Invisalign vs. Braces
Ashraf Dentistry weighs in on the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign. (Source: Every day health, Invisalign vs. braces: which is better?, Nicole Gleichmann, September 9, 2021, https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/invisalign-vs-braces-which-is-better/.)
When deciding between Invisalign and braces, you might be unsure which option to choose. To help you out, let’s have a look at Nicole Gleichmann’s article on “Invisalign vs. braces” and what Doctor A has to say about it.
Nicole Gleichmann explains how Invisalign works in detail—starting with custom-made invisible braces that are contoured to exert pressure in all the right spots. Dr. Ashraf comments, “Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that straightens misaligned teeth. It is well known for the discreet look that it provides. Even though many people like the look of Invisalign, some people still might choose braces. Depending on the condition of their teeth. If large gaps are present, or there is a complex tooth, braces may be the better option for them.”
Pros and Cons
Nicole then discusses the pros and cons of using Invisalign and braces. She advises that you consider the extent of correction required, your age, and your lifestyle when choosing between them.
“When deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, shoppers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options.” Dr. Ashraf agrees.
Pros
Appearance
Dr. Ashraf points out, “Many people choose Invisalign to look good and to have an attractive smile while wearing a corrective orthodontic appliance. But Invisalign goes beyond simple aesthetics.”
No Food Restrictions
“With Invisalign, there are no food limitations. When you choose braces, you’ll be given a list of foods you can’t consume. Popcorn, hard-crusted bread like bagels, biting into apples or corn on the cob, and most types of candy or gum are on the list. You can eat whatever you want with Invisalign because you simply remove your liners and eat what you want.” Dr. Ashraf clarifies.
Easy Brushing and Flossing of Teeth.
“You may have heard of a few terrifying stories of kids who didn’t brush their teeth with braces. And some scary consequences include cavities, swollen gums, permanent white scars on your teeth. All these issues are the result of improper brushing and flossing when wearing braces. Brushing your teeth while wearing braces is quite difficult. Although oral hygiene tools make cleaning easier, they may still present a challenge for some. There are no brackets or other components to trap food with Invisalign. Patients with Invisalign have fewer concerns with poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are made easier with clear aligners.” Dr. Ashraf explains.
Fewer and Shorter Orthodontist Appointments.
“Braces require a great deal of human labor and ongoing maintenance on the orthodontist’s part. They necessitate periodic checks and even repairs. Such as bonding brackets, changing wires, putting rubber bands, connecting springs, and so on. With Invisalign treatment, the majority of these time-consuming procedures are eliminated. A typical braces visit lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. An Invisalign visit, on the other hand, takes roughly 10 minutes. The regular Invisalign appointment is short, and you don’t have to go to the orthodontist as frequently.” Dr. Ashraf agrees.
Invisalign Gives you Comfort.
“Invisalign is more comfortable than braces since it does not cause cuts or discomfort. Braces can take some time to get used to before your cheeks adjust. And the new braces and wires placed on your teeth can cause some discomfort. When you first get braces, you should expect sore teeth for a few days. This is normal. Invisalign minimizes or eliminates much of the discomfort that individuals with braces suffer by removing brackets and wires from the equation.” Dr. Ashraf explains.
Cons
Discipline Required.
Dr. Ashraf then proceeds with the cons, “Now we talk about why Invisalign might not be the ideal option for you. The main reason is that you are required to wear it. Self-discipline and motivation are crucial to the success of your Invisalign treatment. When aligners are easy to put on and take off, some people forget to put them back on. According to best practices, Invisalign aligners should be worn for roughly 21 hours per day.”
Must Remove to Eat.
” You should not wear Invisalign while eating or brushing. Other than those moments, the Invisalign aligners must be worn for the majority of the day.” Dr. Ashraf points out.
Not Recommended for Complex Corrections.
“They are only used for minor treatments and not for major adjustments. In such cases, we suggest using braces.” Dr. Ashraf suggests.
“After looking at all the pros and cons, we conclude that– Invisalign can be your best option if you’re looking for minor teeth straightening. However, if you are looking for major repair and teeth straightening, braces may be a better option. Be sure to review all of the pros and cons with your dentist.” Concludes Dr. Ashraf.
Did you know smiling affects your health?
The way a simple smile can elevate a person’s appearance and mood can be dramatic. Besides that smile has a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and how they carry their persona.
