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What Are the Different Types of Crooked Teeth?

October 24, 2022

Did you know that nine in every 10 people have misaligned teeth? Teeth misalignment is not something you should ignore. It’s a condition that requires orthodontic treatment, like braces in North Lauderdale.  

Genetics plays a significant role in the size and shape of your teeth, arch width, and bite patterns. In rare cases, genetic diseases such as Pierre Robin's Syndrome and Apert Syndrome can also influence the development of tissues and bones on the face. Here’s what you need to know about crooked teeth and why you should have them fixed.

Patient after braces treatment North Lauderdale

The Different Types of Crooked Teeth

  • Crowding – There isn’t enough space in your jaw to accommodate all your teeth. Crowding can predispose you to oral health problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease because the abnormal formation of your teeth makes them difficult to clean.  
  • Spacing – As the name suggests, spacing is when there’s a visible space between your teeth. Tooth gaps can be problematic because food debris can lodge in these areas causing cavities and gum disease.  
  • Crossbite – When your upper teeth hide behind your lower teeth when your mouth is at rest. A crossbite can affect your front teeth or your back teeth. If both upper and lower teeth don’t fit together, it will cause your jaw to move to one side, increasing your propensity to experience jaw pain.  
  • Underbite – People who have underbites have their lower jaw extended beyond their upper jaw. Unfortunately, this malocclusion can result in premature tooth wear and put your jaws under unnecessary stress, leading to pain.  
  • Open Bite – You have an open bite if your front and bottom teeth do not overlap when your back teeth are together. A posterior open bite is when your front teeth meet, but the teeth at the back don’t. Open bites can lead to tongue thrusting, swallowing problems, and speech issues.  
Girl with Braces North Lauderdale

Correct Teeth Misalignment with Braces in North Lauderdale!

To achieve good results, only an orthodontist is licensed to correct teeth misalignment regardless of type. At TLC Dental, we aim to provide you with affordable orthodontic treatments that will safely move your teeth until they reach their desired positions. Contact us today for an appointment.  

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2 Reasons Why You Need a Cosmetic Dentist in Your Life

October 21, 2022

Are you worried about how your teeth look? You don’t have to spend another day feeling self-conscious about your smile because an experienced cosmetic dentist in South Florida can fix your dental issues. A cosmetic dentist is a medical professional specializing in improving the overall appearance of your teeth while boosting your oral health.  

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic dentistry is not just about superficial beauty. What many people don’t know is it’s both a science and an art. Your cosmetic dentist will work closely with you to give you your dream smile while improving your oral function.  

Cosmetic Dentist tools South Florida

Do You Need Cosmetic Dentistry in Your Life?

#1 You’re Desperate to Whiten Your Teeth

If you spend your free time researching the best teeth whitening products on Google and reading endless threads of reviews from Amazon, you’ll only waste your time. DIY teeth whitening products are less effective and can be dangerous.

Most of the products you’ll find online and on grocery shelves aren’t even accepted by the American Dental Association, which means the ingredients could potentially cause damage to your teeth and oral tissues. For results guaranteed to impress you, we suggest you see a cosmetic dentist to brighten your smile.

#2 You Don’t Like the Size of Your Teeth

Studies show that genetics contribute to 60% of tooth size, while environmental factors influence 40%. Unfortunately, changing your teeth to the size you desire is impossible without the help of cosmetic dentistry. Some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments that can alter the size and shape of your teeth are porcelain veneers and dental bonding.  

Patient at Cosmetic Dentist office South Florida

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in South Florida?

If your smile is starting to frustrate you, the best you can do is to consult with a reliable cosmetic dentist. At TLC Dental, we strive to give you the smile of your dreams while improving your oral health with our wide range of cosmetic dental procedures tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a reservation.  

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Should I Be Concerned About Dental Implant Pain?

October 17, 2022

Getting dental implants in Coral Springs is a generally painless procedure since you will be anesthetized the entire time. But when the effect of the anesthesia begins to wane, it’s normal to experience some degree of discomfort or pain.  

The pain, however, is tolerable and should diminish within a few days. But if it lingers on and intensifies for weeks, then it’s an entirely different story, one that requires you to call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Patient before Dental Implants in Coral Springs

Should I Worry About Dental Implant Pain?

What Symptoms Are Expected After Dental Implant Surgery Besides Pain?

