Smile Flaws That Can Be Saved By Invisalign

Most of us didn’t grow up with perfectly straight teeth. Unfortunately, even the smallest defects can affect our self-esteem. If you are hoping to fix any misalignment, Invisalign is the way to go. Aside from the confidence in your smile, there are many underlying issues that can come with misaligned teeth. For one, you could be having problems with your oral health, which could be the cause of your misalignment. These issues can include gum disease, tooth decay, and even bone loss. Regardless of any aesthetic reasons for wanting to look into Invisalign, there are actual oral health reasons to think about going for it as well.

There are reasons as to why dentists take misalignment so seriously.  This doesn’t have to do with your self-esteem. The Invisalign system uses innovative technology to bring you the clear, smooth, and almost invisible aligner trays that will straighten your teeth over a specific amount of time. It is a useful system for those who want a seamless solution to your oral issues. Here are some flaws that Invisalign can be the perfect solution for:

Correcting an overbite

An overbite is when your upper front teeth protrude or overlap past your lower front teeth. It is common for people to have a little bit of an overbite, but problems can occur if it exceeds that normal amount. Aside from it being an undesirable look for your teeth, it can also cause unhealthy wear and tear to your teeth, might cause gum disease and can cause significant jaw pain as you get older.

Fixing underbites

This issue applies the same way as an overbite. An underbite is when your lower teeth and jaw protrude beyond your upper teeth when you close your mouth. Depending on the severity of your underbite, you may need surgery in addition to your Invisalign treatments. An underbite can make chewing and speaking more difficult, as well as cause your teeth to wear down. These problems can lead to decay, gum disease, and many other oral health issues that will need to be fixed.

Realign crossbites

When your mouth is closed, it’s normal for your upper teeth to sit slightly outside your lower teeth. However, if the opposite happens, you have a crossbite. This condition can cause abnormal wear to your teeth, which can lead to chipping of any affected teeth. This will also increase the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Crooked, crowded teeth

If your jaw does not have enough room for all your teeth to sit normally, there can be some overlap, twisting, and shifting from their original position. This will make it harder to clean your teeth properly and might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Close tooth gaps

Gaps between your teeth can cause food debris to get stuck. This can cause bacteria to form and could lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Invisalign will help in closing that gap, which will make your mouth a lot healthier in the long run.

Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!

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Why Teeth Whitening Should Be Done by Professionals

These days, coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and quite a number of other things that stain your teeth are a part of everyday life. This means that for most people, dull and discoloured teeth are only a matter of time. Gradually, you will start to notice your teeth taking on a different shade. This is why teeth whitening is becoming more popular today.

Everybody wants shiny pearly whites when they smile. There are tons of products that you can get in the market right now to whiten your teeth at home, but they aren’t nearly as worth your money compared to a professional whitening session. You can reclaim that glow with whitening treatments! Here are some reasons you should consider checking out professional teeth whitening:

You will get better, faster results

Seeing as an actual dentist will be doing the job for you, using legitimate products, the results will ultimately be a lot better than if you just got a whitening kit at the store. Professional teeth whitening will bring you bright, better, longer-lasting results. Whitening with a professional will be a faster process since you will see results right away.

Those sticky, messy strips will only last for so long and will take a while to start working. Getting your whitening procedure done in-office will allow you to get results in time for that wedding, event, or other function that you are planning to go to. You won’t have time to invest in those home kits that take forever to see results.

Treatment will be individualised

If you get your teeth whitened with your normal dentist, you are having the treatment done by someone who knows your teeth better than anyone else. They will know your sensitive spots, what you’ve had done, how many cavities you have, whether or not you have sensitivity, and many other important things that might make your whitening process more comfortable when considered.

This is why professional teeth whitening is better. Even if you don’t go to your usual dentist, a professional will be better at personalizing your experience for you so that your sensitivities are considered during the process whereas an at-home kit will not consider that when they make their products; they are basically for the general public and won’t be as effective for those who might have different needs.

Some stains are stubborn

Sometimes those at-home kits will not be able to get those stubborn stains out. If you have stains that are persistent, it might be best to have a professional take care of it for you. A professional will use better ingredients with stronger agents in order to make sure that even the peskiest of stains are removed.

