On the whole, both orthodontist and dentist help you heal the pain in your teeth and maintain perfect oral health. Pitner Orthodontics is one of the most suitable choices for you if you are looking for an orthodontist. Apart from being closely similar to each other, the major difference between the two is in the services they provide. We will discuss some more dissimilarities, but before that let us discuss how you can ensure good oral health at home with ease. Let’s discuss the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist in detail. How does a dentist help you The work of a Dentist comes into practice soon after their studies and training are complete. Their training and studies include learning to solve issues related to teeth filling, bridges, denture, etc. They are also professional in performing root canals. Being such a tricky task makes the most difficult profession in the medical and health care field. Sometimes, the confusion between a dentist and an orthodontist occurs because of some institutes that provide certifications to dentists in the category of orthodontic treatments. This could be seriously misleading to the people who want a licensed orthodontist. Therefore, it is advised that if you need an orthodontist, first complete your research meticulously and find a licensed orthodontist. Seeking advice from a dentist offering orthodontic treatment can be dangerous as he does not have the training and knowledge that is necessary for an orthodontist. When it comes to oral health issues and their treatment, one can never take a risk and take these things lightly. Just imagine, you would not go to a mechanic if you need to fix the leakage in the ceiling, right? You won’t go to a heart surgeon for a knee transplant, right? Similarly, you can’t go to a regular dentist for what is to be done by an orthodontist. How do Orthodontists help you Here is the difference, each and every orthodontist is a dentist, in the beginning, therefore all of them has to undergo inclusive training to become a licensed expert in the field. An orthodontist has to learn further and study more including extra training to become what they want! These training make them able enough to provide treatment for issues like malocclusion, etc. Malocclusion simply means bad bite which generally refers to misaligned teeth and jaw. Usually orthodontist study for about 10 years and more as they go through various training and learn new stuff like embryology, genetics, etc. The main essence of their training is the whole lot of hands-on training that makes them expert in diagnosing all kinds of dental problems. It takes a lot of practice, years of schooling and training to master the skills need to become an orthodontist. Only these efforts help them offer treatments like braces, jaw surgery, etc. It is rightly said that these extra trainings are equivalent to more than four thousand extra hours of learning, practice, and study. Finishing this extra training lets them work as a professional orthodontist. From the above discussion, we have the following key points to consider:- 1. Both professional doctors are experts in oral health care and come under the category of a dentist. 2. Orthodontist undergoes extra training in orthodontics which actually is the treatment of teeth irregularities. 3. Just ten percent of dentists are orthodontists, but all orthodontists are dentists. 4. If a person has issues like misalignment of teeth, then the dentists refer him to an orthodontist. 5. Fitting braces and similar devices to patients can only be done by a professional orthodontist. Conclusion Both dentist and orthodontist come under the category of a dentist. However, the difference between the two that we have discussed above clearly shows how dangerous it could be if you need a dentist and you reach out to an orthodontist or the other way around. Before you go out to solve the issues with your teeth, make sure you have done all the research and are fully aware of whether you need to go to a dentist or an orthodontist.
