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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4 Reasons Why You Should Smile More – Your Local Dentist in Seattle

A Guide to Living With Invisalign

Invisalign aligners have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional braces due to their unobtrusive nature. The aligners are clear and are easy to remove during meals and when brushing teeth. Better yet, the results that patients get from Invisalign aligners are the same as they would get from regular braces. This article will tell you everything you need to know about living with Invisalign.

Drinking and Eating With Invisalign

One of the best advantages of choosing Invisalign aligners over metal braces is that they won’t affect your ability to drink and eat. You don’t have to worry about getting pieces of corn kernels or other sticky bits of food stuck in the brackets and wires of your braces. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners at any time. Don’t forget to brush your teeth every time you eat or drink before you put the aligners back in.

Playing Contact Sports With Invisalign

Unfortunately, Invisalign aligners do not serve the same function as sports guards. The best course of action is to remove your aligners before you’re playing on the field and put on a sports guard to protect your teeth. This way, your teeth will be protected and your aligners won’t be damaged.

Playing an Instrument With Invisalign

If you play an instrument, such as a woodwind, you can always take off your aligners before you play your instrument to make it easier for you. However, don’t go without wearing your Invisalign aligners for too long as they should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results.

Kissing With Invisalign

If you’re wondering if you’ll be able to kiss with Invisalign aligners in your mouth, the answer is yes. The aligners are hardly noticeable, which means that your partner might not even notice that you’re wearing them. Besides, Invisalign aligners are much easier to kiss compared with braces, and there are plenty of people who kiss with metal in their mouth! Also, aligners stick closely to your teeth, so you can rest assured that they won’t fall off during your steamy makeout session. It’s understandable that you would want to take off your aligners during all your dates, but it’s also crucial that you should wear your aligners as long as you can to get the best results.

Talking With Invisalign

It may take a while for you to get used to your Invisalign alignments in your mouth. You may notice that your speech has changed during the first few days. Perhaps you’ll even have a slight lisp. Don’t worry – you will get used to the device in your mouth and learn how to speak normally again in no time.

How to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

When it comes to wearing Invisalign aligners on your teeth, it goes without saying that maintaining good oral hygiene is very important. Make sure that you keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing after each meal and snack. When your teeth are clean, your aligners are also clean. If you don’t brush your teeth after eating, food, plaque, and bacteria can build up in your tray, which can be hazardous to your teeth and gums.

Other than making sure to clean your mouth, you need to clean your aligners on a regular basis. One thing that you can do is to soak your trays in clear mouthwash, Polident denture cleaner, or an equal blend of vinegar and water. Another option is to buy a cleaning kit from Invisalign. Either way, clean your aligners daily to keep them clean and to prevent discoloration. If there’s a bad smell on your Invisalign aligners, then it’s likely that you are not cleaning them properly.

Moreover, if you’re worried that Invisalign will give bad breath, don’t be. Your Invisalign aligners won’t give you bad breath if you clean them well enough. Because you’re brushing your teeth a couple of times in one day, you shouldn’t have to worry about having bad breath at all.

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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5 Changes In the Mouth You Need to Look Out For

5 Tips on How to Find the Best Dentist in Your Town

Your dental health is an integral part of your overall well-being. You should do all you can to ensure good oral health, and the best thing you can do is to set up regular dental appointments. Ideally, you want to have a dedicated family dentist to take care of your all of your dental needs, but that’s not always possible. If you ever have to look for a new dentist office for whatever reason, here are five things that you should check for:

1) Customer Reviews
Testimonials and online reviews are the best places to learn more about any service these days. The reviews will often tell you what the pros and cons of that particular dentist office are, and you can use this information to cut off the choices that don’t fit with your needs. Also, check the dental office’s social media page and look at how they interact with their clients on those sites. You can learn a lot about a business without having to call them, and that can save you a lot of time.

2) Cost
Each dental office charges different rates depending on their location, equipment, and service quality. You shouldn’t have to break the bank every time you go to have your cavities filled, which is why you need to choose a dental office that you can actually afford.

