5 Tips to Consider when Starting Invisalign in NYC

Your journey with Invisalign is just beginning! Invisalign is an effective treatment that teens and adults choose as their number one option to straighten their teeth. It’s convenient, allows you to eat all of your favorite foods, and usually only takes one year and a half to complete the process. As a new Invisalign patient in NYC, you need to consider the following tips to help you maintain your clear aligners and stay on schedule.

Tip 1 – Wear Your Aligners

You are required to wear your Invisalign trays 20 to 22 hours every day. They should only be removed from your mouth to eat, brush and floss your teeth. Since you just started your treatment, you might forget to place the aligners back into your mouth. An excellent tip is to set a reminder on your phone to alert you a couple of times a day to assure you are wearing your aligners the recommended time frame.

Tips 2 – Change Your Aligners

Your NYC orthodontist will provide you with a guided plan on when is the right time to change your aligners. Generally, this time frame is every two weeks. However, every patient is different, and your orthodontist will provide the best-suited schedule for you. Always adhere to the schedule otherwise you can interrupt your progress and cause yourself unnecessary pain.

Tip 3 – Brush and Floss Daily

Just because you are wearing aligners, it doesn’t mean you get to ignore the standard brush and floss daily recommendations from your dentist. Always brush and floss after every meal to assure food particles are removed from between your teeth. Avoiding brushing and flossing can cause bacteria to build up in your aligner trays that can lead to infection of the gums, odor and tooth decay.

Tip 4 – Keep Your Aligners Clean

Although you will only be using your aligner trays for two weeks, you still need to keep them clean on a daily basis. Try to soak your aligners while you eat your meals to assure they are clean before placing them back into your mouth.

Tip 5 – Keep Track of Your Aligners

A common reason patients lose their Invisalign aligners is that they place them on a napkin while they are eating. This scenario happens at restaurants and homes on a daily basis. While it’s polite to cover your aligners with a napkin while you are eating, it also causes most people to forget and accidentally throw the aligners out. This mistake causes your teeth straightening treatment to get delayed since you need to wait for replacement aligners. Placing your aligners in their storage case will help prevent this situation from happening.

Allow yourself to become comfortable and familiar with using Invisalign trays. The first time you place them into your mouth and click them into place you might feel uncomfortable because it’s a foreign object in your mouth. You might even speak a bit differently until you get used to having them in place. This feeling is temporary, and once you get used to them, you will forget the aligners are in your mouth.

Are you ready to start your Invisalign treatment with clear aligners?

Dr. Jacquie Smiles began her career in orthodontics dentistry at Boston University and became the first female Director of B.U.’s Predoctoral Orthodontic Department. Since then she has become an expert in orthodontics and opened several offices in New York and New Jersey.

Schedule Your Invisalign Appointment

Contact us today for your no-obligation Invisalign appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Additional Resources:

How to Choose the Right Teeth Whitening Treatment for You

White teeth are high in demand in society today. Gone are the days of just whitening your teeth to look good at a special event, today’s world demands everyone to have a bright white smile. Generally, this is due to social media, and the constant sharing of pictures that has the potential to reach thousands of people in seconds. Looking your best and having a great smile is essential. However, choosing the right teeth whitening treatment for you can be confusing. The following information will help you find the one best suited to your needs.

Zoom! Whitening Treatment

In-office whitening treatments are excellent options and highly recommended. Teeth whitening products that are purchased over-the-counter usually cause teeth sensitivity, which leads to discomfort and pain. In-office treatments are supervised by a professional in the industry which is safer than trying any over-the-counter product. People with sensitivity issues and dental restorations will be happy to learn the Zoom! Whitening treatment gets the job done in an hour and a half.

Zoom! Whitening system allows the patient to relax in a chair while the proprietary technology whitens your teeth. Ideal candidates are those with healthy gums and teeth that are seeking immediate results. This treatment is also one of the only options that successfully whiten dental restorations along with all natural teeth. Which teeth whitening option is the right one for you?

Call us at 212-972-3522. to schedule your Zoom! teeth whitening appointment in NYC.

