Dental Clear Aligners vs. Other Orthodontic Option

Improving your smile should be comfortable and not awkward at all. If you have crooked teeth, it is a common perception that the process of correcting them might be painful. Aside from that, the dentist might suggest attaching conspicuous dental braces or appliances. In the past, this is true. But as technology advances, there are more options like **clear aligners**. 

## What are clear aligners?

Clear or invisible aligners are ***[orthodontic treatment appliances](https://janeclairdental.com/services/cosmetic-dentistry)*** that are unlike teeth braces in appearance. It is made of special thermoplastic material, giving you that comfort and transparency that you need while wearing them. 

Suffice to say, plastic aligners are alternative to metal braces which can be bothersome in looks and usage. 

However, you need to consult your dentist first to know if this treatment is right for you. Generally, plastic aligners are suitable for patients with minor teeth misalignment. Nevertheless, its material is designed to move the teeth to their correct position effectively. So, there is still a possibility that you can opt for this treatment instead.

## Other invisible orthodontic appliances

If **clear aligners** are not advisable for you, there are still other alternatives to improve your teeth discreetly. 

### Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are also known as “hidden braces” as they are literally hiding behind the patient’s teeth. It is similar to traditional braces, using the same wires and brackets, only that the attachment is different. This purpose is to give the patient the option to get the same effectiveness of teeth correction while secretly.

Besides aesthetics, lingual braces are also beneficial for patients who play wind instruments and play physical sports. 

On the other hand, hidden braces might be difficult to clean because of their positioning. To avoid plaque buildup, keep them spotless by following proper oral hygiene right after eating. 

### Ceramic Or Clear Braces

Surprisingly, clinics now offer orthodontic braces that use ceramic brackets or even a clear one. Ceramics are a very durable material and famous in cosmetic dentistry because of their tooth-coloured look. 

Meanwhile, the brackets of invisible braces are also made to lessen the obtrusive display of the appliance. Even the wires can be made to match the colour of the frames for a more concealing effect. More patients trust transparent braces more because of their efficacy.

## The takeaway

Your orthodontist or ***[Toronto dentist ](https://janeclairdental.com/meet-our-team)***can guide you in choosing the most suitable treatment for your teeth. It is best to discuss these options with them during your initial consultation. Be open about your goals, and don’t hesitate so your dentist can lay your choices. Every type of clear aligner is effective as long as it suits your kind of dental condition.

Improving your smile should be comfortable and not awkward at all.   If you have crooked teeth, it is a common perception that the process of   correcting them might be painful.

Frederick Erbiceanu and the Jane Clair Dental Team

clear aligners alternatives

Health Benefits of Dental Implants

**Dental Implants** can improve your smile dramatically. They can make you feel more self-confident and at ease in social situations. You don’t have to worry about them slipping or falling out. And, they are quite possibly the best solution for your missing teeth. But, Dental Implants mean more to you than convenience and appearance. They provide many benefits for your health, too. Here are some great things about **Dental Implants** beyond the way you look.

## Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss

When you have missing teeth, the jaw that would normally support those teeth can begin to deteriorate. Your jawbone can become soft or uneven. Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement device that can not only prevent bone loss but can even stimulate bone growth.

## Allow You To Get The Vitamins and Minerals You Need

Chewing power is a major health advantage over living with missing teeth or even over some other types of tooth replacements. Dental implants work just like real teeth. You can eat hard to bite fruits and vegetables like apples and raw broccoli, both of which are valuable additions to a healthy diet. You get more of the vitamins and minerals you need without taking a vitamin supplement. This is an important point because getting these micronutrients from whole foods has been proven much more effective than taking them in a pill.

## Can Help You Lose Weight

When you first get your dental implants, you might be so excited to eat properly that you overindulge. But eventually, you settle down and get back to a regular diet. When you do, you’ll find that you can eat healthier foods than you could before. Many of our patients report that after getting used to having the implants, they stop relying on soft carbs to fill them up and eat more fruits and vegetables instead. The natural result is often weight loss.

## Protect Your Cheeks and Gums

Having a missing tooth opens up a space between your remaining teeth where you can easily catch your cheeks and tongue. If you bite your cheeks, you can cause infections. And, if you bite your tongue, you may need stitches to allow it to stop bleeding and heal properly. Do you have any idea how painful it is to get stitches on your tongue? Ouch! Suffice it to say, and it isn’t pleasant.