It’s important to distinguish normal symptoms from those that require urgent attention. Some of the symptoms you are likely to experience following surgery are the following:

  • Slight bleeding at the site
  • Swelling in the face and around the gums
  • Jaw pain  
  • Bruising

Does The Pain Come From the Implants?

Pain following dental implant surgery will not stem from the implant itself. Remember, dental implants are not like your natural teeth. They do not have nerves making them insensitive to pain. So, if the pain is felt, it should stem from someplace else, like your gum tissues or the bone surrounding the implants. Dental implant infection is the most common cause of pain resulting from bacteria infiltrating the surrounding bone tissues.  

How Long Does the Pain Last?

Pain after surgery is only temporary and should last between three to five days. You may take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve the discomfort. However, if the pain is accompanied by jaw stiffness, bruising, and swelling lasting more than ten days, you need to take action and call your dentist.  

Dental Implants diagram Coral Springs

Have Your Dental Implants in Coral Springs Checked!

If you experience discomfort that has exceeded for more than 10 days, you should come to see us. At TLC Dental, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our priorities. Our team will cater to your needs. We offer affordable yet superior quality dental care for all our patients. Call today for an appointment.

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Can My Teeth Get Crooked Again After Braces?

October 14, 2022

Is it possible for your teeth to get crooked again after your braces are off? Many patients express their grievances to their orthodontist in Tamarac as they experience teeth misalignment after orthodontic treatment. Aren’t braces supposed to correct crooked teeth?  

According to orthodontists, a rising number of patients seek treatment because of this issue. What could be the reason why teeth return to their original crooked state when they’ve already been treated?  

Orthodontist helps to correct crooked teeth Tamarac

Why Do Teeth Get Crooked After Orthodontic Treatment?

You’re Not Wearing Dental Retainers

Many factors contribute to the misalignment, such as teeth grinding, clenching, and unhealthy dental habits like nail biting.  

All these can cause your teeth to shift out of position after treatment. How can you prevent teeth misalignment post-treatment? Easy, you just need to wear your dental retainers diligently. Wearing retainers will help keep your teeth in place.

How Do Orthodontists Fix Teeth Misalignment After Braces?  

If the misalignment is not too severe, your orthodontist may advise you to wear dental aligners. The most common cause of teeth misalignment after orthodontic treatment is when the patient fails to wear retainers.  

But if the damage has been done, you can wear dental aligners to realign your smile and bite. Talk to your orthodontist to know if you are a good candidate for this treatment.  

Patient having Orthodontist checkup in Tamarac

See an Orthodontist in Tamarac!  

At TLC Dental, we make teeth straightening simple, straightforward, and affordable for you. We utilize the latest methods, systems, and technology in modern dentistry to create lasting smiles!  

Our knowledgeable team has years of experience in the industry, and we are proud to deliver superior quality dental care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for an appointment.

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How to Deal With Ulcers Caused by Braces

October 10, 2022

If your orthodontist in Hollywood recommended braces and you develop conflicting emotions about it, you’re not alone. Wearing rough and bulky metal braces isn’t exactly something people want to experience, but if you desire an attractive smile and a healthy mouth, you’ll have to brave it out.  

We’re not going to lie – wearing braces can be uncomfortable. It can also lead to the development of mouth ulcers.  Ulcers form when your brackets' rough texture rubs against your mouth's soft tissues for an extended period. Without treatment, the sores will worsen and could result in an infection.

Orthodontist Hollywood

How Do You Treat Ulcers Caused by Braces?

Taking Pain Relievers

Mouth ulcers can cause discomfort. You can alleviate the pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Examples of OTC pain medications are ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. However, you must take them as indicated on the label. Also, make sure to read the warnings.  

Rinsing With Saltwater

According to Isak Dinesen, a renowned Danish author, “the cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.” Interestingly, salt water can help cure mouth ulcers caused by braces too! If you don’t prefer to take pain medications, you can go all natural by creating your saltwater solution. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then rinse. Saltwater is said to minimize swelling and pain.  

Using Antibacterial Rinses

Gargling antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide can help keep your mouth ulcers clean, thereby preventing infection.  

