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Is It Too Late to Get Braces?

March 6, 2023

You’re in your late 30s, and you decide to finally see an orthodontist in Ft. Lauderdale for consultation because you have had enough of your crooked teeth and low self-esteem. But you’re unsure if your age fits the criteria for orthodontic treatment.  

Are you too old for braces? Is age a limiting factor for orthodontic treatment? Braces are indeed more common in children and teens, but orthodontic experts say adults can also wear them. No matter how old you are, now is the best time to get braces!

Patient getting her braces checked at the orthodontist in Ft. Lauderdale

How Old Is Too Old for Braces?

Set An Appointment

To kickstart your journey towards achieving a straight smile, we recommend you set an appointment for a consultation so that your orthodontist can thoroughly evaluate your teeth and determine what type of treatment is ideal for your situation. During the consultation, your orthodontist will ask questions about your oral health, lifestyle habits, and dental goals. From there, a treatment plan is made.  

Know Your Options

Your orthodontist will present you with various options based on your case. Some of your options include traditional metal braces and ceramic braces.

  • Traditional metal braces – The most popular type is stainless steel. Traditional metal braces consist of small square brackets cemented into each tooth. Arch wires run along the brackets and span the width of your teeth. They are more popular among teens.  
  • Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces are ideal for adults who want a more inconspicuous design. The components are similar to metal braces except that the material is made of ceramic and has more or less the same color as your teeth, making them less noticeable.
Smiling patient with braces at the orthodontist in ft. Lauderdale

See an Orthodontist in Ft. Lauderdale

Want to learn more about braces? At TLC Dental, we provide our patients with tailored treatment plans that are convenient, effective, and affordable. Our team has years of experience in the industry to provide you with the best care. Contact us to request an appointment.

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How Do I Choose My Braces?

February 27, 2023

A variety of orthodontic treatments are available to fix crooked teeth. The most popular braces in Coral Springs are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. The decision can be difficult if you qualify for all three types. That's why we've come up with a brief description of each type so you can choose which may work best for you.

close-up of braces in Coral Springs

What Braces Are Right for Me?

Traditional Metal Braces  

The most common type of braces is traditional metal braces. People prefer them because they’re effective and can treat even the most severe orthodontic cases despite how bulky and uncomfortable they are. Metal braces have brackets attached to each tooth while arch wires run across them. Unlike clear aligners, metal braces are cemented into place and will only be removed once your treatment is over.    

Ceramic Braces

The biggest difference between ceramic and metal braces is that ceramic braces are more discreet because of the color of the material used. It’s a great option for those not qualified for clear aligners and are looking for a less visible way of straightening their teeth. As for cost, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces but more affordable than clear aligners.  

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable trays uniquely designed to move your teeth until they are properly aligned. Since they are removable, you must be disciplined to put them back on after eating or brushing. This treatment is ideal for mild to moderate dental issues but not for complex cases.  

invisalign instead of braces in Coral Springs

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in Coral Springs?

If you require more information about your options, feel free to call us. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with the best care. We offer an extensive array of dental treatments designed to help improve your smile and oral health. Contact us for a reservation.  

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How Do Cavities Develop?

February 24, 2023

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are more prevalent than you thought. Among adolescents between 12 to 19 years old, 57% have had a cavity, while 90% of adults older than 20 have at least one cavity. The only person authorized to treat cavities is a dentist in 33020. What are cavities, and how do they develop?  

dentist in 33020 checks patient's cracked tooth

Understanding Cavities  

What Are Cavities and How Do They Form?  

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are tiny, permanent craters that develop on the hard surface of your teeth due to dental plaque and oral bacteria. The bacteria, which are normally present in the mouth, produce acid that eats away at the enamel and dentin of the teeth, creating cavities.    

If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth pain, infection, and even tooth loss. They are most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates.  

How Do Dentists Treat Cavities?  

Dentists typically treat cavities by removing the decayed parts of the tooth and filling the area with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. The treatment depends on the size, severity, location of the cavity, and the patient's preferences.