3) Equipment and technology
Dental technology has become much more advanced within the last few years, and state-of-the-art tools can help to achieve better results in a shorter amount of time. Large dental operations such as wisdom tooth removals used to require extensive recovery time. With the help of the advanced surgical tools that dentists have today, however, the recovery time has been cut in half. You need to look for what equipment the dental office has so that you can decide whether they’re worth the cost or not.

4) Location and operation hours

We all have our own daily routines to stick to, and we can’t always comply with the dental office’s schedule. You want to find an office that has a longer operation time so that it’s easier for you to plan your day around that time. For someone who works a 9-5 job, it’s incredibly difficult to find time during the day to go to the dental office. You need to take the location into consideration as well. You don’t want to end up having to go to the other side of town every time you’re planning to visit the dentist. That’s a waste of time, and time is too precious for us to be wasting unnecessarily. You should try to look for a dental office that’s as close to you as possible to save on travel costs and time.

5) The available services and specializations
Finding the right dental office is not much different from grocery shopping. You need to have a list of things that you want to get from the dentist, and the new place you’re looking for should be able to give you what you’re looking for. For example, if you want to whiten your teeth, a cosmetic dental office that specializes in teeth whitening may be the best choice overall. There are several different fields of dentistry, and each dentist has their own specialty that sets them apart from the rest. You should start by determining what you’re looking for. Only then can you look for a dentist who offers what you need.

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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6 Great Benefits of Dental Implants

The Benefits of Denture Treatment

Losing a tooth can be a much more concerning issue than you’d think. Obviously, when you’re missing a tooth, your look and appearance are affected, seeing as you will have a huge gap in your smile where a tooth is supposed to be. Another problem when you’re missing a tooth is that it could put your dental health at massive risk. Your teeth are structured in a way that ensures that an equal amount of force is on each tooth, and that pressure allows your teeth to stay in the correct position. When you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth will be pushed to lean into the tooth gap, putting the overall structure of the teeth at risk of collapse. Losing a tooth can also make you lose your appetite, as it can be quite difficult to chew food. This can cause your quality of life to go down. The combination of these reasons is why you need to take care of this problem as soon as it occurs.

 

What are dentures?

Dentures are essentially prosthetic teeth that you can wear to replace the missing teeth in your mouth. They have a similar function, look, and appearance as natural teeth, and they are typically locked in place by a plastic or metal plate. Much like prosthetic limbs, dentures have to be measured and recreated to replicate the shape, size, and color of your original tooth to make it look as real as possible. For those with multiple missing teeth, there are full-row dentures that you can wear as a complete set of teeth. There are both fixed and removable types of dentures which allow you to have more control over the type of treatment you want to receive.

 

What are the benefits of dentures?

 

// To restore the function of your teeth

Your teeth do more for you than you’d think, and you will realize this when you lose a tooth. By getting a denture, you can enjoy the benefits of having all of your teeth. This will allow you to live your life the way you used to before you lost that tooth. You can eat anything you want like you would with your natural teeth — no more restricting diets!

 

// To reduce the risk of infection

When the tooth comes off, the opening in the gum where the tooth was supposed to be will be highly susceptible to infection. A set of dentures can plug up those openings and make sure that no pathogens get into your gums.

 

// To help with your speech

A missing tooth can cause difficulty in speaking and enunciation, and that may have a negative effect on how others perceive you. With a denture, you can speak confidently and correctly. This will, in turn, help to bring your self-esteem back.

 

// To bring back your beautiful smile

Having a gap in your smile is not a good look, and a denture treatment can fix that problem for you. The denture will look exactly like your original tooth, and there’s no way that anybody can tell it apart at a glance.

 

// To improve your confidence

When you’re more confident in yourself, you will be more willing to engage in other activities and talk to more people. This will open up more doors for future relationships that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

 

// To last long

Dentures can last up to a decade with proper maintenance before they need to be replaced. The treatment is a long-term investment that is worth every dollar spent.