Teeth Whitening Pens

Teeth whitening pens are convenient and work well to maintain a bright smile. They are especially helpful and useful after consuming red wine, coffee and other foods that cause teeth discoloration. Dr. Smiles Pop & Prime teeth whitening pen is created by renowned Orthodontist Dr. Jacquline Fulop Goodling and is specially formulated to whiten teeth in just seconds. Ideal candidates for teeth whitening pens are those with a healthy mouth, gums, and teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste

There are plenty of teeth whitening toothpaste brands available to consumers today. You can purchase them at your local grocery store, pharmacy or online. Whitening toothpaste is an excellent option for those that already have white teeth and are trying to maintain their bright smile.

Sometimes whitening toothpaste is the go-to product for consumers that are just getting started with teeth whitening treatments. This is a great first step since most whitening toothpaste is capable of removing some discoloration. However, whitening toothpaste alone will not whiten teeth several shades; you will need some extra help by choosing another whitening method. Ideal candidates for whitening toothpaste is everyone with healthy gums and teeth.

Whitening Strips

When teeth whitening treatments were just beginning their journey whitening strips were high in demand. It was a new product after all that seemed like it was a step above whitening toothpaste, so consumers raced to their local pharmacy to get a box of these powerful whitening strips. The only problem is, nobody mentioned that most strips cause tooth sensitivity that can become quite painful when eating or drinking hot and cold items. The public was also surprised to learn that strips didn’t whiten their dental restorations such as veneers. This treatment had the opposite effect on people, instead of feeling more confident with a brighter smile, consumers found themselves embarrassed because their restored teeth were still yellow and were more noticeable now more than before. Ideal candidates for this over-the-counter whitening treatment are those with their natural teeth and healthy gums.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Contact us today for your no-obligation teeth whitening appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

How to Get Over the Fear of Straightening Your Teeth

Ouch! Many people only think of the pain someone must feel while getting their teeth straightened. Unfortunately, the fear of pain is the number one reason people never go through with the process, which doesn’t hurt as much as one might think if the treatment is done correctly. The following information will help you get over your fear and finally achieve that beautiful straight smile you desire!

Identifying Your Fear

As mentioned earlier, pain is the most common reason people fear getting their teeth straightened. However, this might not be the reason you feel afraid of the process. Sometimes it could just be concerned about your busy schedule or the inconvenience of taking care of your teeth straightening treatment. If this is the case for you, Invisalign teeth straightening treatment is the answer to your fear. It is convenient and removable which allows you to live your life and eat all your favorite foods without worry or discomfort.

Dr. Jacquie Smiles with an Invisalign patient.

Choose an Excellent Dentist

A big mistake many people make is choosing convenience over quality. For some reason, people seem more comfortable going to a mall kiosk dentist or ordering their teeth straightening treatment through the mail rather than visiting a highly qualified and experienced dentist in the industry. The truth is, many of the painful horror stories come from patients that chose the mall or mail option and didn’t receive proper treatment.

Choose an orthodontist that has the credentials and experience as well as the personal bond you need to fully complete the teeth straightening treatment. An added benefit of seeing an orthodontist in person is if you experience pain, you have someone to call to help reduce the discomfort and identify the cause of the issue quickly. Dr. Jacquie Smiles is a leading orthodontist and Platinum Invisalign Provider in NYC.

As an Invisalign professor, Dr. Jacquie Smiles teaches and certifies students and orthodontic residents in many of our dental schools and universities in the U.S. and Canada. She has also taught over 14,000 doctors, students and their teams in multiple areas of orthodontics throughout the world including North and South America, Europe, Asia, The Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Take Someone with You for Support

An excellent tip for those who are afraid of visiting the dentist or orthodontist office is to bring someone with you for support. You can invite a family member, spouse, friend, or partner to come along with you. They can offer emotional support and literally hold your hand when needed. This comfort often helps reduce stress and makes the process go more smoothly.

Ask about the Potential Pain

You will be surprised to learn that most teeth straightening treatments such as Invisalign has minimum pain if any involved in the process. Whether you choose standard metal braces or Invisalign, ask your orthodontist about the amount of pain you should expect to experience for your specific situation. Generally, any discomfort experienced is tolerable and sometimes necessary since your teeth are gradually moving into place throughout the treatment process.

Now that you know the steps you need to take to get over your fear, it’s time for you to take action. There’s really nothing to be afraid of when you involve an experienced orthodontist and build a strong bond with them during the process. You can achieve the straight smile you always dreamed of by getting started now!

