A few helpful Invisalign® Tips, from Scott Orthodontic Associates

We've blogged about our Invisalign treatment before, and today thought we'd share a few helpful Invisalign tips.

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Gregory Scott wants you to ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Scott Orthodontic Associates, please give us a call!

Ask Scott Orthodontic Associates: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Dr. Scott will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should a child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands and one that has large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call at Scott Orthodontic Associates and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

What helps you relax at Scott Orthodontic Associates?

Trust us when we say that we completely understand that not everyone always enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But at Scott Orthodontic Associates, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Scott Orthodontic Associates that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Perhaps it has something to with Dr. Scott's professionalism or demeanor?

Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page ... or by giving us a call! Have a terrific weekend!

This spring, play it safe! From Scott Orthodontic Associates

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Scott and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact Scott Orthodontic Associates. And remember to have fun and stay safe!