## Avoid Damaging Healthy Teeth

Some of the other solutions to missing teeth cause damage to the healthy teeth surrounding the tooth you lost. For example, if your dentist fits you with a bridge, it can allow you to chew and talk fairly normally. However, to install the bridge, your dentist needs to file down the teeth on each side of the missing teeth. This damages them to a certain extent and leaves them more vulnerable to problems later on. But, with dental implants, your dentist can leave all your other teeth completely intact. The implant takes the place of the root, right where it was originally located in your jaw.

Dental Implants can improve your smile dramatically, but apart from aesthetics, there are more advantages of having Dental Implants. Read ahead to know more about Dental Implants. 

health-benefits-of-dental-implants

Dental Emergency: How to Plan Ahead of It?

You can’t always keep Dental Emergencies from happening. There are simply too many variables involved. Everyday life poses several risks that you can’t avoid. Although you may take great care of your teeth, you can’t always control your environment. So, what can you do to prepare yourself and your family in case something goes wrong with your teeth or gums? Try these tips now before a crisis can happen.

## Set Up a Dental First Aid Kit

You probably have some sort of first aid kit with bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment and other items you might need if you damage your skin, muscles or bones. But, you might not have a special kit for your dental emergency needs. You can make up a separate dental kit or simply add the items to your medical first aid kit. Here’s what you should have on hand:

* Medical-grade exam gloves
* Dental mirror
* Small flashlight
* **Save-a-Tooth System:** A Save-a-Tooth System consists of a special fluid that you can hold in your mouth to keep your tooth and its socket ready for your dentist to reimplant a lost tooth.
* Temporary filling material
* **Dental wax:** This wax can be used to relieve soreness from braces or a chipped tooth.
* Toothbrush
* Tweezers
* Gauze
* **Tea bag:** Why do you need a tea bag? It can help stop any bleeding that gauze won’t stop.
* Hydrogen peroxide
* **Floss:** You can use floss to loosen food or other debris that gets stuck between your teeth. This often relieves the pain.
* Toothpicks
* **Clove oil:** Clove oil can stop the pain in the pulp of your tooth.
* Ice pack
* Oragel
* Pain medications

## Take Care of Your Teeth Now to Avoid Dental Emergency Later

You can avoid many dental emergencies by taking good care of your teeth. Brush and floss, of course, but also be sure to see your dentist regularly. If you notice any signs of infection, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications that might come up outside the dental office hours. When you keep regular appointments, your dentist can often find signs of trouble before they become emergencies.

## Don’t Put Off a Needed Root Canal

If your dentist recommends you have a root canal, don’t put it off until later. A tooth that is badly decayed or damaged is likely to become infected if you don’t allow your dentist to do the root canal necessary to avoid it. And, of course, it’s better to deal with the potential of infection before it becomes a crisis.

## Wear a Sports Guard

When you wear a sports guard, you can prevent many dental emergencies from happening as you play sports or engage in vigorous activities. Some coaches require you to wear a sports guard, but even if they don’t, it’s best to wear one anyway.

## Have Your Dentist’s Information Handy

Keep your dentist’s contact information where you can get to it at a moment’s notice. You can make cards with the details and put them in your wallet, the glove compartment of your car or at your work desk. If you don’t already have a regular dentist, a moment of crisis isn’t the right time to find one. Start looking for a dentist now so you’ll be ready if you need dental care immediately.

You can’t always keep Dental Emergencies from happening and it is always better prepare yourself and your family in case something goes wrong with your teeth or gums. Here are our tips on Dental Emergencies. 

how-to-plan-ahead-in-case-of-a-dental-emergency

The Advantages of Working With Our In-House Full Orthodontist

Most of our patients who are preparing to have orthodontic work are unaware of the difficulties dental offices can have in providing the best care when they outsource dental services like orthodontics. Fortunately for you, we have an in-house orthodontist to make the treatment easier for the dentist, and more importantly, for you. Here are some of the advantages of working with our in-house full orthodontist.

## Saves You Time

You don’t have to wait as long when your orthodontist is on-site to take care of all your orthodontic needs. You don’t have to wait as long for the orthodontic devices to be made and fitted. And, you don’t have to drive to a different office for adjustments. The time savings can be substantial.

## Saves You Money

Because our orthodontist is a member of our dental care team, you save money. How does this work? You need fewer dental appointments because your dentist and orthodontist are located in the same building. You also get the expertise of a trained specialist who doesn’t have to foot the bill for office expenses alone. By combining these services with our full-service dental office, the orthodontist saves money on these expenses and thus doesn’t have to pass the added cost on to you.

