If you are looking to improve and straighten your smile but are concerned about the esthetics of metal braces, Invisalign may be a great solution! With Invisalign treatment, you will wear a sequence of clear aligners or retainers to gradually move your teeth into the proper position.  Below are some tips for successfully achieving your goals with Invisalign.

Tips for Invisalign Success:

Clean aligners daily

It’s important to clean your aligners daily so that there isn’t any plaque or bacteria buildup. Also, if you fail to clean them often enough you may start to experience bad breath and tooth decay. To clean your aligners, simply brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap. Additionally, soaking your aligners with Invisalign cleaning crystals or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water will help keep them fresh and clean. After they soak, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any cleaning residue. 

Brush and floss

Each time after you eat throughout the day you should brush and floss your teeth. If that isn’t possible after every meal, try to at least rinse with water. If you don’t rinse, leftover food can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, and you may be at a greater risk of tooth decay.

Wear your aligners full time

In order to have a successful Invisalign program, it is important to wear your aligners 20-22 hrs/day.  Take them out for eating or drinking anything but water.

What NOT To Do When You Have Invisalign:

Avoid eating or drinking while wearing aligners

When you have your aligners in, the only thing you should consume is water. It is important to take your aligners out when eating or drinking or you run the risk of damaging or discoloring them. Hot liquids can cause aligners to distort, and sugary liquids can become trapped in the aligner causing you to be more susceptible to cavities. 

Avoid leaving your aligners out of the case

Always make sure to keep your aligners in their case when you aren’t wearing them. If you always keep them in their case, you reduce the risk of losing them or throwing them away by accident. 

Get Invisalign in Bedford, NH

If you follow all the advice above, your Invisalign treatment is likely to go smoothly and get you your straight smile in no time! At Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH, we have some of the best dentists to help you throughout your Invisalign journey. For more information don’t hesitate to give us a call! 603-624-3900

You’ve probably heard many times a great dental hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing once a day. While this is very important, there are several other ways to maintain a healthy beautiful smile. In this article, we’ll share 4 great tips on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to help prevent gum disease.

Upgrade to an electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are typically more effective at removing plaque than traditional toothbrushes. When using an electric toothbrush you don’t have to brush back and forth. Instead, you just guide the brush over your teeth along the gum line and allow the tiny vibrations do all the work. If you notice a build-up of plaque or food particles, an electric toothbrush can be very effective in removing those particles. Electric toothbrushes are great for those with limited mobility and orthodontic appliances. Some electric toothbrushes also have a built-in 2-minute timer so that you know exactly how long to brush for! 

Make sure you’re flossing correctly

Since a toothbrush is only able to reach a portion of your tooth surface, flossing every day is extremely important. Flossing will help reach the surfaces between your teeth so that you can remove plaque and debris from those areas. However, flossing only provides this benefit if it is done properly.  Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it along the sides of both teeth. Do not rub the floss directly onto your gums as that can cause bleeding and irritation. Make sure to curve the floss at the base of each tooth to make a “C” shape. This will allow the floss to remove particles between your gums and your tooth. Repeat until each tooth has been properly cleaned using a new, clean section of the floss.

Rinse after flossing

We recommend flossing before you brush your teeth so you can remove any loosened debris. If flossing during the day or after meals when brushing is not possible, remember to rinse your mouth after to remove food particles.  

Don’t forget about your tongue

While you’re brushing, don’t forget to gently brush your tongue in a downward motion too. Because the surface of your tongue has tiny bumps and crevices, bacteria will hide in those areas unless it is removed. You can also add an anti-cavity mouthwash containing fluoride to your routine to help kill bacteria, strengthen your teeth and freshen your breath. 

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford

By brushing and flossing, following these tips, and maintaining a regular 6-month dental check-up schedule you will not only improve the health of your teeth and gums but your overall health in general. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of health issues so taking care of your teeth is extremely important. If you have other questions about your dental hygiene routine, contact us at. 603-624-3900

Tooth discoloration is incredibly common and could be caused by many factors. Understanding the causes can help you to avoid or reduce the degree of discoloration. Here is a list of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.

Poor Dental Hygiene

This one is pretty obvious but failing to floss and brush your teeth daily is one of the main reasons people experience tooth discoloration. If you don’t floss or brush regularly, bacteria and food particles stay in your mouth and cling to your teeth. This causes staining and tooth decay.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use isn’t good for your overall health and can severely impact your oral health. Tobacco users, including those who vape, are much more likely to develop oral cancer, plaque build-up, gum disease, tooth loss, root decay and more. Just like your skin, your teeth have pores. The nicotine and tar in tobacco easily absorb into these pores causing a yellow or brown discoloration. Although nicotine itself is colorless, when combined with oxygen it turns yellow and stains teeth.

Certain Beverages and Foods

Although certain beverages may taste great, they can substantially affect the enamel and natural coloring of your teeth. Examples of these beverages are coffee, tea, wine, soda, and even some juices. Even healthy foods such as blueberries, cherries, and beets can cause discoloration. Citrus fruits and juices are acidic and can erode the natural pearly white enamel revealing the yellowish dentin layer below. A good rule of thumb: If it can stain your clothes, it can probably stain your teeth. If possible, brush right after consuming any of these foods and beverages.

Aging

As we age, our tooth enamel wears down and exposes the naturally yellowish layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. More dentin is visible as we get older so our teeth appear darker.

Certain Illnesses & Medications

Some medical conditions can affect your tooth enamel which can lead to tooth discoloration. Genetic conditions such as amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta cause improper development of the enamel and lead to yellow discolored teeth. Eating disorders can cause acid erosion of the enamel and discolor teeth.

Many medications can also be the cause of tooth discoloration. Receiving common antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline as a child can lead to tooth discoloration as a side effect. Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can also discolor teeth. While there are some medications that cause tooth discoloration, these medications may be important for overall health. Never discontinue the use of medication before consulting with your doctor.

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

Now that you’ve read the causes of tooth discoloration, you and your dentist can come up with a plan to maintain your healthy, confident smile. While we listed the most common causes above, your dentist may discover a different reason for your tooth discoloration. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Bedford, NH area, consider Lindner Dental! If you have any questions about our dental care, don’t hesitate to contact us. Give us a call today at 603-624-3900.