However, dental flaws can lead people to be reluctant to smile. Thanks to evolving dental technology, you can have cosmetic dentistry. A dentist can perform procedures like dental cleanings and teeth whitening to bring a smile back on your face.
But before jumping into cosmetic dentistry, let’s understand how smiling affects your health.
How does smiling affect your health?
No one can deny that smiling uplifts the mood and spreads positivity. Not only mood boost, but smiling also helps your body release good hormones like cortisol and endorphins. These hormones, in turn, offer plenty of health benefits to a person. Some of these benefits can be listed as:
- Reduce stress
- Strengthen immune system
- Reduce blood pressure
- Elevates mood
- Smiling is contagious spread joy to others around you
- Smiling makes you presentable in a professional setting
- Smiling reminds you to stay positive
Apart from all these benefits, people with smiles are more likable and courteous. These qualities help to build a pleasant personality altogether.
Get excited about having a great smile
Why is it necessary to have a great smile? A smile is one of the best features that define your personality.
Regular smiling practice can improve your overall health and bring you a more pleasant attitude in life.
Here are some of the key reasons you should get excited about having a great smile.
- smiling makes you more confident
- smiling helps alleviate the stresses of the day
- smiling encourages a younger appearance
- smiling helps with attractiveness
- smiling helps to create a great first and lasting impression
You won’t believe it, but a smile is so contagious that even your own smile can consume you. That is why dentists always recommend smiling at yourself while looking into a mirror.
At-home tips: Apart from mirror smiling, you can also watch comic movies and challenge yourself to smile at any cost. All these acts can help you calm down and get rid of anxiety and negativity.
Adding to that, having attractive teeth and healthy gums can further boost your self-empowerment to a new level, encouraging you to put on a smile more often. For this reason, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. Moreover, you might have to visit your dentist when required.
Speaking to your dentist
As you know, having good oral health is an essential factor that affects your smiling capabilities.
Cosmetic dentistry is the medical practice that deals with dental cleanings, cleanings of gum and teeth ridge, and teeth whitening procedures. All these procedures are necessary for maintaining a healthy and sparkling set of teeth that you can proudly show off.
Furthermore, more sophisticated dental treatments like veneers, dental implants, dental caps, dental crowns, dental cleaning, and CEREC restorations are necessary to treat any oral deformities or disorders.
Smiling is undoubtedly beneficial for your health. On top of that, it also elevates your mood and adds adjectives like charming and welcoming to your personality. Hence, never hide your smile from the world.
Remember that a good smile comes from good oral health. So never compromise with your oral care. If required, do not hesitate to call Ashraf Dentistry.
At-home oral hygiene must haves
Oral hygiene should be made a priority for your overall well-being. You must understand that oral hygiene doesn’t end when you leave the dentist’s office. While brushing and flossing are crucial in maintaining oral hygiene, there are many more things you must do.
Why is it essential to maintain oral hygiene at home?
Preventing tooth decay and gum infections is a fundamental objective of oral hygiene. In addition to your oral health, here are five solid reasons why you should keep your teeth and gums clean:
- Minimizes the risk of acquiring health issues.
- A mouth lesion or other dental disease is sometimes the first indicator of a systemic ailment such as diabetes.
- Plaque formation is curbed by brushing and flossing regularly.
- You have the confidence to smile bright, thanks to regular oral hygiene.
What happens when you don’t maintain Oral Hygiene at home?
Here are some must-haves for oral hygiene, and all are readily available at local pharmacies and stores:
Toothbrush
This essential doesn’t need an introduction. Let’s discuss more.
Manual Toothbrush –
The proper use of a manual toothbrush requires a combination of strength, dexterity, timing accuracy, and coordination. Here are some benefits associated with the help of manual toothbrushes –
- Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend moderate brushing with a manual toothbrush.
- The price difference makes using a manual toothbrush simpler.
- A manual toothbrush is easy-to-use.
- Manual toothbrushes are compact and lightweight.
The manual toothbrush comes in two distinct categories –
Hard bristle toothbrushes
Soft bristle toothbrush
Sonic Toothbrush –
Electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush is the gift of technology to us. Here are some benefits of using a sonic toothbrush.
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- Timers and assistance promote good brushing habits.
- Thousands of strokes per second save time and prevent brushing one side of the mouth more than the other.
