Being a teenager can be tough, and if your teen’s smile could use some improvement, it can be even more challenging. If your teen is dealing with crooked, gapped, crowded, or misaligned teeth, Invisalign may be the ideal solution to consider with their orthodontist.
In the past, metal braces were the go-to treatment for teens, but they often led to self-consciousness due to the “metal mouth” look and the concern about food getting stuck in the brackets. However, Invisalign offers a more discreet solution that provides the same effective results as traditional braces. Instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear plastic trays, making the straightening process much less noticeable.
How Invisalign Works for Teens
The Invisalign treatment begins with impressions and x-rays, which help the orthodontist understand the current condition of your teen’s teeth. A mold is made from these impressions to create custom-designed aligners. Over time, your teen will use a series of aligners to gradually straighten their teeth in a comfortable, effective way.
No Food Restrictions with Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means there are no food restrictions. Your teen can enjoy all their favorite foods without worrying about food getting stuck in their braces or damaging their hardware. Simply remove the aligners before eating and put them back in afterward.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
One of the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces is that it’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene. The aligners are removed before brushing and flossing, making it much simpler for your teen to clean their teeth. Encourage your teen to brush after meals and floss at least once a day for the best results.
Following the Plan
For Invisalign to work effectively, it’s important that your teen wears the aligners as directed by their orthodontist—typically 22 hours a day, except when eating or cleaning their teeth. Consistency is key to ensuring your teen’s teeth are straightened as efficiently as possible.
Invisalign gives your teen the chance to improve their smile discreetly and comfortably. Make sure they follow their orthodontist’s instructions to get the best results.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Meriden dental office.
There are times when a tooth is so severely damaged by decay, trauma, or cracking that a simple filling isn’t the best option. In these situations, a dental crown may be recommended to restore the tooth’s health and functionality. If a tooth is missing entirely, your dentist might suggest a dental bridge to close the gap and maintain your oral health.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a “cap,” is designed to completely cover and protect a damaged tooth. Once bonded in place, the crown offers a stable, strong, and aesthetically pleasing replacement for the original tooth. Custom-made using impressions of your teeth, the crown matches the size, shape, and position of your natural tooth for a seamless appearance.
Dental crowns are an ideal solution for a severely compromised tooth. They eliminate discomfort, provide tooth stability, and preserve your appearance. Depending on the material chosen, your crown can look and feel as natural as your original tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to span a gap caused by a missing tooth. Having such a gap isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it can lead to difficulties with chewing and speaking. Additionally, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, increasing the risk of gum disease and jaw complications.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These bordering teeth are trimmed to support crowns, which act as anchors for the bridge. Between the two crowns, a replacement tooth is custom-made to fit the space perfectly. With a dental bridge, you can regain your ability to eat and speak properly, and it helps maintain the natural shape of your face and lips.
Longevity and Care
Dental crowns and bridges are excellent long-term solutions for maintaining dental health and can last a lifetime with proper care. To avoid damage to your dental work, refrain from chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy. Additionally, maintaining regular dental checkups is essential for preserving the integrity of your crowns and bridges.
If you are considering dental crowns or bridges, visit our Meriden dental office for professional advice and personalized care.
We offer dental crowns and bridges at our Meriden dental office.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the bottom and two on top. Many people do not have enough room for these molars to emerge completely, causing them to become impacted in the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and disease. Other dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth include pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and bite alignment issues. For these reasons, your dentist may recommend having the impacted teeth removed to prevent future problems.
Surgery to extract an impacted wisdom tooth or set of wisdom teeth is usually an outpatient procedure done in your dentist or oral surgeon’s office. If the tooth or surrounding area are deemed to have an infection prior to the procedure, surgery will be delayed, and your dental professional will likely prescribe antibiotics to help heal the area.
On the day of surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area where the extracted tooth will be removed. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist or oral surgeon may also utilize a general anesthetic.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, an incision will be made to open up the gum and any bone blocking the tooth will be removed. Your dentist or surgeon will then separate the tissue connecting the bone to the tooth and extract the tooth. Some teeth are too large to remove in one piece, in which case your surgeon will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches and packed with gauze to help alleviate bleeding.
