Author: Maindentistry_aDMeeN

Invisalign VS. Candid

Invisalign is a popular brand of clear teeth aligners introduced in 1997. Its popularity has heightened over the years due to advancements in the beauty and cosmetic industry. It has provided many patients with an aesthetically-pleasing alternative for shifting teeth instead of getting metal braces.

Candid, a lot like Invisalign is a brand of clear teeth aligners that improves teeth’ alignment and positioning. The brand was launched sometime in 2017 to better service provision in orthodontic dentistry. The idea behind Candid aligners is to eliminate too many middlemen between the patient and access to orthodontic aligners for shifting teeth. Instead, it introduces a virtual approach to realigning teeth.

Similarities Between Invisalign and Candid

Unless you are keen to inquire, you will hardly notice the difference between Candid and Invisalign in The Colony, TX. Some of the areas they are similar are:

1. Aesthetics – both teeth aligners are transparent, making them virtually invisible when you wear them. They allow you to flaunt your smile even as you undergo orthodontic treatment.
2. Custom-made aligners – both Candid and Invisalign aligners are customized to fit your smile. Usually, the orthodontist will take impressions of your mouth to create a mold that helps customize your teeth aligners. The consequence is that your clear aligners will fit well, optimizing your comfort while moving your teeth.
3. Removability – you have the freedom to eat whatever you want when you get Candid or Invisalign aligners since they are removable.
4. Wear time – both teeth aligners require a wear time of about 20-22 hours daily. It allows them to apply continuous and controlled pressure on your teeth to cause necessary changes.
5. You must wear retainers after your treatment – although different types of retainers may be used for Candid and Invisalign teeth aligners, you must get them to hold your teeth in place after you complete your treatment.

We Have the Following Promotions

Benefits of Invisalign

1. They are ideal for correcting mild and moderate alignment issues – you do not need to get metal braces when Invisalign can get the job done quicker.
2. They are popular clear aligners – therefore, their accessibility in different parts of the world is better than alternative clear aligners.
3. Wide range of treatment. Invisalign teeth aligners can handle complex teeth alignment issues because Invisalign uses special elastics and attachments or buttons that assist in the shifting of teeth.

Benefits of Candid

1. It works quickly – you will not have to endure long months of orthodontic treatment to achieve your desired smile.
2. No monthly office visits are necessary – if you dread frequent dental visits, Candid teeth aligners are ideal. Instead of visiting us at Main Dentistry each month, you can rely on the CandidApp or CandidMonitoring™ telehealth platform to liaise with your orthodontist for remote monitoring in the comfort of your home.
3. Flexibility and convenience – when you begin your orthodontic treatment with candid aligners in the Colony, TX, your orthodontist will simplify your treatment by sending your all of the aligner trays you will need throughout your treatment.
4. Efficacy – Candid teeth aligners are cost and time effective. Since most of your orthodontic treatment occurs online, it saves time and money involved with typical orthodontic procedures.
5. Candid is affordable – it costs about $4,600 to $6,000 to get treatment with Candid aligners.
6. Whiter teeth during and after treatment – every Candid purchase comes with free whitening foam that can help maintain a white and bright smile. The better news is that the whitening foam also disinfects the aligners to keep your breath fresh.
7. Wide range of treatment. CandidPro aligners can handle the same complex teeth alignment issues as other clear aligner brands because CandidPro also offers elastics and attachments that assist in the shifting of teeth.

Invisalign VS. Candid: Which is faster?

One of the main comparisons patients care for regarding clear aligners is their ability to realize desired results quickly. While both Invisalign and Candid are effective for moving teeth, dentists in the Colony, TX, agree that Candid aligners are faster than Invisalign. It should take 4 to 12 months to fix your smile with Candid aligners instead of 12 to 18 months with Invisalign. However, various factors weigh into the success and speed of your treatment, including the complexity of your malalignment.

Autumn is here; it is time to take our hats, gloves, and coats out of storage. Unfortunately, with a lot of hot drinks and thanksgiving around the corner, autumn has a lot of traps for your oral health. Here are some tips that will help you maintain good oral health while enjoying the season.

