flossing

04 Jun 2012 No Comments

Flossing: How to Do it Correctly

Not a lot of people like to floss their teeth, but flossing is essential to proper dental hygiene. Your toothbrush does not reach all of the spaces between your teeth, and a lot of bacteria can build up here leading to dental caries and gum disease.

Flossing can be quick and painless if done correctly and made a habit.

You have two material options when it comes to floss, nylon and PTFE. Most people use nylon because it’s cheaper, but some opt for PTFE because it can be softer on the gums and is more durable. Both are effective.

Remove at least 18 inches (1 1/2 feet) of floss from the dispenser, wrap the floss and then hold it between your thumb on one hand, and your forefinger on the other so that it is taut. There should be 1-2 inches of usable floss between the hands.

Move the floss in a back and forth motion, up and down the space between each individual tooth to remove plaque and dislodge any food particles that may be lodged in between the teeth. Slide the floss up and down the surface of each tooth and around the gum line.

It’s that simple. Don’t rush your way through flossing. Try to keep your mind on the task at hand and do a thorough job. Throw out the floss when you are done and voila! Beautifully flossed teeth. Nothing to it.

by David Alpan in Office Buzz Tags: , , , , ,

03 Apr 2012 1 Comment

Get All The Benefits of Invisible Braces Even Faster With Invisalign Express

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Aesthetic Orthodontics is offering a new line of invisible braces from Align Technology that treats patients with minor orthodontic problems even faster than before: Invisalign Express 5.

“This new, faster, less expensive orthodontic treatment method lets people who have very minor orthodontic imperfections straighten their teeth in three months or less,” said Dr. Alpan, a Las Vegas orthodontist.

Aesthetic Orthodontics was among the first orthodontic practices to add the product, which Align Technology released on Jan. 30 to Invisalign doctors in North America. Dr. Alpan has offered the original Invisalign since 1999.

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by David Alpan in Orthodontics News Tags: , , , , ,

08 Aug 2011 No Comments

Is there something in my teeth?

Tooth decay is the one of the most common diseases in children and adults. Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is of the utmost importance. It is more difficult to brush and floss around braces, but patients without good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment put themselves at greater risk of plaque developing around the braces, potentially causing cavities and permanent staining of the teeth.

I recommend brushing after every meal, and if that can’t always be accomplished, at least brushing twice a day – after breakfast and before bed. I always tell my patients to see a dentist every 4-6 months. It is especially important to keep up with dental cleanings and exams during orthodontic treatment to keep the hard-to-reach areas clean and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Some people use a small interproximal brush to clean areas that are too small for a regular toothbrush and too large for dental floss.

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by David Alpan in Office Buzz Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,