When you use Invisalign, it is important to keep your tongue as clean as possible. You can easily remove Invisalign when you need to so that you are able to care for your teeth and tongue properly. If you want to have good oral health, you can ask your orthodontist to help you figure out a cleaning regiment that will be right for you.
An Unclean Tongue Can Lead To:
Bacteria
Plaque in Your Mouth
Bad Breath
Gum Disease
Bacteria
When you forget to brush your tongue, bacteria can start to form in your mouth. This bacteria can cause all sorts of problems. Whether you have braces or not, it is going to be necessary to keep your entire mouth clean. If you leave bacteria on your tongue, you could end up having to deal with more plaque in your mouth. This plaque can dull your beautiful smile, so you should be sure to brush your teeth up to the 3 times a day and make sure that your tongue is properly cleaned. You can enjoy the results of having a tongue and mouth that is well taken care of.
Bad Breath
If your tongue is not properly cleaned, you could develop a case of bad breath. By making sure that your tongue is cleaned correctly, your breath will be as fresh as possible. You can also avoid tooth decay if your tongue is cleaned on a regular basis and stop gum disease from starting too.
When you visit your orthodontist, be sure to ask him for tips on keeping your tongue clean. If you have braces, you should be sure to talk to a dental expert about the importance of properly caring for your teeth, tongue, and gums. You want to make sure that you have great overall dental health. Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for reliable orthodontic services.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Marin-3-Oct2015.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-11-07 10:00:002019-09-24 10:25:05Words of Wisdom No.3 – Clean your tongue
We brush our teeth to keep them clean, but what we often don’t think about how many germs are lurking on our toothbrush. Our mouths are full of bacteria; any time a toothbrush is used, these microorganisms can contaminate the toothbrush.
Replace Your Toothbrush Often
A professional orthodontist, who is responsible for helping patients to straighten their teeth, recommends throwing away toothbrushes often. Because viruses and bacteria can linger on toothbrushes for months, you should replace your toothbrush at least every three months or more often if any of the following occur:
Anyone accidentally uses or borrows your toothbrush
After having the cold or flu
When bristles become frayed or worn out
Clean Your Toothbrush Often
In addition to replacing your toothbrush often, it needs to be kept clean. Many people mistake rinsing their toothbrush off after use as a means to properly clean it. Because of the viruses and bacteria that toothbrushes have, they should be deep cleaned at least once a week. To properly clean a toothbrush, simply:
Rinse it thoroughly after each use
Soak it in mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher
Store it upright in a cup or rack to allow it to aerate and dry properly
There are also toothbrush cleaners available for purchase that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria from the bristles of the toothbrush.
If you currently have braces or are using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, it is especially important to keep your toothbrush clean and to throw it away often. Food particles may get stuck in braces that can lead to tooth decay. These germs can easily be transferred to a toothbrush.
After you have finished treatment with your orthodontist, you will want to keep your new, straight smile clean and decay-free by brushing often and keeping germs away by cleaning your toothbrush and replacing it often.
Contact Us Today
If you have questions or concerns about your or your child’s teeth, or if you would like to get started on a plan for braces or Invisalign, call Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today so we can get started on your new smile.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Marin-2-Oct2015-1.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-10-31 10:00:002019-09-24 10:24:56Words of Wisdom No.2 – Chuck your toothbrush
Are your teeth looking stained and discolored, even though you brush daily and see your orthodontist regularly? What you might not realize is that your diet could be playing a huge role in this problem. There are many foods that can contribute to stains on your pearly whites, which is why going on a “white-teeth diet” can be so beneficial. By utilizing the effective tips listed below, you may find that your teeth are much whiter in no time!
Foods to Eat:
Broccoli
Raw broccoli is a snack that you can feel good about eating. The texture of a floret will gently scrub the teeth as you chew, which can help reduce stains and keep teeth clean.
Strawberries
Most people think strawberries will stain their teeth because they’re bright red and sweet, but because they have malic acid in them, they can help remove discoloration from the surface of teeth. Just watch out for the seeds, especially if you have braces or use Invisalign.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses are generally colorless, so they won’t stain your teeth like most other foods would. In addition to this, the calcium in them can help build stronger teeth.
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages
Foods like blackberries, tea, wine, blueberries and pomegranates will stain your teeth, so try to only enjoy these on an occasional basis with a large glass of water to wash away discoloration.