- Better elimination of plaque and particles below the gum line.
- We may love our dental hygienist’s companionship, but most of us will appreciate less plaque scraping.
- Many electronic toothbrush users claim that this experience is superior to manual teeth brushing.
- They are kid-friendly and teach positive behaviors.
- An electric toothbrush makes cleaning braces simpler and more independent for youngsters.
- Electric brushes prevent or cure gingivitis.
Not every tool suits everyone. Some reasons why individuals choose a manual toothbrush over a sonic toothbrush include:
- Replacement bristle heads are required every 3-6 months.
- The disadvantage is waiting for the power unit or discovering the base is not charged.
- The vibration intensity may have been too high, or the results may not have been as expected.
- Their quality has increased as well as their price.
Dental Floss
Flossing eliminates plaque and germs that a toothbrush cannot reach. Without flossing, you lose about a third of your tooth surface.
How to floss teeth properly?
- Cut about 18–24 inches of dental floss. To properly handle the floss, wrap the majority of it around both of your middle fingers.
- Using your thumbs and index fingers, gently pull the floss tight.
- Insert the dental floss between two adjacent teeth.
- As the floss reaches your gums, curl it in a C shape at the tooth’s root.
- Continue the procedure from tooth to tooth. Use a fresh, clean piece of floss for each tooth.
Types of Dental Floss
Dental floss variety includes:
- Dental tape
- Standard floss
- Super flosses
How often should someone floss?
As a general rule, it’s best to floss before brushing. Flossing eliminates food and plaque from between your teeth, whereas brushing removes them from your mouth. Food and plaque might linger in your mouth if you brush first and floss afterward.
Tongue scraper
Here are some benefits of using a tongue scraper:
- It cleanses your palate, allowing you to better discern between bitter, sweet, salty, and sour tastes.
- Poor breath is irradiated.
- Daily use of a tongue scraper helps the body eliminate toxins that collect in the mouth overnight.
- Debris on the tongue may cause sour breath.
- Tongue scraping enhances oral cleanliness, which influences your immune system.
Waterpik/Water Flosser
Here are seven reasons why a Waterpik Water Flosser is an excellent addition to your dental hygiene regimen:
- More Likely to Flush Your Gums
- Dentist’s Office Cleaning
- Brushing Your Teeth When You’re Braced
- Restoring Your Smile’s Natural Brilliance
- Chewing Gum Care
Who can benefit from water flosser?
Ideal for use with braces and bridges. If you’ve ever tried flossing with braces or bridges, you know how challenging it may be. Since flossing in these locations may be difficult, many individuals don’t bother. These regions may be spotless in a matter of seconds with a water floss.
Mouth rinse and Toothpaste
In light of the wide variety of toothpaste and mouth rinses readily available on the market, it is recommended that patients should discuss oral hygiene products with their dentist. Your dentist will help you make the right choice. This is an essential aspect of oral hygiene and must not be neglected.
At-home oral hygiene measures are essential and reap results. However, maintaining excellent oral health and a bright, white smile without stains may be achieved with professional dental cleanings.
Good oral hygiene and regular teeth cleaning treatments may help keep teeth clean. Still, even with these measures, tartar can form over time, necessitating frequent tooth cleanings. Consult Ashraf Dentistry today to book your teeth cleaning appointment right away!
PRP and its role in dentistry
For several years, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections were primarily used in surgical procedures. However, lately, they have become quite popular in the dental industry. It has been found that PRP therapy can significantly speed up the healing process after maxillofacial and oral surgeries. Besides this, it can also help in –
- Repairing the bone defects after removal of cysts or a tooth extraction procedure.
- Repairing oral fistula.
- Repairing palate defects and clefts.
Since Platelet Rich Plasma therapy does not come with many side effects or risks, any person undergoing a dental procedure is a good candidate. At the most, one might experience irritation, pain, or bleeding at the site where the injection is placed. The only people who are not good candidates for PRP therapy are those who have a bleeding disorder, like hemophilia. When in doubt, always consult! Speak to your family doctor, specialist or dentist before choosing PRP.
What is PRP?