Placing Tea Bag on The Area

Did you know that you could place a warm and soaked tea bag on the area to relieve pain and reduce swelling? Studies show that tea bags contain natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Orthodontist treatment Hollywood

Contact Our Orthodontist in Hollywood Today About Mouth Ulcers

Do you have mouth ulcers? If you need help, we’re here for you. At TLC Dental, we strive to meet your needs by delivering superior quality treatments tailored to your specific concerns. Our team has years of experience and training to assist you in preventing and treating mouth ulcers caused by wearing braces. Contact us today for a reservation.

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Top 3 Signs You Found the Best Dentist

October 7, 2022

Finding the best dentist in North Lauderdale is just as important as your daily oral care routine. You can’t expect to achieve optimum oral health if you don’t visit your dentist yearly. Since directories are filled with names of dentists, how do you know which one to pick? What standards should you set for choosing a dentist?  

Dentist tools North Lauderdale

The Signs to Look for When Finding a Dentist

An Active Listener

A good dentist is someone who takes time to listen to your needs no matter how tight their schedule is. They will work closely with you to discuss your concerns and dental goals.  

An Educator

The majority of patients have no clue about oral problems and dental treatments. Therefore, they depend on their dentist to teach them about what they are going through, what treatments are ideal for their situation, and what preventive measures they can take to protect their oral health.  

The best dentist will thoroughly explain their problem during the consultation and present various procedures to address their needs, including the pros and cons and the risks involved.  

Clean Dental Office

Did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) encourages patients to assess the dental office to make sure that it’s clean and organized? Furthermore, they should also check if the instruments are properly sterilized.

Even though the dentist actively listens to you and educates you about the treatment, if the dental office is dirty, you’re better off finding someone else rather than risk contamination and infection.  

Patient at dentist office North Lauderdale

Looking for the Best Dentist in North Lauderdale?

At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with the best possible dental care. Our team will listen closely to your needs and partner with you to find the treatment that will address your concerns. We create, maintain, and restore beautiful smiles. Contact us today for a reservation.

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How to Make Living with Braces a Breeze

October 3, 2022

Are your crooked teeth hurting your self-esteem? The best advice we can give you is to see an orthodontist in Ft. Lauderdale. One of the reasons why people ignore crooked teeth is because they don’t want to wear braces. Sure, braces can be uncomfortable and even cause slight pain, but if you make certain adjustments to your routine, you’ll be able to breeze through the treatment and achieve that beautiful and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.

Girdl after rthodontist appointment Ft. Lauderdale

How to Make Living with Braces Easy  

Choose Soft Foods

During the first week, your mouth will feel sore since your braces are newly tightened. With the pressure and force applied to your teeth, plus the rough brackets that rub against the insides of your mouth, eating can be torture. But it doesn’t have to be. Orthodontists suggest you go for soft foods like scrambled eggs, pasts, smoothies, and soups since they require less chewing. The soft texture also minimizes irritation to your teeth and gums.  

Stop Unhealthy Chewing Habits

Do you chew on pens or fingernails when you’re stressed or agitated? If the answer is yes, now is the best time to stop. These unhealthy chewing habits can aggravate the pain of your sensitive teeth. In addition, biting hard on inedible objects can cause your teeth to chip and crack. They can also result in brackets and wires coming loose.  

Brush and Floss Daily

You must brush and floss your teeth daily when you’re wearing braces. Food debris, plaque, and bacteria can easily get trapped between your teeth and around your brackets. If you don’t remove them quickly, they can turn into tartar and cause tooth decay and cavities. Once you succumb to oral health issues, expect delays in your treatment.  

Girl receiving Orthodontist attention Ft. Lauderdale

See an Orthodontist in Ft. Lauderdale!

Living with braces is not as bad as you imagined it to be. At TLC Dental, we offer affordable and customizable treatment plans to give you the smile of your dreams. We have a team of experienced dentists ready to assist you. Contact us for a consultation.

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Why You Should Never Skin Brushing Your Tongue

September 26, 2022

Do you want to know why your dentist in South Florida asked if you brush your tongue? When cleaning your teeth and gums, you should also include your tongue. Research shows that the human tongue has over 20 billion bacteria. In fact, between your teeth and tongue, the latter is dirtier since bacteria can hide under the elevations and inside the tiny crevices that make up for your tongue’s rough texture. What might happen if you neglect cleaning your tongue?

Why Is It Necessary to Clean Your Tongue?

Why Should You Clean Your Tongue?

The fact that your tongue has billions of bacteria is enough to convince you that you need to clean it daily. Many assume that brushing and flossing will get rid of bacteria in the tongue, but it doesn’t.

