Invisalign Tips

Invisalign Tips

Invisalign Tips

Invisalign Tips

Invisalign Tips From Your Dentist in Colorado Springs 

Millions of people have been able to overcome their orthodontic issues with Invisalign. With Invisalign, pressure is applied to your teeth through a series of clear plastic aligners, and they are progressively shifted into appropriate alignment, resulting in a straight, even smile you can be proud of. Below, our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs shares our Invisalign Tips. 

Wear Your Aligners

The most common error is just failing to wear your aligners on a regular basis. So, the idea is to try to obtain as close to 22 hours each day as possible. Our dentist in Colorado Springs explains that if you keep your aligners out for too long, the treatment process may be prolonged. Or, results may be hampered. Thus, wear your aligner trays as much as possible during the first two days. We advise only removing them just to brush and floss your teeth.

Replace Your Aligners on Schedule

Our dentist office in Colorado Springs will offer you a schedule for changing your aligners and the sequence in which they should be replaced. Typically, each set is worn for two weeks. We advise against attempting to speed up your treatment by moving to the following set of aligners too soon, since this may result in a longer overall treatment term.

Protect Your Tongue

Sores are frequent early in the journey and at the start of new tray cycles. This is due to the plastic edges of your clear aligners, but your mouth will toughen up. Additionally, to hasten this toughening, we recommend using Invisalign wax to cover sharp edges and rough regions. Below, our Invisalign Colorado Springs experts share this method:

  • First, take a small pinch of wax.
  • Then, roll it between your fingers into a shape.
  • Next, apply it to the hot areas.
  • Lastly, if your retainers have a particularly rough or jagged region that wax cannot conceal, you may need to have your dentist in Colorado Springs file them down for you.

A bottle of peroxide-based mouthwash is also an excellent idea to keep in your medical cabinet. It is carefully created to heal minor oral irritations during orthodontic treatment. Thus, it relieves teeth and gum pain with a refreshing, frothy effect that works. You’ll be pleased you did if you keep a bottle in your medicine cabinet!

Address Any Discomfort

Invisalign may cause discomfort in their teeth and jaws due to it. Clear aligners work by forcing your teeth into their proper position. Our friend, Dr. Kacos, best dentist in Shreveport LA, shares that he advises his patients to undertake chewing exercises several times a day and every time they replace their trays. These exercises not only seat your trays and help them “track” according to your treatment plan, but they can also provide Invisalign pain relief.

Chewing offers a pleasant massage effect for your gums, promoting nutrient-rich blood flow to your mouth. Increased blood flow helps as a natural pain reliever, and chewing activities assist your trays in fitting snugly for optimal tooth mobility.

Safely Remove Your Clear Aligners

When you remove your invisible braces with our favorite aligner removal tool, stay safe and sanitary. The intentional design, small enough to fit in your retainer case, so you always have it handy, also makes it simple to use.

Contact Kissing Camels Today for Invisalign Treatment

Lastly, it’s crucial to know that Invisalign is less capable of treating major issues with your teeth’s alignment and jaw position. Thus, it may not be the ideal option if you have highly crooked and crowded teeth. Or, if you have major bite difficulties. As a result, for these severe orthodontic difficulties, traditional braces may be required.

To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment depending on your orthodontic needs, schedule a consultation with us. Our specialists can analyze your mouth. Then, we will determine if Invisalign orthodontic treatment is correct for you.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

how often should i change my toothbrush?

How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

How often should you change your toothbrush?  If you’ve been brushing your teeth with the same instrument for several months, it’s probably time for a change. In fact, our dentist Colorado Springs explains that regularly replacing your old toothbrush with a new one may keep you healthy. Plus,l it guarantees that you’re getting the most out of your brushing sessions. But how often should you change your toothbrush? Our dentist in Colorado Springs explains below.

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Dr. Boals, the best dentist in Colorado Springs, recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. One of the reasons you should replace your toothbrush after this period is that the bristles lose their cleaning effectiveness. They could drop out or change shape. When the bristles get spread, they lose their energy. Frayed bristles do not efficiently reach the areas between the teeth and along the gum line.

Additionally, germs can also be found on toothbrushes. While viruses are unlikely to make you sick again, bacteria can live on the bristles. When you load up on toothpaste, those bacteria can move to the tube, making other people in the house sick if you share toothpaste.

When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush More Frequently?

In rare circumstances, they are replacing your toothbrush more frequently than every 12 to 16 weeks may be necessary. Some people opt to wash their teeth with great vigor. They may clean their teeth after each meal or consume a sweet snack. Brushing your teeth more than twice a day can cause your toothbrush to decay faster.

You might be tempted to use your electric toothbrush to the fullest extent possible. Our dental office in Colorado Springs explains that this is because the heads are typically more expensive than disposable alternatives. However, if you do not change the tool within the suggested time limit, it will not function properly.