Schedule Your Teeth Straightening Appointment

Contact Us Today

Contact us today for your no-obligation teeth straightening appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Top 5 Tips for Enjoying Holiday Treats with Invisalign

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to celebrate and indulge in delicious treats. Common holiday treats that are available around this time of year are sweet treats such as cookies, pies, cakes, cupcakes and a variety of desserts. You want to enjoy the festivities and these tasty treats without interrupting your Invisalign treatment. The following tips will help you enjoy holiday treats as well as keep your teeth straightening treatment on track.

Remove Aligners Every Time You Eat or Drink

Your orthodontist already discussed the instructions you need to follow, but sometimes you might ignore them when it comes to the holidays and tasty treats. Always remove your aligners before eating and drinking. The only thing you should consume is room temperature water while wearing your aligners. Otherwise, the heat and chewing action can damage your aligners and interrupt your Invisalign treatment.

Beware of the Hot Beverages

Beverages such as hot chocolate and specialty coffee are popular during the holiday season. You might feel tempted to just take a sip or two while wearing your aligners. The problem is just one sip of a warm or hot beverage can damage your aligners. Once the damage is done, it can’t be repaired. Your orthodontist will need to replace the aligner which will delay your treatment process. Make sure you place your aligners in their storage container even if you are just taking a sip of a hot beverage.

Brush After Every Meal and Snack

You already know you need to brush after every meal, but you also need to brush after every snack and beverage. The sugars from tasty treats and holiday season beverages adhere to the teeth and could lead to bacteria growth and tooth decay. Placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth without brushing will trap the sugar and food particles against and between your teeth. This leads to a bad odor and bacteria growth.

You may also like: Invisalign Care Guide

Floss to Remove Food Particles

Tiny food particles get stuck between your teeth every time you eat. Even if you brush your teeth, there are still hard to reach places that have food stuck in the crevices of your teeth. This food gets trapped in further with your Invisalign aligners which lead to odor, bacteria growth and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing after every meal will assure you removed the particles which will help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinsing after brushing is required but what happens when you don’t have access to a toothbrush but still need to go forward with your day? There will be moments when you can’t brush your teeth so rinsing with plain water is the next best thing. Swish the water around in your mouth and repeat the process as many times as needed until you know longer see food particles flowing down the sink. Also, rinse your aligners with water and use your fingertips to gently clean them before placing them in your mouth.

Invisalign will straighten your teeth and still allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. Get your Invisalign treatment started today!

Schedule you Invisalign Appointment

Remove Years of Discoloration with In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment

Discolored teeth don’t get that way overnight. It takes years of regularly consuming foods and drinks that cause stains. Smokers also have it especially difficult because daily smoking and nicotine intake cause teeth to become yellow or brown. Unfortunately, whitening toothpaste and strips will only lighten the discoloration slightly because the years of discoloration has built up on the enamel. The good news is there’s an in-office professional teeth whitening treatment that removes years of discoloration from your teeth.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening Treatment

This whitening system uses proprietary technology to whiten teeth. It has the potential to whiten teeth up to an average of eight shades. This powerful in-office whitening treatment is specially formulated to produce immediate results.

Your Office Visit

Zoom! Whitening treatment is a quick and easy way to whiten your teeth. Over the counter, products can’t even compare to these impressive results. As a patient, your office visit involves relaxing in a chair and listening to music as your treatment is whitening your teeth. It only takes one hour and a half to complete one session. Since the treatment only takes a short period of time, it’s easy to fit into almost any busy schedule. You can even get it done during an extended lunch break from work.

Does it whiten dental restorations?

Yes. Many people have dental restorations that are visible in their smile. Unfortunately, many over the counter whitening treatments don’t whiten dental restorations, which means these yellow or discolored teeth become even more noticeable and cause the person to feel self-conscious. Zoom! Whitening treatment gets the job done and evenly whitens teeth which results in a beautiful white smile. A person that has struggled with discolored dental restorations will suddenly feel a boost of confidence with their white smile.

