Snow Family Dental

After completing orthodontic treatment—whether with braces or clear aligners—wearing a retainer is the key to maintaining your beautiful, straight smile. Retainers keep your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. But to keep your retainer doing its job effectively, it’s important to take good care of it. A dirty or damaged retainer can lead to bacteria buildup, bad odors, or even tooth movement if it no longer fits properly. Here are 4 essential tips to help you keep your retainer clean, fresh, and long-lasting.

You might think of your somewhat crooked teeth as more of an aesthetic concern than a dental problem. However, if they overlap, it can be harder to keep them clean, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing cavities, gum disease, or other oral issues.

Your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, which relies on transparent trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them. But you must care for them correctly for them to fulfill their functions. Continue reading to learn about 3 do’s and don’ts to help you care for your clear aligners!

Tooth pain can range from a mild annoyance to an unbearable ache that disrupts your daily life. While some discomfort can wait until your next dental appointment, certain types of tooth pain signal a more serious issue that needs urgent attention. Knowing when tooth pain is considered a dental emergency can help you protect your oral health and potentially save your tooth.

If you’ve noticed swelling in your mouth, jaw, or face, you may be wondering if you need to see an emergency dentist. In many cases, the answer is yes. Facial swelling can indicate a serious dental infection, injury, or other urgent condition that requires prompt professional care.

Here’s a quick guide on when to see your dentist for facial swelling and what to expect during your visit.

Jaw pain can be frustrating, especially when it’s limited to just one side of your face. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, throbbing sensation, pain on one side of the jaw can interfere with daily activities like chewing, talking, or even yawning. If you’re wondering why your jaw hurts on just one side, you’re not alone. Here are some common reasons for one-sided jaw pain and when to see a professional.

If you are eager to achieve a straighter smile, metal brackets and wires aren’t your only option! Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth into their rightful locations. The best part is that this treatment is entirely discreet, so it won’t take away from your appearance in the meantime. To achieve optimal results, some patients require Invisalign attachments. Continue reading to learn more about these attachments, how they work, and whether or not it hurts when they are removed.

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Are your summer plans already set? Whether you’re going on a road trip, heading to Europe, or staying local for a relaxing staycation, you might be a little unsure of what to expect if you recently got Invisalign. The good news is that the aligners are removable, so you won’t have to abide by any dietary restrictions or feel self-conscious about your smile in photos. You will, however, need to take good care of your teeth and trays to stay on-track with your treatment plan. With this in mind, here are four helpful tips for traveling with Invisalign!

If you’ve invested in dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers, but now want to give Invisalign a try, you might wonder if it’s possible. After all, won’t putting pressure on your enhancements break or dislodge them? Not necessarily! Invisalign can often work alongside these dental treatments, but there are a few important things to know before you begin. Keep reading to learn how Invisalign interacts with different dental restorations and how to ensure a smooth treatment experience.

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Invisalign treatment, just like any orthodontic service, can take months, and sometimes years, to complete. If you’re nearing the end of your journey towards a straighter smile and are wondering what’s next, you might not be thrilled about the answer. However, it’s the reality of every patient who has undergone orthodontic treatment, and it’s wearing a retainer. Read on to learn why you need to wear a retainer after finishing your Invisalign treatment and for how long. (more…)

Good oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. As a parent, it’s important to instill good oral health habits in your children from a young age. Teaching children good oral health habits can help them maintain a healthy mouth and smile throughout their lives.