Blog

When you think of a healthy lifestyle, what initially comes to mind? Is it diet or perhaps exercise? Did it ever occur to you that visiting your family dentist in South Florida is part of it? While following a healthy diet and working out as much as you can help keep your body healthy, you must also pay enough attention to your oral health. Studies show that your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. To protect your body, you must ensure that your mouth is disease-free.    

What Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits Can Affect Your Oral Health?  

Smoking  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 30.8 million American adults are smoking cigarettes. Research shows that smoking can stain and discolor your teeth because of the tar and nicotine in cigarettes. However, discoloration is not the only thing you should worry about. Smoking has also been linked to tooth loss, decreased blood flow to the gums and teeth, and oral cancer.    

Alcohol    

Alcohol is one of the major contributors to premature enamel erosion. Besides the acids and sugars in alcoholic drinks, people who drink too much usually go straight to bed, forgetting to brush their teeth. This leaves their vulnerable teeth exposed to harmful acids, increasing their risk of tooth decay.    

Stress  

Stress is the root cause of almost all diseases, so it’s essential to learn how to manage it. It has been found that stress can lead to teeth and gum problems. Some people even develop cold ulcers and mouth ulcers because of it.    

Another issue linked to stress is teeth grinding. Certain people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth as a stress coping mechanism. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it can develop into TMD or TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular disorder).

Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist in South Florida  

If you want to learn lifestyle habits that can improve your oral health, we can help. At TLC Dental, we are proud to offer dental services and patient education so you can maintain good oral health while you’re at home. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Why spend money on braces in Coral Springs and endure the discomfort when everyone who matters accepts you for who you are? Unfortunately, orthodontists are saying otherwise.    

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, teeth misalignment is not just an aesthetic concern but can pose health problems. Let’s find out what problems can arise from having crooked teeth.    

Health Consequences of Crooked Teeth  

You Become Susceptible to Gum Disease  

People with crooked teeth are twice as likely to develop gum disease than those with straight teeth because crooked teeth are more difficult to clean.    

Even if the effort is there, you won’t be able to efficiently clean the spaces between your teeth, especially the areas along the gumline. When plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate, they can start irritating your gum tissues leading to inflammation and eventually resulting in gum infection.  

Your Teeth Wear Out Faster  

Did you know that crooked teeth wear out faster? For example, if your lower teeth are crooked, several of your teeth could protrude and rub against your upper teeth.    

It may not be a problem with you now, but over time, as your enamel continues to rub against each other, the protective outer layer of your teeth can prematurely wear out, putting you susceptible to cavities and tooth abscesses.    

Bad Breath Is a Possibility

Bacteria and plaque lodge in your teeth if you cannot clean them properly due to misalignment. You'll have bad breath if you can’t get all the bacteria out. The only way to solve this problem is to fix the misalignment with braces.  

Braces in Coral Springs Are the Solution for Crooked Teeth

Say goodbye to crooked teeth with our affordable orthodontic dental care treatments. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide array of dental services tailored to your needs to create a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today for an appointment.  

When you wear braces in Tamarac to straighten your teeth, part of the process is adhering to a schedule where you’ll be asked to return to the dental office regularly for adjustments. Not everyone is willing to comply with this requirement because they don’t want to deal with the pain associated with newly adjusted braces. What’s going to happen if you don’t get your braces tightened?    

The Consequences of Missing Braces Adjustment Appointments  

What Will Happen If You Don’t Show Up for Adjustments?  

Braces are effective in straightening teeth because they use gradual pressure from the brackets and wires to reposition them. As your teeth move, your braces will lose control over them, which is why you must return to your orthodontist so they can tighten your braces throughout your treatment.  

Although there are no serious repercussions if you miss your appointments, it has downsides. One of which is that your braces are useless since your teeth won’t move without the pressure.    

How Often Should You Have Your Braces Tightened?  

Your orthodontist determines the frequency of your appointments. The average frequency of your visits is between four to six weeks. However, it will depend on your case. Some patients may need to come back sooner.    

How Can You Reduce Braces Pain?  

The good news is that you can minimize the pain after your braces are tightened if you eat soft foods for one to two days after the adjustment. Examples of foods you can enjoy are smoothies, yogurts, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soups. You may also take over-the-counter painkillers to provide pain relief temporarily.    

Being gentle in your brushing and flossing also helps ease the pain. If you have low pain tolerance, your orthodontist can recommend dental wax or orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks and gums from the rough brackets and wires.    

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in Tamarac Pain?  

Don’t be discouraged because the discomfort is only temporary and can be managed. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with quality dental care to help you achieve your dental goals at affordable rates. Our team has the skills and knowledge to deliver care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for a reservation.‍

Wearing braces in Hollywood will require certain sacrifices, and one example of a sacrifice you’ll be making is being selective with your food choices. With a device in your mouth, you now have the added responsibility of taking care of both your teeth and a set of braces.  