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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How to Get & Maintain a Healthy Set of Teeth

 

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure by which you can lighten the color of your teeth and thus remove discoloration and stains. Teeth whitening is most effective on yellow discoloration and won’t be as effective on brown or gray-colored teeth. It has experienced a surge in popularity because it can improve the look of your teeth. However, you ought to remember that teeth whitening is not a one-time procedure. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the white color. If you wish to get your teeth whitened, these are the steps of the process:

 

Step 1: Consultation with your dentist

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, which is why you need to talk to a dentist first. If you have large fillings or crowns on your front teeth, teeth bleaching is not for you. The reason is that while the teeth whitening chemicals will bleach your natural teeth, they won’t have much of an effect on your restorations, which are usually made of porcelain or ceramics. You might end up having different colored teeth, which is not a pleasant sight.

 

Step 2: The dentist appointment

Once the consultation is over and you’ve been given the green light from your dentist, it’s time for the whitening procedure. After you get comfortably situated in a chair, the dentist will fix a lip retractor into your mouth. A lip retractor is a plastic guide that helps the dentist to access the teeth easily by moving the lips out of the way. The next step is to put the gingival barrier where the dentist covers your gums around the front teeth with a gel and then hardens it with a high-powered light. This protects the gums from the teeth bleaching chemicals during the whitening process. If you have sensitive teeth, the dentist may also apply a compound to your teeth to protect it against sensitivity.

 

Step 3: The actual process

The actual whitening process involves the dentist applying a gel made of 15 percent to 35 percent of hydrogen peroxide to your front teeth. This chemical can penetrate the porous outer layer of the teeth and break apart stain compounds using a chemical reaction called oxidation. Depending on the whitening process being followed, the application of the whitening gel may be followed by applying a high-powered light to speed up the whitening process.

In most of the procedures, multiple applications of the gel are required throughout the whitening session. The gel is rinsed off and reapplied as many times as necessary within the span of about 40 minutes. Once done, you can note the difference. The whitening procedure can achieve four to six shades of whitening after one session. While some may experience gum or tooth sensitivity after the whitening process, it is not a matter of concern because it gradually disappears after a day or two.

Depending on your diet and lifestyle, the effects of whitening can last for months to years. However, the stains will eventually return. To keep flashing the whitened smile, use the professional home whitening kit that your dentist recommends. It contains custom-made trays to fit your teeth and tubes of whitening gel that has a lower concentration of bleaching agents. The user can line the trays with the gel and wear them for a few hours at a time each day or while sleeping to keep the teeth white and sparkling.

 

Conclusion

While professional teeth whitening lasts long and is more effective, there are also over-the-counter whitening kits that can be used at home. While they are cheap and don’t require you to visit the dentist, they are less effective than professional whitening and do not last long. For an exceptional outcome that is worth your money, professional teeth whitening is the way to go.

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!

 

The post How to Get & Maintain a Healthy Set of Teeth appeared first on Icon Dental Center.

5 Ways to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is the time for joy and cheer! It’s when the family comes together and enjoys their time off with one another. It also means heaps and heaps of food. Some of these foods—sweets and sugary drinks, in particular—are incredibly harmful to the teeth, especially for the young ones. We’re not saying that they shouldn’t enjoy the holiday spirit, but as parents, you should be mindful of their behavior and the long-term effects that poor dental hygiene can result in. By teaching them the fundamentals of how to care for their teeth, they will have a better foundation to base their actions off when they grow up.

With that said, here are our five tips on how to keep your children’s teeth healthy during this holiday season.