Straight teeth and a beautiful smile are confidence builders for people of all ages. Sometimes the cost or time commitments of braces are not available in childhood. As a result, men and women have entered adulthood with a less than perfect smile and a complex about their crooked teeth. It is never too late to have a beautiful smile. More adults than ever before are taking advantage of the affordability of braces to obtain a healthy smile and straight teeth. Clear braces for adults have increased in popularity over the past several years, and the trend is likely to continue due to the overwhelmingly popular results. While clear braces would be considered a form of cosmetic dentistry, the process doesn't need to carry the "cosmetic" cost! Overview The fields related to Orthodontic treatment have spread rapidly in recent years and this has increased the opportunity for more adult treatments options. Clear braces are probably the number one requested orthodontic treatment for adults. Dentists continue to receive a large number of inquires from adults regarding treatment options for straightening and whitening teeth. Aside from cosmetic dentistry procedures, the application of clear braces for adults has quickly risen to be the most popular procedure among the population. There are several options available, and many different types of clear braces to choose from. The Invisalign brand remains the most popular with patients and dentists, but there are also other brands to consider. Types of Clear Braces A quick glance at any brochure during a visit to the dentist will reveal the number of brands that are entering the clear braces genre. Although there are many different styles to choose from, the Invisalign option seems to have the most feedback from satisfied customers. Simpli and Smile Direct Club have both entered the realm of orthodontic treatments for adults in the past few years. Along with other cosmetic enhancing dental procedures, these options are designed for professional adults that do not have much free time to designate to complicated procedures or multiple and lengthy dentist appointments. The option to order your perfect smile by mail is now available to many residents. Benefits of Clear Braces Orthodontic treatment has never looked better than with the clear options, such as Invisalign, now available. The biggest benefit of the clear version is that there are no unsightly wires or brackets to interfere with talking or chewing. This has been the major drawback for many professional adults who chose to forego treatment because they had a fear of looking juvenile or perhaps even vain. The dental procedures for many cosmetic treatment plans have been enhanced by modern technology and continue to improve each year. Along with the perfection of specific procedures comes the reduced cost of providing such orthodontic or dental care. The affordability factor is another major benefit of receiving treatment today. Tooth straightening and tooth whitening treatments take much less time to complete than when they were first made available to the general public. The reduced time it now takes for a beautiful smile to become a reality has been a huge impact on the decision for the high number of adults signing up for Invisalign and other alternative braces treatments. Our Invisalign Process After an initial consultation, we can determine the best options for your specific needs. Upon the application of the first Invisalign treatment, we encourage you to live life as normal, eating, drinking, and smiling as you would any other day. As the teeth begin to shift into a more aesthetically pleasing formation, we will make adjustments as necessary to continue the process of alignment. Total treatment time varies by patient and the structure of the teeth, as well as adherence to the treatment plan. Most patients see results within a few weeks, and the final product is delivered within several months to two years.
At the first mention of the phrase “cosmetic dentistry,” the first things that will immediately enter your mind would probably be dental procedures that will improve the way your teeth look, and you would be right. The “cosmetic” in cosmetic dentistry indeed primarily refers to the ways to improve the appearance of one’s smile. Whether it’s simple teeth whitening or dental implant surgery, a cosmetic dentistry procedure always aims to give a patient the best possible smile he or she can flash. Dismissing cosmetic dentistry as nothing more than a way to feed one’s vanity, however, would be very wrong. Cosmetic dentistry as it stands today is so much more instrumental to dental health than you think. You can, in fact, improve dental health with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as the installation of braces and straightening teeth. If you want to know how cosmetic dentistry can boost your dental health, take a look at the following: It helps you fight cavities Many people who have crooked or misaligned teeth might think that they’re fine as long as they follow all the rules of good oral hygiene. The problem with misaligned teeth, however, is that they can make a person prone to cavities. Crooked teeth present areas that are harder to reach, and cavities can grow in those places and eventually lead to periodontal problems. Visit your neighborhood cosmetic dentist to help you straighten your teeth using braces or even Invisalign (a type of clear, removable braces), and protect yourself from cavities. It can relieve you of headaches and jaw pain People with misaligned teeth aren’t just prone to cavities. They’re also likely to suffer headaches every so often. They may also experience pain in the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. If you have crooked teeth and you constantly experience headaches and jaw pain, you might want to undergo teeth straightening procedures for relief. It prevents further dental damage Do your teeth have worn edges or hairline fractures? A cosmetic dentistry procedure called dental bonding can help retain the natural structure of your teeth, so cracked or chipped teeth won’t take a turn for the worse. It improves your bite If you have an overbite, then you probably avoid biting down on any kind of hard or crunchy food because your unbalanced bite can cause damage to your teeth. The same goes for people with underbites, crossbites, and dental crowding. Cosmetic dentistry can correct whatever issues you may have with your bite. You can go for braces, while those with severe overbites that already cause jaw problems may opt for surgery. It gives you a chance for new teeth No, we’re not talking about dentures, which are certainly temporary. We’re talking about dental implants, which are permanent. As the phrase suggests, this cosmetic dentistry procedure requires the surgical implantation of metal (typically titanium), screw-like posts into your jawbone, with the express intention of replacing your lost teeth for good. With a dental implant, you should be able to, among other things, chew food better, which in turn aids your digestion. Of course, new teeth also means the restoration of your smile. It helps boost overall health Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just improve dental health. Undergoing cosmetic dentistry procedures that make your oral and dental health better also betters your chances of avoiding illnesses such as heart disease and strokes. Research has shown that there is a link between cardiovascular diseases and the inflammation and infections that can be caused by oral bacteria. So take good care of your mouth with the help of cosmetic dentistry, and take good care of your overall wellness as well, with a lovely smile to boot!