PRP has become quite popular in recent years as it helps in patients’ recovery after a dental procedure. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is often used in wound healing and tissue regeneration after dental procedures like bone grafts, dental implants, tooth removal, etc. In PRP therapy, the Platelet Rich Plasma (the liquid part of the blood containing protein and water) is taken from the patient’s blood. Thereafter, it is injected into the diseased or injured tissue so that body’s reparative cells can be stimulated to promote healing.
In normal blood, the platelet count ranges from 150,000/1L to 350,000/1L. However, in Platelet Rich Plasma, the platelet count increases to 1,000,000/1L. When PRP is injected into the body, the high concentration of platelets helps in rebuilding the bone and tissue.
Benefits of PRP
Some of the main advantages of using PRP therapy in dental procedures are –
- Enhances the rate of bone formation: When Platelet Rich Plasma is integrated with synthetic or biological bone grafts, it can help in making the bone substitutes more cohesive. In this way, PRP therapy is able to help in bone regeneration or bone formation. Besides this, PRP also helps in promoting bone healing and increasing the bone density around dental implants.
- Tissue regeneration: Platelet Rich Plasma helps increase the rate of tissue synthesis, leading to faster tissue regeneration.
- Faster healing of incision sites: With PRP therapy, the wound or incision sites are healed faster, and the scarring is also minimal. This is because PRP therapy uses the body’s immune system to initiate the process of healing.
- Reduced risk of infection: There is a lesser risk of infection with PRP therapy, as it does not cause any form of disease transmissions like HIV or hepatitis. Besides this, the unfavorable effects and reactions are also quite less.
How is PRP obtained and utilized?
PRP therapy is a simple procedure. The process is usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes. A qualified professional first draws a small amount (around 55cc) of blood from your body, which is then placed in a centrifuge machine. This machine isolates the PRP by separating it from your blood. The professional would most likely spin it 2-3 times in the centrifuge for best results. After the PRP is obtained, it will be injected into the required area. The procedure is completed relatively quickly, and the patient does not require any downtime either.
In conclusion, PRP injections can significantly help patients in healing faster after dental procedures. Not only this, but the patients will also feel lesser pain and inflammation, and the risk of infections is also reduced. If you are looking to get PRP therapy from an experienced dentist, then you have to look no further. You can book your appointment with us today!
Botox: much more than a wrinkle treatment
Botox has been traditionally used in the cosmetic industry for several years for erasing wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging. However, it may be surprising to know there are medical applications of Botox in the dental industry too. This article will explore how Botox therapeutics find applications in the dental industry.
What is Botox?
Botox is a pharmaceutical product. It is made from an exotoxin known as the Botulinum toxin and is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Although it is classified as a toxin, it does have many benefits when administered in small doses by doctors. It is used both in the cosmetic and medical industries. As a cosmetic treatment, Botox is used in conjunction with dermal fillers. It helps get rid of wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines, and other signs of aging.
As a therapeutic treatment, Botox helps treat neck pain, headaches, and muscle pain, among other things. Over the years, it has made its way into the dental industry as it works by inducing muscle paralysis for short periods. Since Botox is a neurotoxin, it prevents the nerve endings from sending signals to the brain for muscle contraction. Thus, it helps provide relief in painful dental procedures and helps treat Bruxism, TMJ disorder, and other dental problems.
How can Botox help?
Botox is administered by injection into a muscle; it then tends to attach itself to the nerves controlling the muscle and works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. Botox does not affect the nerves connected to sensory neurons. It only attaches to the nerves connected to motor neurons. The effects of the initial injection will wear off after 3-4 months, after which the dentist can administer it again.
In dentistry, Botox is used for the treatment of –
- TMJ Disorder: TMJ disorder is when the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) stops functioning correctly because of muscle tension. It often leads to migraines and extreme pain in the facial muscles and jaw. Botox can help by decreasing the tension or pressure in the muscles and stopping migraines.
- Bruxism: This condition is characterized by clenching and grinding of teeth, and it often leads to jaw problems, headaches, and damaged teeth. Botox injections in the chewing muscles can help relieve the clenching and grinding of teeth.
- Headaches and Facial Pain: TMJ disorder, bruxism, and other dental disorders can lead to headaches, which can be treated with Botox injections. Botox is injected into the pain fibers to block the pain transmission-related chemical release. Besides headaches, some people also experience facial pain known as trigeminal neuralgia, which often feels like an electric shock. Botox can be beneficial in relieving the nerves in such cases.
