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How Painful Is Getting Dental Implants?

December 1, 2021

Are you considering getting dental implants in Coral Springs? If you’re torn between implants and dentures, we suggest you go for the former, especially if you qualify. Dental implants resemble the strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal of natural teeth plus they are designed to last forever!  

Their features are unparalleled, which explains why dental implants are the most in demand solution for replacing missing teeth. Since the procedure requires surgery, many people want to know if they’ll be in great pain. Are dental implants painful?

image of Dental Implants Coral Springs

Will Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?  

What to Expect During Surgery

The procedure is divided into two phases. The first phase is the surgery, while the second phase is the recovery. Your oral surgeon will cut through your gums to expose your jawbone. Ironically, this will not cause any pain since the site will be locally anesthetized.

Once the anesthesia kicks in and your gums are numb, that’s the time your oral surgeon will make the incision. Holes are drilled into your jawbone to make room for the implants. You will not be in pain, but you will feel some pressure from the drilling.

The insertion will last up to an hour depending on the number of implants used. When the anesthesia fades, you will experience mild discomfort.

Reducing Discomfort During Recovery

Mild discomfort is expected after the surgery. To minimize the discomfort, we suggest you follow your oral surgeon’s instructions like taking painkillers and prescribed antibiotics.

You should also rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to expedite the healing process. During recovery, avoid spicy, hot, and hard foods to reduce irritation and infection.

oral surgeon showing patient Dental Implants Coral Springs

Are You Interested in Dental Implants in Coral Springs?  

If you want to know whether or not you qualify for dental implants, our clinic is open to screen you. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life while restoring self-assurance, rebuilding confident smiles, and encouraging both dental and medical wellness. Call us today to learn more about our services.

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Two of the Biggest Misconceptions About Braces

November 29, 2021

We’re all used to society painting a bad picture on almost anything. Braces are not exempted, which is why many Americans are apprehensive about giving braces in Hollywood a try, even if their orthodontist says it’s necessary.

Some information you’ll find online can be so compelling that many do not take the time to verify whether these are facts or fiction. If you’re one of those people who dread getting braces because of all the awful things you’ve been told or have read, we’ll get the facts straight.

Boy with braces in Hollywood

Braces Misconceptions You Shouldn’t Believe In

You Need to Wear Them for a Long Time

You bumped into your college classmate two days ago, and you were shocked that he’s still wearing the same braces as he did ten years ago. Does it take decades to complete orthodontic treatment? The answer is no.

The duration of the treatment relies on the complexity of your case and your commitment to show up during dental appointments. Severe cases take much longer, however treatment times are a lot faster than in the past.

You’ll Experience Constant Pain

No one likes pain. So, if you were told that you’d constantly be in pain when wearing braces, you wouldn’t want them. While it’s true that you will experience pain to some degree, the discomfort is only temporary.

During the first few weeks of treatment, you may feel uncomfortable, but you will get used to them over time. It’s also normal to feel some discomfort after having your braces adjusted, but again, this is only temporary and will subside after a couple of days.

Girl with braces in Hollywood

Are You Interested in Braces in Hollywood?

If you want to learn more about braces or if you have questions about this treatment, we encourage you to ask us, and we’ll answer all of your questions.

At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life while restoring self-assurance, rebuilding confident smiles, and encouraging both dental and medical wellness. Call us today for an appointment.

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How Can I Benefit from Routine Teeth Cleanings?

November 26, 2021

Do you remember when your family dentist in South Florida told you to come back after six months for another routine teeth cleaning session? What was on the back of your mind? Sadly, many Americans do not see the value of professional teeth cleaning because they think it’s a waste of money and time.

Why spend to have someone clean your teeth when you can do it at home for free? These people do not realize that routine teeth cleanings are different from the usual brushing and flossing they do at home.

Teeth cleaning at Family Dentist in South Florida

Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings Necessary  

What Does Routine Teeth Cleaning Involve?

Routine dental cleanings are different because your family dentist will use special tools and instruments to remove plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. This is necessary to keep plaque and tartar under control.

During your appointment, you’ll not only get your teeth cleaned, but you’ll also learn tips and tricks on how to improve your oral health.

What are The Benefits of Dental Cleanings?

