You May Have Gum Disease

Medina Orthodontics

At Medina Orthodontics our goal is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Gum disease is something that most people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe. Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including heart disease, endocarditis, lung problems, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers in men.

According to the American Association of Periodontology, you may have gum disease if:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch.
• Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss.
• You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth.
• Your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth.
• You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
• Your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. Plaque begins to re-form within 24 hours after brushing and flossing, so daily care is essential. Be sure to floss or water floss every day to ensure your gums are healthy.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and gums, please don't hesitate to give Medina Orthodontics a call.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign

Medina Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At Medina Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. Medina to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day. Every ten weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. Medina determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Feel? One of the best reasons to invest in Invisalign clear aligners is how comfortable they are to wear. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort as your teeth move, however, the pressure you feel will gradually fade over the course of a few days.

How Long does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your clear aligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position. If your teeth start to shift, you may need to temporarily wear your Invisalign clear aligners again to reposition them.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give Medina Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Medina will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are a good fit for you.