Waterford Family Dental Care

Shhhh … Invisalign Will Keep Your Secret

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Shhhh … Invisalign Will Keep Your Secret

Metal mouth. Brace face. Train tracks. Tinsel teeth. These are all names that people with braces USED to have to endure. Orthodontics have come a long way in the past few decades, though. While metal brackets, wires, and bands are still effective, there are other options for those who want to straighten their teeth. These days, no one has to know that you’re working on your smile. How is that possible? With Invisalign!

What is Invisalign?

Instead of a mouthful of hardware, Invisalign uses a series of nearly-invisible plastic aligner trays to gradually shift your teeth into place. The plastic is perfectly safe and, as the trays are customized for your teeth and your desired results, they are perfectly comfortable.

How Does it Work?

If your dentist has determined that you’re a candidate for Invisalign, your treatment will begin with an impression of your teeth. This impression will be used to make your aligner trays.

Once your aligner trays arrive, you will wear them for at least 20 – 22 hours a day. Every two or three weeks, you will use new aligner trays, with each set bringing you closer and closer to the smile of your dreams.

To ensure that your teeth are progressing as planned, you’ll need to visit Waterford Family Dentistry about every six weeks (which is less often than traditional braces would require, giving you more time to live your life).

Why is it Preferred?

There are so many reasons why patients prefer Invisalign! In addition to being nearly invisible, here are just a few of the perks:
You can eat what you want. Your aligner trays must be removed when you eat or drink (anything other than water), allowing you to eat what you want. With traditional braces, certain foods are off limits; with Invisalign, you can enjoy a crisp apple or a piece of sugarless gum without damaging your orthodontics!
They are easy to care for. Since Invisalign trays aren’t permanently bonded to your teeth like braces, you simply remove them when it’s time to brush and floss your teeth. No floss-threaders needed! What’s more, you don’t have to soak your aligner trays. Since you replace them every couple of weeks, you can keep them clean by brushing them with toothbrush and toothpaste.
They take less time. It’s hard to believe, but Invisalign treatment generally only takes six to 18 months to complete! This means you get to enjoy your perfectly straight smile in no time at all.

No one will know your secret when you straighten with Invisalign. If you’re interested in learning more about treatment, call our office today to make an appointment. We serve patients from Waterford, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

Are Your Food Choices Damaging Your Teeth?

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Are Your Food Choices Damaging Your Teeth?

We’re all fairly well-informed about how food affects our overall health. Sugars, processed foods, and starches are on the “limited” list. But have you considered how your food affects your dental health? Well, we are here to help you discern which foods you might want to pass on. The following list can help you make informed decisions about what you eat or drink and how your choices affect your teeth.

  1. Citrus – Citrus is natural and healthy, right? Yes. Unless we’re talking about dental health. Citric acids erode your enamel, making you more susceptible to tooth decay. We’re not saying you shouldn’t enjoy an orange every now and then, we just want you to exercise caution. When you’re offered a drink with lemon or lime, turn down the citrus. If you do enjoy a glass of water or cocktail with lemon or lime, rinse your mouth out with water when you finish your drink. The same goes for eating fresh citrus or any other food that might contain citric acids. Rinse (don’t immediately brush) your teeth to preserve your enamel.
  2. Coffee and Tea – Press the pause button on that outrage, everyone. We know that coffee and tea both have health benefits, but what you add to them negates the perks. Adding sweeteners, creamers, or other flavor enhancers does more harm than good. Furthermore, if you’re drinking one cup after another, coffee and tea are bound to stain your teeth. If you add sugary substances to your morning cup, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards so the sugar doesn’t have the chance to do damage. If you take your coffee or tea black, rinse your teeth with water after each cup to minimize the likelihood of staining.
  3. Alcohol – Please see the first sentence from item number two. We’re not trying to stand between you and your daily imbibement. We just want you to understand how cocktails affect your teeth. Most alcohols are acidic, which means that they can harm your enamel (see item one). Additionally, alcohol is a dehydrant. Saliva is crucial to the health of your teeth. When your mouth is dry and saliva production slows, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and infection.

There are many other foods that are harmful to your teeth, but we don’t want to frighten you. If you are concerned that your diet may be detrimental to your dental health, contact Waterford Family Dental Care today. We will provide you with all of the necessary information to keep your smile healthy and happy.

Bad Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth

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Bad Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth

We all have bad habits. Maybe we hit the snooze button too many times in the morning, maybe we skip stretching after a workout, or maybe we put the recyclables in the garbage. Whatever the case, we’re not hurting anyone, right? Wrong! Bad habits are “bad” for a reason, and that includes bad habits you have that may be hurting your teeth.

Habit #1 – Nail Biting

Not only can this habit chip or crack your teeth, it can actually make you sick. When you bite your nails, you are putting everything you’ve touched in your mouth. Think you’re safe because you wash your hands? Think again; microscopic germs are underneath your nails – even if they are short and bitten down. To break the habit, invest in a nail biting prevention polish. These products leave a bitter flavor on your nails so that when you start biting, the taste reminds you to stop.