## Ensures Exceptional Communication With Primary Dentist

Even when you’re working with our in-house orthodontist, there may be times when you need the services of your primary dentist. You’ll also need to have routine checkups and teeth cleanings throughout the orthodontics treatment. Our orthodontist is in the same location as your regular dentist, so communication between them is easier. In addition, face-to-face communications can be much more accurate and beneficial than electronic communications or even phone conversations.

## Many Excellent Options For Orthodontic Treatments

Just because your orthodontist is in the same building as your regular dentist, it doesn’t follow that you’ll be limited in options for orthodontic treatments. Our in-house orthodontist can fit you with your selection of braces, whether you choose traditional braces, hidden braces or invisible aligners. You also have options like retainers, headgear, and any other orthodontics treatment, you might need.

## Full-Fledged Orthodontist

Our in-house orthodontist is a member of our team, but they are also a full-fledged orthodontist in their own right. You can count on superb care and treatment just as you would with an orthodontist who practices in their own office. Our orthodontist has the skills and training you expect.

## Early Orthodontic Treatment For Your Children

Getting a jump on your children’s orthodontic issues can prevent dental problems in the future. With an orthodontist on the premises, it’s convenient to take your children to the dentist without looking for a new professional to take care of your child’s teeth. Your regular dentist can refer your child to our orthodontist for evaluation and treatment if needed. The good news for your child is that they don’t have to get used to going to a strange place. The same dental team and the same office provide your child with a sense of security and comfort through any orthodontic work needed.

Most of our patients who are preparing to have orthodontic work are unaware of the difficulties dental offices can have in providing the best care when they outsource dental services like orthodontics. Fortunately for you, we have an in-house orthodontist to make the treatment easier.

Tooth Extraction: Is It Safe During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, there are lots of changes in the woman’s body. Due to hormonal changes, she becomes more susceptible to dental health risks, like periodontal disease. But, most pregnant women’s concern is if it is safe to see a dentist during such a condition? Is tooth extraction safe and advisable while you are pregnant? 

Generally, routine dental appointments are still essential during pregnancy, just as you were still not pregnant. This helps you achieve optimal oral health and prevent complications while you are in a sensitive state. However, regular dental checkups are minimal to non-invasive, so there is no cause for concern. 

Yes, a normal tooth removal process is safe for pregnant women. However, there can be factors why you should not consider your teeth pulled out until your baby is delivered. 

## Why Tooth Extraction Becomes Unsafe While Pregnant?

* **Use of general anaesthesia or sedation**

  Some dentists do not advise pregnant women to be under sedation or put in an unconscious state. One consideration is that the strong medication could affect the unborn child through the placenta. The mother might also experience complications while under the drug.  
* **Discomfort during the later trimester**

  As the mother nears her delivery date, she becomes more reactive emotionally and physically. Although molar extraction procedures today are more comfortable with technology, some patients still get anxiety. This will only bring stress to the patient. 
* **Wisdom teeth removal**

  A wisdom tooth extraction procedure can be complicated. It needs invasive procedures that will require the patient to be put under anaesthesia and sedation to succeed. A pregnant woman might not be comfortable with this kind of process and should just delay the appointment.
* **Dental X-ray**

  Depending on your dentist’s evaluation, you might need a dental X-ray before having a tooth removed. Unfortunately, pregnant women shouldn’t have an X-ray as the radiation might be harmful to the baby. 

  While these are possible scenarios, dentists claim that tooth extraction is still safe for expectant mothers. The best way to know if you are suitable for this treatment with your condition is to have a thorough consultation with your OB-GYN and Toronto dentist. 

## The Best Solution

Although dental extraction is a necessary procedure, there is a solution so you can avoid it. Make sure that you practice good oral hygiene every day and regularly see your dentist. This can ultimately prevent you from ever developing tooth decay or gum disease and or making it worse. 

The fact that this effort is a no-brainer and is a part of your routine, there’s no reason for you to skip brushing. Unless pregnancy mood swings get the better of you, make it a habit to stay focused on keeping oneself healthy while waiting to meet your baby.

During pregnancy, there are lots of changes in the woman’s body. But, most pregnant women’s concern is if it is safe to see a dentist during such a condition, especially for Tooth Extraction. 

jane-clair-dental-gum-and-hygiene-services

tooth-extraction-pregnancy

What to Expect From Your In-House Denturist

Our **In-House Denturist** provides a valuable service to patients who have missing teeth and need some type of denture. Rather than outsourcing the creation of your new dentures, our In-House Denturist makes them right here, in our dental office. What can you expect from our In-House Denturist? Here are some of the services that you can expect. 

