You live in the golden age of toothbrushes. Until a few decades ago, people used twigs or brushes made from animal hair to clean their teeth: not very soft and none too effective. Now you have a choice of manual brushes with soft, medium, or hard bristles. Or you might choose to go with an electric toothbrush instead.
Have you ever wondered whether manual or electric brushes provide better cleaning? Actually, they both do the job. The key is to brush and floss every day, regardless of the kind of brush you prefer. At our office, we like to say the best brush is the one you’ll use. So if you prefer manual, go for it. If you prefer electric, turn it on. Both types have their advantages but both types will get the job done as far as removing plaque, if used properly.

Electric Toothbrushes

• Provide power rotation that helps loosen plaque
• Are great for people with limited dexterity due to arthritis or other physical limitations
• Are popular with kids who think the electric brushes are more fun to use
• Can come with variable speeds to help reduce pressure on sensitive teeth and gums
• Uses timers to ensure you brush evenly across the four quadrants of your mouth and for the optimal two minutes each session

Manual Toothbrushes

• Can help brushers feel they have more control over the brushing process
• Allow brushers to respond to twinges and reduce the pressure applied to sensitive teeth and gums
• Are more convenient for packing when traveling
• Are cheaper and easier to replace than the electric versions

In many ways, the golden age is just beginning. There are already phone apps available to remind you to brush and floss. New apps can play two minutes worth of music while you brush, help you compare the brightness of your smile, or remind you to brush and floss throughout the day. Maybe someday, there will be an app that examines your teeth after brushing to identify spots you might have missed

When you think of a person wearing braces, the first image that likely pops into your head is an awkward middle-school child with a mouth full of metal brackets and rubber bands. The vast majority of our patients don’t fit that stereotype, however.

We have patients of all ages who take advantage of a broad variety of orthodontic treatments. There are many misconceptions about orthodontics, so we’d like to put a few of them to rest.

1. Orthodontic treatment is just for kids
   Although teenagers often visit our office to get braces, adults represent a growing proportion of our orthodontic patients. Whether you’re eight or 80, a consultation with our orthodontists can identify problems with your teeth, jaws, or bite that can be corrected by orthodontics.
2. Traditional metal braces are my only option
   Advances in orthodontic technology have come up with improved braces and other orthodontic appliances that are much less noticeable than the braces of yesteryear. Aesthetic orthodontic treatments, such as clear aligners, clear braces, and even lingual (behind the teeth) braces are available to you.
3. Orthodontic treatment is only helpful for crooked teeth
   Sure, a crooked smile is a common reason for patients to seek orthodontic care. But orthodontic interventions can help with a range of dental health problems. From missing teeth to overbites and jaw misalignment, we can help with many problems related to your teeth, gums, and jaws. Straight teeth are also easier to keep clean, so there’s less risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Orthodontic treatment is too expensive
   As with any medical procedure, orthodontics can be pricey. However, our team works with patients to identify payment plans, insurance coverage, and third-party financing that reduce the financial burden. Don’t let preconceived ideas about braces deter you from getting the orthodontic care you need!

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people even know you’re in treatment? You’re not alone in your concerns! Here are some of the most common questions we hear about Invisalign.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to move teeth into their proper positions. The aligners are created with 3D computer imaging technology and custom-made for your smile. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks before they’re replaced by the next in the series. To be effective, the aligners must be worn at all times except when you eat, brush, and floss.

Is Invisalign uncomfortable?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and a sign that Invisalign is working to move your teeth to their new, straightened positions. Once your mouth has acclimated to the new aligners, you probably won’t even notice you’re wearing them! Invisalign doesn’t use metal brackets or wires like traditional braces, so you don’t need to worry about gum irritation.

Can other people tell that I’m using Invisalign?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without friends, family, or your coworkers knowing!

What foods should I avoid during Invisalign treatment?

Another great advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, so you can eat whatever you want during the entire course of treatment. Simply take your aligners out before each meal, brush when you’re finished eating, then replace your aligners.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend you remove your aligners for all meals and snacks, because gum and other chewy substances can stick to them.

Can I smoke during treatment?

Smoking is a dangerous habit that has serious health repercussions. We discourage smoking at all times, but especially when you’re using Invisalign, because the aligners may become discolored.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How often must I visit the office during treatment?

For most patients, visits to our office every four to six weeks are frequent enough for us to make sure your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.
If you have additional questions about treatment with Invisalign, contact our office!

Just brushing your teeth isn't enough to keep your mouth clean and prevent disease. The tissue between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach is more prone to infection. That is why flossing regularly is just as essential to your overall oral health care as brushing. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests flossing at least once a day to promote total oral health.

Why should you floss?

Flossing removes plaque from the areas of your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t reach. If you don’t remove this plaque, it can harden into calculus or tartar which can cause infection or disease. Two common issues associated with not flossing include gingivitis (gum infection) and periodontitis (gum disease), both of which can lead to the loss of a once-healthy tooth.

When should you floss?

In the end, it does not matter if you floss during the day or the night, as long as you floss regularly. The best way to make sure that you’re flossing on a regular basis is to make it a part of your daily routine. If you feel too tired at night, try flossing in the mornings. If your mornings feel too rushed, make flossing a regular part of your nightly ritual.

Here are some helpful flossing tips from the ADA:

• Flossing is necessary for children who have at least two teeth that touch. If your child is not yet able to floss effectively by themselves, help them floss and make it a regular part of their teeth-brushing routine.
• Try different flossing methods and find one that works best for you. Those who have difficulty flossing may like using a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, or even just a different type of floss.
• If you experience pain when you first start flossing, this pain should ease within a week or two of regular flossing and brushing. If you still experience discomfort after you have been flossing regularly, consult your dentist.

No matter when you floss or what type of floss you use, make sure that you floss on a regular basis. If you find it difficult or you are not sure if you’re flossing effectively, consult a member of our team. Though flossing may add just one more step to your daily routine, it’s just as important to achieving a healthy smile as brushing.

- See more at: http://www.sesamecommunications.com/ppnarticles/flossing-just-as-important-as-brushing/#sthash.Wvlr6IXd.dpuf