Long-term complications from impacted wisdom tooth surgery are rare. To ensure a successful recovery from this or any oral surgery, be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
We treat patients from Meriden and the surrounding area
Proper dental care should begin as early as possible, ensuring a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Children’s dental needs differ significantly from those of adults, so it’s crucial to choose a family dental practice equipped to meet the specific requirements of your youngest family members.
When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?
Your child’s first dental checkup should occur before their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth erupts. Early visits set the foundation for good oral health habits and allow your dentist to monitor your child’s developing teeth and gums.
Pediatric Dental Services to Look For
When selecting a family dental practice, consider whether they offer:
- Child-Specific Dental Health Exams and Risk Assessments: Early detection of potential issues can prevent more serious problems later.
- Preventative Oral Care: Services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay.
- Trauma Care: Treatment for dental injuries such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.
- Cavity and Defect Treatment: Managing cavities and correcting developmental dental issues.
- Gum Disease Care: Identifying and treating early signs of gum inflammation or disease.
- Orthodontic Evaluations: Assessing and addressing misaligned teeth or improper bites early in your child’s development.
Creating a Positive Experience for Children
A welcoming and child-friendly environment is key to making dental visits enjoyable. Look for practices that offer:
- Game rooms, videos, or other amenities to entertain children.
- Prizes or rewards to celebrate successful visits.
- Policies allowing parents to accompany children into the treatment room for added reassurance.
Building Lifelong Habits
Regular dental visits—every six months—are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. Children aren’t born with a fear of the dentist; with the right family dental practice, they can develop positive associations with dental care.
Take the time to find a family dentist who understands the special attention children require. This investment will help ensure that your entire family looks forward to their dental visits and enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Meriden dental office now and experience personalized care.
Many people use mouthwash to freshen their breath quickly, but it offers several additional benefits beyond that.
Reduces Bacteria
Antiseptic and anti-plaque mouthwashes are designed to kill germs that contribute to gum disease, plaque buildup, and bad breath. Swishing with these mouthwashes after brushing can significantly lower bacteria levels, reducing the risk of these problems. This is especially beneficial for older adults or those who have difficulty brushing and flossing effectively.
Promotes Healing
Mouthwashes with antiseptic properties can aid in the healing of mouth and gum irritations, minor wounds, and canker sores. These rinses help remove debris that can further irritate your mouth and reduce inflammation caused by dental or orthodontic appliances.
Adds Fluoride
Some mouthwashes contain fluoride, which strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that using fluoride mouthwash, in addition to fluoride toothpaste, provides more protection against cavities than toothpaste alone. However, fluoride mouthwash is not recommended for children under six, as they may accidentally swallow it.
Relieves Pain
Antiseptic mouthwashes can help alleviate tooth pain, likely by reducing bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.
Helps with Certain Conditions
Dentists may prescribe specialized mouthwashes to address specific oral conditions, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or a high risk of tooth decay. These rinses may also be recommended after periodontal treatments or oral surgeries.
Supplements Dental Hygiene
While mouthwash can complement your oral hygiene routine, it’s important to remember that it should never replace regular brushing and flossing. It is a helpful addition to maintaining a healthy mouth.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Meriden dental office!
Cold Sores and Fever Blisters: What You Need to Know
Fun in the summer sun can sometimes lead to cold sores and fever blisters, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These sores are contagious and spread through contact with saliva or skin. Most people are exposed to HSV-1 by the time they’re 10 years old, and after the initial infection, the virus stays dormant until triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure.
Symptoms and Outbreaks
The first exposure to the virus can cause symptoms like:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Painful swelling
- Open mouth sores
Cold sores typically appear around the edges of the lips, often starting with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by redness and swelling. One or more blisters usually form within 24 to 48 hours.
How Long Do Cold Sores Last?
Initial outbreaks can last 7 to 14 days, with the blisters crusting over within a few days and healing in 10 days. While medical treatment is often not necessary after the first outbreak, keeping the affected area clean and using topical medications can reduce symptoms and help speed healing.
Prevention Tips
To avoid spreading the virus, avoid kissing others or having close contact with them when you have an active fever blister. To prevent cold sores caused by sun exposure, apply sunscreen to your lips.
For more information or treatment options, contact our dentist in Meriden.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Meriden dental office to schedule your consultation!