Why is Autumn a Good Time to Focus on Dental Health?

The autumn season is packed with different things; schools are reopening, football seasons, parties, cooler days, thanksgiving, and so much more. But, for most people, it means that they will be busier hence less time outdoors or even visiting their dentist.

The more frequent events and gatherings may also increase food intake. With all this, maintaining one’s oral health may become challenging and hence may lead to dental health problems, including cavities and tooth decay.

At Main Dentistry, we strive to help you maintain and improve oral health while enjoying the seasons. The change in seasons changes your oral health care needs and trends. That’s why we have outlined some tips below to help you maintain your oral health during the autumn season.

Tips for Optimal Dental Health This Autumn

Some of the tips to help you improve and maintain your oral health this fall season includes:

1. Regular Flossing and Brushing

Practicing good oral hygiene helps maintain the health and strength of your teeth and gums. Brush after every meal using a soft bristles brush and fluoride toothpaste. Do not forget to floss at least once a day.

2. Moderate your coffee and tea intake

Coffee and tea are great beverages that are best enjoyed hot in autumn. However, tee beverages can stain your teeth. Instead of sacrificing your favorite drinks, your dentist may recommend that you opt for green that benefits your health.

3. Avoid sticky candy

Sticky candy will cling to your teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that may cause cavities. So instead of gummy bears, opt for dissolvable sweets.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water will keep you hydrated and wash away any remaining food particles, candy, and sweets from your teeth. Instead of bottled water, switch to fluorinated tap water that can help prevent cavities.

5. Protect your mouth with certain foods

Autumn is the season that rewards us with foods that help us maintain our oral health. Apples and pears, for instance, are nutritious and can help naturally clean the surface of your gums and teeth.

6. Avoid Smoking

Smoking not only causes stains in your teeth but also weakens your immune system and increases the chances of oral cancer.

7. Visit Your Family Dentist at The Colony, TX.

The best way to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy during autumn is to visit your dentist regularly. No matter the kind of dental problem you have, our dentist will help you.

Prevention is Key

The best prevention of your oral health starts at home. Preventive dental procedures also help in the early detection of dental problems that may be costly or time-consuming. You should not underestimate the importance of brushing and flossing. Still, other office treatments available at our preventive dentistry at The Colony, TX, are also important in preventing dental problems. They include:

• Dental Sealants help prevent tooth decay. They are made from plastic and were created to interfere with plaque formation, which causes cavities in your teeth.
• Night guards that protect against grinding and clenching your teeth at night. This can cause your teeth to crack, chip or break. We also have sports guards that protect your teeth in contact sports.
• A professional dental cleaning thoroughly cleans your teeth and removes plaque, tartar, and apple fluoride treatment that will help strengthen your teeth.

What to Do If You Have Dental Health Concerns

If you have oral health concerns, the best thing to do is visit your dentist at The Colony, TX. During the consultation appointment, your dentist will explain how to maintain ideal dental health.

Your dentist may also perform other dental procedures like professional tooth cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They will also recommend specialists to perform additional procedures such as orthodontic or cosmetic dental procedures if required.

Several dental problems can affect your smile. These dental problems include periodontitis, gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth crowding. However, this does not mean you cannot smile again with confidence. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are dental procedures that can revitalize your smile. These procedures include dental bonding, enamel shaping, teeth whitening, and gum reshaping. In addition to that, there are dental appliances that can improve your smile. They include braces, dental fillings, dentures, and dental bridges.

Let’s dive in and give you vital information about getting a smile makeover in colony, TX.

Who Is a Good Candidate for A Smile Makeover?

It is imperative to note that children rarely go through a smile makeover only when they have been involved in an accident or were born with a serious condition. This is because children’s teeth are not fully grown and therefore are prone to developmental problems.

For adults, any patient can go for a smile makeover as an adult’s teeth are fully grown; therefore, the makeover will not affect the nerves and roots of the teeth.

The dentist in the colony, TX, recommends that patients who want to improve their smile should have good overall health. This is essential as some of these dental procedures can put the patient’s health at risk. Health conditions like high blood pressure or heart complications are some of the illnesses that can hinder a successful smile makeover.

