whiten my teeth because they’re too sensitive. Though it is true that some whitening products can cause increased sensitivity, there are options available. Products that contain lower levels of peroxide (approximately 5-6%) may work for you.
Myth #4: All teeth will whiten evenly. If you have fillings, crowns or dentures, these restorations won’t whiten along with the rest of your teeth. An uneven look may result.
Myth #5: I can get results naturally with baking soda. A common household product, baking soda is often considered a natural whitener. Its abrasive composition can help to erase surface stains, but won’t be as effective in removing deeper stains. A significant downside, however, to using baking soda too often is it can damage tooth enamel.
Clear aligners – Bringing teeth together for a brilliant smile
Haven’t you all heard the old saying ‘A beautiful smile is the window to the soul’. Smile releases the feel good hormones coupled with unmatched confidence and pride. Whether you have a sparkling smile or that which needs a transformation, a smile can certainly light up the otherwise ordinary features.
Today, putting up with a not so pretty smile is a thing of the past. Thanks to modern techniques of holistic dentistry in Durango, CO because now you can make a variety of changes to your teeth including colour, structure, size, shape, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are one such revolutionary orthodontic advancement that has gained immense popularity in recent times. With Invisalign, you don’t have to feel turned off with a mouth of metal look that braces give you. The hard to spot Invisalign does not use brackets or wires. With clear, removable aligner trays you can straighten your teeth or correct your bite.
The Invisalign process
Your treatment duration with Invisalign is entirely based on how severe the condition of your teeth is. In most cases, it could range anywhere between 10 months to 24 months to get a complete set of dazzling teeth. Your aligners need to be switched once in 10-14 days as part of the treatment process. Your orthodontist will take 3D impressions of your teeth and work out a customised treatment plan for you. The little pockets on the aligner neatly fit each tooth and pushes it back into the right place. Gradually your teeth move and your smile gets straightened. The invisible aligners are removable. However, they have to remain in your mouth for not less than 22 hours a day for optimal results.
Is Invisalign right for you?
Invisalign can treat gapped or crowded teeth, overbite, underbite and crossbite successfully.
If you are a teenager or a young adult, Invisalign can fix your teeth well as you will be able to embrace the change readily.
It is essential to have a good level of commitment while opting for Invisalign treatment as these aligners need to be worn for the most part of the day.
Important things to consider before teen Invisalign treatment
Today people live in an extremely competitive world where the younger generation is forever on the run. Competition is not just to do with academics or work but also in terms of personality and looks. The need of the younger generation is to focus on their beautiful smile, which is the best way to change your physical looks and your outlook towards life. Indeed, with Invisalign teen, you can live life on your terms.
What happens when your teen’s smile does not give him or her the confidence to face the world? Is your teen worried about the appearance of the teeth that may cause them to hide their smile? These are a few questions that often plague the minds of parents all around us.
Dream big with teen Invisalign
With the Invisalign teen, you can say with assurance, they are practically invisible and easy to maintain. Your teen’s less than perfect smile will certainly help you notice a positive difference. The following are a few tips you must keep in mind before starting the Invisalign process.
Adolescence is an ideal time for wearing braces. For mild to moderate dental issues that need braces, teen Invisalign is recommended. Whether it is crowding or spacing that needs to be taken care of, the experts of holistic dentistry in Durango, CO will assess your case and provide you with a tailor-made approach.
The Invisalign teen custom made aligners can be removed as and when your teen pleases but must be ideally worn for 22 hours a day for optimal results. However, it is totally fine if your teen is not able to wear those for these many hours. You can enjoy your favourite meals and also play your favourite sport with ease.
A high level of commitment is needed as the success of Invisalign treatment largely depends on the responsibility that your teen shows towards wearing it. Remembering to wear the aligners, keeping a track of appointments and cleaning up the aligners after every meal is essential.
It is important to let your orthodontist know about your missing aligners as soon as possible. These aligners are custom made and hence may take a few extra days to get your new ones.
The good news for teenagers who opt for Invisalign is that they need not make frequent trips to the orthodontist. However, to monitor progress a 6-week check-up is usually scheduled.
