Did your orthodontist in Tamarac mention that you’ll get elastics during your next appointment? Did you ask what those are for? Elastics are essential in your orthodontic treatment. These elastic bands help correct misaligned teeth and malocclusion (underbite, overbite, crossbite, and open bite) by applying additional force to certain areas of your mouth. Patients who use elastics have a shorter treatment time than those who don’t.
There are two different types of elastics. The first are the tiny colorful rings that are placed around each bracket. This elastic ring applies force to your teeth to move them into the proper position. Your orthodontist usually offers different elastic colors during your appointments. You can request to change the colors whenever you come back to the office for an adjustment.
The second type of elastic is the one that’s between your top and bottom jaws. Not everyone is required to wear this type of elastic. It’s usually recommended for people who have jaw alignment issues.
There are three classes of elastics.
· Class 1 is designed to close tooth gaps between your teeth.
· Class 2 works by pulling your upper teeth back and moving your lower teeth forward.
· Class 3 functions by pulling your lower teeth back and your upper teeth forward.
The force applied by these elastic bands is categorized as light, medium, and heavy. They also come in various sizes.
You need to wear elastic rings throughout your treatment. But for the second type, you’re only required to wear them for a couple of weeks since your teeth move quickly, and the distance they need to close isn’t far. However, those with severe bite problems may be asked to wear them for a year.
Do you have questions about braces? Feel free to ask us! At TLC Dental, we provide a wide array of orthodontic treatments for you to choose from. Our friendly staff will accommodate you and answer all your questions. We take pride in our latest systems, methods, and technology to create lasting smiles. Contact us today for an appointment.
When should your child's first dental appointment be scheduled? This is one of the top questions every pediatric dentist in Fort Lauderdale is asked. A lot of parents are unaware that infants and young children can get cavities, but they do. Your kid's new teeth could start to deteriorate as soon as they erupt. This is why it's crucial to arrange for a dental examination as soon as their first tooth erupts.
In fact, even if no teeth have yet come in, the CDC, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all advises that you bring your kid in for a dental examination no later than their first birthday. Surprised? Read on to know why.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that you take your kid to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible after any of the following two milestones: (1) when their first tooth erupts and (2) their first birthday. Yes, when your child is still a newborn, you should take them to the dentist.
If you think that taking your child to the dentist by the time they turn one year old seems early, keep in mind that more than 21% of American children between the ages of two and five have cavities. Also, kids who go to the dentist by the time they turn one may have less tooth decay than kids who wait until they are older. In fact, a child's likelihood of developing tooth decay nearly doubles every year after their first birthday.
To begin with, a lot of parents are unaware of what they don't know about their kid's oral health. There is a lot of inaccurate information about dental health out there. Additionally, your kid’s dentist will be able to work with you to try to cure any early decay that is already showing on your little one's teeth before it turns into a cavity. You have a better chance of being able to stop any tooth decay before it permanently harms the tooth if you take them to the dentist as soon as possible.
Early cavity treatment is crucial. Early childhood tooth decay is very aggressive and, if left unaddressed, can soon cause catastrophic infections and tooth loss. Call us!
The last time you had your braces in Tamarac adjusted, you had trouble eating for a couple of days because of the discomfort. Now that it’s time for another adjustment, you decide to cancel because you don’t want to go through the pain and inconveniences that come with braces adjustments.
Unfortunately, getting braces is a long-term commitment, and part of your responsibility is to show up for your braces adjustments. Although the average treatment time for braces can vary, yours can take much longer if you stop visiting your orthodontist. Here’s what it means if you continue wearing your braces and not have them adjusted.
Braces are designed to move your teeth so that they shift toward the direction planned by your orthodontist to correct misalignment and close tooth gaps. The movement is only possible if your orthodontist adjusts and tightens your braces every six to eight weeks.
Your teeth will stop moving when you don’t show up for your adjustment appointment. Studies show that when people wear braces for too long, it will affect their oral health.
Having metal brackets on every tooth can make it challenging for you to keep them clean. You have to be thorough with your brushing and flossing. It’s also essential to use special cleaning devices designed for braces.
If you’re not committed, plaque and tartar will eventually accumulate around them, putting you at risk of gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Orthodontists not only make certain adjustments to your wires, but they also check your teeth and offer cleaning when necessary to prevent plaque and tartar formation.
We understand your worries and fears, which is why at TLC Dental, we strive to provide our patients with a relaxing and comfortable environment to keep them at ease during their dental appointment. We also offer patient education to help deal with braces pain after an adjustment. Contact us today to learn more.
Have you been putting off your dental appointments because you think you could fix tooth pain without the help of a dentist in Coral Springs, FL? Some people are so confident that Google can solve all their problems, including tooth pain. As a consequence, they resort to self-medication. You are mistaken if you think you could treat dental issues by yourself just by using search engine sites. Doing so can put your oral health and life at risk.