The dentist’s office is a safer environment

Trying to whiten on your own can go wrong, believe it or not. If you suffer from sensitivity, a professional will be able to help you with these things. They will be performing these procedures in a sterile environment using the best products and tools that are needed to make sure that nothing is missed.

The results will last longer

Right when you are finished and fresh off the chair, you can evaluate your smile and see how many shades lighter your smile has become. Professional teeth whitening will allow you to really see measurable results, which is a lot better than trying to do it on your own at home, only to miss spots or areas that might have needed more work than others. A dentist will also be able to educate you on better oral practices to keep your smile shining.

Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!

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What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening – Our Guide

Looking For A New Dentist In Seattle & Everett Washington?

Hi everyone I am Dr. Valentine one of the founders of Icon Dental Center. We have locations in Everett and Seattle Washington.

Our practice is multifaceted which means that we specialize in all different areas of dentistry at our office to help treat our patients, because we know that patients are not one dimensional and sometimes they need many things.

We felt that it was very important that we were able to be able to take care of all areas of patients needs and so we have an orthodontist, oral surgeon, root canal specialists, and more who all come in to help us treat our patients in a very comprehensive manner and we’re really proud to be able to offer these services and hope that you guys will come and check us out soon because we know that having a nice smile isn’t just about beauty.

It’s about having good overall health as well there are many studies out there that show poor dental health can lead to uncontrollable diabetes and other cardiovascular issues. We feel it is very important that we take care of our oral health and hope  we see you soon and thank you so much for watching this video.

 

Seattle Office: https://icondentalcenter.com/seattle-…

2815 2nd Ave, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 225-2882

Everett Office: https://icondentalcenter.com/everett-…

1820 100th Place SE, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 (425) 337-2400

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5 Reasons You Should Leave Your Braces to the Professionals

By now, you’ve probably heard news about people making their own braces or 3D printing their own aligners to straighten their teeth at a fraction of the cost. However, contrary to the glimmering pearly whites and the skimping of dentist fees that these product promise to deliver, broken teeth and damaged finances are the only things that these so-called DIY braces and at-home teeth straightening kits are sure to bring about.

But despite the dangers, it is very worrisome that many vloggers continue to attract and command a following that wants to give DIY braces a try, too. Moreover, the advent of cheaper 3D printers has led some entrepreneurs to manufacture DIY braces and market them as safe and more affordable without regard for the terrible consequences.

Dentist-quality teeth care can’t be simply achieved by cutting corners and relying on DIY solutions that are downright dangerous. Here are some of the reasons why DIY braces are bad and why you should leave your braces in the hands of experts.

 

(1) DIY braces can be painful and sickening

Superglue, dental floss, paper clips, bracelet beads, and orthodontic wax. These are some of the most bizarre and exotic materials that people have tried to use to make these DIY braces. Some of those materials, beads, for instance, may wound the gums and oral mucosa, abrading the enamel of the teeth and leading to bleeding. Additionally, none of those materials are sterile and of medical-grade quality. This means that your teeth and gums are at risk of becoming infected.

Infections can lead to the loss of your teeth, or worse, your face. An oral infection arising from using rubber bands as braces can make your face permanently disfigured. Cases of children having to undergo maxillofacial surgery to have their rubber band braces removed are well-documented. For these children, their faces will never be the same as it was once was.

The substances in these materials may also irritate the oral mucosa and lead to painful, open sores that would make eating a grueling experience. These sores will not heal for as long as these makeshift braces are in your mouth. If left untreated, a gum infection can eventually turn into a life-threatening situation.

Your gums are not the only part of your mouth that can be damaged by DIY braces. Tight DIY braces will make it difficult for blood to flow into and out of your teeth’s roots. When your teeth are deprived of oxygen and minerals, they will eventually rot and fall off.

(2) DIY braces are not effective

Unlike the quick corrections that DIY braces claim that they can offer, braces move teeth into their correct positions over a long period of time. Orthodontists do not merely install braces just right after taking a quick glance at your teeth. Instead, they spend time planning and designing how your braces will look like so that your teeth can be adjusted into the right positions. This way, they will be guaranteed to stay there in their new positions. Even if makeshift or DIY braces are able to move your teeth, it cannot guarantee that the teeth would stay there for long since these kinds of braces were not designed with your teeth and jaws in mind.