Do Your Teeth Need Alignment? Top 5 reasons to choose Invisalign aligners
Invisalign aligners as the name suggests is invisible braces and are immensely popular today. The revolutionary aligners is shaping beautiful smiles all over the world. If you are looking out to straighten a crooked smile or a bad bite, Invisalign can be the best option for you. In this blog, five prominent reasons are listed as to why patients must choose the crystal clear aligners over others.
Oral health
The appearance of your smile is as important as your oral hygiene and health. The Invisalign aligners can help you maintain good oral hygiene that can do wonders for your teeth and gums. Unlike most traditional braces, you can speak and eat properly with your Invisalign aligners. Regular brushing of teeth and cleaning the aligners carefully helps in the prevention of dental disease and bad breath.The easy to maintain Invisalign routine has made it a popular choice over the years.
You can eat your favourite foods
The best thing about Invisalign is that you can eat a variety of foods and all that you please, anytime. It is no hassle to take off the plastic aligners to eat a meal or a snack, clean the teeth and the aligners and put them back on. Think twice when you drink coloured beverages with your aligners on. You could run the risk of staining them.
No sharp edges
The traditional metal braces usually have sharp edges that could bite into your gums. Aligners are more rounded and subtle. It takes just a few days to get used to the feel of the trays in the mouth. However, as aligners are a custom fit, there could be a good chance of designing them with edges that may cut. You can use a fine-grit nail buffer to smooth the edges of the trays.
White teeth
Wearing aligners all day protects the enamel from staining and discolouration. Besides, you will have to invest time in a whole lot of brushing especially after every meal. In the long run, you will expect to see clean and well maintained teeth.
Confident smile
With your Invisalign aligners on, you can achieve a straight, confidence boosting smile that can also enhance the overall appearance of your face.
It is suggested to consult holistic dentists in Durango, CO for having an Invisalign aligner to correct your dental flaws. The transformation with Invisalign can certainly bestow you with the new found confidence.
Have you ever wondered what is the one thing that makes you look perfect, feel good and happy-all at the same time. Indeed! a million dollar smile which is no doubt the best way to express yourself.
If one improves the first impression with a smile, it is true that they can leave a lasting impression on everyone but what if your first impression like the cover of a book, is not so appealing?
Most patients turning towards one of the two recent dental treatments. The transparent orthodontic aligners called ‘Invisalign’ and the ‘clear ceramic braces’. The Invisalign and ceramic clear treatment has revolutionised the world of modern dentistry.
In this blog, the benefits of both Ceramic and Invisalign are listed that can help you understand the treatment in detail and prepare you for what lies ahead.
Ceramic clear braces
The function of the ceramic clear braces is similar to the traditional braces with brackets bonded to your tooth and connected by an arch wire. With the pressure that the brackets put on the teeth, you are sure to achieve a perfect alignment as time goes by. Every 4-6 weeks you can see the adjustment happening on your teeth. What makes these braces special is the use of ceramic instead of metal brackets which gives it a far more aesthetic appearance. Ceramic clear braces gives you
A smooth feel and texture.
Is less likely to hurt the gums
Is resistant to stains.
Ceramic clear braces cannot withstand the same amount of pressure as metal braces. As such, the duration of the treatment can be slightly longer and may not be ideal for severe malocclusion.
Invisalignclear aligners
Invisalign clear aligners does not make use of brackets and arch-wires. Instead, it involves custom-made clear plastic aligners or trays that can be slipped over the teeth. With gradual pressure, the teeth gently moves into the desired position. Invisalign aligners are
Easy to remove and clean
Ideal to munch on any type of food
Good for short or long treatment
Causes less discomfort and does not irritate the gums.
How to make the choice?
Invisalign offers faster results compared to ceramic treatment and looks aesthetically more pleasing. However, it is not recommended for certain bite issues. If your teeth are severely rotated, tipped and with very large gaps, you are better off picking the traditional or the ceramic treatment.
It is common for patients to get confused between the two as both offer remarkable benefits along with some limitations as well. As such, neither option is ideal for every patient. The decision on which treatment you must opt for largely depends on your orthodontist.
The experts of holistic dentistry in Durango, CO will work hard to enhance your smile and overall oral health. They will help you to understand the different treatment options available and find the orthodontic solution that is most suitable for you.
Anthony Alfonso 