Nuts or Seeds
Walnuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts are all high in protein, but their abrasive texture is what makes them great for gently wiping stains from the surface of teeth.
Enjoying Your Smile
Ready for more expert tips on dental care, or do you just need a reliable orthodontist for things like braces and Invisalign? Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics would be glad to help! Schedule an appointment today.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Marin-1-Oct2015-1.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-10-24 10:00:002019-09-24 10:24:50Words of Wisdom No.1 “Go On a White-Teeth Diet”
If you want to forgive someone, then just begin to smile, and you will begin to live again. Smiling is easier when your teeth are perfectly straight and you have a firm bite to consume nutritious fresh vegetables and fruit. When your teeth are misaligned, you can visit an orthodontist to learn more about the different types of braces, headgear and retainers available to create a gorgeous smile. You might learn that the best type of orthodontia for your malocclusions is traditional wire and metal brackets or Invisalign aligners instead.
Invisalign Orthodontia
A parent should take a child to an orthodontist as they are getting their first permanent teeth, and an adult can also request an evaluation for their own teeth. A child can wear modern braces such as:
• WildSmiles
• Color wires and brackets
• Damon Clear
Alternatively, adults with mild malocclusions can wear clear Invisalign aligners that are easy to remove while they are eating meals or brushing their teeth. Imagine how much fun it is to wear aligners at the same time your children are wearing braces. You can help each other throughout the process with reminders about flossing your teeth each day to avoid cavities and bad breath.
Unique Smiles for Your Facial Structure
At Marin Ortho in Larkspur, Calif., you can schedule an appointment with two knowledgeable orthodontists:
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
Certain guidelines are used by these professionals to create a WOW smile that shows off your new straight teeth from the front of your mouth to the back. With modern three-dimensional imaging techniques rather than old-fashioned impression molds, you can receive orthodontic appliances that are perfect for your facial structure to get a gorgeous smile. With a smile like that, there is no reason not to forgive someone and begin to live again.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Marin3-july2015.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-10-10 10:00:002019-09-24 10:24:30Smile and forgive; it’s the only way to live
There’s something about a smile that has the ability to turn someone’s entire day around. When you put a smile on your face, you can accomplish amazing changes. Not only does it turn your day around and keep your attitude bright no matter who you’re dealing with, it also makes other people more likely to go along with you. When you approach the world with kindness, you’re much more likely to receive kindness and understanding in return. Unfortunately, for many people, a world filled with judgment and unkindness has slowly started to make their smiles slip away. It’s a hard world to live in, and letting a smile shine bright is the last thing on their minds.
The Need to Fix Your Smile
For some people, it isn’t even current judgement and unkindness but the fear of what they’ll experience that has their smiles slipping away. Their teeth aren’t properly aligned, and they’re embarrassed by their smiles. The solution? A visit to an orthodontist to talk about invisalign.
The Perfect Solution for People Who Dread the Appearance of Braces
There’s no reason why braces have to be right out there in the open, where everyone can see them. Adults, in particular, often feel that they’re “too old” for braces, or that they don’t want to display how long it took them to take care of their orthodontic needs for the world to see. Invisalign realigns teeth and makes smiles shine bright once more without the inconvenience of everyone seeing a face full of metal every time they look at you. If you’re avoiding letting your smile shine because you’re ashamed of the appearance of your teeth, it’s time to make a change! If you’re in Larkspur, California, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today for an appointment. These talented orthodontist staff will give you back the smile that you’ve always dreamed of and help you use it to make a difference in the world again.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Marin2-july2015.png600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-10-03 10:00:002019-09-24 10:24:24Use your smile to change this world, but don’t let the world change your smile.
Feeling good about your smile is a great incentive for smiling more often. Smiling is a simple facial expression that brightens your face at least a few times a day. You may even smile without thinking about it when you have a happy thought or pass a heart-warming scene.
Crooked or badly spaced teeth may make you feel self-conscious. Instead of hiding your smile behind tightly closed lips or a shielding hand, consider orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontist offers braces and Invisalign, both great options that can straighten your teeth beautifully and give you a smile that you are proud to share.
The Power of a Smile
When you smile, your brain lights up with activity. Your body is flooded with a number of hormones and chemicals, including:
Neuropeptides, which allow neurons to communicate more effectively
Endorphins, which are natural pain relievers
Serotonin and dopamine, which are feel-good chemicals that combat bad moods
Within moments of smiling, your heart rate and blood pressure can slow, and your whole body will feel more relaxed.
