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21st Century Dental Blog

How to Stay on Track with Invisalign During Cold & Flu Season

October 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 7:47 pm
woman blowing nose during cold and flu season

It’s October, which means cold and flu season has arrived. As the weather cools down, you may look around and notice more runny noses and hear more coughs. While it’s tempting to focus solely on rest and recovery, it’s essential not to let illness disrupt your Invisalign treatment. Staying on track with your orthodontic care is still possible, even during this time of year. Here are a few tips to help you continue your Invisalign journey smoothly.

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Can I Still Get Cavities with Invisalign?

September 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 3:28 pm
A woman putting on an Invisalign aligner.

Your new Invisalign aligners cover your teeth and even seem like a shield against anything touching them, but that doesn’t mean that they can protect you from cavities and tooth decay. In fact, if you don’t properly clean your teeth, wearing aligners could actually increase your risk of dental problems. Here’s how neglecting your oral health during Invisalign treatment could spell trouble for your teeth, and what you can do to prevent it.

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Ortho Education: 3 Tips for Starting School with Invisalign

August 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 1:54 pm
Teenager with long hair in red and white striped sweater giving thumbs up and holding Invisalign

Now that August has arrived, students across the nation are preparing to head back to school for the fall semester. If you have a teenager at home, they’re likely busy gathering up their new school supplies or planning their outfit for the first day.

However, if your adolescent got Invisalign this summer, it’s natural for them to express some anxiety as they approach the new year. They might feel concerned about whether they’ll be made fun of or worry about handling their orthodontics in a public space surrounded by classmates. Keep reading to learn three tips to share with your child to help them successfully start school with Invisalign!

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Wearing Invisalign? Here’s What to Do and What Not to Do

July 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 10:38 pm
Teen shows off clear aligners

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to worry about the conspicuous metal parts and irksome dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, this treatment still requires patients to comply with a set of rules to avoid delays and achieve their best possible results. Here’s a brief overview of a few habits to build and a few habits to break to keep your Invisalign treatment going smoothly so you can enjoy a beautifully straightened smile.

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Molar Madness: Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

June 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 3:49 pm
Blue translucent rendering of teeth with an orange wisdom tooth shoving in

If you or your child have recently been informed about the need for wisdom teeth extraction and are feeling anxious, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. In fact, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, approximately 5 million people in the U.S. undergo this procedure every year. This common practice is often considered a right of passage for young adults in their late teens or early twenties.

It’s only natural to be curious about why so many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. After all, they are extracted more often than not, so why do we even have them to begin with? If you’re one of those curious minds, keep reading to find out!

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Why Should I Choose Laser Dentistry?

May 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 10:43 pm
Patient with special glasses receiving laser treatment

Technology seems to be advancing at an incredible rate. We have AI, pseudo self-driving cars, and yes – laser dentistry. Although to talk about laser dentistry as if it’s new is somewhat inaccurate. Dentists have actually been using lasers commercially since the early 90’s.

If you’re skeptical about aiming a concentrated beam of light at your pearly whites, that fact might help you feel a bit better. But you’re probably still wondering why you should consider laser dentistry in the first place. What treatments are the lasers used for? Are they better than traditional methods? Keep reading to find out the answers.

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Why Do Older Adults Get Gum Disease?

April 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 9:59 pm
Gum disease

Gum disease is an insidious little menace that has an uncanny ability to sneak up on a person, and it becomes even more likely at older ages. In fact, gum recession is the dental ailment most frequently found in older people, giving rise to the term “long in the tooth.” While your risk of developing gum disease increases with age, it is not inevitable. Here are some of the reasons why older people develop gum disease and what you can do to prevent it.

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What Happens If You Put Off a Root Canal

March 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 3:21 am
person holding their cheek in pain

If your tooth has a severe infection, your dentist might suggest a root canal to save and fix it. Contrary to what many think, root canal therapy is often painless. It’s crucial not to delay this treatment because ignoring an infection can damage your oral health. Read on to learn more about root canals and why it’s important to get timely treatment for your overall oral well-being.

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Is a Dental Bridge or Partial Denture Right for Me?

February 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 6:22 pm
Implant bridge

Dental bridges and partial dentures can both be excellent ways to replace missing teeth, but which one is right for you depends on your particular situation. If you deal with tooth loss, it’s important to be educated about the pros and cons of your options so that you can make an informed decision. Here’s a brief guide to the differences between dental bridges and partial dentures so that you can get a better idea of how your missing teeth can be replaced.

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5 Tips to Help You Sleep Soundly After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

January 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmith @ 10:34 pm
Woman sleeping in bed

If you have your wisdom teeth removal coming up, you have probably been reviewing your aftercare instructions so you can prepare ahead of time. It is common for patients to experience some soreness for a few days following their procedure, but it is important to get plenty of rest throughout the healing process. Continue reading to learn some tips that can help you sleep soundly during your recovery period so you can get back to your normal schedule as soon as possible.

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