Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners During the Holiday Season

The following information will guide you through the holidays and help you stay on track with your teeth straightening treatment with Invisalign aligners.

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 at 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 using 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.

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 APPOINTMENT  

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.

What are Dental Crowns and What You Need to Know

A dental crown is a “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dr. Jacquie Smiles specializes in dental crowns for her patients in Midtown NYC.

A crown restores a damaged or missing tooth to its normal shape, size and function. A crown can protect the tooth or improve the way it looks.

Dr. Jacquie Smiles may recommend a crown to her NYC patience to:

• Support a tooth that has a large filling
• Replace missing teeth
• Protect a weak tooth
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Cover a dental implant

Here are some things to know before getting dental crowns.

1. CROWNS LOOK LIKE YOUR OTHER TEETH

A mold of your tooth is taken and the color is matched perfectly to blend in with your other teeth. You can expect your dental crown to be as natural-looking and functional as your other teeth.

Please call us at 212-972-3522 or use our contact form to schedule your dental crown appointment. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016.

2. THEY LAST A LONG TIME

Porcelain dental crowns are considered high quality and durable. Typically, they last up to 15 years. They are a long-term solution that fixes many issues. 

3. THEY DON’T CAUSE PAIN

The procedure goes as follows:     

• The dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue.
• Impressions are taken to determine the size, fit, and color of the crown. 
• The dentist prepares your tooth by removing fillings or any existing materials from the tooth. 
• The final impression is taken. 
• A temporary crown is fabricated to protect your prepared teeth. 
• The permanent crown is created and the dentist cements the new crown in place. Your Crown Requires Care

4. YOUR CROWN REQUIRES CARE

Normal dental hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing and using mouth wash is the best way to care for crowns and your natural teeth. Your goal is to prevent plaque buildup and further tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups are required as well. 

5. IT COVERS DISCOLORED TEETH

Some teeth are permanently discolored due to medication, injury, and other issues. A crown covers the discoloration and matches the color of your other teeth. Many patients report smiling with self-confidence after getting a crown to cover their discolored tooth.  

6. COVERS DENTAL IMPLANTS

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are made annually. Dental implants involve having a screw placed into your jawbone and a crown getting placed where the tooth used to be. The crown covers the dental implant so the screw doesn’t get exposed. The crown allows you to chew and eat your favorite foods as if you still had your natural tooth. 

7. PROTECTS WEAK TEETH

Weak teeth are common among adults. A crown protects the weak tooth and prevents it from further decay or damage. 

Dental crowns are designed to look natural and act as a natural tooth. It protects teeth from further damage as well as fixes numerous problems. It’s a painless procedure that restores your overall oral health and boosts your self-confidence. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Do you need dental crowns? Make an appointment today with one of our dental crowns specialists in Midtown NYC.

Please call us at 212-972-3522 or use our contact form to schedule your dental crown appointment. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016.