 

(3) DIY braces have unforeseen effects

Orthodontists are very well aware of how braces can affect your entire mouth. Only they have the training to make sure that your braces will not have unintended effects. When you try straightening your teeth with DIY braces, you often do not realize that the other teeth which you do not want to be moved can be shifted out of place. Subsequently, the bite formed by your upper and lower jaws will be affected, hindering your ability to chew your food properly. The dislodgment of teeth and jaws could also develop into a serious speech problem such as a lisp. Another speech problem that DIY problems can lead to is apraxia of speech where the words you want to say in your head comes out improperly by your mouth, making it more difficult to talk properly.

(4) DIY braces can lead to depression

Distorted speech and a damaged smile can prove to be emotionally devastating. People judge you by the way you look, and with your teeth gone, your body image goes down the dump as well. Because of your failed DIY braces, you may have to say goodbye to that job interview or the chances your crush will respond to your feelings. Regrets will also set in, followed by sleeplessness and self-pity, and you will begin to withdraw from the world. All of these do not yet include the physical pain that those makeshift braces will set upon you and the mental pain from the ensuing financial problems that you will experience to deal with the consequences. These can deliver a powerful blow enough to knock you into having a depression. Your mental and emotional health is too much at stake for you to have DIY braces.

 

(5) DIY braces are expensive in the long run

Lastly, the costs you think you will save from DIY braces is nothing compared to the mountain of expenses that you will incur to repair the damages that they will cause. You might end up having to undergo costly teeth implants or getting complex dentures that you would have to do several times for the rest of your life. The infections stemming from makeshift braces would need to be addressed by surgery and medicine intake.

Let us face it: a beautiful and straight smile comes with a price. Thus, even if you think you might have saved money from using DIY braces, it is only a matter of time before you realize that it was an expensive mistake. You’re better off saving money for safer and more effective braces designed by professionals and having your braces done right the first time around.

 

Nothing beats your dentist better

The consequences of makeshift braces are so staggering that it would be wise not to try and alter your own smile at home. Your kids should also know how dangerous it is for them to tinker around with their teeth by themselves. Set an appointment with a professional dentist to ensure that you straighten in your teeth in the safest and most effective manner.

The best way to preserve your pearly whites is to go to the dentist every six months to check for any potential issues that may be developing. Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!

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Debunking the Myths About Flossing – Seattle Dental

 

Every dentist suggests that their patient floss every time they see each other, but not many patients follow that advice because they believe that it’s not necessary. In this article, we’ll debunk all the myths surrounding flossing so that you see the importance of flossing and why you should do it every day. With that said, let’s get into it.

“Only floss when you have food stuck between your teeth.”

Many people don’t floss after a meal because they think that it’s only necessary when there are visible food particles stuck in between the teeth. This is not true, as there are still food particles in your tooth gaps, even if they’re not visible. If you neglect flossing, these particles can become a plaque buildup, which will result in the development of a cavity in between your teeth.

“Flossing is too hard to do.”

Flossing doesn’t have to be that difficult, and it doesn’t take any more than five minutes to get all of your teeth cleaned up. You start by pulling out about 8 inches worth of floss, tie each end around your index fingers, pull it tight, then push the floss into the gap of your teeth. If this is too difficult, you can use a flossing stick to make everything a lot easier.

“Flossing is painful.”

If flossing is painful for you, it may be because you’re not doing it gently. Flossing shouldn’t be painful at all when you do it correctly, as you should be gentle to make sure that you don’t cut your gums. If you’re still experiencing pain even when you floss correctly, you may want to discuss it with your dentist.

“Stop flossing if your gum is bleeding.”

It’s normal to see bleeding gums when you floss, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a cause for concern. For one, it may be the result of your harsh flossing, or it may be a sign that you’re not consuming enough vitamin C. If there’s only a slight tinge of pink on your floss, it’s usually not something you should be worried about. However, if your gum starts bleeding heavily, you will want to call your dentist immediately, as it may be a sign of gum diseases.

“Flossing will make your gum recedes faster.”

Receding gums usually occurs in the font of the teeth, and it’s usually caused by rough brushing. Unless you’re pulling the floss back and forth in between your gum and not on the side of your teeth, there shouldn’t be any issue with receding gums.

“Your teeth are too tight to floss.”