Patients with missing teeth are also good candidates for a smile makeover. The family dentist in the colony, TX, will be able to perform a smile makeover by installing artificial teeth to make your smile look better.

Furthermore, it is important to have healthy gums before the dentist can revitalize your smile. This is because gums are prone to dental diseases, so it is important that your gums are in good health to prevent gum infection as it can cause long-term damage to your teeth and overall health.

How Is a Smile Makeover Performed?

A cosmetic dentist usually performs this cosmetic procedure. First, you will book an appointment with the dentist so that you discuss your concerns and desires. After that, the dentist will give you all the options depending on your needs.

Problems that can be fixed with a smile makeover include misaligned teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, cracked teeth, and so forth.

Once the cosmetic dentist has determined what dental procedure to perform, they will notify you and begin working on your teeth. It is essential to note that every smile makeover is unique to the patient’s needs. Therefore, it can take you multiple dental visits so the dentist can complete the smile makeover.

What Are the Risks Associated with A Smile Makeover?

Although there are a lot of benefits associated with a smile makeover, there are complications you can experience after the treatment.

First, if you have undergone teeth whitening, this treatment can leave your teeth sensitive to hot and cold beverages. This sensitivity should reduce after a few days.

Dental appliances like dental veneers can lead to pain if they do not fit properly. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the dentist in The colony, TX, so that they can adjust your veneers to fit well.

Patients can go for a smile makeover just to have perfectly aligned teeth, which can cause unnecessary damage to perfectly healthy teeth. On top of that, dental procedures like getting dental bonding and veneers can affect natural-looking teeth.

What Are the Post-Operative Instructions Following A Smile Makeover?

The first guideline that every patient should follow after a smile makeover is brushing regularly. Maintaining good oral hygiene will ensure that you keep that healthy-looking smile.

Ice packs are essential after undergoing most dental procedures. This is because an ice pack helps to reduce inflammation and swelling around the area the dentist was working on.

Smoking is not advised whether or not you have undergone a smile make-over. This is because smoking damages your gums and stains your teeth.

A follow-up appointment is important in ensuring that your oral health is up to standards. Visit Main Dentistry, and our dentist will monitor your oral health to ensure your smile makeover lasts a lifetime.

What Is TMJ Pain and What Are the Symptoms?

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, a connective tissue that links the jawbone to the skull. The acronym also refers to the disorder that affects this connective tissue, making it dysfunctional. Therefore, TMJ points to the dysfunction of the connective tissue linking the jawbone to the skull.

Unfortunately, TMJ is a common problem in dentistry, affecting children and adults alike. Some of the pointers that you have TMJ disorders are:

1. Jaw pain – especially when you chew
2. Jaw lock – when the mouth keeps getting stuck in the open-mouth position, like when you yawn.
3. Swollen and tender jaw
4. Uneven bite
5. Migraine headaches
6. Ear pain
7. Clicking sounds when you move your mouth

What Are the Causes of TMJ?

The causes of TMJ pain develop due to different reasons, including the following:

1. Dental trauma – dental-related injuries or accidents are the most common causes of TMJ pain.
2. Bruxism – is a condition featuring excessive teeth grinding. Teeth grinding places unwanted pressure on teeth and the jawbone, likely resulting in TMJ pain.
3. Clenching – is common when you are stressed, anxious or depressed.
4. Poor posture – your sleeping position can be the reason you have jaw pain. Sleeping on your side with an uncomfortable pillow can aggravate jaw pain.
5. Underlying health problems – patients with bone-related health issues can suffer TMJ pain, for example, arthritis or bone cancer.

How is TMJ Treated?