You need to manually brush your tongue to remove the bacteria sticking to it. Bacteria present in your tongue will create volatile sulfur compounds that can result in bad breath and other oral health problems.

How Can You Keep Your Tongue Clean?

Cleaning your tongue is easy. You need a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can even use the same toothbrush for your teeth to clean your tongue.

However, you can also opt to get a tongue scraper. It’s a small, flexible plastic tool that can gently scrape away bacteria from your tongue. You can do it before or after brushing your teeth.

Are You Looking for a Reliable Dentist in South Florida?

Bacteria can thrive and multiply if you allow them, so you must brush your teeth, gums, and tongue thoroughly to protect your mouth against oral health problems. At TLC Dental, we offer affordable and customizable dental treatments that will help improve your smile and boost your oral health. Contact us today for a reservation.

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How to Have Beautiful Teeth in 2022

September 23, 2022

Surveys reveal that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you want to create a lasting impact, ask your dentist in Coral Springs, FL, for help.  

Even if you weren’t born with nice teeth, be glad to know that you don’t have to spend the rest of your life blaming your parents for your genes. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you have plenty of options to choose from to achieve your smile goals!

How to Achieve Your Smile Goals This Year

Teeth Whitening

Are you bothered by your yellow teeth? You should consider teeth whitening if you purse your lips when you smile or cover your mouth with your hand when you laugh. Professional teeth whitening involves the application of a bleaching solution to your teeth.  

Your dentist may use a laser to speed up the process. With a single appointment, you can see a dramatic difference in the shade of your teeth. In-office teeth whitening can improve the color of your teeth by numerous shades.

Veneers

If your teeth are too small, too yellow, or have chips and cracks, you can opt for porcelain veneers. Veneers can instantly change the size, color, and shape of your teeth. These are thin shells made of porcelain and are designed and created based on your specifications.  

After fabricating the shells, they will be permanently attached to your teeth. It takes two dental appointments to complete the process.  

Braces

Genetics is mostly to blame for crooked teeth. If members of your family have misaligned teeth, don’t be surprised if you do too. Crooked teeth are easy to fix since many teeth straightening devices are available, like braces and clear aligners.

See a Dentist in Coral Springs, FL!

After you’ve achieved your dream smile, don’t forget the most important thing – practicing good dental hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist yearly will help maintain the beauty of your smile. At TLC Dental, we offer customized dental treatments that help you achieve your dream smile. Contact us today to request an appointment.

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How to Clean Teeth with Braces

September 23, 2022

Living with braces in Fort Lauderdale can sometimes be a little challenging. Even the most patient person can get frustrated from time to time.  

If you can relate, we understand. When you’re wearing braces, you have to deal with the discomfort of the rough brackets and wires and the discomfort that results from the pressure applied to your teeth to cause them to move, all while bearing the responsibility of making sure your teeth are clean.  

Ensuring that your teeth are healthy is a must to avoid delays in your treatment time. Luckily, some techniques can help simplify your oral care routine.  

Woman with braces from Fort Lauderdale

How Should You Clean Your Teeth with Braces?

What Toothbrush to Use

While cheap toothbrushes can be tempting, using them to clean your metal wires and brackets may not be your best move. You think you’re saving money, but the truth is, you’re not. Low-quality toothbrushes wear out faster.  

Dentists recommend investing in a high-quality toothbrush, especially when wearing braces. If you are unsure, feel free to ask for recommendations from your orthodontist. Orthodontists prefer electric toothbrushes because of their added features like timers, adjustable settings, etc.  

Brushing With Braces

Before brushing your teeth, dentists suggest you gargle and swish water to dislodge food debris stuck in your brackets and wires for about 30 seconds. Make sure you use toothpaste that the ADA accepts.  

You’ll know because it will bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance in the packaging. Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant for a total of two minutes. Don’t brush for more than two minutes, as this can also cause enamel erosion.  

Woman with braces in Fort Lauderdale

Do You Have More Questions About Cleaning with Braces in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, cleaning with braces can be challenging, but if you want to improve your smile and oral health, you must learn strategies to make your life easier. Don’t worry; you’ll get used to it eventually.  

At TLC Dental, we offer a wide range of dental treatments customized to your specific needs. Our team is proud to provide patient education, so you’ll know how to care for your teeth at home. Contact us for an appointment.  

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