Embarking on orthodontic treatment with braces in North Lauderdale is an exciting journey toward a straighter and more confident smile. However, amidst the anticipation of achieving a beautifully aligned set of teeth, it's vital to recognize the importance of maintaining excellent oral health throughout the process.
By prioritizing oral health while under orthodontic treatment, you ensure the best possible outcome and set the foundation for a lifetime of dental well-being.
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With braces, proper oral hygiene becomes even more crucial. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it toward the gum line to clean the brackets and teeth.
Interdental brushes and floss threaders can help navigate around wires for effective flossing. Remember to brush after every meal and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
While wearing braces, you must be mindful of the foods you consume to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can get stuck or break your braces.
Opt for braces-friendly options such as soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and lean proteins. Cut larger or tougher foods into smaller, more manageable pieces to reduce the risk of damage.
After adjustments, it's common to experience soreness and sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
Additionally, using orthodontic wax on any wires or brackets can provide irritation relief. Contact your orthodontist for guidance if any severe pain or persistent discomfort occurs.
Regularly clean your braces by gently brushing around the brackets and wires. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas and ensure no food particles or plaque are left behind.
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks, contact your orthodontist immediately for guidance on what steps to take. Do not attempt to fix or adjust them yourself.
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Maintaining oral health during your braces journey is crucial for achieving your desired smile. At TLC Dental, we provide exceptional orthodontic care to ensure your comfort and progress throughout the process. Don't hesitate to contact our skilled team for comprehensive orthodontic services and guidance on maintaining oral health with braces.
When it comes to dental emergencies, being prepared and knowing what to do can make a significant difference in the outcome. Whether it's a toothache that keeps you up at night or a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury, understanding common dental emergencies is crucial.
Our emergency dentist in Ft. Lauderdale shares the most common dental emergencies and gives practical tips for preventing further damage.
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Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies. If you're suddenly struck with unbearable dental pain, there are a few steps you can take before seeing an emergency dentist. Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to help alleviate discomfort.
Then, carefully floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles that might be causing the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also temporarily help until you can visit a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Accidents happen, and sometimes teeth get chipped or fractured. Act quickly to prevent further damage if you are in this situation.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling. If possible, save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to the emergency dentist. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you receive professional dental care.
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub it or use soap or chemicals.
Try to reposition the tooth back into its socket, and if that's not possible, place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Contact an emergency dentist immediately, as the chances of saving the tooth are highest within the first hour.
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Remember, dental emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't delay—contact TLC Dental immediately. Our experienced team of emergency dentists is prepared to provide prompt, compassionate care to alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. Contact us today!
A smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with nice teeth, and orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct certain dental issues. While most people think of braces in North Lauderdale as something only teenagers get, the truth is that orthodontic treatment can also benefit adults.
In this blog, we’ll explore the signs that indicate the need for an orthodontic consultation and the benefits of treatment.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to schedule an orthodontic consultation. At TLC Dental, we offer various orthodontic treatment options for adults, including traditional braces and clear aligners.
Our team of experienced dental professionals will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Contact us today to request an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
If you’ve always felt self-conscious about your teeth, you may want to consider seeing a cosmetic dentist in South Florida.
Although cosmetic dental treatments can help you achieve your dream smile, unfortunately, it can quickly go back to how it used to be if you don’t learn how to maintain it. Your diet and lifestyle choices have a considerable impact on keeping it attractive. This blog will explore how you can make your smile last through proper diet and lifestyle choices.
What you eat can significantly impact the health of your teeth and gums. Foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C, as well as those rich in antioxidants, are particularly beneficial for oral health.
On the other hand, sugary and acidic foods, starchy foods, and carbonated drinks are detrimental to oral health. These foods can increase the production of bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition to a healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help remove plaque and prevent cavities.
Using mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings is also important to catch any issues early and prevent them from becoming more severe.
Certain lifestyle choices can also promote oral health.
Maintaining a healthy and lasting smile requires more than just brushing and flossing. A healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits, and healthy lifestyle choices are all critical components. If you follow these tips, you can keep your smile looking bright and healthy for years.
At TLC Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier smile.
Orthodontic emergencies can happen. An example is when components of your braces in Coral Springs break or come loose. It’s essential to notify your orthodontist when it happens to prevent further damage and ensure your treatment stays on track. What should you do if your braces get damaged?
It is necessary to know the signs of a broken or loose brace. Common signs include:
If you experience any of these signs, addressing the issue promptly is crucial to avoid further damage to your braces or teeth.
If your braces break or come loose, it's important to take the following steps:
It's essential to avoid touching any broken or loose pieces with your tongue or fingers to prevent further damage.
Broken or loose braces can cause discomfort or pain. To manage discomfort, try the following:
To avoid orthodontic emergencies, follow these prevention tips:
Knowing what to do if your braces break or come loose can help prevent further damage and ensure your treatment stays on track. If you experience any issues with your braces, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. At TLC Dental, our experienced team will help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Orthodontic treatment can be a long and sometimes challenging process, and it's not uncommon for patients to feel frustrated or overwhelmed at times. However, avoiding regular appointments with your orthodontist in Tamarac is never a good idea.
Patients may avoid their orthodontist for various reasons, such as fear of discomfort or embarrassment about their teeth. However, failing to attend appointments can negatively affect your oral health.
One of the primary reasons why you're seeing an orthodontist is to straighten your teeth and align your bite. If you stop treatment, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. This can cause your bite to become misaligned, leading to potential jaw pain, headaches, and other issues.
If you keep avoiding your orthodontist, you're not receiving the necessary adjustments to your braces or aligners, which are needed to move your teeth to their desired positions. As a result, your treatment time may be prolonged, and you may need to wear your braces or aligners longer than originally planned.
