Do Aligners Like Invisalign Hurt?

Aligners are a great way of achieving straighter teeth but a common concern that many people have is the pain aspect of these treatments. It is natural to wonder and worry about aligner discomfort and most people want to know if they hurt before proceeding with this treatment option.

While you may experience minor pain and some discomfort, the good news is that aligners are tolerable, and in most cases, the process can be easily managed. Aligners will cause your teeth to move, which is their intended purpose, and this can result in minor aches but it is bearable and the end results will be well worth some discomfort.

Knowing what to expect will help with the treatment, so if you are considering aligners like Invisalign, expect to deal with tooth movement and aligner fit, which can lead to tenderness and pressure, both of which are very common. Aligners cause your teeth to shift, so there will be some discomfort during the course of your treatment. Most people will only notice this pain when they take their aligners out and place them back in, as this might trigger that pain. It’s important to know that pressure is a good sign because it means your aligners are working. Minor discomfort means your aligners are doing their job, so do not be concerned when this happens because it takes a small amount of pressure for your teeth to realign. While it may not feel great, it is part of the treatment. Some people may also experience tongue and gum irritation if the edges of the aligner rub against your cheek, tongue or gums. You may experience irritation as a result but your orthodontist may be able to provide you with some recommendations to help find a solution.

Several aligners are needed during the treatment process and the pressure is usually at its greatest whenever you make the switch because of the discrepancy between the shape of your new aligner and the alignment of your teeth. This will cause you to feel some discomfort but over time, your teeth will start to shift and will conform to fit the aligner. Once this happens, your pain should subside and your mouth will begin to relax. The discomfort is the result of your teeth moving into their new positions so that you can have straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile.

When it comes to aligners like Invisalign, you will likely experience mild discomfort as opposed to pain but this discomfort will usually ease within a couple of days after your aligner tray change. Both the pressure and any tooth movement will decrease and the feeling of tightness will subside.

If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, Vancity Dental can provide you with more information. Our clinic will help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile and our dentists can help with all of your dental needs, so if you are in Vancouver, BC, give our office a call today!

Invisalign is growing in popularity because it is a great alternative to traditional braces and provides patients with excellent results. Inblog1 - visalign can help you achieve a better smile by straightening your teeth and increasing your confidence.   In order to achieve the perfect smile, you must care for your teeth while wearing Invisalign so that there are no problems once the treatment is complete. The last thing you want to deal with is tooth decay, so you need to clean your teeth regularly and thoroughly to prevent this from happening. Waiting for straighter teeth is exciting but caring for your teeth is extremely important so that you can enjoy the results and show off your new smile. The following tips will help you care for your teeth properly while wearing Invisalign:

Remove your trays

One of the biggest differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that Invisalign braces are removable, whereas regular braces are not. While it’s important to remove the trays only when necessary, removing them while eating is a must. This will ensure food does not get stuck, which can lead to problems. You should also remove your trays while you’re cleaning your teeth so that you can have access to every tooth and area inside your mouth. This can allow for a thorough cleaning because you’ll be able to get into all the hard-to-reach areas.

Brush your teeth normally

This is extremely important and you must continue brushing your teeth as you normally would. This means doing it twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush all of the surfaces of your teeth. Ideally, this should be done after every meal but if that is unrealistic, try drinking water every time you are done eating because this will help get rid of extra food on your teeth. Allowing carbohydrates to remain on your teeth may lead to tooth decay.

Don’t forget to floss

Flossing is equally as important as brushing, so you can’t forget to complete this step. Traditional braces can make this task difficult but Invisalign makes it a lot easier to do thanks to its removable design. Flossing can be easy to do and you will more than likely be able to remove all of the bits and pieces of food that are stuck in between your teeth.

Make sure you clean your trays

This is a very important step because it can prevent bacteria from accumulating on your trays while keeping your teeth free from excess foods as well. You can place the trays in a tub with cleaning crystals for 15-minutes at a time, which should leave your trays clean or you can ask your dentist for other cleaning methods.   If you are interested in Invisalign, Vancity Dental can provide you with more information. Our dental office can help you achieve the perfect smile, so whether you want teeth whitening treatments or are looking for reputable dentists in the Vancouver area, we can help! For the best dentists in all of BC, contact us today! Caring for Your Smile While Wearing Invisalign

How to Insert and Remove Your Invisalign

If you’re having trouble inserting and removing your aligners, you’re not alone and it’s actually quite common for patients to have difficulty putting them in and also taking them out. The right information will help make both tasks a breeze so keep these tips in mind so that you know exactly what to do!