- Orthodontic Therapy: Botox is also used for keeping the muscle movement restrained to prevent the relapse of teeth.
- Denture fixing: Botox fixes irregular muscle contractions, which helps people in adjusting to new dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the treatment take?
A therapeutic Botox treatment is usually completed within 30 minutes. However, much of it depends on the number of areas that are being targeted.
- Is it painful?
While administering Botox to a patient, the dentist ensures the patients’ maximum comfort. Steps are taken to minimize the pain as much as possible. Most patients describe the procedure as a straightforward and pain-free one.
- Is there any downtime after a treatment?
In therapeutic Botox treatments, there is no downtime and recovery period. Patients might experience some swelling and bruising in the injected area, and these side effects disappear reasonably quickly. Patients can return to their routine almost immediately.
- How long do results last?
The effect of the treatment usually lasts for 3-6 months (depending on the dosage). After a Botox treatment, the dentist also prepares a treatment plan so that the results of the procedure can be preserved. When the effects start diminishing, a reinjection can be scheduled.
- Will it take a while to notice a difference?
Patients would be able to notice the results of the therapeutic Botox treatment within a few days to 2 weeks. However, this depends on the area that has been injected and the size of injected muscle. The results usually last for several months.
It is evident from this discussion that Botox is much more than a wrinkle treatment. Research suggests that it is quite helpful in the treatment of various dental issues like Bruxism, TMJ disorder, facial pain, and the headaches/migraines that result from these conditions. Suppose you are looking to relieve yourself from the pain and discomfort caused by these dental issues. In that case, Contact Ashraf Dentistry for therapeutic Botox treatments today.
The future of oral health
Doctor Ashraf from Ashraf Dentistry weighs in on a few future advancements in the dental industry. ( Source: TMF The Medical Futurist, November 3, 2020, https://medicalfuturist.com/the-amazing-future-of-dentistry-and-oral-health/.)
Until a few years back, most people dreaded going to a dentist. Although it is essential to make regular visits to a dentist, people used to steer clear of the visits because of how uncomfortable it made them. However, this has changed in the past few years, with better technologies and innovations that make dental procedures easier, quicker, reliable, and pain-free. Let us explore the future of oral health and what it holds.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence integrated software helps dentists in finding the best solutions for their patients. As per a new study, the dental industry is reportedly entering a new era of digitization, where medical professionals are able to access and analyze health data in a better way. Besides this, the AI-integrated systems can also help dentists in researching better treatments so that the best diagnosis and recommendations can be offered to the patients. According to Dr. Ashraf, AI-powered systems can be quite helpful in providing a better experience to patients.
3D Printing and Computer-Assisted Design
The 3D printing and Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) processes have been instrumental in revolutionizing dental restoration methods. Dr. Ashraf agrees that these technological innovations have made the process of restoring veneers, crowns, and caps easier for both doctors and patients. CEREC® Restorations are used in our facility to make ceramic tooth replicas that can be placed immediately. With this, the need for temporary crowns and fillings is removed. Patients who come into the clinic for treatment can leave with attractive smiles in a single visit.
Teledentistry
A major problem faced by many people, especially the elderly and special needs patients, is visiting the dental clinic. Teledentistry offers a solution to this problem by providing dental and oral care access to these patients through live consultation. Dr. Ashraf feels that teledentistry is the future of this industry. With teledentistry platforms, people will be able to consult medical professionals who would otherwise be unavailable to them. After providing the dentists with important information (including images), they will be able to do a live consultation and receive a diagnosis for their problem.
PRP Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy or PRP therapy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years for promoting healing in dental procedures and maxillofacial surgeries. In this procedure, the patient’s blood is taken to isolate the Platelet Rich Plasma, then injected into the affected area. Dr. Ashraf believes that it can transform the dental industry by enhancing the rate of bone formation and tissue generation. At our facility, we provide PRP therapy for the treatment of various dental issues, and we have continuously received positive feedback from our patients.
Regenerative Dentistry
Teeth are bound to undergo decay and damage with time. However, the latest advancements in the form of regenerative dentistry will provide a solution for this problem. Under regenerative dentistry, patients will be able to avail biological therapy for decaying or damaged teeth. Another development is regenerative dentistry is in the form of dental fillings that will help teeth in healing themselves. Dr. Ashraf feels that this can be an exciting innovation in the dental industry. People would not have to replace their teeth with false ones. It is incredible to know that there is always something new to enhance oral health care, such as stem cell procedures.