## Pre-Denture Examination

If you already lost all your teeth, our **In-House Denturist** can examine your gums using visual and/or digital inspection. In case you still have some of your teeth, our dentist will examine them first to discover any problems that need to be corrected before the denture is fitted. Then, when your mouth is ready to go, our denturist examines your mouth to detect any problems with fitting the dentures and plan for creating the dentures.

## Making Impressions

In many dental offices, the dentist makes the impressions of your gums and sends them out to a dental lab. Since we have an **In-House Denturist**, they can make an impression for you, removing the requirement of sending impressions to a different lab. Denturists have specific training in making impressions. It’s a part of their main job, so you can expect that your dentures will be well-fitted when you receive them.

## Preparing to Make the Dentures

Our **In-House Denturist** explains the process of getting dentures and helps you make any necessary decisions. For example, the denturist shows you several different colors to choose from, so you can have dentures that look like your natural teeth or opt for a whiter/brighter color. 

In addition, if you had a slight gap between your front teeth, you can choose whether your dentures will retain that gap or not. People who have the gap because of genetic reasons often like to keep the gap. Others are happy they will no longer have it.

## Creating the Dentures

With all the specifications gathered, our denturist goes to work making your dentures. You can expect our denturist to make dentures that fit the shape of your gums and suit the individual tastes you have already stated. They use high-quality materials to make the dentures and puts them together in a skilful way. If any dental technicians help create your dentures, the denturist supervises them closely to ensure the best possible quality.

## Fitting the Dentures

Once the **dentures** are made, your denturist can fit them into your mouth. You can expect the denturist to take adequate time to make sure your dentures fit snugly but don’t pinch or irritate your gums. The fitting session usually isn’t very long, but when it is finished, your new dentures should fit well.

## Adjustments, Relining and Repairs

Our **In-House Denturist** is also available for other denture services besides making them. They make adjustments as needed before and at any time after you leave our office with them for the first time. Sometimes, after wearing the dentures for a while, they need to be relined. Our denturist can do this in a concise time, right here in our dental clinic. They can also make certain repairs. This allows you to keep the same dentures after some accidents or after they have worn down due to age. And, if you ever need new dentures in the future, our denturist is always here to help.

Our In-House Denturist explains the process of getting dentures and helps you make any necessary decisions. Read the blog post to know the entire dentures procedure in detail. 

what-to-expect-from-your-in-house-denturist_xl.webp

what-to-expect-from-your-in-house-denturist

What You Need to Get Started With Your New Toronto Dentist

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, or if you’re just moving into town, finding the best Toronto dentist can take some effort. Then, once you’ve connected with your new dentist, you’ll need to get started on a positive note. A respectful and reliable dentist will understand your hesitancy in trying something new, but it’s also a good idea to do your part in making a smooth transition. Here are some tips for getting started with a new Toronto dentist.

## Ask for Your Dental Records to Be Transferred to Your New Toronto Dentist

Your dental records show every procedure and treatment that’s been done to your teeth and gums. The record can be a valuable tool for your new dentist to use in diagnosing dental problems and planning treatments. It’s your job to ask for past records, but your dental office can help you make that request. It’s a great idea to go in and sign the documents needed to transfer those records before the date of your first appointment with the new dentist if you have time.

## Put Together a Detailed Medical History

Your dentist needs to know about any medical conditions that might affect your oral health. Since you’re not a dentist and don’t necessarily know which medical conditions can affect your teeth and gums, it’s a good idea to write up a medical history ahead of your first appointment. Include all current illnesses, diseases and medical conditions as well as surgeries, medications and past injuries. Then, when you go into your first appointment with your new Toronto dentist, you can relay this information without fear of forgetting something.

## Prepare for Your First Appointment

On the day before your first appointment, you can get ready to have a more satisfying and pleasant meeting with your new dentist. Take a look at the map, usually located on the dentist’s website, to make sure you know how to get to the office. Put the medical history you’ve prepared in your wallet, glove compartment or purse. Then, get a good night’s sleep so you’ll be more relaxed during this crucial first visit. Take extra care when you go through your daily dental routine. When you’ve done all these things, you’ll be ready to leave from home or work when your appointment time comes.

## Imagine the Best Possible Outcome

Taking care of all the details is only part of the preparation for going to your first visit with a new dentist. You also need to have the right attitude if you want to have the most satisfying experience. You can do this by taking some time, perhaps while you are on break at work or when you’re waiting for your appointment time, to imagine the best possible results from your association with your new dentist. What would you like to accomplish here? A healthier mouth? A brighter smile? Straighter teeth. Think of all the various changes you’d like to make to your oral health, and then go into your appointment ready to help your new Toronto dentist make it happen.

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, or if you’re just moving into town, finding the best Toronto dentist can take some effort