Benefits of Zoom! Teeth Whitening Treatment

Here are some of the benefits of Zoom! teeth whitening treatment:

Teeth are treated simultaneously
Long lasting results
Fast treatment times compared to other whitening systems
Reduced sensitivity compared to other whitening treatments
Removes stains from crowns
Removes discoloration from veneers
Removes stains from almost all dental restorations

Boost Your Confidence with Zoom! Whitening Treatment

Chances are your teeth have been discolored for years. This means you had probably adjusted to having lower self-esteem compared to the time when your teeth were white. Many people use over-the-counter treatments to whiten their teeth, but they just aren’t good enough. An in-office professional treatment is a must if you want to brighten and whiten the color of your teeth.

Some people have a fear of visiting a dentist to get teeth whitening treatment, but there is no need to be afraid. The treatment cost is affordable, and most dentist and orthodontist offices offer a variety of payment options and plans. Gaining your self-confidence is worth the affordable cost and the short treatment process will have you out of the office in one hour and a half.

Are you ready to reveal your white smile?

Dr. Jacquie Smiles began her career in orthodontics dentistry at Boston University and became the first female Director of B.U.’s Predoctoral Orthodontic Department. Since then she has become an expert in orthodontics and opened several offices in New York and New Jersey.

Schedule an in-office Zoom! teeth whitening treatment

Contact us today to schedule your professional in-office Zoom! teeth whitening appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

How to Keep Your Teeth White While Traveling During the Holidays

The holiday season has started, and it’s the busiest time of year to travel. Chances are you have a trip across the country or the planet at some point during the holiday season. You will be focused on travel arrangements, packing and getting to the airport on time. Just because it’s a busy time for you doesn’t mean your beautiful white smile has to suffer. The following information will teach you how to keep your teeth white while traveling during the holidays.

Get Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Before You Leave

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get in-office teeth whitening treatment. Zoom! In-office teeth whitening treatment can whiten your teeth up to eight shades and only takes about one hour and a half per treatment session. Professionally whitening your teeth before you leave for your trip provides a good foundation for maintenance.

Call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522 to schedule your appointment today.
Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Pack Whitening Toothpaste

Use whitening toothpaste every time you brush your teeth, which should be at least twice per day, but preferably after every meal. Brushing helps remove tiny food particles as well as removes residue that has the potential of sticking to your enamel and causing discoloration. Pack a travel size whitening toothpaste in your carry on bag. Make sure you place it in the clear zip lock bag, and it meets the TSA requirements that are in effect during your trip.

Pack a Teeth Whitening Pen

Teeth whitening pens such as Dr. Smiles Pop & Prime pen is an essential must-have tool you need to keep your teeth white during holiday travel. This beneficial and highly effective pen is lightweight, thin and small. You can pack it in the smallest carrying case or tuck inside a pocket of your luggage bag. Since TSA has strict rules about liquids and gels, you might have issues if you pack it in your carry on bag so make sure you pack it in your checked luggage bag to assure it will reach your destination safely.

Once you reach your destination you can carry it with you everywhere you go. It easily fits into a pocket, large wallet, purse, backpack and luggage bags. Use it after eating and drinking foods that cause discoloration and stains to your teeth.

Consider Whitening Strips

These handy little strips can be worn in private as you get ready for a holiday party, event or family gathering. The whitening gel removes surface stains that are often caused by food, drinks, and smoking.

Packing a dental travel kit is recommended. The holiday season meals include delicious food such as dark gravy, cherry pie, red wine, cranberry sauce and other items that discolor your teeth quickly. You need to pack a dental kit that includes a toothbrush, whitening toothpaste, a teeth whitening pen, whitening strips, whitening mouthwash, and floss. All of these items will help you keep your mouth healthy as well as your teeth white.

Do you need fast and easy professional teeth whitening treatment?

Schedule an in-office teeth whitening treatment

Contact us today to schedule your professional in-office teeth whitening appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

How to Keep Your Teeth White after Holiday Meals

The holiday season is here, and you need to keep your teeth white for all those festive pictures with your family and friends. Holiday meals are often complimented with red wine, hot chocolate, coffee and other beverages and food that stain teeth. Keeping your teeth white after holiday meals don’t need to be challenging. How do you enjoy eating delicious holiday meals and maintain your bright white smile? Continue reading to find out!

Brush and Floss

Brush and floss after every meal to prevent stains from settling into the enamel. This is easy to do when you are at home, but you also need to do it when you are at a holiday party, event, restaurant or someone else’s home during the holiday season. Carry a travel size toothbrush, floss, whitening toothpaste, and mouthwash with you at all times. Do your best to brush immediately after eating or drinking stain-causing food and drinks.