Dr. Ashraf believes that the future of oral health and dentistry is inspiring and something to get excited about. As technology improves, we will see better innovations that will help the patients and the dentist perform incredible procedures.
A pediatric dental visit
It is a big world, and many circumstances may appear scary to a small child, especially those with creative imaginations. From taking a bath to monsters hiding in closets, each kid is different and may experience fear in different ways. One fear, in particular, that most of them have in common is visiting the dentist. Even if they have never been to one before, they might have a fear about meeting them. So, why exactly do they fear them? Read on to find out.
Why is there anxiety and fear around going to the dentist?
Pop culture
Dentists are seen as the merchant of pain, and pop culture has definitely played a part in it. There are a lot of child-oriented media like comic books and cartoons that make fun of dentists. Your child might see a show where a dentist uses industrial size drills or long syringes on a helpless child. Even adult movies and TV shows have episodes where people are involved in a painful dental procedure. These signs might get easy laughs from the audience, but they can make your child fearful of them.
Hearing your stories
Children act like their parents. Even if they are young, they are able to sense when their parents are nervous. If you are anxious or worried about visiting the dentist, your kids will feel the same. As a parent, you have to put on a brave face so that your children don’t develop your fears. Even if you have just undergone a painful dental procedure, it would be wise not to let your children witness you in pain.
Bad first experience
Fear might be justified in some cases. Suppose your child has never visited a dentist, and they end up getting a cavity; their first visit will be quite painful. Or perhaps, on their first visit, the sound of the tools may have startled them.
By taking your children to visit the dentist throughout the early stages of development, your toddler will become familiar with what is to be expected. It may help soften the overall experience.
Tips for establishing a positive dentist visit
It is vital that your child has a positive dentist visit, or else they might end up being fearful and become apprehensive about oral health. You can implement a few suggestive tips to ensure that when your child visits the dentist for the first time for teeth cleaning or other dental services, they won’t perceive it as a scary place.
Explain to the child the importance of dental health and hygiene
Oral health can have an impact on your overall health. You have to explain the same to your child. You can also use videos and books to help them understand why dental care is important.
Start visits early on so that they are used to the process of visiting with a dentist
The ideal time to schedule your child’s first dental visit is when their first tooth erupts. Even though it might seem early, it can help them get familiar with the common sensations, sounds, and sights in a dental clinic.
Play pretend dentist at home
You can play dentist with your child at home so that they can get used to keeping their mouth open during dental cleaning and letting the dental tool inside their mouth.
Use positive reinforcements after the visit
After the appointment is over, don’t forget to tell them that you are proud of them. Sometimes a few encouraging words are all that’s needed. A special reward can also make the visit pleasant for them as well.
Bring them to your appointment (parents can lead by example)
Children follow in the footsteps of their parents. If you take them with you for your dentist’s appointment, they will be able to see everything and know that you are comfortable with getting work done on your teeth.
Be sure to visit a pediatric dentist
You might wonder why you need a pediatric dentist for your child, not a general dentist. The truth is that visiting a pediatric dentist for your child offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- They specialize in dentistry for children
- They have specialized training in dealing with children
- Your kid will have a kid-friendly waiting room and office
- They have kid-friendly equipment
- They love kids
A pediatric dentist has the expertise to cater to a child’s individual needs and provide specialized care. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today to book a pediatric dental appointment and ensure that your child will experience quality dental care services.
At home whitening kits compared to professional whitening treatment
Have you wondered if you should choose an at-home teeth whitening treatment or go to a professional? Today we will discuss both options to find out which is best for you. While many people prefer at-home teeth whitening, it does not have all the benefits that a professional can provide. Let’s find out how.
At-home teeth whitening
Before using any at-home teeth whitening treatment, you should ensure that it is FDA-approved. A non-approved product can have harmful chemicals which will harm your teeth, gums, and enamel. If you want to use at-home teeth whitening treatments, you should first consult a dentist and ask for recommendations. Using any over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment can be very dangerous for your dental health. Use an at-home kit only if your dentist permits.
There are many disadvantages to at-home teeth whitening. First, you never get the desired results. Home treatments usually whiten the surface of the teeth without any deep cleaning. As a result, you need to keep using them frequently to get a long-lasting effect. However, excessive use can decay your enamel and trigger tooth sensitivity.