During your initial consultation with your orthodontist, you’ll be advised to modify your meal plan. This is important to protect your teeth and the integrity of your orthodontic device to avoid delays in your treatment.  

Food Choices for Braces Wearers

What Foods Are You Allowed to Have?

• Soft foods like pancakes, pastas, porridge, and scrambled eggs contain key nutrients that can help improve your health. But besides their nutritional value, the texture of soft foods is less likely to irritate your sore mouth.  
• You may also enjoy dairy products like soft cheese and plain or flavored yogurts.
• For meat, your orthodontist can allow you to enjoy some, but instead of diving into a chewy steak, they suggest you opt for soft meatballs. You may also cut meat into bite-sized pieces.  
• Another healthy option that is braces-friendly is a smoothie. Put the ice, milk, and fruits in a blender, and voila, you’ve got yourself a healthy meal without the need for chewing. Just be wary of fruits that have tiny seeds, as these can get stuck in your brackets.  

What Foods Should You Avoid?

• If you’re wearing traditional metal braces, it’s best to avoid popcorn. So, if you’re going on a movie night with friends, you might want to change to a different snack.
• You’ll also be advised to stay away from hard and chewy candies. They are notorious for destroying brackets and wires.  

Are You All Set and Ready for Your New Braces in Hollywood?

Don’t worry about the rules because once your treatment is over, you can go back to enjoying all your favorite foods without worrying that they’ll damage your braces. TLC Dental offers affordable and customizable dental care, including orthodontic treatment. Contact us today for a reservation.  

You pay for your braces in North Lauderdale and endure the discomfort because you want to improve your smile and oral health. If this is the goal you have in mind, compliance is key. Although the treatment is guaranteed to work, it doesn’t mean it will work on you. It will only be effective if you cooperate and do your part. So yes, wearing braces does not guarantee that you’ll be able to meet your dental goals.  

What Causes Orthodontic Treatment Failure?

You Don’t Follow Directions

Before your treatment, your orthodontist will sit with you to discuss your treatment plan in great length and detail. You are expected to ask questions for clarity as well. One of the reasons why treatments fail is that patients do not follow simple directions.  

An example is your diet. When wearing braces, your orthodontist will tell you to stay away from hard and crunchy foods as they can break your wires and cause your brackets to come off. If your braces are damaged, and you don’t get them repaired immediately, the treatment is useless since your braces will not be able to move your teeth.  

You’re Not Wearing Your Retainers

Did you know that even if you’ve completed your treatment, your teeth can still shift and go back to being crooked? After your braces are off, your orthodontist will ask you to wear a retainer for a certain time. People who don’t wear their retainers long enough usually end up with crooked teeth making all their sacrifices useless.  

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in North Lauderdale?

Braces have been around for a long time and are guaranteed to work, but they can be ineffective if you don’t follow your orthodontist's advice.  

At TLC Dental, we educate our patients so they can achieve beautiful smiles without treatment delays. We also use the latest methods, technology, and systems to create lasting, functional, beautiful smiles. We have a team dedicated to their craft, offering experience backed by training and certifications. Contact us today for a consultation.

Correcting teeth misalignment is easy since you have plenty of options, like braces in Fort Lauderdale, but the results can take a while. The saying “There are no shortcuts to success” applies to orthodontic treatment because the process requires patience. It doesn’t happen overnight. The time frame also varies depending on your needs and compliance. One secret that makes your treatment plan effective is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to avoid delays.  

How Long Do I Need to Wear Braces?

How Long Do Braces Take?

On average, braces wearers are expected to wait between one to three years. However, some patients can get them off before 12 months, while others take longer than three years. It all depends on your unique case. Some factors that affect how long you’ll be on treatment are the alignment of your teeth (too spaced apart, crowded, or teeth sticking out), the alignment of your bite, and the type of braces you choose.  

What Are Your Options?

Two of the most popular orthodontic devices are traditional metal braces and clear aligners. On average, braces wearers are expected to wait two years to complete the treatment. Meanwhile, patients wearing aligners sometimes see results in less than 24 months, with some completing their treatment as fast as six months.  

There are no assurances when it comes to treatment time. These are just rough estimates because numerous factors can influence how short or how long your treatment will take.  

Interested in Braces in Fort Lauderdale?

Before committing to the treatment, you should discuss with your orthodontist your concerns regarding treatment duration to better understand what you can expect during your orthodontic journey. TLC Dental uses the latest methods, technology, and systems to create functional, beautiful, and lasting smiles. We have a team dedicated to their craft, offering experience backed by training and certifications. Contact us today for a consultation.  

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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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?  

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.  

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.