Also, our friend Dr. Helgerson, dentist in Grand Junction, explains that if someone in the family is unwell, you should also consider tossing away everyone’s toothbrush. You’re unlikely to reinfect yourself if you use the same toothbrush you used when you had a cold or another virus. In addition, most people acquire antibodies to an illness, making it less likely that they would contract the same disease again soon after renting it.

On the other hand, cold and flu viruses can live on a toothbrush for up to three days. You can spread germs by keeping your toothbrush in the same cup as the rest of the family’s toothbrushes.

Furthermore, germs can survive on a toothbrush longer than viruses. One bacteria-caused ailment is strep throat. Once you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours, your chances of passing the sickness on are usually reduced. However, bacteria on your toothbrush may stay. If you have strep throat or another bacterial infection, throw away your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself after you’ve finished your antibiotics.

When Should You Throw Away Your Toothbrush?

If you inspect your toothbrush after each usage, you’ll notice when it starts to deteriorate. Maintain your focus on the bristles. They should be elastic and sturdy while remaining soft. In addition, they must be robust enough to remove food particles and plaque.

When the bristles stop bouncing back to their former shape, it’s time to throw out the toothbrush. Toss that toothbrush if the hairs are no longer straight and stiff.

Inspect the Cleanliness

It would help if you also inspected the cleanliness of the area. For example, if you don’t thoroughly rinse your toothbrush, toothpaste residue might accumulate at the base of the bristles or along with the handle. This muck has the potential to trap microorganisms and make you sick. Replace your toothbrush if it is no longer as fresh as it once was.

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry Today

If you have questions about your dental health, please don’t hesitate to contact our team! We are here for you and can answer any questions you may have. Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today.

What Are Dental Veneers?

what are dental veneers?

What Are Dental Veneers?

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells. They are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. Additionally, they are usually constructed of porcelain or a resin-composite material and are permanently attached to your teeth. Our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs explains that this is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Below, Dr. Johnson answers the question, “what are dental veneers?”

What Are Dental Veneers Colorado Springs Used For? 

Dr. Johnson, the best dentist in Colorado Springs, explains that veneers can be used to correct various cosmetic issues. For example, they can fix chipped, fractured or discolored teeth. Additionally, multiple veneers can be placed at once to redo your entire smile. Our dentist near me explains that some people may only need one veneer to repair a cracked or chipped tooth. However, others may require six to eight veneers to achieve an equal, symmetrical smile. Commonly, the top front eight teeth are the teeth that we work with the most. 

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers refers to the material we use to construct the veneer. Our cosmetic dentist Colorado Springs CO explains that dental veneers are typically constructed of porcelain. Thus, they require extensive prep work. 

Some dentists will start by grinding down your teeth. However, please don’t worry. We do not grind them down too much – we use this to fit the veneer and take an impression of the tooth to create the mold. Then, the mod will be sent to a lab. Here, the porcelain veneer is created.

What are the Advantages of Using Dental Veneers?

The most obvious advantage of veneers is that they improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile. Dental veneers are frequently used to correct the following cosmetic issues:

  • Teeth that are cracked or chipped
  • Teeth with significant discoloration or uneven coloring that cannot be corrected with whitening gaps in the teeth smaller-than-average teeth pointed or strangely shaped teeth
  • Depending on the type of veneer you pick, veneers can last for more than a decade, making them an investment that can boost your confidence in your smile.

How to Care for Your Veneers After They’ve Been Installed

In contrast to other dental treatments, the recovery time is relatively short. Instead, after the veneers have been bonded in place and any anesthetics have worn off, you can eat and chew normally. Avoid biting on your cheeks or tongue while the anesthesia is wearing off.

Our dentist Colorado Springs explains that you may notice that the veneers feel a little harsh just after they are put in certain situations. These rough patches (typically caused by additional cement adhering to the veneer) fade away after a few days of normal eating and brushing. If they don’t, your dentist will be able to smooth them out.

Below, we got with our friend, Dr. Eastham, cosmetic dentist in Grand Junction CO, to put together a list of what not to do when you have new veneers.

  • Avoid chewing on harsh objects such as pens, ice, or your fingernails.
  • Never open a package with your teeth.
  • Avoid chewing with your front teeth. Eat harder meals only with your back teeth; chop up hard foods to make this possible.
  • Get a splint or retainer to safeguard your veneers if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
  • Wear a mouth guard if you participate in sports.
  • You should acquire a mouth guard or retainer if you grind or clench your teeth.

Contact Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson For Cosmetic Dentistry in Colorado Springs

Ready to get started with veneers? We’re here to help makeover your smile. Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today to craft the smile of your dreams!