When it comes to inserting your aligners, the first thing you need to know is that you have to start with your front teeth first and then work your way towards the back. Only when the tray is covering your teeth fully and properly should you proceed by using your thumbs to seat them firmly in place. If after doing this you still feel as though it’s not perfectly seated do not try to bite it into place regardless of how tempting or easy it may seem because this will cause your aligners to break or bend, both of which you definitely want to avoid. Instead of biting, use a soft chewing device, known as chewies, to help you seat them properly. 

It’s also very important to remember not to force anything because this too will result in damage. If you feel as if your aligner feels strange or just doesn’t fit right, it’s possible that it may have folded which is common. If you see that this is the case, simply remove it and unfold the area so that it’s facing outwards and try again. Unfold it gently and this should do the trick.

When it comes to the removal of your aligners you must do the opposite; start at the back and work your way forward. The trick is to flick the tray downwards using your finger which will release it making it a lot easier to get a hold of. You must do this on both sides of your mouth and if you feel that the tray has been released you’ll then be able to grab both sides and pull it down and forward over each of your teeth. Doing it gently is the key so that it’s done correctly and applying unnecessary force is never the answer as it can result in a torn aligner or possibly even break off any attachments you may have on your teeth.

Every patient is unique but we all have difficult or crowded areas in our mouths and gently rocking or wiggling the tray to remove it from these challenging areas will help. Another thing you should keep in mind is that a dry mouth makes the removal process a lot easier so do your best not to drink something right before you remove your aligners as this will make things more challenging.

Vancity Dental is an experienced and reputable dental clinic in Vancouver, BC who can help answer all of your Invisalign and teeth whitening inquiries. For a dentist, you can trust contact us today!

Related: What are Invisalign Attachments?

What are Invisalign Attachments?

Invisalign is a very popular way of straightening teeth because it’s done in a manner that’s barely noticeable to anyone but the patient. It is a highly effective treatment that produces very successful results and gives patients the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. They are comfortable and a great way of achieving the perfect smile and while the clear aligners normally do the trick, some patients will need Invisalign attachments in addition to the aligners to get the best results possible. 

Aligners can treat several different orthodontic conditions like spacing, overbites and even cross bites and each set is designed to move your teeth closer to their desired position. Some patients require attachments to help the aligners and together the two will produce perfect results. 

The attachments can help treat even more conditions and the best part is that there is no drilling or painful shots. The attachment consists of a small dot of bonding material that is placed on specific teeth and vary in size depending on their purpose. They will be placed in precise positions, are tooth coloured and are located on the front portion of the teeth. Their purpose is to enable the patient’s aligners to grip their teeth smoothly and act like tiny handles that the aligner can target and push on during the treatment. You don’t have to worry about the attachments being bonded to your teeth because they can easily be removed by polishing once the treatment is complete and the process is painless. 

Attachments may also include buttons and elastics to help you achieve the best results. The buttons act as brackets that are essentially anchors for the elastics. Buttons are small and can be plastic or metal and these attachments will not affect the way your aligner fits over your teeth in any way. 

If Invisalign is a treatment you’re interested in, contact Vancity Dental in BC today to schedule an appointment. They will discuss the details to see if this is the right option for you and the experienced dentists will help you achieve a beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off. If you want a dentist you can trust and staff that can take care of all of your dental needs, whether it’s teeth whitening or root canals, they can help. If you’re in the Vancouver area, book an appointment with Vancity Dental and you’ll be in good hands.

Related: Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces.

The Benefits of a Single-Tooth Dental Implant

If you’re missing a tooth and are looking for a long-lasting solution, then consider talking to your dentist about dental implants. A single procedure will result in decades of smile relief. The number of benefits that come with having a dental implant placed in your mouth is astonishing and we’re here to share those with you today.

A Natural Smile

One of the main reasons patients want dental implants is to improve their smile. A missing front tooth can make someone feel insecure about their smile, which is why dental implants are shaped and coloured to fit seamlessly into the mouth. No one will be able to tell the implant from the real teeth.

Reinforced Bite

As a dental implant is anchored into your jawbone, you don’t have to worry about accidentally shifting it when eating an apple or other hard food. You can chew confidently during a meal, using the same amount of pressure as you would with your other teeth.

Prevents Facial Sag

This might not be as prominent when replacing a single tooth as it would be with a larger section of teeth, but your face will shift slightly when you lose a tooth, especially over time. You don’t have to worry about the entire structure of your face changing from one or two lost teeth but it’s better to have them replaced anyway to prevent slight shifting.