During your regular orthodontic appointments, your orthodontist will also check your overall oral health, including your gums, jaw, and bite. By not seeing your orthodontist, potential oral health issues may go unnoticed, leading to more significant problems in the future.
If you fail to follow your orthodontist's treatment plan, you may increase your risk of complications such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw problems. These issues can be painful and expensive to treat and may require additional orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment in terms of both time and money. By not seeing your orthodontist, you may be wasting both, as your treatment may not be as effective or may need to be restarted altogether. It's essential to follow your orthodontist's treatment plan and attend regular appointments to ensure the best possible outcome for your orthodontic treatment.
At TLC Dental, we understand the importance of regular orthodontic appointments and following a treatment plan. Our experienced orthodontists are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care, and we work closely with you to achieve your desired results. Contact us for an appointment.
Malocclusion is a dental condition where the teeth are misaligned, affecting how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed.
Unfortunately, if you don’t let your orthodontist in Hollywood fix this problem, the condition will eventually lead to discomfort, pain, and other complications. Orthodontic treatment effectively corrects malocclusion and restores the proper alignment of your teeth.
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of malocclusion, but other factors like childhood habits can also contribute to this condition. Examples of childhood habits include thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting.
These unhealthy behaviors can cause the teeth to shift and create malocclusion over time. Injuries or trauma to the jaw or teeth can also cause malocclusion, while medical conditions like cleft palate or tumors can disrupt the normal development of the teeth and jaw.
Braces, clear aligners, retainers, and jaw surgery are all common treatments used to correct malocclusion. Braces and clear aligners work by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position over time, while retainers help maintain the new position of the teeth after active treatment is complete. In some cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct severe malocclusion.
Correcting malocclusion can provide several benefits, including improved oral health, better digestion, reduced headaches, and enhanced appearance and self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment can also help prevent dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss by making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Malocclusion can cause discomfort, pain, and dental problems if left untreated. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help correct malocclusion and restore proper alignment to your teeth, improving your oral health and overall well-being.
At TLC Dental, our skilled orthodontists can help you find the right treatment plan for your needs and support you every step of the way. Contact us for an appointment.
Did you receive a notification from your dentist in North Lauderdale reminding you of your upcoming dental cleaning appointment? If you’re thinking about canceling, don’t. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent serious dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Find out why dental cleanings are crucial in maintaining good oral health.
Dental cleanings can help prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth, will gradually destroy your teeth and gums and put you at risk of tooth decay and periodontal or gum disease.
By removing these harmful substances from the mouth, dental cleanings can help prevent the development of cavities and gum disease. Moreover, they give your dentist the opportunity to detect early signs of cavities or gum disease, allowing for prompt treatment before they worsen.
Cavities can cause pain and sensitivity, requiring fillings or other treatments to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, gum disease, caused by inflammation of the gums due to bacteria, can cause bleeding, swelling, tooth loss, and bone loss.
In addition to preventing cavities and gum disease, regular dental cleanings offer many other benefits. For example, cleanings can help maintain a healthy and attractive smile by removing stains and buildup that can cause discoloration and bad breath. Cleanings can also save you time and money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive dental treatments.
If you're due for a dental cleaning or experiencing any dental issues, contact TLC Dental today to schedule an appointment. Our skilled and friendly team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft lip with a cleft palate in the United States, while 1 in every 2,800 babies is born with a cleft lip without a cleft palate, and 1 in every 1,700 babies is born with cleft palate. Unfortunately, both conditions can cause feeding, speaking, hearing, and dental health issues. The good news is your oral surgeon in Fort Lauderdale can help repair these conditions to help improve their quality of life.
A cleft lip is a congenital disability with a separation or gap in the upper lip. The separation occurs when the tissues that form the upper lip do not fully fuse during fetal development. The degree of separation can vary, from a minor indentation in the lip to a complete cleft that extends up to the nose.
Cleft lip surgery is typically performed within the first few months of life, usually between two to three months of age.
Early surgery can help improve the appearance of the lip and reduce the risk of complications such as feeding difficulties, ear infections, and speech delays. Additional surgeries may be necessary as the child grows to address issues with the nose and palate.
Cleft lip surgery typically takes two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will create incisions on either side of the cleft and then use sutures to bring the tissues together and create a more normal-looking lip.
The procedure may also involve reshaping the nose and improving the alignment of the upper jaw. Parents can expect their child to stay in the hospital for a couple of days following surgery and to experience some swelling and bruising for several weeks afterward.
If you're seeking an experienced oral surgeon for your child's cleft lip surgery, TLC Dental is here to help. Our team of experienced and compassionate dental professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and support to families throughout treatment. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
First-time braces in Fort Lauderdale wearers all share one thing in common, they all experience pain and discomfort during their first few weeks of treatment. The good news is there are a few things you can do to manage the discomfort. The following are tips that will make your orthodontic journey enjoyable.
Most orthodontists recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort associated with braces. For safety reasons, taking the recommended dose written on the package is vital.
Did you know salt rinses are effective in soothing your sore mouth? Besides alleviating discomfort, these rinses can also minimize swelling. You can make your salt rinses by mixing one teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. You may repeat the process multiple times a day.
Your mouth will be sore for a few weeks because of the rough texture of the brackets that rub against the insides of your cheeks. It will also hurt due to the pressure exerted by the wires. To help with the discomfort, we recommend consuming soft foods during the first few days. Examples of foods you can enjoy while you’re still in the adjustment phase are yogurt, pasta, soups, and eggs.
You can minimize swelling by applying a cold compress on the affected side of your face. A cold compress can also reduce inflammation and offer pain relief.
If you’d like to learn more tips on adjusting quickly to your new dentures, we can help. At TLC Dental, we offer affordable and customized treatment plans to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us to request a reservation.
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