  • A dental filling is the most common treatment for cavities. The dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then use a drilling tool to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. The cleaned-out space is then filled with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer.
  • Inlays or onlays are used when a cavity is too large to be filled with a regular filling. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory, and your dentist cements them into the tooth.
  • Crowns, or caps, are recommended when a cavity is too large that it threatens the structural integrity of the tooth. Your dentist will numb the area, remove the decay, and shape the remaining tooth to fit a crown. The artificial crown is then placed over the prepared tooth and cemented in place.
woman with severe tooth decay goes to a dentist in 33020

Looking for a Dentist in 33020?  

If you think you have cavities or your tooth is starting to hurt, we can examine your mouth and prepare a tailored treatment plan to restore your smile and oral function. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide range of restorative dental treatments that are easy on the budget. Contact us for a reservation.

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Braces and Dental Hygiene

February 22, 2023

Everyone is familiar with the obtrusive design of traditional braces in Tamarac. While the design makes it highly effective, unfortunately, it’s also one of the reasons you could get tooth decay or gum disease. To. To keep your mouth healthy while on treatment, we suggest you learn the appropriate techniques and build skills to clean your teeth and gums.    

dentist who specializes in braces in Tamarac holds a teeth model

Cleaning Teeth With Braces  

Get the Necessary Tools  

Before you start, ensure you have everything you need for your oral care routine. A typical at-home oral care routine consists of a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a floss or floss threader. The toothbrush should be small enough to reach the nooks and crannies and the tiny spaces between your teeth and braces. The toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles.    

Keeping Your Teeth Clean

When brushing, angle the bristles of your toothbrush at the top portion of your bracket and aim for the tooth. Use small back-and-forth strokes as you gently brush the brackets of every quadrant.    

Don’t forget to include the teeth at the back of your mouth and your tongue, as these areas are prone to harbor plaque and bacteria. Be gentle on your gums and use circular strokes when cleaning them.    

Flossing is just as important. The technique used to floss with or without braces is the same except for one thing – you must use a threader to clean under the archwire and between your teeth. Most people find a floss threader to be easier compared to conventional floss. If flossing is challenging, you may ask your orthodontist for assistance.    

patient is done with braces in Tamarac

Do You Have Questions About Braces in Tamarac?  

It can be overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to the habit over time. What’s important is you start your oral care right to avoid oral health problems and delays in your treatment. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide range of dental treatments to help improve your oral health. Contact us for a reservation.  

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Can I Get My Braces Removed Early if I Want To?

February 20, 2023

If your teeth are crooked or crowded, you need braces in Hollywood to correct your smile. The average treatment time for braces is about two years, but this can vary depending on the severity of your orthodontic problem.    

Some patients are lucky to have their braces early, while some must wait up to three years before they can have theirs taken out. The bottom line is that you can’t have your braces removed unless your orthodontist says so. What happens if you insist on removing them?    

patient is about to get braces in Hollywood

What Are the Consequences of Removing My Braces Early?  

You can have them removed if you insist, but your orthodontist will likely discourage you from doing so. Removing your braces early can lead to a relapse, cause improper positioning of your teeth, and put you at risk of other oral health complications.  

If you don’t complete your treatment, you only waste time, money, and effort. Typically, you will be asked to sign a form stating you wanted them removed early and accept the risks and potential problems with it.    

Can You Get Your Braces Off Early?  

During your consultations, your orthodontist will give you an estimated timeline of how long your treatment will take. But you can complete it early if you diligently visit the dental office for braces adjustments and follow proper dental hygiene practices.    

patient undergo checkup of her braces in Hollywood

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in Hollywood?  

As Tiger Woods would say, there are no shortcuts to success. If you are determined to get the smile you’ve always desired, you must listen to your orthodontist’s advice and wait until your teeth are properly positioned. At TLC Dental, we offer various dental treatments for your needs. Our staff has years of training and skills to provide you with the best care. Contact us to request a reservation.  