The past years have shown us just how much valuable digital marketing trends are in boosting business performance and building brand awareness. Although traditional marketing methods still work for many dental practices, more modern methods of marketing are showing us that there are more efficient and cost-effective ways to do things. These new dental marketing trends will give you more reasons to level up your digital dental marketing game. Educating patients through the Internet Consumer these days are wiser and more curious. Whenever they come across dental problems or find interest in a specific cosmetic dentistry procedure, they often feel the need to know more about it first. And where do they go for information? The Internet, of course. Patient education has become the new go-to marketing tactic for many dental practices. The help-instead-of-sell approach proved to be more effective especially with the younger generation. Funny but true; most millennials run the other way as soon as they sense a sales pitch coming. So yes, education is key. But instead of merely showcasing your services and the latest dental innovations on blogs and websites, dental professionals should focus more on publishing content that answers patients’ questions and addresses their needs. Capture interest with more visual content Blogs, articles, and other forms of text-based content are great ways to ensure that consumers are updated and well-informed, but they can be a “snooze-fest” for some. If you really want to grow your brands’ awareness and capture the attention of as many people as possible, why don’t you try more creative means of producing content? Surveys show that most millennials prefer to consume their information through online videos. Video marketing has been generating a lot of traffic for many companies lately. If you haven’t tried it for your dental practice yet, you could be missing out. Apart from videos, there’s another marketing trend that’s slowly becoming a hit – interactive content. Detailed surveys, quizzes, infographics, and assessments are just a few examples of how you can deliver customized experiences that educate and entertain at the same time. Building brand awareness through social media Who's not on social media? Even kids and seniors have their own Facebook and Instagram pages. That said, there’s no better way to promote your brand and build awareness around your latest services than through social media platforms. A more affordable alternative to video marketing would be filming live Facebook and Instagram videos where you answer FAQs, present new dental technologies or procedures, or show a sneak-peek of your daily work process. These strategies are simple but effective in increasing both your online visibility and number of followers. Social media presence does more than let people know you exist. It also makes your practice look more relatable and approachable. Also, people nowadays use social media to gather insights and reviews. So, make sure to pay enough attention to your social media pages. Chatbots for better customer support Chatbots started gaining popularity around the end of 2017, but these days, even small businesses are beginning to use them as well. With a 24/7 A.I. chat-support, your practice can provide your website and social media visitors the information and assistance they need no matter what time it is! As dental professionals, keep in mind that the success of your practice largely depends on how effective your customer service strategy is. Chatbots would come in very handy for appointment bookings and answering basic inquiries. These will help keep your business going even when you’re occupied. Digital marketing trends have helped countless dentists grow their practices. However, these trends are called "trends" for a reason – they come and go. What might have worked for you last year may not be as effective this year. That said, you must always be on the lookout for new ways to better your online marketing strategies and keep patients coming through your doors.