Simple to Clean

You don’t have to worry about giving your dental implant special treatment when it comes to cleaning. In fact, as long as you brush your teeth and floss on a regular basis (two times a day), then your implant will be fine.

Prevents Cavities

As artificial teeth are typically made for porcelain or ceramic, not an organic material, you won’t have to worry about cavities growing in the dental crown. However, that doesn’t mean that cavities won’t grow in the rest of your natural teeth, so it’s still important to practice good oral hygiene.

Won’t Slip Out

It’s often the fear with false teeth that they’ll fall out at the most embarrassing times. However, when you have a dental implant, the mechanism itself is drilled and secured into your jaw bone. The artificial tooth that’s displayed above the gum line will be screwed into the implant, making it impossible for the tooth to fall out or shift.

Supports the Surrounding Teeth

While initially having a missing tooth won’t disrupt the surrounding teeth, that won’t be the case for long. Eventually, the teeth around the gap will begin to shift, causing misalignment. Getting a dental implant will keep your remaining teeth, and your overall smile, straight.

Named the best cosmetic dentists in Vancouver, Vancity Dental is packed with highly trained professionals that are dedicated to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, our dental clinic provides services like general cleaning, teeth whitening, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and more to new and current patients. Call us today or visit our website to book your appointment.

Related: What Conditions May be Linked to Oral Health

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

While we know the obvious benefit of teeth whitening is that your teeth become whiter with each treatment, there are other benefits specific to getting your teeth professionally whitened that we’re about to dive into.

Strong Whitening Experience

If you’re looking for a thorough teeth whitening treatment that hits all your target areas and concerns in a short amount of time, then going to a professional is your best option. Just as getting your teeth cleaned at your dentist in a more intense experience than simply brushing at home, the same goes for teeth whitening. Effective and quick results are guaranteed when you go to a reputable source.

Customized Treatment for You

It’s ‘one size fits all’ when you invest in store-bought teeth whitening kits. It’ll never provide you with the perfect fit, no matter how many products you try. This is why having your teeth whitened by a professional will provide you with the best outcome. They’ll personally customize each aspect of the treatment to your specifications.

Safe Treatment

Whitening your teeth at home holds a higher risk of damage than having them professionally done. Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits are strong, and as they aren’t placed precisely on the teeth, you can easily cause damage to your gum tissues. If used frequently, you’ll also wear down your tooth’s enamel and cause sensitivity. As enamel can’t be regrown, it’s important you go to a dentist to have this treatment done for the best results.

Grooming Method

It’s a simple way to appear put together on a daily basis without actually needing to be done every single day. Whitening your teeth every day can damage your enamel and weaken your teeth. So don’t go overboard with the whitening strips.

Makes You Look Successful

Flashing your bright smile without reserve is a sign of confidence. Whether you need a boost at work or in your personal life, getting your teeth professionally whitened will tell others that you care about yourself and your appearance. There’s a reason why highly successful individuals take the time to get their teeth whitened. Brighter teeth also make you seem more trustworthy and dependable, which is definitely something that can impact your career in a positive way.

Mentally Happy and Healthy

Having a whiter and brighter smile is a cause for celebration! In the form of smiling more that is. Research has shown that smiling more can actually affect how happy you’re feeling, raising your serotonin levels in some cases. Properly taking care of your teeth and keeping them pearly white is also a sign of mental clarity and is usually accompanied by healthy gums.

If you’re looking for a highly experienced dental practice located in Vancouver, British Columbia, then Vanity Dental is the place to go! With a staff that’s dedicated to providing a comfortable and efficient experience and customized treatments specific to each patient, what’s stopping you from making an appointment? Our dentists offer services that include general cleaning, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and more. Call us today or visit our website to book your next check-up.

Related: Teeth Whitening Secrets You Never Knew

Partial Dentures: What to Expect After Getting Them

Partial dentures are a great option if you are looking to fill a few gaps in your current smile and obtain the teeth you’ve always wanted. Partial dentures are fully removable and the dental apparatus simply attaches to your existing teeth. It is also more cost-effective than permanent implants which can cost a fortune.

If partial dentures are something you are considering, here are a few things you can expect after getting them.

They will feel a little strange initially until you get used to having something new in your mouth. As they are an addition, it will take time for the partial dentures to feel natural. It is normal for them to feel bulky at first but over time, they will feel perfectly fine and comfortable. It is also very normal for you to have to practice putting them in and removing them until you figure out how to do so without forcing them in place or inserting them too roughly. The last thing you want is to bend or break the attachments!