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Invisalign® Aligners: Care and Maintenance

February 20, 2023

Are you ready to hear some good news? You don’t have to wear uncomfortable, rough metal braces to straighten your teeth. With Invisalign® in Coral Springs, you can say goodbye to painful canker sores that form inside your lips and cheeks, resulting from the brackets irritating your oral mucosa. This unique orthodontic treatment can help align your teeth and improve your bite through clear aligner trays. The best part is they are easy to maintain. Here’s how to care for your Invisalign® aligners.

Invisalign coral springs

Caring for Invisalign

Clean Your Trays Daily

Cleaning your aligners is paramount. To make it easier to remember, we suggest you clean your trays every time you brush your teeth. You may use toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt and other food debris from your aligners. Regular cleaning is vital to prevent bacteria and plaque from forming.  

Don’t Use Harsh Products

Talk to your orthodontist about what products are acceptable when cleaning your aligners. Some products contain harsh and abrasive ingredients that can affect the invisibility of your aligners.  

Remove Aligners When Eating

One major advantage of Invisalign is you get to remove them when eating. But make sure you put them back on once you’re done brushing your teeth for the treatment to be effective. You need to remove your Invisalign trays to avoid staining or damaging them. The only drink you can have while wearing aligners is water.

Get an Invisalign Case

We recommend our patients invest in an Invisalign case. So that if you take them out when eating or brushing your teeth, they’re kept safe. Some patients who wrap their trays in tissue accidentally throw them away. To be sure, keep them in a safe case.  

woman smiling and caring for her Invisalign coral springs

 

Find Out How to Care for Invisalign in Coral Springs

Are you interested in learning more tips on caring for your Invisalign trays? We can help. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide range of affordable and personalized dental treatments that can help improve your smile and boost your oral health. Contact us for a reservation.

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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Why Aren't My Braces Working?

February 6, 2023

A straightforward solution to straightening crooked teeth and closing tooth gaps are braces in North Lauderdale. Braces have been around for a long time, and they are proven safe and effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. However, it is possible that your teeth may not move, and some gaps may not close. Most of the time, it comes down to one of the following reasons.

patient with braces in North Lauderdale smiles

My Braces Don’t Seem to Be Working  

Your Teeth  

One of the most common reasons your teeth aren’t closing up is because of the position, shape, and size of your teeth. Your tooth could be way too small to fit the space. In such a case, your orthodontist may recommend reshaping your tooth or resizing it to fill the gap appropriately.    

Another problem is the position of your teeth. It’s possible that they could be angled oddly, or the roots of two adjacent teeth are already in contact with each other preventing the crowns from coming together.    

Surrounding Structures  

If your teeth are not the problem, then it could be the structures surrounding them. Some factors that could stop the spaces from closing are thick gum tissues between the teeth, tongue posturing problems, ligament problems, and cysts that grow between tooth roots.    

Your Bite  

If your teeth and surrounding structures are normal, it’s probably your bite. Spaces can develop when the lower front teeth push against the back of the upper front teeth. Some patients can have a wedge inside a tooth gaps preventing it from closing.  

dentist allows patient to check her braces in North Lauderdale

Do You Need Braces in North Lauderdale?  

For your braces to work, your orthodontist will make sure that they are placed after thoroughly evaluating your teeth and bite and providing you with the appropriate treatment. TLC Dental offers affordable orthodontic treatments to restore your smile and oral health. Contact us to request a reservation.  

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Is It Normal for My Toothache to Disappear Suddenly?

February 2, 2023

No matter how young or old you are, a toothache can ruin a potentially good day, especially if it’s severe. If you experience severe tooth pain, you first need to let your dentist in Ft. Lauderdale know about it. Scheduling a consultation will let you know what’s going on in your mouth.  

Several factors can contribute to tooth pain, and only your dentist can diagnose you properly. Some people choose to endure the pain, and they get surprised that even without treatment, the pain disappears. Is disappearing pain a good thing or a bad thing? Let’s find out.  

teeth of dentist in Ft. Lauderdale aches

Do Toothaches Disappear Suddenly?

Why Do Toothaches Disappear?

Toothaches can suddenly disappear for several reasons depending on the cause of the pain. For example, the pain can go away if you have a chunk of food stuck between your teeth and it gets dislodged.  