There are so many firsts that your child will go through in life. Some will be huge like baby’s first steps or first words, whereas others may be a little smaller in scale. One first that parents will want to be aware of is when they should schedule their child’s first visit to the dentist. Many parents may be surprised to learn just how early that first visit is suggested, as it’s not when your child has a mouthful of teeth. Here we’ll take a look at when you should start with regular dentist visits, as well as what to expect at that visit and moving forward. Know the First Time for the First Visit The most common question parents often have about their young child and the dentist is when the right time is to schedule the first visit. Dentists recommend that as soon as their first tooth comes in, it’s time to make an appointment. At the same time that first visit should be no later than their first birthday. By scheduling their first visit so early in life, the dentist can actually take a look at how their teeth are growing and coming in, and give useful advice to parents regarding oral hygiene, potential problems that may pop up, and even tips on how you can put an end to thumb-sucking. Find a Dentist that Has Experience with Kids You will also want to be sure that you pick a dentist that has experience with kids. Kids are unique in that they don’t always sit still, they can feel scared or anxious, they tend to be pretty curious, and their oral health issues will be different than that of adults. Take Aesthetic Dental in Santa Clarita, California as an example of a dentist practice that has plenty of experience with patients of all age groups. This specialty center features a comfortable relaxed atmosphere that helps put patients at ease. Exactly what parents want for their kids. During that first visit they will work to create a follow-up plan for the child that is specific to their needs and health. Talk to Them and Prepare Them At Home First If your child is a bit older, toddler age and up, and you are getting ready for that first dental visit it’s a good idea to talk to them about what to expect beforehand. You can discuss what a dentist does, what sort of tools they will use, talk about the chair they will sit in, how they will need to open their mouth and let the dentist examine their teeth and “poke around”, and basically take away any fear or uncertainty they may have. It can also be helpful to show them some videos of kids visiting the dentist, pick up a couple books, and even schedule a walk through or meet-and-greet at the dental office before their visit. Making Sure their Oral Care is Top Priority By using these tips you’ll be working to ensure that your child’s oral care is a top priority and that they don’t have any fear about visiting the dentist.
Plaque is the soft and sticky mass of bacteria that forms and build up on the surfaces of your teeth.If they are not removed, they can harden to become tartar and can cause cavities and gum disease. Plaque can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth which can lead to gingivitis, bad breath and eventually to periodontal disease. Plaque can be removed with good oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice a day, gargle with mouthwash, and floss daily. But when it is already become hardened tartar, it must be removed by a dentist or a dental hygienist. Plaque begins when foods with sugars and starch are left on your teeth. Acids will be produced when the bacteria feeds on these food debris in your mouth, these acids in turn will cause tooth decay and destruction of the bones that supports the tooth. This situation will increase by many folds if the person does not give importance on dental hygiene. Ways to prevent dental plaque build-up: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothbrush with soft bristles. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Floss everyday to clean food debris that are left in-between spaces of the teeth. Gargle with antibacterial mouthwash to decrease the bacteria population. Be wary of some mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can dry your mouth. If you have dry mouth, means you have less saliva. If you have less saliva, you are prone to tooth decay because saliva helps neutralize plaque acids. Visit Prescott Dental Arts regularly. Drink more water to keep your mouth moist and produce more saliva. Saliva contains important elements such as bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate. They can assist to neutralize plaque acids and repair damages on the tooth. Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods promotes healthy teeth and gums. These are the foods that promotes strong teeth: Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables. Phosphorus that can be found in eggs and fish. Vitamin C that can be found in citrus fruits and tomatoes. Disclaimer: This article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
In dental practice, people think that it is not a big deal if they skip the checkups a few times; after all, they are taking good care of their teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Dental practitioners have heard their patients say that they do not need to come because there is nothing wrong based on their assumptions. Before you make such a conclusion, an experienced and reputable dentist in Coral Gables shares the negative impact that you may be exposed to by failing to visit your dentist. You are at higher risks of getting tooth decay. Bacteria are useful components in the digestive system. They are useful in breaking down the foods that we eat. However, just like other living organisms, they need to feed to live. They do so by absorbing the nutrients as well as other excrete wastes. The end result is a plaque in the mouth and if it stays in the mouth for more than 12 hours, it starts to harden and it may end up forming tartar which can only be removed by a dentist. Failure to visit a dentist makes the tartar and plaque to weaken the enamel thus leading to teeth decay. It is recommended that you should visit your dentist in Coral Gables at least every six months. You are exposed to contracting gum diseases. When the plaque and tartar develops, it not only cause tooth decay but it also causes damage to the soft tissues. The damage causes irritation and infection that may result in gum diseases. While the early stages of the gum disease have very few warning signs, if left untreated this infection can cause soft tissue recession, bad breath or even loss of teeth. You can contract oral cancer. One of the most important things that you should get checked whenever you visit your dentist in Coral Gables is the screening of oral cancer. In as much as you have gone to be checked on other things, a highly experienced dentist has the knowledge of how healthy facial, as well as oral structures should look and function. Therefore in case of an unusual condition, they will be able to note and treat it while still in the early stages otherwise it will cost you so much more if you fail to visit your dentist. With the above three effects of failing to visit your dentist, it is important that you should always include your dental visits in your diary.