Every day, plaque forms and coats your teeth. Although your oral care routine can help get rid of plaque, there are some areas in your mouth that you could miss, especially the spots where your toothbrush can’t reach. These are prone to plaque and tartar buildup.

Everyone knows that when tartar forms on your teeth, it will only be a matter of time before you experience tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Routine teeth cleanings allow your dentist to scrape away calcified tartar on all areas of your mouth. It’s a preventive measure to boost your oral health. Sadly, your soft-bristled toothbrush cannot remove hardened tartar.

Woman at Family Dentist in South Florida

Are You Looking for a Family Dentist in South Florida?  

Even if you brush your teeth daily, you still need to see a family dentist twice yearly for dental cleanings. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we aim to improve your quality of life by enhancing your smile and oral health. We have a skilled and experienced team that’s ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! Call us today for an appointment.

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Can You Close Tooth Gaps Without Braces?

November 23, 2021

Do you feel self-conscious about your tooth gap? In most cases, patients are referred to an orthodontist for braces in Coral Springs. But did you know that braces aren’t the only option for closing tooth gaps?

Quite surprisingly, there are cosmetic dental procedures that can help complete your smile without you having to undergo orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will assess the extent of the tooth gap and recommend treatments that will suit you best.

Woman discussing with her dentist whether she needs braces in Coral Springs

How to Close Tooth Gaps Without Braces

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are customizable, ultra-thin tooth-colored shells that your cosmetic dentist will attach to your front teeth to recreate your smile. Despite their thinness, veneers are quite strong and durable.

This is a great option for people who would like to improve their teeth's size, shape, and color. If you have a narrow gap in between your front teeth, your cosmetic dentist can reshape two veneers and place them side by side to cover the gap.

Dental Implants

People who have missing teeth obviously have large tooth gaps. It would take more than braces to restore smile and oral function. Therefore, cosmetic dentists recommend dental implant placement. A dental implant is usually made from titanium or zirconia.

These posts are surgically implanted into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once they are in place and have fully integrated with your jawbone, the crowns are added next. Dental implant surgery is the ideal option if you have multiple tooth gaps or if the gap is too large.

Woman who got straight teeth because of braces in Coral Springs

Do You Want to Learn More About Braces in Coral Springs?

Each patient’s case is different. To know what method is best for you, you should consult with your dentist. If you are interested to learn more about braces, we’re more than happy to discuss this with you during your next appointment.  

At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, our goal is to improve your quality of life with our wide array of affordable dental treatments. We offer affordable, honest, and customizable treatments to improve your smile and oral health. Call us today to learn more about our services.

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How to Choose the Perfect Braces Color

November 20, 2021

You’re dreading your next appointment because you know that your orthodontist will tighten the bands, springs, and wires to add more pressure to your teeth. Since you can’t do anything about it, you might as well shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on the discomfort, why don’t you think about the color of your braces in North Lauderdale?

Choosing the color of the rubber bands is one of the things patients look forward to. So, what’s going to be your next color?

A young girl with Braces in North Lauderdale

Braces Color Guide

Dark and Metallic Colors

If you prefer dark-colored bands your options are endless! Dark shades also complement dark-colored tops. When most of your wardrobe are in blacks and dark blues, getting dark-colored rubber bands for your braces will look great on your outfits! The most requested dark band colors are dark green, dark violet, and navy.  

You can also try bronze, maroon, and silver rubber bands if you are fair-skinned. Trust us, you’re going to love the results! Meanwhile, if you have a dark skin tone you may want to try dark green bands and turquoise. But, regardless of your skin color, make sure you stay away from blacks and browns because they’ll make your teeth look discolored.

Light and Pastel Colors

After trying out the dark hues, you can give the lighter shades a try! Light and bright colors are suitable for all age types! You can try paste colors, pink, light blue, violet, and apple green. These shades will look amazing on you. If you’re rooting for a bolder look, you may want to try magenta or gold to bring attention to your smile.

Closeup of a person with bright blue braces in North Lauderdale

What Else Do You Love About Wearing Braces in North Lauderdale?

Don’t worry if you wind up not liking the new color of your bands because you can always have them changed during your next appointment.

At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving your smiles with our wide range of affordable and customizable dental services. Our team has years of experience to ensure you get the smile of your dreams. So call us today for an appointment.

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Do You Have a Bad Bite?

