National Smile Month and Trying Out Invisalign Braces

With National Smile Month 2021 just around the corner, it’s a good time to remind people of the importance of their oral health. The National Smile Month campaign continues to do amazing work in the UK and worldwide too, raising awareness and providing information for millions of people. Have a look at some of the key messages we provided, to help improve your dental health and keep a healthy, bright smile!

Brush Twice, Floss Once!

Although this is a pretty known tip to keep your teeth clean and healthy, it’s crucial to keep this reminder at the forefront. By brushing your teeth at least twice and flossing once, you will be able to clean the surfaces of your teeth, and the areas in between each tooth, keeping them free from plaque and cavities.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Dentists all over the world strongly advise all patients to use toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride in them, as this will not only make the teeth enamel a lot stronger, but it could significantly help and even reverse tooth decay. If you haven’t added mouthwash to your routine, it’s worth starting to use it! Mouthwash is a great last step after thoroughly brushing and flossing, as it removes any debris that was dislodged during the cleaning process.

 

Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

It’s easy to forget to change your toothbrush and many people tend to use their toothbrush past its’ expiration date. We advise you to replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner, if the brush shows significant signs of wear and tear, as it becomes less effective when the bristles fray.

 

Quit, or Manage Tabaco And Nicotine Usage

We understand this habit is extremely difficult to quit, but unfortunately, smoking can cause not only extremely negative dental problems but other health problems too. Smoking or chewing tobacco will cause severe teeth staining and increases the risk of gum disease and even oral cancer. Though It’s a hard habit to kick, your health and smile will thank you for it!

 

Replace Sugary Foods with Nutrient-rich Foods Instead!

It’s no surprise that food with high nutrients is not only good for your physical health but your oral health too. Having a balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, milk and leafy greens will give you all the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid a diet that primarily consists of sugary foods, as they are a major contributing factor in tooth decay and cavities.

 

And don’t forget to drink water! Other than keeping you hydrated, drinking a good amount of water, particularly in between meals and snacks, will help prevent cavities by removing debris from your mouth and teeth.

 

Have Regular Dental Check-ups

Though we can give you all of the tips in the world, one of the best ways to maintain good oral health and prevent more serious dental problems is to have regular check-ups with your dentist. Many issues can be resolved if they are discovered early enough.

 

This will also save you money in the long run, as you will only need to pay for preventative care instead of more expensive treatments such as extractions. Regular teeth cleaning every 6-months to a year is also likely to be advised to you, which will help to remove teeth staining and any plaque build-up.

 

Unhappy with Your Smile? Why Not Try Invisalign! 

 

What are Invisalign Braces?

Invisalign Braces are one of the most popular teeth straightening treatments, due to its’ effectiveness and almost invisible appearance. After receiving moulds and scans of your teeth, custom Invisalign aligners will be created using a 3D Itero element scanner for your unique teeth, designed to gradually straighten them with little pain.

 

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?

Though these aligners will need to be worn most of the day, they are removable, making eating, drinking and brushing/cleaning significantly easier. You can also choose to take them off for short periods, like for a special event or an interview. These clear braces are also virtually invisible, making them the ideal option to seamlessly fit into your everyday life.

 

These invisible braces are more aesthetically pleasing than more traditional metal braces and brackets, and you will also need fewer check-ups to monitor your progress. As the aligners are specifically designed for your teeth, they tend to be more comfortable than other braces and cause less pain to move your teeth into the desired position.

 

What Is the Treatment Process?

After booking your first free consultation, you will meet with an orthodontist who will run through the treatment process with you, ensuring you are comfortable and fully informed. Next, moulds and photographs will be taken of your teeth and mouth, which will then be sent off to create your custom aligners.

 

Once these aligners have been made, you will be required to wear each set for two weeks at a time, before switching to a new set of aligners. You will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and must remove them for eating and drinking. Treatment usually takes between 6-18 months, depending on the case and patient, but you will likely start to see results within a few weeks!

 

How Can Harley Street Help?

With over 30 years of experience, at Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street, we want to give you your desired smile. Our specialist team can provide the highest quality of care, whether you are looking for orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth or you need to replace or repair your retainers. If you are interested in trying out Invisalign treatment, or simply want to meet with a professional to discuss your teeth straightening options, contact our team and book your free consultation today.