Eating will also be tricky at first, but over time, it will feel completely normal. Once your partial dentures are in place, it would be wise to start with soft foods that can be cut into small pieces until you get the hang of it and can go back to your regular food routine. Avoid hard foods until you’re ready and if necessary, you can use a little bit of adhesive if you like to help the dentures stay in place. Your dentist will provide you with all the necessary information regarding this matter and as long as you follow the instructions, you will be just fine!

Some people will experience difficulty with their speech as with the other aspects mentioned above, this too will fade over time and you will feel comfortable talking again in a short period of time. A great trick is to read out loud to yourself and practice words you are having difficulty with and you will see that you will be speaking comfortably again in no time!

While you can sleep with your partial dentures in place, it is a better idea to remove them at night so that your gums can relax and you can insert them again in the morning. Placing the dentures in water or a solution overnight will help maintain its shape. Cleaning your dentures is always a good idea. In fact, you could say it’s a must. This will ensure the longevity of the dentures as well as good hygiene which is always a plus.

Vancity Dental will help you get the smile you have always wanted! If you are looking for a dentist or a new dental clinic in the Vancouver area, then Vancity Dental is who you need to contact! Whether you require cleaning, dentures, crowns or implants, they will take care of all your dental needs! Don’t waste any more time and give them a call today so you can start showing off your beautiful smile! You can visit their new dental clinic, which is located in Vancouver, BC.

5 Signs a Toothache is More than Just a Toothache

Pain radiating throughout your mouth, whether it’s minor or almost paralyzing, isn’t a condition anyone should live with. It can be and usually is, an indication of something worse going on beneath the surface. As bad oral hygiene can lead to problems that affect your overall health, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing a toothache. Not sure if the ache in your mouth is something to be worried about? Then read more to find out which five signs indicate that your toothache is something that needs to be treated.

Tooth Sensitivity

The sharp pain felt from eating foods that are too hot or cold is an indication that you have sensitive teeth. In extreme cases, tooth sensitivity can occur from cold air exposure. This symptom can be a tell-tale sign of several oral problems, including cavities, gum recession, an abscess or simply brushing your teeth too aggressively.

Occasional Stabbing Pain

If you’re experiencing stabbing pain in one or more teeth, then you’ve got more than just a minor toothache on your hands. This pain is usually in response to action, such as opening and closing your mouth, chewing, eating extreme temperature foods and more. This is likely due to the presence of a cavity, crack in the tooth or abscess.

Pain While Eating

Constant pain while eating can be an indication of a broken or cracked tooth or decay. While this discomfort can be treated with over the counter pain medication for a certain amount of time, it’s definitely not a long-term solution. An infection can occur and result in severe dental problems. It will get worse over time, guaranteed, so call your dental professional immediately.

Dull Pain

A throbbing sensation in a tooth and its surrounding areas are hints that you’re experiencing dull tooth pain. This sensation can range from slightly annoying to unbearable. Dull, consistent tooth pain can be the result of a cavity or gum disease. If left untreated, you’ll find that everyday chewing will become increasingly unpleasant.

Back Jaw Aches

This is unlike other toothache pain, as an ache in the pack of your jaw is usually a sign that you’re experiencing an impacted wisdom tooth, which is a very common issue. An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth can’t push through your gums because it’s blocked by another tooth. The gum above your impacted wisdom tooth can get infected and result in severe health issues, so don’t leave it untreated.

At Vancity Dental, our staff is dedicated to making sure you and your family are comfortable and at ease during your visit with us. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the treatments you need to ensure a healthy mouth. Our services include cosmetic and general dentistry, teeth whitening, emergency care, dentures, dental implant procedures and more. This Vancouver dental clinic is open to new patients, so call or go online today to book your appointment.

Related: Plaque-What is it? And How to get rid of it?

Taking Care of Braces

Having braces comes with a lot of responsibility when it comes to properly take care of them and, by extension, your teeth. Now more than ever, having good oral hygiene is important to keep your teeth healthy, disease and pain-free. If you’ve just got a set of braces implanted, or are about to, then here are a few tips for taking care of them.

Proper Cleaning

Plaque, food particles and bacteria are easily trapped in the metal frames of the braces and teeth. This means that, because of the barrier now present, flossing and brushing requires a bit more finesse then what you may be used too. When brushing with braces, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wire and pins that make up your braces. Do this at least twice a day, or after every meal as dental professionals recommend. Removing food debris may pull on the braces, causing them to detach from the tooth, so be careful.