TMJ treatment in Colony, TX, differs from one patient to another depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Some patients need medication, others lifestyle changes, and other drastic surgical measures. Visit us at Main Dentistry to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition. The common treatment approaches for TMJ are:

1. Jaw exercises – your dentist in the Colony, TX, will recommend some jaw movements that will stretch, strengthen and relax the muscles while reducing the swelling in the connective tissue. Your dentist may also recommend massages for the jaw to complement the jaw exercises.
2. Mouthguards – are protectors for the oral cavity. They cushion your teeth to reduce clenching, reducing the pressure you exert on your jawbone. Mouthguards are especially crucial for patients that partake in high-contact activities and sports.
3. Changing sleeping position – your dentist may recommend replacing your pillow ad adopting a different sleeping posture to improve your TMJ symptoms.
4. Compressions – hot or cold compressing can alleviate swelling and pain in your jawbone.
5. Pain medication – ensure your dentist prescribes medicine suitable for pain management for your jaw instead of randomly purchasing over-the-counter pain relievers to suppress the pain.
6. Injections – neurotoxin injections like Botox can relieve pain in your joint hence treating TMJ.
7. Open-joint surgery – when the conservative approaches for treating TMJ pain do not work, your dentist will recommend surgery. The procedure will repair and restore the discs in the connective joint.

How Can I Find a Good TMJ Treatment Specialist?

Finding a good specialist for TMJ treatment is crucial if you want to treat the jaw pain permanently. Besides, TMJ causes various problems to your health, spreading the pain to your head and neck. Some tips for finding a good TMJ specialist are:

1. Experience – find a dentist who has had several years of active practice in treating and managing TMJ. Besides, find out whether your dentist has up-to-date knowledge relevant for treating TMJ in modern dentistry.
2. Individualized treatment options – TMJ affects patients differently. Therefore, you need a specialist that can tailor a treatment plan to your condition after a compressive evaluation of the cause of your TMJ pain.
3. Get referrals – other patients who have had successful experiences with dentists can point you in the right direction.
4. Trust your instincts – even though everyone praises that specialist, if something feels off to you are visiting, find a different one. It is crucial to pick a dental expert you feel comfortable around and trust their insights regarding your treatment.
5. Versatile treatment options – TMJ has various management and treatment alternatives you can try. If your dentist can only offer a few, find one who can do more.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

It is a sleeping disorder that affects your ability to breathe properly when you sleep at night. Sleep apnea features repeated episodes where you stop breathing for short periods. When you stop breathing, the brain signals your body to wake, disrupting sleep. Sleep apnea can occur as a mild disorder or a chronic illness with adverse and potentially life-threatening side effects.

Sleep apnea treatment in the Colony, TX, focuses on improving breathability at night, which directly impacts the quality of your sleep. To do so, your doctor would have to underline all factors that may be decreasing your ability to breathe well at night.

Common Factors that Increase the Risk of Sleep Apnea

While medical experts continue to research sleep apnea, the particular underlying cause of the disease is still unknown. Doctors have only been able to point out several risk factors that can increase your risk of getting sleep apnea, including:

1. Being male – more men are likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.
2. Age – people over 55 years old are more likely to have sleep apnea than younger ones.
3. Neck circumference – having a thick neck translates to a smaller airway, which can cause sleep apnea.
4. Smoking
5. Excessive consumption of alcohol
6. Family history
7. Obesity or being overweight.

Obesity and Sleep Apnea – How Are They Interlinked?

When treating sleep apnea, dentists in Colony, TX, must consider all possible factors that may promote this sleeping disorder. The connection between obesity and sleep apnea catches many people by surprise. When overweight, you attract many health complications, including sleep apnea. Ideally, sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder affecting the respiratory system. Any factors that reduce breathability worsen your sleep apnea. In that light, obesity significantly worsens your breathing. When overweight or obese, worry about pharyngeal fat which is excessive fat deposits in your neck. The fat deposits layer your neck region, increasing the pressure on the upper airways. The pressure then results in a restricted air passage and decreased neuromuscular control.

Further, the fat deposits when you have excessive fat in your body lead to a decrease in the volume of your lungs, making it harder to breathe properly. It happens due to increased abdominal girth, which compresses your chest and the organs therein.

Unfortunately, studies continue to show that disrupted sleep patterns result in weight gain. The reason is that the lack of sleep eventually increases your appetite, making you desire to keep eating more food. Therefore, if you are already struggling with being overweight, poor-quality sleep will only accelerate your weight gain.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss

The relationship between sleep apnea and obesity is complex because it is reciprocal so that both conditions worsen as you go. It is, therefore, paramount to seek treatment early, especially because both health issues can result in fatal complications to your heart, brain, and general body health.