Habit #2 – Chewing Ice

Ice is a great way to cool your drinks on a warm Michigan day, but when you chew it, that’s another story. Ice is hard enough to chip, crack, or break your teeth. Try drinking out of a straw so the ice won’t come near your mouth and tempt you.

Habit #3 – Scrubbing Your Teeth

We want you to brush your teeth, but if you’re scouring your teeth like you’ve just kissed a warthog, then you’re causing damage. Brushing too hard can wear away at your enamel and irritate your gums. To avoid scrubbing, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You might also consider using a power toothbrush, as when you press too hard with these, the motor slows down as a reminder to use a lighter hand.

Habit #4 – Using Your Teeth As Tools

Removing a bottle cap with your teeth may have been a fun trick in college, but if it didn’t chip your teeth, then you’re lucky. Opening bottles, ripping snack packages open, or carrying a grocery bag with your teeth can cause damage. Instead, use your teeth for eating and talking and use your bottle openers, scissors, and hands for the other stuff.

Habit #5 – Constant Snacking

If you’re a fan of grazing all day, that’s fine, but if you’re not brushing after every snack, then you’re sending an invitation to cavities, no RSVP required. When you snack all day without brushing, food and bacteria accumulate on your teeth and cause decay. If brushing after each snack isn’t possible, chew sugarless gum to help remove food particles and increase your saliva production. Gum is no substitute for brushing and flossing, but it’s a good standby until you can get to your brush and paste.

We’re not here to criticize your habits, we’re here to help. If your teeth have been damaged for any reason at all – bad habit or otherwise – contact Waterford Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile.

Your Best Bet for Tooth Replacement

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Your Best Bet for Tooth Replacement

If you’re missing teeth, you’re probably not enjoying life to its fullest. You may cover your mouth when you laugh, keep your mouth closed when you smile, and even avoid social situations. After all, it’s easier to stay inside than to be out and about where you have to worry about keeping others from seeing your gapped-tooth grin. Fortunately, Waterford Family Dental Care has a solution that will restore your smile and your confidence: dental implants.

Dental Implants 101

Implants are small metal posts that mimic the function of a natural tooth root. They are surgically placed beneath the gums where they eventually become fused with the jaw bone, providing unparalleled stability for the prosthetic tooth that is attached once the mouth has healed. Because implants are individually placed, they are effective for patients missing as few as one tooth or as many as a mouthful. In addition to providing stability, implants offer the following benefits:

  • The ability to eat what you want. With other prosthetic options, fresh fruits and vegetables, tough meats, and anything excessively chewy are off limits, but because implants are individually placed and as stable as natural teeth, they can handle your favorite foods.
  • They’re easy to care for. Simply brush and floss as you do every night and visit your dentist as recommended; no overnight soaking required.
  • Improved comfort. Since implants are permanent, they won’t slip or slide around your mouth and irritate your gums.
  • A new and improved self-image! No more concerns about your laugh, your smile, or speaking in front of other people!

Are You a Candidate?

The ideal implant candidate will have good overall health, ample jaw bone mass, and healthy gums. Another important requirement is the willingness to take care of your teeth. The only way to determine your candidacy for dental implants is to be evaluated by a dentist. If you live in or near Waterford, Michigan, we’d love to see your smile!

Have Happy Teeth This Halloween

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Have Happy Teeth This Halloween

Halloween is an amazing opportunity for families to create memories. The television specials, the costumes, the spooky music, the decorations, and that sweet sugary candy are all things kids (and their parents) look forward to. As your dentist, I would be remiss if I skipped out on this opportunity to tell you how to keep your teeth happy this Halloween. To keep your grin from looking like that of a jack-o-lantern, continue reading.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Not all treats are created equal, so to help you figure out which are the best for your teeth, I’ve divided them into three categories:

  • The Good – No matter what you eat, all candy should be enjoyed in moderation, but if I were pressed to name a candy that is good for you, I’d suggest dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has less sugar than other candies plus it contains flavanols and polyphenols that benefit your body. It melts as it’s eaten, so it’s not hard on teeth or dental work. It does have more caffeine than other chocolate, however, so you might consider limiting your consumption late at night.
  • The Bad – If it’s sticky (like Swedish Fish or gummy candies) or semi-hard (like Now and Laters or Mary Janes), it can damage your teeth. The sticky stuff gets stuck on your teeth where the sugar feeds the bacteria that causes tooth decay. The semi-hard candies can actually chip your teeth and damage dental work such as veneers and crowns. If you do indulge in any of these candies but can’t immediately access a toothbrush and floss, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water to minimize the effects of the sugars.
  • The Ugly – Kids LOVE sour candies, but they have the potential to cause the most damage. The sugary outer layer of sour candies is partially made from citric acid; like any other acidic food or drink, citric acid weakens tooth enamel. The gummy layer beneath is sticky (see above), but it doesn’t just stick to your teeth, it sticks to teeth with a compromised protective layer. If your kids (or you) can’t say no to sour treats, make sure they wait a while before brushing to give the enamel time to recover.

May you and your family have a happy Halloween! If you do have a candy-related tooth incident, I am here to help. Contact my office any time to schedule an appointment.

Waterford Family Dental Care
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