 

Brush and Floss Regularly
It should go without saying that brushing and flossing is essential for having a healthy set of teeth. This is even more important during the season where food is in abundance, as the speed of plaque buildup correlates with the amount of food you consume. Also, the holiday season is filled with sugary and starchy dishes like hot cocoa with marshmallows and mashed potatoes. It’s not hard to see why it’s so important to make sure that your children brush their teeth after every meal and as often as necessary. Plaque buildup is the biggest contributor to the development of cavities, so you need to make sure you do all you can to get rid of it as much as possible. By teaching your children the right dental hygiene care process, you’ll set up a habit that they will keep for the rest of their lives. A little bit of extra effort is worth it for the long run, trust us.

 

A Pediatric Dentist is Your Friend
Although all licensed dentists know how to do a rudimentary checkup for your children’s teeth, sometimes it’s better to have a specialist do it. A pediatric dentist has a more thorough understanding of the development of children’s teeth and jaw bone structure. This expertise helps them to foresee an issue that a generalized dentist could miss. They also have been trained specifically to take care of children, meaning that they know how to calm children down if they show signs of distress or anxiety. The extra bit of care goes a long way in preventing dental anxiety in the future. If you haven’t booked an appointment with a pediatric dentist this year, you may want to do it before the holiday season kicks in or immediately after it.

 

Everything in Moderation
There’s so much food to be had during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean that you should allow your children to devour all the sweets in sight. As an adult, you should understand how important self-control and moderation are, as an excessive amount of anything can have a detrimental effect on your health. Make sure your child understands why they can only eat so much junk food, as that’s important for their health both in the current state and in the future.

 

Set Up a Dedicated Snack Break
This might come as a surprise for most, but it’s actually better to consume the sugary foods all at once than to enjoy a small bit every few hours. The acid that’s produced by the bacteria in your mouth is the most potent for around 30 minutes before it subsides. If your child has a habit of grazing their food or taking small sips of sugary drinks throughout the day, you will have to set up a designated time for them to eat their sweets. Not only that this will stop them from grazing on sugary foods, but you will also have more control over how much snacks they eat as well.

 

Make Healthy Swaps Here and There
You have to have a variety of food for your children to consume and not allow them to over-consume sugary and fatty foods. Keep some fruits and vegetable in your cabinet so that you can make a variety of healthy dishes to offset the unhealthy stuff. If your child is persistent about eating unhealthy foods, you can try to make a healthier variation of the same food. For example, instead of using processed sugar in your apple pie, you can replace it with honey at half the quantity. There are a ton of other recipes like this, and while they may not necessarily be good for your children’s dental health, they’re not nearly as bad.

 

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!

 

The post 5 Ways to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season appeared first on Icon Dental Center.

How to Keep Your Teeth Bright and Healthy

Your teeth are bones that help you bite and chew your food, breaking it down into digestible chunks. Aside from their functionality, they also have a role to play in terms of your appearance. Everyone wants clean, healthy pearly whites. Here are eight things you can to do keep your teeth in good condition:

Reevaluate your diet
Red wine, coffee, cola, and plenty of other things can take a toll on the appearance of your teeth. Cigarettes and cigars will as well. You don’t necessarily have to cut them out completely, but you may want to significantly reduce your intake. After eating or drinking teeth-staining foods, brush your teeth if possible. If you can’t brush your teeth at the moment, at least swish some water around your mouth. Some people also opt to have teeth whitening treatments done at the dentist or with whitening kits that you can buy from a pharmacy.

Learn how to brush properly
You should be positioning your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and brushing gently in a circular pattern rather than just back and forth. You don’t have to brush aggressively to get a good clean – brush smart, don’t just brush hard. It’s also important for you to change your toothbrush frequently. A toothbrush shouldn’t be used for any longer than three months. Otherwise, bacteria is just going back into your mouth.

Brush your tongue too
A tongue scraper won’t cost you too much. Get one and make sure you use it. These dental tools remove plaque, bacteria, and other residues that may be accumulating on your tongue. This will freshen up your breath and make your mouth feel cleaner in general. A toothbrush will help to clean your tongue, but it’s nowhere as effective as a tongue scraper.