Taking and drinking drinks such as coffee, tea, brandy and wines can cause stains on your teeth. Though this is true, majority of people are not aware that there are also some drinks and foods that helps whiten one’s teeth. These are the foods that you must take in consideration if you want to have shiny teeth. The good news is, you can see them everywhere, you are just not aware of them. And they are all natural. Apples & Strawberries Apples and Strawberries have high concentration of Malic acid. Malic acid increases the production of saliva, which in turn cleans your teeth and helps remove stains. Strawberries also have Ellagitannins and Vitamin C. Ellagitannins are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in your mouth. Vitamin C can help prevent gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Pineapple Pineapple contains Bromelain. Bromelain can reduce swelling and it has anti-inflammatory properties. It has also effective cleansing properties and is an effective ingredient in whitening toothpaste. Broccoli Broccoli is reportedly high in fiber which helps reduce inflammation. Broccoli is also rich in Iron which protects your teeth and helps prevent stains and cavities. Raisins Eating and chewing raisins can help clean your mouth and prevents stains and dental plaque by making the environment less acidic. Cheese Cheese contains a lot of calcium and lactic acid that makes your teeth stronger. Water Drinking plenty of water does not just keep your body hydrated, it enhances production of more saliva, which in turn cleans your teeth and helps remove stains. Tooth whitening includes bleaching your teeth to lead them to lighter. tooth whitening cannot make your teeth excellent white, however it may lighten the present color through several shades For further inquiries and help for teeth whitening, please visit your dentist. Your Paris Family Dental has more information and authority to discuss to you in detailed description regarding the processes for teeth whitening. Disclaimer: This article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Emergency situations regarding your oral health must not be taken for granted. These situations may happen when you least expect it. It can happen to you or your family, when you are all in vacation or just in your office. Like other health issues, it must require an immediate response. Any dental emergency like injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Here is a list of common dental emergency issues and what to do in different scenarios. Toothache – Try to rinse your mouth with warm water. A toothache would indicate an abscess or infection in your tooth or gums. Visit your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth that was knocked out – Try to retrieve the tooth. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. Put the tooth in a cup of water with salt. It has the high chance of being saved as long they are returned to their socket within 1 hour. If there will be pain, you can take painkillers. See your dentist as soon as possible. Broken tooth. Try to look for tooth fragments and collect them and take them to your dentist. Rinse the mouth using warm water. See your dentist as soon as possible. Lost filling. Try to put some SUGARLESS bubble gum into the cavity until you had a chance to go see the dentist. Lost crown. If the crown falls off, visit the dentist as soon as possible. Bring the crown with you so that it can be placed back. If you are experiencing any pain in your mouth, it is important that you see your Apple Blossom Dentistry as soon as possible and tell your dentist the situation you have. Some dentists have emergency dental services or you can go to your local hospital emergency room and they can help alleviate the pain. Daily brushing, gargling with mouthwash and flossing is very important in the prevention of plaque buildup and gums disease. Your gums and teeth will be healthier and stronger when you take good care of your mouth. Disclaimer: This article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Dry mouth is more than a feeling you get when thirsty. It is a condition that occurs when your salivary glands are not making enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Other names for the condition include xerostomia, doughmouth, cottonmouth and pasties. This condition not only affects your mouth. Saliva has enzymes, which helps with digestion. It prevents tooth decay by neutralizing bacteria acids, washed away food particles and limits bacterial growth. A dry mouth can go from being a nuisance to having an impact on your general health. It can affect the health of your gums and teeth, your appetite and your ability to enjoy food. What Causes Dry Mouth? This condition occurs for a number of reasons. The causes fall under four main categories, which include medications, age, cancer treatment and nerve damage. You should check the side effects on your medication. According to the American Dental Association, the most common reason for dry mouth is lack of saliva. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Saliva washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, offering first-line protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease. Many prescription and OTC medications cause this condition. These medications include decongestants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and antidepressants. Dry mouth can also occur from autoimmune disorders. Sjogren’s syndrome is a severe autoimmune disease. It makes your white blood cells attack your salivary glands and mouth. Other causes may include methamphetamine use, smoking, nervousness and stress. If you want to prevent oral issues, then you should schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Symptoms of Dry Mouth It is common for your mouth to feel dry from time to time. However, you should get worried when this feeling does not go away. If you suspect you have dry mouth, then you should look for certain symptoms. These symptoms include: Bad breath Mouth dryness Cheilitis Taste disorders Sore throat A painful tongue is another symptom of xerostomia. It causes you to feel a burning sensation. This symptom can occur all of a sudden and can be severe. Other symptoms may include tooth decay, thrush, sticky saliva and salivary gland infections. Dry Mouth Treatment Options Treatment depends on what is causing your dryness. You should start by checking your medication. If the dryness comes from medication, then you may need to change to another drug. It helps to get your salivary glands checked by a physician. If your salivary glands can still produce some saliva, then your doctor can prescribe you medication. There are medications available for stimulating your salivary glands. Taking the medication allows you to produce more saliva. Common medications used for stimulation includes Evoxac and Salogen tablets. Artificial saliva is another treatment option for xerostomia. This treatment works by using artificial saliva to keep your mouth moisture. Dry Mouth Diagnosis To diagnose xerostomia, a medical doctor or dentist will need to examine your mouth. Your physician will ask you about your medical history. He or she also will perform imaging scans and blood tests of your salivary glands. There are common tests used to make a diagnosis about xerostomia. These tests include a biopsy, saliography and sialometry. A biopsy is when a small sample of salivary gland tissue is taken. The saliography takes a radiographic examination of your ducts and salivary glands. This test can identify masses and salivary gland stones. The sialometry is a procedure that measures the flow rate of your saliva. Dry Mouth Prevention You can take a number of steps for prevention from xerostomia. When eating a meal, you should sip on water or a drink that does not contain sugar. Hydration is critical to the production of saliva. Some drinks add to the dryness. You should avoid sodas, tea, caffeine and coffee. Oral care products can help with producing more moisture in your mouth. You should get a recommendation from your dentist. Sugarless gum and candy is another way to stimulate saliva juices. It is also a good idea to avoid tobacco and alcohol. These things are very drying on your mouth. The addition of sugar and acidic foods will only add to your condition. It may help to sleep with a humidifier at night as well. Complications Associated with Dry Mouth If you experience constant mouth dryness, then it can be uncomfortable. It can also have severe consequences to your oral health. The dryness is irritating for the soft tissues in your mouth. These conditions cause your soft tissues to become irritated and more open to infections. Saliva is very cleansing without it you have to worry about tooth decay. However, it is important to keep your gums and teeth healthy to prevent complications. For more information about dry mouth symptoms, causes, and prevention, contact our dental team today. We’re happy to help answer any questions you may have. Dr. Volk is a dentist located in Port Washington, NY.