Get a Great Smile With Invisible BracesGet a Great Smile With Invisible Braces


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Get a Great Smile With Invisible Braces

Wearing braces used to involve large, ugly metal pieces stuck to your teeth. Many adults have rejected the idea of wearing braces because they felt they would look unprofessional or unattractive. Now there is a better way. I have been using invisible braces in my dental clinic for many years, and this blog will show you the variety of options you have for getting straighter teeth without traditional braces. Braces can now be completely clear, can be adhered to the back of you teeth, or can be used in the form of an invisible tray that fits over your teeth. Find out here how invisible braces can work for you.

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Taking Care Of Your Temporary Dental Crown

If you crack a tooth or go through root canal therapy, then a dental crown may need to be placed on your tooth.  Dental crowns are added to repair the strength, durability, shape, and size of a damaged tooth.  Crowns are permanent devices that are constructed in laboratories, and you will be fitted with a temporary crown while the permanent one is created.  It can take several weeks for a crown to be constructed.  The timeframe usually depends on the laboratory's schedule.  While you wait for your permanent dental crowns, make sure to treat your temporary one with care.

Chew on the Opposite Side Of Your Mouth

When your dentist prepares your tooth for a crown, some of the enamel is removed.  This happens so the permanent crown can be made thick enough to retain strength over a long period of time.  Once your tooth is ground down, your dentist will take an impression of it.  The impression is used as a mold and acrylic resin is poured into the putty material to form your temporary crown.  A removable type of cement is then used to secure the crown over your tooth.

The acrylic resin used to make the crown is the same type of material that is used to form fillings.  Unfortunately, the resin is not that strong, and neither is the temporary cement that glues the crown in place.  This means that you can dislodge the device fairly easily.  Chewing alone places around 70 pounds of pressure per square inch on the teeth.  You can limit this pressure by making sure that you chew your food on the opposite side of the mouth from the crown.  If you have trouble doing this, then make sure to eat softer foods until your dentist can arrange to have your permanent crown secured.

Yogurt, cheese, eggs, potatoes, soup, rice, and fish are a few examples of healthy and soft foods you can eat.  Also, use fresh fruits and vegetables to make smoothies so you are providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs.

Wear a Dental Guard

If you grind your teeth at night, then it is imperative that you wear a dental or bruxism guard at night to maintain your temporary crown.  Chewing may place 70 pounds per square inch of pressure on your teeth, but grinding far exceeds this pressure.  In some cases, you may place 10 times more pressure on your teeth when you grind than you do when you chew.  If you have a professionally made acrylic bruxism guard, make sure to wear it every night to protect your crown.

If you do not already have a bruxism guard, then ask your dentist about making a personalized device for you.  If your dentist cannot create the guard right away, then pick up an athletic mouth guard to wear in the evening.  

A stock plastic guard can work in a pinch.  You can also look for boil-and-bite mouth guards that are sold at your local pharmacy.  These devices are created with a thermoplastic material.  Soften the guard in hot water and place the plastic pieces in your mouth.  Use your fingers to press the guard around your teeth to create impressions.  Allow the plastic to cool for several minutes and remove them from the mouth.

If you do decide to use bruxism or sports guards at night, just make sure to brush your teeth before placing the devices in your mouth.  This helps to remove bacteria and food particles that can become trapped underneath and cause cavities.  Also, wash the guards after every use.  Dish soap and water are best to remove plaque, saliva, and bacteria from the plastic.

If you want your temporary crown to remain intact and useful while you wait for a permanent crown, then make sure to follow the two tips in this article.  This way, you can be sure that your tooth will be ready for the permanent device when the time comes.