On top of that, it can be disastrous if you have underlying dental issues that you are unaware of. As a general rule of thumb, you may use an at-home whitening kit if there is no other option. Even in those cases, you should never overdo its use.
Professional teeth whitening treatments
There is no alternative to getting your whitening treatment straight from a licensed dentist. They have years of experience in the field and know which options work for different people. Dentists do not use a single formulation for all patients, unlike home treatments. Depending on your overall dental health, a dentist may go for one of the many whitening procedures.
The difference in results between at-home and professional treatment is stark. Home teeth whitening solutions do not have any lasting effect. Professional teeth whitening involves deep cleaning of teeth for a long-lasting result. You do not have to keep doing it to get lasting results. It also means that you end up saving a lot of time. When you go for a professional solution, it is a one-time visit, and you are good to go for months. With home teeth whitening kits, the frequency of use is much higher. You end up spending a lot of time and money on a treatment that is not even effective.
At-home teeth whitening vs. professional teeth whitening
If we compare professional skin whitening with home treatments, professional treatment wins by a considerable margin. Apart from convenience, there is no other metric where at-home treatments win. We always recommend going to a professional for all dental issues. Your teeth are precious, and no one should meddle with them without proper knowledge and experience.
While at-home teeth whitening is a popular choice for many people, it is usually ineffective in the long run. It is way smarter to let a professional dentist do their work and get long-lasting, safe results. For this purpose, cosmetic dentistry works very well.
At-home remedies for tooth pain
Dr. Ashraf weighs in on a few at-home remedies for tooth pain. (source: health line, 11Home and Natural remedies for tooth pain, October 1, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache#see-your-dentist.)
Home remedies for dental problems are becoming increasingly popular. While good in their limited capacities, Dr. Ashraf notes that these treatments should be used with caution. Dentists and dental health experts agree that some home treatments offer great results for many people. However, they are not a substitute or replacement for a dentist. We will look at the various home remedies for tooth pain and what Dr. Ashraf feels about these remedies.
Salt water rinse
Saltwater rinse is the simplest and most common home remedy for tooth pain. Dr. Ashraf agrees, “a salt water rinse is a great way to remove stuck debris and reduce minor inflammation. However, if the pain persists after two days of using the salt water, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Whenever you use an at-home remedy, be sure to let your dentist know about it. Talk to them about which methods you have applied, and they can guide you on more detailed and recommended solutions.”
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
After salt water, many people also prefer to rinse with hydrogen peroxide. The common composition is to use three parts hydrogen peroxide solution with equal water. According to Dr. Ashraf, hydrogen peroxide is suitable for cleaning bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to plaque and bleeding gums. “However, if the pain persists after hydrogen peroxide rinsing, you should visit a dentist immediately,” he added.
Cold compress
Cold compress is an effective solution for injury- or trauma-triggered tooth pain. It constricts the blood flow and lessens pain in the site. People usually use a cold compress in the form of an ice pack. Depending on your sensitivity, you can use a towel along with the ice pack. Dr. Ashraf shares, “cold compresses are great as a quick relief solution. However, they are not a suitable treatment. It is merely a way to subside pain until you schedule a visit to the dentist”.
Garlic
While many of us avoid garlic for bad breath, it actually has benefits for your oral hygiene. The juice of garlic cloves has antibacterial properties that people have used for ages to deal with tooth pain. Dr. Ashraf adds, “garlic can be a safe home remedy for tooth pain, but it cannot deal with more severe issues. In case garlic is not effective on your tooth pain, you should rush to a dentist immediately. Continuing with the same treatment would not be a smart move.”
Clove oil
Clove oil is used for dental cleanings and tooth pain in many cultures. The general procedure involves using concentrated clove oil along with a carrier oil like coconut and jojoba. The ratio between concentrated clove oil and carrier oil is usually 1:15. Dr. Ashraf notes, “clove has eugenol, a natural antiseptic. It is a good option for mild tooth pain and does not have side effects. However, it is ineffective in the case of some major underlying issue or severe tooth pain”.
As Dr. Ashraf summarizes, home remedies for tooth pain are good as long as they work. At the slightest hint of their inefficacy, you should go to a dentist and get cleanings regularly.