When you’re experiencing tooth pain, the best course of action is to consult with a dental health expert. Your dentist will perform an oral exam and run some tests to determine what’s causing the pain. Once the root cause is addressed, only then will you be able to experience pain relief.
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The most common type of tooth pain is described as dull and persistent. There are many reasons why you may experience dull tooth pain. It could be because food debris is stuck between your teeth or gums, teeth grinding, or an abscess. If it’s food, all you need is to floss and rinse your mouth with water.
These actions can help dislodge the food stuck in your teeth and gums. The dentist will likely prescribe a mouthguard when the cause is bruxism or teeth grinding. A tooth abscess is a dental emergency that should be treated immediately to stop the infection from spreading.
Tooth pain triggered by hot and cold food and drinks will also warrant a visit to your dentist. Pay attention to what triggers the pain and take note of how long the pain usually lasts. If it only lasts temporarily and the pain is tolerable, it could be because of a worn-down enamel, but if your pain is intense and lasts for more than thirty seconds, it could be serious. The only way to find out is to have your dentist check your mouth.
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If you experience any kind of tooth pain, let your dentist know about it right away. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with the best possible care so that you can have your smile and oral function restored in no time. Our team will accommodate you until you meet your goals. Contact us today for a reservation.
If you have spacing problems or an incorrect bite, don’t be surprised if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist in South Florida. Contrary to popular belief, braces are not just for teenagers. These teeth-straightening appliances are designed for people of all ages with orthodontic problems.
Although metal braces may look uncomfortable, and perhaps you’ve heard of stories of braces wearers complaining of pain post adjustment, all these sacrifices are worth it because once you complete the treatment, you’ll love your new smile. In addition, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your oral health.
An overbite is when your bottom teeth hit the roof of your mouth when you bite. A pronounced overbite is when you are asked to bite, and your lower teeth disappear entirely. Without treatment, people with pronounced overbites can suffer damage to their gum tissues and front teeth. Braces can help fix even the most pronounced overbite.
The opposite of overbite is an underbite, a condition wherein your lower teeth overlap with your front teeth. The good news is that this, too, can be treated with braces. Underbites should be corrected because if left untreated, they can increase your risk of oral injury when you eat and talk.
If your teeth have wide gaps, you need to see an orthodontist. People may think tooth gaps are merely a cosmetic concern, but it’s just one of the many problems spacing creates.
Closing tooth gaps will help protect your oral health because if your teeth have wide spaces between them, food particles can get lodged in your gum's tissues, leading to gum problems, cavities in the rest of your teeth, and even bad breath.
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If you have an odd bite that’s causing you problems or wide tooth gaps, we can help you. At TLC Dental, we strive to improve your smile and oral health with our wide range of affordable dental treatments. We provide various orthodontic devices that suit your needs and budget. Contact us today for a reservation.
What’s stopping you from getting dental implants in Hollywood? Is it because it’s a surgical procedure that comes with risks? Millions of Americans get dental implants every year, and do you know why? The procedure has an impressively high success rate of up to 98%. Although it comes with some health risks, problems arising from dental implant placement are rare and can easily be treated.
The process of getting dental implants involves several steps and can take months to complete. First, it starts with an initial consultation. Your oral surgeon will assess your general health and the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you qualify for surgery.
Part of the eligibility criteria is sufficient bone mass to anchor the implants securely. Patients whose jawbones are too thin or too soft are usually advised to undergo bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure that aims to rebuild and restructure your jawbone.
On the day of the surgery, the site will be anesthetized so you won’t feel pain. An incision is made in your gum tissue to access the jawbone. Tiny holes are drilled into your jawbone, where the implants will be placed.
When osteointegration is successfully achieved, the abutments are placed next. These are connectors to which the crowns will be attached.
When your gums have healed, an impression or scan of your mouth is taken to make the crowns. The crowns are designed to look natural to give you a seamless smile.
At TLC Dental, we offer affordable tooth replacement solutions to give you a beautiful and functional smile. Our team has years of experience in the industry, and we'll do everything possible to meet and even exceed your expectations. Contact us today for a reservation.
Your partner thinks you don’t need to visit an orthodontist in North Lauderdale because they find your crooked teeth adorable. They say you should accept your flaws. In fact, they urge you to embrace them. And while this may apply to other aspects of your life, for you, crooked teeth just doesn’t seem to be one of them.
Unfortunately, if you don’t get severe misalignment issues adjusted, your oral health could even suffer the consequences. Crooked teeth are not always just a cosmetic concern. Neglecting to seek treatment can impact your dental health in more ways than one.
