Invisalign Care

 

Many people know that Invisalign is a great alternative to braces if you don't like the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people realize is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important when you are wearing removable appliances in your mouth. It is likely that your aligners will build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Can I eat with my aligners on?  These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I allowed to drink anything other than water with my aligners on? Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, aligners will not be exposed to the soda..
3.) Do I brush before putting the aligners on? The aligners should be kept clean on the inside and the outside. Brushing your teeth before wearing them keeps the inside clean, as well as brushing them.

These are all very simple steps to help you build good oral habits. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team members!

--Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics

Taking Care of Your Child's Smile

Did you know that as soon as a baby’s primary teeth break through the gums, they need attention and care?  Following, are some important guidelines for taking care of the teeth:

Primary (baby) teeth

·         The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends bringing your infant to the dentist soon after the first tooth erupts, and no later than the child’s first birthday.  Your dentist can check for tooth decay, discuss other conditions and habits that may affect the teeth, as well as show you how to clean your infant’s teeth properly.

·         Starting with the first tooth erupting, start brushing twice a day with a toothbrush designed for children.  For children younger than 3, only a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is necessary.  For children 3-6 years old, use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

·         Toothpaste containing fluoride is important since it helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel from the outside, and can reverse the beginnings of tooth decay.  However, always encourage rinsing and spitting the toothpaste out, since swallowing it can affect the color of the developing permanent teeth that have not erupted yet.

Permanent (adult) teeth

·         The permanent teeth start coming in around the age of 6 or 7, and continue into early adulthood.  Permanent teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.  A routine of flossing between the teeth once daily with floss or an interdental cleaner is recommended.

·         Regular dental check-ups are essential for good oral health since this allows the dentist to identify and treat problems such as tooth decay.  Professional cleanings and fluoride applications to keep the teeth strong are also done during these check-ups.

We hope you find this helpful. Caring for our patients’ oral health is just another example of why Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is “Smiles Above the Rest”.

Do I "have" to be...

 

We are sometimes asked if patients "have" to be referred by their dentist in order to schedule a consultation in our office. It is always helpful for us to have information from your dentist when we see you for an Orthodontic Consultation. However, if you have questions about Orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you can certainly schedule a consultation in our office. A referral isn't absolutely necessary. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team members.