Include more teeth-whitening foods in your diet
Apples, carrots, celery, and other crisp foods are great for cleaning and whitening your teeth as you eat them. Try eating such foods at the end of your meal to give your teeth a little cleaning, especially if you won’t be able to brush your teeth right afterwards. They aren’t only good for your teeth – they’re great for your health, too!

Try brushing with baking soda
Baking soda is a cheap way to remove stains from your teeth. Simply put a small amount on your toothbrush and wash regularly. You can also try brushing with salt – just don’t brush too hard or you’ll end up exfoliating your gums a little too much. Make sure you spit it out after brushing as well – too much sodium won’t do you any good.

Check your breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is usually the result of poor dental hygiene. It’s usually associated with a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Check your breath from time to time. If you find that you’ve frequently got a foul-smelling breath, invest in alcohol-free mouthwash and use it. This will help kill some bacteria and freshen up your mouth. Why alcohol-free? Mouthwash with alcohol will often dry out your mouth and result in more bacteria buildup.

Brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night
These are the times when you haven’t got as much saliva in your mouth and are, therefore, more prone to plaque buildup. You need to brush well before you sleep to get all the bacteria out of your mouth. Brushing in the morning will remove the plaque and bacteria that built up during the night and will freshen up that morning breath.

Choose the right lipstick
This one is for those of you who wear lipstick. Coral and bright red colors will contrast and make your teeth appear whiter. Lighter colors will bring out the yellow. Want to flash a white smile? Just wear red!

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!

The post How to Keep Your Teeth Bright and Healthy appeared first on Icon Dental Center.

Should You Get Invisalign?

When patients ask their dentists whether Invisalign is good for them, the answer is often very straightforward: yes. Unlike typical metal braces, Invisalign has many benefits. The greatest of which is their removable nature. This makes eating and keeping your teeth clean much easier.

Each Invisalign is molded to perfectly fit a patient’s mouth. One of the biggest benefits is that once it’s on your teeth, it is practically invisible. These aligners also apply a lot less force on your teeth compared to metal braces, which reduces the risk of harming your teeth.

Invisalign can be used by both adults and teenagers. Below are many benefits of its usage by both age groups.

Adult benefits

• Metal braces are often worn by children or teenagers, which means many adults hesitate to wear them when they want to get their teeth straightened. Metal braces also force people to change their dietary habits which no normal adult enjoys doing. Both of these problems can be avoided by using Invisalign.
• With Invisalign, you do not have to change your diet and when they’re on your teeth, they’re also practically invisible.
• Since Invisalign can be easily removed from the teeth and kept inside a container, it is an attractive option for many adults. You can take them off whenever you want, especially before eating something that you cannot eat while aligners are on.

You can remove Invisalign for up to four hours, which means if you have any special occasion coming where you know you’ll be taking a lot of memorable photos, you can remove them without the worry of damaging your teeth or the aligners.

Teenager benefits

• Teenagers are often involved in different physical activities and sports. They generally live a very busy and social life. If your kid plays a musical instrument that requires the use of mouth, metal braces can be quite concerning because they interfere with the ability to play the instrument.
• In sports particularly, teenagers often have to wear mouth guards. With traditional braces, one cannot wear a mouth guard. But with Invisalign for teens, mouth guards can easily be worn after removing the aligners and keeping them inside a safe container. The same can be done when they are practicing music with an instrument.

Since Invisalign generally makes cleaning teeth easier, teens often find these aligners helpful. They can easily floss and brush their teeth without the worry of damaging the aligners. This is not the case with typical metal braces which are prone to damage during cleaning.

Simply put, whether you’re an adult or a teen, Invisalign is an excellent way to get your teeth straightened without the traditional problems of wearing metal braces.

Invisalign are also easier to put on and cause little to no pain when they are worn. They are also quite comfortable when compared to metal braces.

For more information on whether Invisalign is a good option for you, get in touch with our Invisalign dentists. In normal instances, a dentist always recommends using Invisalign instead of braces for the many benefits it provides.

Click here https://icondentalcenter.com/contact-us/ to contact us!

 

 

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