Flossing is a must when you have braces, as so much can get stuck in your teeth that a toothbrush won’t be able to reach. Floss once a day to ensure a healthy mouth and remove built-up plaque and food. There are many options in terms of flossing tools that work between the wires of your braces. Flossing tape and threaders are available in pharmacies or supplied by your orthodontist or dentist to make the process easier.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods need to be avoided completely to protect the integrity of your braces from damage or detachment. Foods like popcorn, chewing gum, nuts, sticky candies, tough meats and hard foods like the whole, raw fruits and vegetables, can get stuck in your braces, cause soreness in your gums and jawline, or ruin the structure entirely.

Dark coloured beverages like coffee, tea, wine and so on will leave stains on the visible tooth surface if not properly removed through brushing. Because part of your tooth is covered by the brace, that section will not be affected by staining, which will cause discolouration across the tooth once the braces are removed. Either avoid these drinks entirely or brush your teeth after consuming them.

If you’re a nail biter or make a habit of chewing on pencils and other hard materials, you’ll need to stop, as this too can damage your braces.

Regular Orthodontist Visits

You can discuss any problems you may be having or any future concerns during an orthodontic visit. This is also where your orthodontist should properly clean your teeth and adjust your braces. You’ll probably feel a tightness in your mouth or pain in your teeth after an adjustment. This is normal, as your teeth are being pulled unnaturally. The pain shouldn’t last for more than a day or two, but if it gets worse or lasts for a while, contact your orthodontist.

Regular check-ups with your orthodontist don’t replace visiting your dentist. Regular check-ups are necessary to make sure you haven’t developed any cavities or show signs of gum disease.
At Vancity Dental, our highly experienced staff dedicated to making you comfortable and relaxing during your visit. Located in Vancouver, BC, we provide treatment plans that are customized specifically for you. With services that include general cleaning, whitening, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants and more, call or go online to book your appointment.

What Conditions May Be Linked to Oral Health

If you experience some kind of health condition, there may be a chance that it’s a result of having poor oral health. Problems in your mouth, such as swollen or bleeding gums, can negatively affect the rest of your body and vice versa. In order to protect yourself, you must practice good oral hygiene – brush your teeth and floss for a healthier you.

 

The Connection

The human mouth is filled with bacteria, and while most of it is harmless, having poor dental hygiene can change that in the blink of an eye. Having good oral health can keep bacteria under control and aid in the body’s natural defence system. However, poor hygiene can cause an increase in bacteria levels, leading to oral infections, tooth decay and gum disease. A reduction in saliva flow, often caused by certain medications, prevents both food particles from being washed away as well as the neutralization of acids that produce bacteria. Basically, your dry mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

Oral Health Started It

Endocarditis

An infection that affects the inner lining of the heart. This occurs when bacteria from your mouth and other parts of your body spread through your bloodstream, attaching itself to damaged sections of your heart. This condition can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.

Cardiovascular Disease

According to researchers, bacteria from our mouths can enter the bloodstream and encourage the development of heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke.

Pregnancy

There’s been a link between pregnant women who have periodontitis experiencing premature births and lower birth weight.

 

Conditions That Affect Oral Health

Diabetes

Having diabetes reduces your body’s ability to fight infections, putting your gums at risk of disease. Research claims that having gum disease makes it harder for individuals to control their blood sugar levels, and is more frequent and severe in sufferers. Regular periodontal care may be able to improve the control of diabetes.

HIV/AIDS

A sure sign that you should be tested for HIV/AIDS is if the appearance of mucosal lesions and other oral problems appear in your mouth, as these are common symptoms.

Osteoporosis

Results in brittle bones and can be linked to periodontal bone and tooth loss. Drugs used to treat this disease run the risk of causing damage to the bones in your jaw.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The worsening oral health can be seen as a progression of the disease, as the individual has repeatedly forgotten to take care of their oral health.

 

Preventative Measures

Several ways to improve your oral health include: brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day; limiting between-meal snacking and eating healthier; Replacing your toothbrush every three months, as soon as the bristles start fraying or right after you’ve been sick; avoiding tobacco products and smoking; scheduling regular dental cleanings and contacting your practitioner if problems or discomfort arises.

At Vancity Dental, our highly qualified dentists are committed to providing general, restorative and cosmetic dental care. Located in Vancouver, BC, we offer other dental services that include implants, Invisalign, teeth whitening and botox. With affordable pricing and painless treatments, Call us or visit our website https://vancity.dental to book an appointment.