Cavities and gum recession can also cause pain. Although these problems are not considered dental emergencies, it’s still vital that you see your dentist to have them checked. Tooth pain that comes in goes can become worse without treatment.  

In many cases, a toothache that starts as severe and throbbing and then suddenly stops could indicate an infection. Being pain-free is not good because it means the infection has reached the inner layers of your tooth and caused the nerves that send signals to your brain to die. If you don’t treat it, the infection will spread, putting you at risk of a sepsis.  

What Should You Do?  

Severe tooth pain will always require a trip to the dentist. It is not something you can medicate with painkillers because as soon as the medication wears off, the pain will come back. Your dentist can determine what’s causing the pain and offer a solution to stop it.    

man checks his teeth before going to a dentist in Ft. Lauderdale

See a Dentist in Ft. Lauderdale  

If you think something is wrong with your mouth, don’t hesitate to seek help. TLC Dental offers affordable and tailor-made dental treatments to restore oral health. Contact us to request a reservation.  

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Top Causes of Enamel Erosion

January 23, 2023

You must have read it from somewhere, or perhaps your dentist in Dania Beach told you that the enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. It’s even tougher than bone. Nevertheless, despite how strong this protective covering is, it is still prone to damage. What factors can contribute to enamel erosion?  

patient-after-visiting-a-dentist-in-dania-beach

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

Sugary and Acidic Drinks

The food and drinks you consume can significantly affect your oral health. Food and beverages that are acidic and high in sugar can erode your enamel. You can protect your teeth against erosion by reducing your consumption of fruit juices, sodas, carbonated drinks, cakes, and candies. The longer they stay on your teeth, the more damage they create. If you consume them, drink water right after to rinse the acids and sugars off your teeth.  

Dry Mouth

Have you ever questioned what your saliva is for? Saliva aids in the digestive process by breaking down food. Apart from this, it also neutralizes plaque. If your mouth does not produce enough saliva, your teeth become exposed to acids, which can destroy your enamel.  

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, you become susceptible to enamel damage because the acids from your stomach can climb into your mouth, eating away the protective layer of your teeth.  
Genetics

Some individuals have naturally thin tooth enamel due to genetics. Unfortunately, this increases their risk of erosion and subsequent dental wear.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a condition wherein a person consciously or unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth. The pressure exerted on the teeth can lead to premature wear and tear unless treated.  

patient-after-visiting-a-dentist-in-dania-beach

Visit Your Dentist in Dania Beach

We encourage you to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth are protected. At TLC Dental, we offer affordable preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments to help improve your smile and boost oral health. Contact us to request a reservation. We look forward to seeing you!

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How Do I Replace Missing Teeth?

January 20, 2023

Are you torn between partial dentures and dental implants in South Florida? Even after all that research, sometimes you need a lengthy discussion with your dentist to help you make a final decision. We've compiled a list of the pros and cons of two of today's most popular tooth replacement solutions, so you can decide which is the best option for you.

Dental Implants South Florida

Partial Dentures Versus Dental Implants

Partial Dentures

Your dentist may recommend complete dentures if you’ve lost all your teeth. But if you still have remaining teeth, you only need removable partial dentures. Dentures are a cost-effective solution to tooth loss. It consists of artificial teeth attached to a pink-colored base. Your natural teeth will help anchor and stabilize your removable denture keeping it in place.  

The major advantage of dentures is their cost. Due to its affordability, you can save a lot of money, but many complain that it can be uncomfortable during the first few weeks. It also requires special care to keep your denture in good shape.  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are ideal for people who have lost a single tooth or have missing teeth in various areas of the mouth. It involves the insertion of metal posts into your upper or lower jaw.  

The post copies the function of lost tooth roots, which means its primary purpose is to anchor an artificial dental crown. The major advantages of dental implants are they are durable and can last a lifetime.  

Dental Implants South Florida

Are You More Interested in Dental Implants in South Florida?

If you are more fascinated with dental implants, we encourage you to get screened for eligibility. At TLC Dental, we offer various tooth replacement procedures to give you the smile of your dreams. Our team has years of experience to provide you with the absolute best care. Contact us to request a reservation.  

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