Braces vs Invisalign – The Battle of the Titans in Teeth Straightening in Adelaide

Have you heard of the new Invisalign treatment that is taking the Adelaide dental world by storm? Achieving straight teeth without the need for unsightly braces has always been a dream for many teenagers. While braces are now a modern day rite of passage for adolescents who have crocked teeth, many struggle through the process. At a time where appearance is everything, those stuck with braces hate the look of their new chunky metal looking teeth. However, there is a new dental treatment on the market that could put an end to this teenage struggle. The treatment called, Invisalign, straightens your teeth using invisible, removable aligners. It is a relatively new treatment that is gaining popularity owing to its invisible nature. Yet, with the new technique finding it’s feet, it’s interesting to consider which procedure is better.

The Benefits of Invisalign 

The most obvious and greatest benefit of Invisalign is the fact that it is essentially invisible. While most people want straight teeth, there is a stigma associated with having braces. Often teenagers are self-conscious and hate the way braces look and would do anything to avoid them. Furthermore, adults often are wary to get braces because they don’t want to look like a teenager. With adults less likely to wear braces, it often makes those who do, feel uncomfortable in social situations. Invisalign is the perfect options for those who want straight teeth but don’t want to deal with the unappealing look of braces.  Another major benefit of Invisalign is that they can easily be removed. Unlike braces, the clear plates can be taken out at mealtime to make eating easier. They can also be removed for special occasions. The trays can last for six weeks to one year and are ideally worn for 24 hours a day. Change-outs occur every two weeks to aid with teeth movement.  The final main advantage of Invisalign is that the treatment doesn’t affect your speech. Many people getting braces dread having impaired speech and hate talking in public. However with Invisgalign, there’s no need to worry.

The Benefits of Dental Braces

While dental braces can be ugly, they can correct even the most complex issues in aligning the teeth. Braces can move and straighten the teeth, as well as close gaps. They can be used for any type of dental problem including overcrowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, crossbites, overbites and underbites. Braces can particularly help those with an abnormal bite and create a whole new smile, as well as enhance their oral health. This is a massive benefit of braces over Invisalign, as they don’t only enhance the aesthetic look but fix a number of dental problems.   Another benefit of braces is the fast nature of straightening teeth. With braces firmly attached to teeth and unable to be removed, they achieve results in a relatively short period of time.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the choice between Invisalign treatment and braces comes down to the patient’s teeth. For those who are looking for a method for solving a simple teeth alignment, Invisalign is the choice for you. It allows you to straighten you teeth without having to put up with the unsightly look of braces. It is a treatment very much focused on aesthetic appeal. However, if you have a complicated teeth alignment problem and abnormal bite, braces are a better option for you. If you are interested in learning more about braces and Invisalign Treatments in Adelaide , check out the Total Dental and Denture Care website at www.tddc.com.au.

Sporty Snacks a Dentist’s Nightmare in Adelaide

Preventing dental disease is much better than having to treat it later, which is why regular dental check ups are essential. While many of us would prefer to dodge the dentist, it’s important we visit an Adelaide clinic twice a year and keep up with a daily dental routine. However, with the hectic world we live in throwing us curb balls often, sometimes it seems impossible to be strict about your dental regime. One event that made the world stop and thrust many out of their normal routines was the Soccer World Cup. Not only did the Cup disturb the sleeping patterns for some, but it also had a detrimental effect on the oral health of others. While the Cup has been and gone and we all know Brazil humbly retired and the Germans haven’t gotten over their win, funnily enough it could still be affect many people’s teeth.

Across the world, for the British Dental Health Foundation, their concern lies with late-night game watchers, snacking on all things sugary. The Foundation revealed that 90 per cent of the population would have watched the late-night matches live, with the majority thought to be indulging in sweet treats. To assist soccer fans, the British Dental Health Foundation provided a comprehensive winning world cup snack pack guide, for all sporting fans. The guide includes, nuts, crackers and cheese, pretzels, breadsticks and dip, gin and tonic, popcorn, nachos and stuffed pita bread as all safe alternatives to sugar.   Despite the fact that soccer is an international obsession, also remember that it doesn’t all have to end there. Around the corner is the Rugby World Cup to consider, the Ashes test and of course the Olympics, whether you prefer the Winter, Summer or Para-Olympic Games. It seems that at all times of the year, we are at the mercy of professional sporting events to neglect our teeth.