Whether your teeth are straight or crooked, plaque is ever-present and constantly forms on your teeth. It’s a sticky film that contains harmful bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque within 24-72 hours, it can quickly calcify and turn into hardened tartar.
This is unfortunate for people with crooked teeth because they are twice as likely to develop tartar due to teeth misalignment. When teeth are crooked, plaque can develop in the tiny spaces they create, putting you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Did you know that crooked teeth can also affect your bite? If your teeth don’t meet correctly, the pressure distributed to your jaws when you bite becomes uneven. Consequently, it forces your muscles and jaw joints to work harder. The imbalance can lead to further teeth misalignment exacerbating the effects of crooked teeth.
The good news is that there are many ways to correct crooked teeth. At TLC Dental, we offer an array of orthodontic treatments for you to choose from. Our team has years of training, education, and experience to provide you with the best care at affordable rates. To learn more, schedule a consultation with us today.
Is your child scared of a pediatric dentist in Fort Lauderdale? If yes, don’t worry too much about it because it’s not a hopeless case. There are many reasons why children develop dental fears. Even many adults are scared of the dentist.
But how do these fears develop, and what can you do about them? As parents, you should never give up. Part of maintaining good oral health is to ensure that your children visit their dentist at least twice a year. These visits should start as early as six months old or when their first tooth erupts.
Fear can sometimes stem from the unknown. Children who don’t know what to expect develop unpleasant feelings toward dental visits.
If you take the time to talk to your child and explain that a dentist can help protect their teeth against painful cavities and tooth decay, your child will have a new appreciation of dental checkups. And who knows? The idea of a dental superhero might get them excited!
One of the ways to get your child to acquiesce is to inspire them that dental visits are okay and that there’s nothing to worry about. But be mindful because if you also have a negative attitude toward oral exams and cleanings, your child will pick up on those. So be careful with your actions because your children are watching you.
According to studies, having a parent model helps lower the average heart rate of children when they are in the dental office. In other words, they feel calmer when their parents are relaxed during their checkups.
It truly helps to find a reliable pediatric dentist for your children to make their visits smooth and comfortable. TLC Dental provides a wide array of dental treatments tailored to your children’s needs. Our experienced pediatric dentists know how to handle children so that they feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits. Contact us today for a reservation.
Have you ever wondered what life is like without teeth? Your dentist in Tamarac would always urge you to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Tooth loss is not just a superficial cosmetic issue. Studies reveal that people with missing teeth are more prone to experience oral health problems than those who underwent restorative dental care. If you’re looking for a reliable tooth replacement solution, we suggest giving dental implants some thought.
Dental implants resemble natural teeth in so many ways. First, they act as artificial tooth roots offering a secure foundation for your dental crowns. Next, the crowns are ingeniously designed to mimic the physical features of real teeth.
Once they are in your mouth, no one can distinguish between the implants and your existing teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will also ensure that the crowns have the same color as your nearby teeth for a seamless look.
Many denture wearers don’t feel confident when they laugh or speak for fear that their dentures might accidentally slip out of their mouths. Dentures also require regular readjustments to get a perfect fit. Meanwhile, dental implants are stable once they are implanted. Readjustments are not necessary.
If you’ve recently lost some of your teeth and looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants are the best! They offer convenience, durability, and stability unlike any other! Plus, they impeccably mimic the attributes of natural teeth and give you a beautiful and natural-looking smile.
At TLC Dental, we offer a wide range of tooth replacement options, including dental implant surgery. Our team has the knowledge and skills to give you the best care. Contact us today for a reservation.
How do you feel about the quote, “Share your smile with the world. It’s a symbol of friendship and peace,” by Christie Brinkley? If it made you cringe, it might be time to see your dentist in Tamarac. Is it possible to achieve a great smile? The answer is yes, but you need to be proactive. You can’t just laze around, skip dental appointments, do nothing, and expect to have a beautiful and healthy smile. It takes sacrifice and effort to be able to share your smile with the world confidently.
People with beautiful smiles spend two minutes twice a day thoroughly brushing their teeth, ensuring that plaque and tartar don’t build up on the surface and along the gumline. And they don’t stop there.
Aside from brushing, they also make an effort to floss each tooth to remove food particles and plaque lodged in the tiny spaces between their teeth. Your family dentists suggest you use toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance on the label for added protection.
Dental appointments are essential for your oral health because it allows your family dentist to evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. If a problem is detected, a treatment plan is made to stop it from spreading and wreaking havoc in your mouth.
Part of your bi-annual dental visit is a routine in-office tooth cleaning. This procedure aims to remove all traces of plaque and tartar that you may have missed in your oral care routine.
If you’re looking for a family dentist who can help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health, we’re the best person for the job. At TLC Dental, we provide our patients with superior quality dental care at an affordable price. Our team has the training and experience to give you the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to request a reservation.