The surest way to treat sleep apnea aggravated by weight gain is by losing the extra weight. Shedding several pounds will not happen overnight. Employ several guidelines in your daily lifestyle to influence your weight positively. Some of the things we recommend at Main Dentistry that may help include:

1. Exercising – move your body every day in the healthiest way possible. Do not over-exploit your body in the gym because you want to lose weight.
2. Eat healthily – ultimately, what you eat every day reflects in your overall appearance. Make healthy meal plans that will support your weight loss journey.
3. Changing your sleeping position – although it may not impact your weight loss journey, employing a different sleeping position can make breathing a lot better when you sleep. As you work on losing weight and making a turn to leading a healthy lifestyle, good sleeping positions can ensure you catch some sleep.
4. Surgery – obese patients may benefit from gastric bypass surgery to aid their weight loss journey. Besides, you can consider tracheostomy, a surgical procedure that places a permanent opening to your windpipe in your neck. However, surgery is always a risky treatment protocol that may introduce other health struggles during recovery.

Your dentist recommends that you visit them every six months for dental exams and cleanings to ensure your dental and oral health is in prime condition. While you may accept your dentist’s view and see them frequently to get your mouth and teeth examined would you behave similarly if your dentist recommended you also have a dental checkup for oral cancer?

You would probably jump out of the dentist’s chair when you hear the term ‘cancer,’ thinking the dentist is trying to pull your leg. However, are you aware oral cancer screening is an essential part of every dental checkup, and you receive the examination without realizing it? If not, we suggest you continue reading this article to understand why oral cancer screenings are essential.

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Oral cancer screening doesn’t indicate you have this devastating disease in your mouth or even suggests you could be prone to the condition. Unfortunately, if you are accustomed to the risk factors that might make you prone to oral cancer-detecting the condition early during regular dental exams provides better outcomes if you are detected with the condition.

Dentists recommend these screenings for everyone over 40 every year. People with risk factors such as using tobacco, excessive alcohol use, having human papillomavirus a family history of cancer benefit from early detection of oral cancer when treatment outcomes are optimal.

Adults over 20 are recommended oral cancer screenings every three years but nevertheless receive one whenever they visit oral cancer screening in the colony, TX. Dentists are trained to perform oral cancer screenings and routinely do so when patients visit them for regular exams. Oral cancer screenings are not scary and are completed in under five minutes. Furthermore, dentists don’t charge any extra fees because the screenings are incorporated with the exams.

What Does Oral Cancer Screening Involve?

Oral cancer screenings start with a clinical exam of your mouth and throat. You might find it intriguing why your dentist is looking at areas of your mouth other than your teeth and gums. However, if you try to understand the oral cancer screening dentist looks for abnormal ulcerations, swelling, bumps, changes in color, et cetera, you will realize the professional is trying to make sure you don’t have any unusual developments in your mouth that might aggravate to oral cancer.

When examining your mouth, the dentist checks all areas, including the mouth’s roof, tonsils, outside of the cheeks, tongue, and gums. The dentist also palpates the jaw, neck, outside of the cheeks, beneath the chin, looking for unusual masses and firm nodules.

If dentists discover any abnormalities, they might use a special dye or light to evaluate the area further for oral cancer. Some standard tests dentists perform include:

• Using laser lights that help reflect abnormal tissues differently than normal tissue.
• Applying toluidine blue dye over the suspicious area, which turns blue if irregular tissue is detected.
• Asking you to rinse your mouth with an acetic acid solution to examine the abnormal area in your mouth with a special light.

The examination is a precautionary measure to ensure you don’t have any abnormal lesions in your mouth that might indicate cancer later.

When Should You Get Screened for Oral Cancer?

When thinking about oral cancer screenings, you don’t have to visit an oncologist a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Instead, if you are diligent with your dental visits every six months or a year, you receive an oral cancer screening from the dentist during your exams.