Nobody’s teeth are fitted too tightly that there’s not enough space for the flossing thread to get through, because if they are, then you have another issue on your hand. In case you’re having trouble getting the floss in between your teeth, you should use the same hand technique as normal flossing, but you will want to pull the floss down while wiggling it until the floss thread gets down in between the tooth gap.

“You shouldn’t floss when you’re wearing braces.”

Correction: you MUST floss more if you have braces, as the food particles are often stuck on the braces, which will create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque buildup. The longer you go without flossing your braces, the more exposed you are to cavities. If you’re not sure how to floss your braces, make sure to discuss with your dentist or orthodontist. They are the best people to learn from on how to floss correctly.

“Flossing can cause your filling to come loose.”

The dental filling is done on the top of the dental crown, but flossing is done on the side of it. Therefore, there’s no reason as to why flossing should cause your dental filling to come loose if you do it correctly. If you feel as if the filling is shifting around on the crown as you floss, it may be a sign that you should have your dentist inspect the filling for you.

“Flossing is bad for your teeth.”

Whoever tells you that flossing is bad for your dental health surely isn’t qualified to tell you what’s the right thing to do. Who are you going to trust? A dentist who has spent years of their life learning about oral health and dental procedures or a conspiracy theorist who doesn’t have any substantial evidence to back his claim up?

Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!

 

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What to Know About Gum Disease in Seniors: Our Guide

Gum disease is a common problem that is more common in the elderly than people of any other age group. It’s not that gum disease can’t be prevented, however. You don’t have to submit to someday suffering from gum disease as you proceed to age. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent and treat it. If you want to protect your oral health, you will want to educate yourself on preventative methods and ensure that you are doing your best to protect your teeth from gum disease. Here’s what you need to know:

 

Understanding what gum disease is

Gum disease is a condition when the tissues that hold your teeth in place are infected due to the build-up of plaque. Plaque can build up at the base of your teeth, growing under the gum line. When left untreated, over time, gum disease can permanently damage your gum tissues and may even result in tooth loss. The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis, which is the milder type, and periodontitis, which is more severe and difficult to treat.

Gingivitis may bring very little discomfort with minimal symptoms. It may not seem too bad, but what it implies is much worse. Because the symptoms of this type of gum disease are minimal, it can be difficult to tell if you have the condition at all. This is why it is crucial to go and see your dentist for regular check-ups. If gingivitis goes untreated, it can eventually become periodontitis, which is a lot more severe. Gum disease can be caused by several factors. You may be more at risk of developing gum disease if you have diabetes, if it has been passed down through genetics, if you are undergoing female hormonal changes, if you are aging, and if you are taking some medications that may reduce the production of saliva.

 

Symptoms to look for

Gum disease can easily go undiagnosed since there are minimal and mild symptoms. This is inconvenient since gum disease will certainly worsen with time, and treatments will be more complicated as the condition progresses. The sooner gum disease is diagnosed, the better. There are some early signs of gum disease that you need to look for such as swollen or red gums, bleeding, bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, a receding gum line, and chewing pains. All of these symptoms should be looked at by a dentist as soon as possible.

 

Habits to kick that might make it worse

Gum disease is a slow-moving disease, so you want to be mindful of any bad habits that might contribute or worsen your symptoms. Bad habits may be making your mouth a better place for the development of gingivitis without your knowledge. Some habits that you might be engaging in that is deteriorating your oral health include forgetting to floss or brush daily, using improper techniques, not consuming enough vitamin C, using a toothbrush that is too hard, not using antiseptic mouthwash, and grinding your teeth. Changing these habits can bring back your oral health in no time. This is particularly important in older folks. Poor oral health will not only affect your teeth but your whole body.

 

Gum disease in seniors

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Although there are many options for those who have lost teeth as a result of gum disease, a replacement will certainly be expensive. And of course, it’s always better to take action with preventative methods. Gum disease is also linked to many other health problems. Seniors with weaker immune systems may be in danger of bacteria in your teeth transferring down to other parts of the body, increasing your risk of stroke or heart disease. A tooth infection can also lead to infection to the heart’s lining.

Your teeth have more of an impact on your overall health than you’d think. For that reason, it’s best to practice good oral hygiene habits and make a point of visiting your dentist regularly. This will ensure that your teeth are healthy and strong, even as you age!

The best way to preserve your pearly whites is to go to the dentist every six months to check for any potential issues that may be developing. Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!

 

 

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