This is why you must make regular check up appointments with your dentist. During your check up appointment, your dentist (or dental hygienist) will evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination (to look for anything out of the ordinary), and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Don’t be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs). Your dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits. Additionally, your dentist may take x-rays every few years, to ensure nothing sinister is going on where he or she cannot see.   

Once your examination and cleaning have been performed, they’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. It’s important that you see your dentist every six months. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.  In between visits to your dentist, it is important to adhere to good oral hygiene and follow the recommendations of your dentist, even during peak sporting seasons. This may prove difficult for Adelaide residents, who as proud South Australians face the very important task of supporting their AFL teams. 

If you are concerned about your snacking habits, visit your Local Dentist in Adelaide. Total Dental & Denture Care has professional dentists available at two locations in Adelaide. Call TDDC today on (08) 8296 0988 or visit their website at http://tddc.com.au/.

My teeth whitening journey – A Hollywood smile in Adelaide

Investing in professional teeth whitening has always been on my list of things to do in Adelaide. Like most women, I have the tendency to obsess over my appearance and recently I saw a photograph of my smile that made me cringe. I suppose it has a lot to do with the magazines I see full of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hawkin with sparkling Hollywood smiles. Comparing their pearly whites with my off-white teeth, definitely doesn’t give me the confidence to flash my smile.

While I know my teeth aren’t bad by a long shot, there is a definite tinge to them that really bothers me. I’m guessing a side effect from all my herbal tea drinking (and I thought green tea was meant to be good for you!). After much agonizing in front of the mirror, I decided to book an appointment with my dentist. While there are heaps of DIY teeth whitening options out there, I didn’t want to take the risk on a home treatment. After speak to my dentist, I felt relieved for this decision, as she informed me that tooth whitening isn’t recommended for everyone. There are apparently a range of factors that need to be considered before whitening your teeth, which I had no idea about. These factors include the natural colour of a person’s teeth, issues relating to gum and tooth sensitivity and the presence of crowns, fillings and veneers.

While it is tempting to go to a beauty shop and get a cheap teeth whitening treatment, after talking to my dentist I really would advise you to spend the extra money and go to a dentist. Dentists are the only people that can safely assess if you are suitable for the treatment. Without the assessment, you could risk permanent side effects or other associated risks with the process. Luckily for me, my dental examination found my teeth were suitable to be whitened. From there the process was pretty simple, but a little bit messy! My dentist set to work making an impression of my teeth, so she could make the teeth whitening molds. The process involved a pink, putty like substance, metal mouth guard trays and my face getting messed up with the overflow of putty. After cleaning up my face and gargling water, it was all done for the visit. The next step was just waiting a week for my molds to arrive back from the lab.

To be honest, I was pretty excited to get my whitening kit so the week dragged on a bit. I just couldn’t wait to see the results of the whitening! Finally, the time came to pick up my whitening trays and bleach from the dentist. When I arrived, it was only a quick appointment where she made sure my molds fitted and then gave me a run down on what to do. I was then handed over the teeth whitening kit I had been waiting for, which included the whitening molds and holder, six syringes of bleach, Sensodyne toothpaste and Tooth Mousse Plus.

That night I excitedly pulled out my teeth whitening kit and set to work on my soon to be Hollywood smile. Like the dentist advised, I carefully squirted on a small blood of bleach in each of the teeth shaped places. I then slowly and carefully pushed the mold into place. With the choice of overnight bleaching or just for an hour, I opted for over night, hoping this would make results come quicker! When I woke up I eagerly jumped out of bed and pulled my molds out. On a quick examination they already looked a bit whiter! They did feel a little bit sensitive though, so as the dentist advised I brushed my teeth with the Sensodyne toothpaste and then coated my teeth with the Tooth Mousse Plus. This product helps strengthen your teeth and stop them from any stings associated with sensitivity.

Over the next few weeks I did a few more overnight whitening sessions and was very happy with the results. The bleach got rid of the tea stains that I was concerned about and left them looking a nice, natural looking white. Prior to whitening, I was concerned my teeth would turn too white, however as I was able to control. The only problem I was faced with sensitive teeth, however this only lasted the day following the overnight whitening. The Tooth Mousse Plus was often good at soothing this dull ache and by the next day I was fine.

For those thinking of rejuvenating their smile with Teeth whitening in Adelaide, I would really recommend visiting a Dentist. My dentist at Total Dental and Denture Care in Adelaide were fantastic and will provide you with all the information you need about teeth whitening at www.tddc.com.au.