Dentists also recommend adults self examine every month, looking for signs of oral cancer in their mouths, and report any changes they notice promptly. If you don’t understand what to look for in your mouth that might indicate suspicious growths, it includes white patches, lumps, sores, and report them to your dentist for evaluation.

If you receive an abnormal oral cancer screening, dentists don’t provide any treatment for the condition but refer you to an experienced oncologist for help. Oral cancer needs a multispecialty team, including pathologists, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists working collectively together to ensure you receive the best treatment and care possible.

However, trying to put off oral cancer screening from Main Dentistry is an error you mustn’t commit when you visit them for your regular dental exam. The screening is a precautionary measure that helps avoid unnecessary problems needing treatments from various specialists.

Nothing fills a parent’s heart like seeing their little one healthy and developing as they should. Almost any parent will give anything to see that their kids get what’s essential for their development and well-being. One of the ways most parents meet their kid’s health needs is by seeking pediatric dentistry in The Colony, TX.

Children’s dental health is a critical part of their overall development. In fact, almost 50 million school hours are lost each year because of dental issues. Dental cavities are prevalent and affect kids much more than asthma and hay fever combined.

This is why seeking pediatric dentistry near you is not a luxury but a necessity that will help keep your kid’s teeth healthy and strong.

But some parents are wondering whether it is necessary to seek pediatric dentistry in The Colony, TX. If this is the case, read on, and you will find out more.

Should Kids Go to a Pediatric Dentist?

Generally, children’s dental health issues are not exactly the same as adults’. However, they still need extra care for those tiny pearly whites to develop as they should. Also, bear in mind that their needs are unique.

First, their tooth structure is a bit different from that of adults. They also have primary teeth that come out, and then permanent teeth come in and develop over time. This is why they need special attention to ensure that the primary teeth are taken care of and come out as they should. Also, to make certain that the permanent teeth grow properly.

Secondly, dealing with kids is not the same as dealing with adults. A regular dentist might find it challenging dealing with a kid. There are essential psychological issues that must be addressed for your little one to be comfortable to receive treatment.

This is why having a dentist who has spent some extra time learning how to handle all dental issues that your little one may face is a huge plus. Besides having the necessary education, experience is also a vital component since your kid will receive quality care. Nothing beats having your child treated by experts who understand the nitty-gritty of growing teeth and gums.

Pediatric Dental Services

Some of the services that your kid will enjoy when they come to our dental clinic will include the following:

• Treatment of dental emergencies and injuries such as broken, chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
• Thorough dental examinations to rule out any dental issues
• Managing and treating gum infections and periodontal disease
• Diagnosing and managing any dental issue linked to preexisting medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• Treating dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay
• Offering alternative solutions to eradicate habits that affect the growth and development of teeth, such as overusing pacifiers and thumb sucking
• Early diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth and teeth alignment
• Providing preventive services such as cleaning, fluoride treatment, and dental sealants

Why Should You Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist?

It’s so easy to downplay the importance of taking your kid to see a pediatric dentist. As you already know, your children’s dental health is critical for their growth. Without further ado, let’s check out why your kid needs to see a pediatric dentist:

1. 1. Your Kid Will Be Treated By an Expert

Your kid will get the most from their dental visit if they get treated by an expert. A trained and experienced dentist knows the various stages of teeth development and has the psychological skills to ensure that your kid receives the necessary care.

1. 1. It’s a Child-Friendly Space

The environment is key when it comes to treating kids. If they feel intimidated by the environment, they will always give you a difficult time and might not even feel enthusiastic about getting dental care. But if the environment is kid-friendly, it makes the session way easier. Your baby will not be intimidated by the white and sterile environments characteristic of other dental offices or even hospitals.

1. 1. Child-Friendly Staff

The environment can be amazing, and the dentist can be an expert. However, if the staff is not child-friendly, your child may still give you a hard time. Therefore, our staff members know how to handle kids. Nothing calms an anxious child than being in the hands of a warm and friendly expert.

So, if you wish to bring your child for expert dental care, contact us at Main Dentistry, and we would love to cater to your kid’s needs.