November 17, 2021

You’ve heard of bad teeth, but have you heard of a bad bite? Another term for a bad bite is malocclusion. So how do you know if you have a bad bite? Usually, patients complain of TMJ pain (pain in the TMJ joints often accompanied by soreness, clicking sounds, difficulty opening and closing mouth, and jaw stiffness), headaches, teeth grinding, and trouble speaking. The usual remedy for a bad bite is braces in Tamarac.

Xray before Braces in Tamarac

Different Types of Bad Bites

What Causes a Bad Bite?  

A bad bite can be caused by several factors, including heredity, disproportion of your upper and lower jaw, the size of your teeth, impacted, extra and lost teeth, jaw misalignment, and unhealthy habits such as pacifier use and thumb sucking.

What are the Different Bite Types?

Your bite will be determined after your dentist has inspected your mouth. The following are examples of bad bites: 

  • Overbite – an overbite is when your upper teeth go beyond your lower front teeth when you bite down. 
  • Crossbite – patients who have crossbites have their upper teeth sitting inside their lower teeth. This can happen to one side or both sides of the patient’s jaw. 
  • Underbite – an underbite is when your lower jaw extends your top teeth. 
  • Open bite – when a person has an open bite, their front teeth will not overlap the bottom teeth. 

How Is a Bad Bite Fixed?

The good news is this can be fixed through traditional metal braces. Metal braces will apply pressure on your teeth to help put your jaw in its proper alignment. But, the best way to know if you have malocclusion is to visit your orthodontist. 

Dentist holding Braces in Tamarac

Do You Need Braces in Tamarac? 

If you think you have a bad bite, we can help fix it. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life while restoring self-assurance, rebuilding confident smiles, and encouraging dental and medical wellness. So call us today for an appointment.

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Two Effective Methods for Straightening Your Teeth 

November 10, 2021

You’ve lost the weight, and you’ve dealt with your breakouts, but there’s one last problem you need to fix – your teeth. If you have crooked teeth, the best person to consult is an orthodontist. Crooked teeth will not only rob you of an attractive smile but also negatively impact your oral health. Two of the most popular teeth straightening methods are traditional metal braces in Hollywood and clear aligners. Which one should you choose?

Metal Braces in Hollywood

Crooked Teeth: How Do You Fix Them?

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces are the oldest method of teeth straightening. Despite innovations in the orthodontic industry, traditional braces are still widely being used today. Braces consist of four elements – wires, brackets, elastics, and bonding material.

When these four are combined, they are powerful enough to straighten even the most complex orthodontic cases. The downside to metal braces is you’ll have to deal with bulky metal inside your mouth. Nevertheless, once you’re done with the treatment, you’ll finally get the smile of your dreams!

Clear Aligners

If you’re not a fan of glaring metal, you can opt for clear aligners. As the name implies, these are invisible aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. These aligners are specially made for you.   

Although they share the same benefits as braces, they differ in so many ways. Invisalign® is removable, and they have a smooth design, giving you added comfort. The downside is that it’s not ideal for severe orthodontic cases.

Invisalign Braces in Hollywood

Do You Prefer Braces in Hollywood or Clear Aligners?  

Your orthodontist will assess the condition of your teeth and suggest which treatment is best for you. But, if you qualify for both, it’s best if you weigh the pros and cons of each so you won’t regret your decision.   

At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life while restoring self-assurance, rebuilding confident smiles, and encouraging dental and medical wellness. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and experience to give you the best possible dental care. Call us today for an appointment. 

  

 **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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How to Survive Your First 7 Days with Braces

November 5, 2021

Do you remember when your friend or family member got their braces in Fort Lauderdale? They might’ve talked a little funny because the brackets felt uncomfortable in their mouth. 

Are braces as bad as people claim them to be? The answer is no. Sure, there’s going to be an adjustment phase, but once you survive the first week, everything will go much more smoothly, and you’ll eventually get used to your new orthodontic device.

Metal Braces in Fort Lauderdale

Braces Survival Guide

Plan Your Meals

Braces don’t require a special diet, but they do come with restrictions. However, diet restrictions only apply during the first few days while your mouth is sore and still adjusting to your braces.