People also see you differently when you smile, but attractiveness is just one part of the picture. One study found that looking at smiling faces activates the reward center in your brain. Smiling people are perceived as more reliable, sincere and approachable.
The Benefits of a Healthy Smile
Fixing your smile can give you even more reasons to smile. Braces are often used to manage complex bite and alignment problems. Invisalign can be used for most minor to moderate issues, and they use clear aligners for more discreet treatment. Along with all the benefits of smiling, orthodontic treatment can allow you to enjoy other benefits as well, including:
Less stress on the TMJ
Evenly distributed bite forces
Less risk of decay
Easier to clean teeth
Less risk of gum disease
Contact us today to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options or to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Marin7-july2015.png600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2015-09-03 10:00:002019-09-24 10:24:03Good things happen when you smile.
Ask any American orthodontist, and they will speculate that most people begin brushing their teeth in the same spot every time. If this brushing technique sounds familiar to you, then you could be doing your teeth a disservice. Starting in the same place each time prevents your teeth from getting the full range of attention that they need.
Why You Should Switch Up Your Brushing Routine
When you always start brushing in the same spot, you always end in the same spot. It is normal for people to get bored with brushing before they have finished cleaning every surface. Boredom usually leads to lazily brushing those last few teeth. This means that your typical end point always receives the same amount of attention — less than what the rest of your mouth gets.
Beginning to brush in a different place corrects this problem, even if you do get careless by the end of a brushing session. Over time, the superior focus that you begin with offsets any attempts on other areas of your mouth. Although rotating your starting point is beneficial, you should also try to remain aware of where you’ve brushed and where you want to brush next. Brushing this way ensures a better clean, which is especially important if you have braces or wear invisalign.
Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:
Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Marin6-April2016.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2016-06-02 10:00:002019-09-24 10:22:34Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”
Correct brushing technique is very important in keeping a healthy, clean smile. It also keeps dental disease away, ensuring that cavity-causing bacteria are removed from your teeth at least twice per day. It’s important to brush using the correct method, timing, frequency. because not brushing correctly can cause many problems. These problems include dental disease ranging from gingivitis to cavities, and even tooth loss.
The Right Amount of Brushing
Proper brushing involves brushing your teeth for two minutes per session. Many children and adults do not achieve this duration, which can explain the high prevalence of gingivitis, and tooth decay. If your child is not brushing properly, their teeth may become damaged, misaligned, and even need extraction. To correct this, braces are often needed. This will keep your child’s teeth in proper alignment which will give them a great looking smile, confidence, and guard against biting and chewing problems.
Having dental equipment can make proper brushing even more important. You must pay attention to brush around all surface areas, including the spaces between your teeth. Remove any bands prior to brushing, and check a mirror to make sure there’s no food residue left in the brace-wires. Flossing will help remove and excess residue.
For those who don’t like the appearance of braces, Invisalign is a great option. Your orthodontist will make a recommendation about which is best for you, Invisalign or traditional braces. With Invisalign, you must remove the product before brushing and replace it when your teeth have been properly cleaned.
Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:
If you want a gorgeous smile that will turn heads, you should think about your daily brushing routine before making an appointment to talk about braces. Though it’s important that you brush regularly, it’s also important that you do not brush too hard or brush too often. The more you brush and the more vigorously you brush, the more damage you can do to your teeth. Vigorous brushing can strip the enamel from your teeth and lead to increased sensitivity too.
The Right Amount of Brushing
You typically want to brush your teeth at least twice a day, including once in the morning and once before going to bed. Brushing first thing in the morning helps remove the scum or film that develops on your teeth, and brushing later at night is a great way to remove food particles and other debris from your teeth. Make sure that you floss at least once a day too, which removes the debris trapped between your teeth that can lead to periodontal disease.
Before making an appointment with an orthodontist to talk about Invisalign, you may want to think about how hard you brush your teeth. Using extra pressure while brushing can damage both your teeth and your gums. Some may notice that their gums bleed during regular brushing. While this can be a sign of periodontal disease, it’s also a sign that you brush your teeth too hard. Any pain that you experience during brushing may indicate that you use too much pressure.
While an orthodontist can talk with you more about braces like Invisalign, the orthodontist can also determine whether you brush your teeth too hard or too often and give you tips on better caring for your teeth and gums at home. Make an appointment today to talk with the qualified professionals working at Gorton & Schmol Orthodontics about your oral health and dental procedures.
Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:
Tooth brushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard”
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Marin4-April2016.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2016-05-19 10:00:002019-09-24 10:22:16Tooth brushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard”
Early treatment for any dental issue can save you valuable time, money and effort. In fact, an ounce of prevention is worth an entire mouth of cure when it comes to dental disease. Many dental issues can be simple to fix if caught and treated early, while they can grow to be much more expensive if you wait to get treatment. Getting issues corrected in the early stages can save you from having more extensive operations and procedures such as tooth extraction and root canals. Some issues can be corrected in single visit for a low price, while neglected can grow to be a mouth-wide problem resulting in the need for thousands of dollars of corrective repairs and treatments.
Tooth Decay
Perhaps the most well-known issue affecting teeth in both children and adults is dental decay. At its most basic form, decay is the growth of dental bacteria that cause holes and damage to the outer layers of your teeth. This damage can often be corrected by your dental care provider, with a simple excavation of deteriorated tooth surfaces and replacement with filling material, or bonding. If treatment isn’t initiated early on however, the damage can even affect neighboring teeth and end up costing a lot more money. Orthodontists are most experienced in such issues and should be consulted for moderate and advanced cases of dental decay.
Having your cavities fixed early on will definitely save you money, as a repair for minor cavities may cost less than a few hundred, whereas major dental repairs can cost patients thousands of dollars. Some of these repairs, such as root canals, will require multiple visits to your orthodontist, consuming a lot of your valuable time. Tooth loss will cost you more than time and money, though, you will also require more effort to keep your teeth in good condition, as repaired teeth may need follow-up care for months or years to come. For example, a root canal to seal off damaged teeth at the root can require two or three treatment sessions per tooth due to the lengthy process of drilling and sealing nerve spaces within the tooth.
Alignment Issues Need Treatment
Some dental issues can cause misalignment, as can the natural tooth formation in children who have under- or overbites. To correct alignment issues, most orthodontists recommend either braces or another treatment option. These tools that keep your teeth in alignment can easily be seen as preventive or early treatment because without god alignment you will face problems such as Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ.
Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder
Our orthodontists can address your TMJ issues such as pain when chewing and clicking and popping within the jaw. These issues can start from misaligned teeth and other orthodontic problems such as extra bony growth. Many of these problems can be corrected early on and you can prevent the pain of TMJ altogether. For those already suffering from TMJ symptoms, you can prohibit the problem from growing worse simply by coming in for treatment early on.
Braces for TMJ and Other Alignment Issues
Braces are the traditional solution for all alignment issues, they have been around for over 100 years in nearly modern form, and therefore are an excellent time-tested solution for those who have teeth out of place. They can fix TMJ pain because they correct teeth into their proper positions, allowing the jaw the rest in a more comfortable setting. You should bring in your children for evaluation as soon as they have developed permanent teeth, so that any misalignment issues can be addressed early on. This will help you save money and prevent trips to the orthodontic center later on. Don’t try to be the judge of whether your own child needs corrective treatment, as many issues are subtle in early stages. Your orthodontist will be able to detect these issues at the very primary stages to save you money in the long-run.
Invisalign, Is It Right For Me?
Many patients want to know more about the Invisalign products, and for good reason. These products allow patients to correct their teeth into the right posture and setting without anyone seeing the dental equipment, as it is nearly invisible. As you may have seen on TV or other advertising, this is a clear plastic piece you simply set over your teeth and allow to straighten your smile. You will need to come in occasionally to get a new The mouth piece custom made for you, as progressive is made in your orthodontic hygiene.
As to whether Invisalign is better than traditional treatment or not is up to the patient. With this option you will simply need to replace your product every couple of weeks instead of having to come in and get your brace wires adjusted, or new bands installed. Depending on your insurance status and a few other factors, this can be comparable to traditional treatment, in terms of price. Having this more modern treatment can actually help you prevent costlier treatment in the future, as misaligned teeth can cause problems with your bite that lasts for years or may even require surgery. This can include TMJ and under-bite, or overbite, as well as grinding of the teeth. Come in for a consultation and let us help you decide which option is best for you. For many patients who have the opportunity this is the better option, while some patients prefer the look and cost-effectiveness of traditional wire-based treatment.
Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:
How Can Early Treatment Save Your Time, Money, and Effort?
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-addison.jpg675450Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2016-05-10 10:00:002019-09-24 10:22:08How Can Early Treatment Save Your Time, Money, and Effort?
