Why Straighten Teeth

Some of the chief common complaints that inspire patients to attempt wearing clear aligners are gaps in their teeth, crowding, malalignment in their bite, such as having an open bite, crossbite, underbite, and more for mild or moderate cases. With that being said, it is important for patients to frequently visit their dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings prior to and during treatment with their clear aligners. In some cases, a dentist may also refer a patient to an orthodontist for completion of more severe cases.

Getting Your Aligners

The process of getting aligners is very simple. Most offices will use a modern scanner to take a digital impression, but some offices will take physical impressions and pictures. Either way, despite the chosen method both create molds which help the lab and dentist further study the patient’s mouth and decipher whether the case is moderate or severe. This is decided based on the crowding and type of bite adjustment that is necessary for the teeth to be manipulated.

Oral Hygiene With Aligners

Clear aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays formed to fit the individual’s teeth; a series of aligners are created to move the teeth a certain amount in every set of trays. The doctor reevaluates the movements and ensures that the trays are tracking well in accordance with the treatment plan.

Good hygiene and compliance with wearing the trays in accordance with any additional instructions the dentist may have will all help ensure the best outcome. It is important to follow the rules with tray maintenance as well as only keeping the aligners in the mouth when drinking water, otherwise the trays must be removed to eat any kind of food or drink any beverage such as soda or juice, and if possible, to at least rinse the mouth with water after eating or drinking anything other than water. These practices will help ensure that the aligners stay clean and that food particles are not getting trapped in with the aligners on.

Why Invisalign?

Although wearing aligners does require some additional discipline, it is a temporary and worthwhile investment in the long run. Most cases tend to last on average anywhere from a year or two, but most patients are very happy with the outcome, aesthetically speaking. However, clear aligners will also help your oral health stay healthier by moving the teeth to proper alignment, and the Invisalign app makes it very easy to keep track of trays and answer any questions the patient may have about Invisalign in particular. If you are interested in finding out more about Invisalign do not hesitate to see our dentist and ask what your options are for your specific case.

Bibliography:
Orthodontists, A.A. (n.d.). AAO Member Site. Retrieved from:
AAO Clear Aligners

The post Perfecting Your Smile: The Invisalign® Journey first appeared on Fords Family Dental Care.

NATURE FOOLS the human mind when it comes to oral health problems. WHY? Thanks to our cheeks and lips, it is very hard to see what’s going on inside our mouths. That’s why most people tend not to be concerned about the health of their mouth until it is too late!

According to the most recent report from the CDC, 47% of adults aged 30 years have gum disease or beginning periodontal disease, and about 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have more advanced periodontal disease.

What is Gum disease?

Gums are part of the supporting tissue that surround our teeth and are extremely essential for a healthy oral cavity. When bacteria infects the gum tissue, it could lead to destruction of the gums causing bleeding, puffiness and recession.

What causes Gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by the plaque build-up on the gums which leads to an infection by harmful bacteria (See the above picture).

What are the warning signs of Gum disease?

There are several warning signs of gum disease which include inflamed gums, tooth sensitivity, gums pulling away from teeth (also called recession), painful teeth when chewing, change in the way you bite or change in the way your partial denture fits. If you are experiencing any of these problems, please contact Fords Family Dental Care at 732-738-9087 to make an appointment with our expert dental clinicians who can help you.

There are FOUR phases to periodontal disease which are a result of bacterial invasion into the gums and the bone that surround and support your teeth.

Along with this, there is also invasion of bacteria into the bloodstream therefore affecting the heart, lungs, brain and other organs. Studies have shown strong links between periodontal disease and heart, stomach, kidney problems, diabetes, premature birth, Alzheimer’s and many more systemic diseases.

Phase 1- Gingivitis

If your gums are inflamed, red and bleed when you floss or brush you may be suffering from gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and at this stage, periodontal disease could be easily reversed.

Phase 2- Mild Periodontal Disease

This is the second stage that follows if gum disease is left untreated. At this stage the condition is not reversible but can definitely be managed if proper oral care is provided fast enough. At this stage, patients do not only experience swollen and bleeding gums but they also have pockets forming around their teeth which collect more plaque, leading to bone loss. This stage could be managed by deep cleaning which is often provided by a hygienist.

Phase 3- Moderate Periodontal Disease

This is the third stage of gum disease. It is much more advanced when compared to the previous two stages because bacteria has fully invaded the bone causing deeper pockets, irreversible bone loss and definite invasion of bacteria into the bloodstream. Patients may notice their teeth shifting or loosening along with gum recession.

Phase 4- Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is the fourth and most destructive stage of gum disease. The pocket depths and bone loss from previous stages becomes much worse at this stage and if proper treatment is not provided, there could be definite tooth loss.

Call Today!

If you are noticing the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, you should seek treatment to make sure it is stopped before it can damage your smile. For proper treatment and care for periodontal disease, please contact Fords Family Dental Care at 732-738-9087 to make an appointment. Your smile will thank you!

Resources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, July 10). Periodontal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from
2. “Gum Disease Symptoms and Treatments” Illnesses and Conditions | NHS Inform

The post Do You Have Loose Teeth or Bleeding Gums? first appeared on Fords Family Dental Care.