We suggest you go on a soft diet that includes foods like yogurt, soups, puddings, soft vegetables, soft bread, and pasta during the first week. Then, when your mouth no longer feels sore, you can gradually shift your diet to solids, except for hard and chewy foods, as these may potentially damage your braces.

Use Wax to Ease the Soreness

Brackets have a rough texture, and often they can rub against the soft mucous membranes of the inner cheeks of your mouth, causing irritation. Don’t worry. You will get used to it over time, but this can be annoying during the first week. You may cover some of the brackets with wax to minimize the discomfort.

Rinsing with Saltwater

There are cases where braces wearers experience irritation. You can minimize the irritation by rinsing your mouth with saltwater solution six times a day for approximately 30 seconds.

To make the saline solution, all you need is to mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. This solution helps heal the sores fast. 

Patient working on braces in Fort Lauderdale

Are You Interested in Braces in Fort Lauderdale? 

You can take comfort in the fact that braces pain is only temporary. If you want to learn more, we’re happy to discuss this more in-depth during your visit. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we offer an array of affordable dental treatments that are guaranteed to enhance your quality of life and restore your self-confidence. Call us today for an appointment.

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What Food and Drinks are Bad for Your Dental Health? 

October 26, 2021

Poor oral hygiene isn’t the only reason you can get cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis. Did you know that your diet can also predispose you to cavities? During your visits to the clinic, it’s likely that your dentist in Coral Springs, FL, will teach you tips on how to better care for your teeth and gums.

If your dentist hasn’t discussed your diet yet, your next visit would be an excellent opportunity for you to ask. But, while you wait, we’ve compiled a list of food and drinks that science has proven to be harmful to your dental health.

Candies that Dentist in Coral Springs FL don't approve

The Worst Food and Drinks for Your Teeth

Candies and Sugary Sweets  

The longer your teeth are exposed to sugars, the higher your chances of suffering from tooth decay and cavities.

Some of the sugary treats that are notorious for causing cavities to include caramels, lollipops, jelly beans, hard candies, cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, and other desserts.  

You can eat them in moderation but try to do it after your main meal instead of snacking. Don’t forget to brush your teeth 30 minutes after.

Sodas

Sodas are the worst, and even if the label says sugar-free, don’t be deceived. Sodas are detrimental to your teeth because not only do they predispose you to cavities, but they also cause dental erosion because these drinks are highly acidic.

We recommend you drink water or unsweetened tea instead. If you can’t help but drink a can of soda, don’t brush immediately after.  

The acids in that drink will soften your enamel and make them more susceptible to abrasion.

Dentist in Coral Springs FL

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Coral Springs, FL You Can Trust?  

We want you to enjoy your natural, beautiful smile for as long as possible. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we can make that happen. We provide a wide array of dental treatments that are guaranteed to improve your smile and oral health. Call us today for an appointment.

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Are Crooked Teeth a Cause for Concern?

October 12, 2021

People keep telling you to love who you are, and while we agree that you should embrace your flaws and imperfections, there are a few things you should not ignore, and one of those is teeth misalignment. Did you know that if you keep postponing your appointment with your orthodontist in Tamarac, your oral health can actually suffer? 

Crooked teeth not only affect your looks but also impact your jaw bone, gums, and your mental and emotional health.

Orthodontist in Tamarac

What are the Consequences of Crooked Teeth?

Cavities  

Cavities are the deep pits, fissures, and holes that form on the outermost layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. When cavities are left untreated, bacteria will eventually make their way into the dental pulp, causing severe pain.

Studies show that crooked teeth are prone to develop cavities because they are difficult to clean.  

Even if you brush, floss, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily, it can be challenging to reach all the areas in your mouth, and this can lead to the proliferation of cavity-causing plaque.  

Correcting crooked teeth will make them much easier to clean, thereby preventing cavity formation.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another possible consequence of crooked teeth. If you can’t thoroughly clean your teeth, plaque will build up and form into tartar. 

Tartar that forms along the gum line will ultimately cause gum irritation and inflammation. When gum disease advances into a more severe case, it will lead to infection and bone loss.

Do You Need to See an Orthodontist in Tamarac?

If your teeth are crooked, you need to act fast. If you are looking for treatments that help straighten your teeth, we can help.

At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, our goal is to improve your smile and oral function with our wide array of personalized and affordable treatment plans. Call us today for an appointment or if you want to learn more about our services.

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