Start your holiday season with professional in-office teeth whitening treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your professional in-office teeth whitening appointment in NYC.
You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522.

Carry a Teeth Whitening Pen

Teeth whitening pens are convenient tools that help keep your teeth looking white. They are designed to be similar to the size of a standard pen which allows you to carry it in your pocket, purse, large wallet, briefcase, and luggage. The Dr. Smiles Pop & Prime teeth whitening pen has a red exterior that resembles a lipstick case to assure your privacy when using the pen in a public restroom. This pen works in just 15 seconds and doesn’t require rinsing afterward.

Chew Gum

Sometimes you might not have access to privacy for brushing and flossing after a holiday meal. So, choose the next best thing by chewing sugarless gum. The action of chewing produces saliva and helps wash away residue from food and drinks away from your teeth. This helps to prevent discoloration and is an excellent option during those moments when you can’t escape to a restroom to properly brush your teeth or use a whitening pen.

Rinse with Water

Chances are you will occasionally forget to bring along your trusty toothbrush, toothpaste or whitening pen. As a last resort, you can choose to rinse your mouth out with water. You will be surprised at the impressive results this simple task provides. Have you ever tasted red wine to the point your lips and teeth turned red?

This is a common issue that many people face at events, parties, and restaurants. You don’t need to give up your favorite red wine to keep your teeth clean. You can choose to use a straw to prevent the wine from touching your teeth, or you can rinse with water afterward to help remove residue.

You want to avoid staining your teeth during the holidays because your smile in pictures is going to live on forever as it gets posted to your friends and family’s social media accounts. Combining the options of brushing, flossing and using mouthwash immediately after eating with using a teeth whitening pen afterward will provide maximum results compared to using just one option.

Start your holiday season with professional in-office teeth whitening treatment.

Schedule an in-office teeth whitening treatment

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Your Guide to Wearing Invisalign During the Holidays

Put the holiday decorations up and invite your family and friends over to your house for dinner because it’s the holiday season! This festive time of year is the busiest for many in a variety of ways. Many people choose to go on a vacation during the holidays while others that work in specific industries need to dedicate their time to their business and work schedules. Whether you are busy working, vacationing or attending holiday events and parties, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners. The following information will guide you through the holidays and help you stay on track with your teeth straightening treatment.

Wear Your Aligners 20 to 22 Hours Daily

According to the American Dental Association, Invisalign aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. The rush of the holidays can cause you to forget to wear them, so it’s best to set a reminder on your cell phone to assure you wear them the recommended time per day. Neglecting to wear your aligners will interfere with your teeth straightening treatment and can lead to discomfort and pain further along in the process.

Carry the Aligners Storage Case with You

A common mistake many people make is putting their clear aligners in a napkin and setting it on the table while eating a meal. The napkin often gets picked up and thrown in the trash by mistake. This simple error causes a delay in treatment. You can prevent this from happening by carrying the aligners storage case with you at all times and use it every time you remove your aligners.

Brush and Floss After Every Meal and Snack

You need to brush and floss after every meal to remove the small food particles that get stuck between your teeth. This tiny debris can lead to odor, bacteria growth and tooth decay. You will be attending holiday parties and events where you will be eating and drinking festive foods. It’s essential that you carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you at all times. An excellent tip is to also carry travel size mouthwash to assure your mouth is completely clean before placing your aligners back into your mouth.

Always Remove Your Aligners to Prevent Discomfort

It might seem like a good idea to take a few sips of your favorite hot beverage without removing your aligners, but it’s a big mistake. As soon as the hot liquid touches the aligners, it damages the structure and can interfere with your treatment. The aligners can slightly bend out of shape causing your teeth to move in the wrong direction. This can lead to pain when you switch your aligners to the next stage because your teeth are not in place or prepared for the next step. Always remove your aligners every time you eat and drink.

Enjoy your holidays but also remember your teeth straightening treatment can’t get interrupted. Create a regimen that allows you to follow the instructions in this guide and keeps you on track with your treatment.

5 Tips to Consider when Starting Invisalign in NYC

5 Tips to Consider when Starting Invisalign in NYC