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Oral Hygiene with Aligners

Aftercare for Invisalign or Sure Smile Clear Aligners treatment is essential for maintaining the results achieved during the orthodontic process. Here are the key steps patients should follow:

Aligner Care

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Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and clear, anti-bacterial soap or the specialized cleaning solution recommended by our team.

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Rinse your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water before and after wearing them

Oral Hygiene

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Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

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Floss between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles, ensuring thorough cleaning around the aligners.

Dietary Considerations

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Avoid consuming food or beverages while wearing your aligners, except for plain water.

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Minimize the intake of sugary and sticky foods that can adhere to your aligners and increase the risk of decay.

Aligner Storage

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When not wearing your aligners, store them in their designated case to prevent loss or damage.

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Avoid exposing your aligners to excessive heat, as it can distort their shape.

Follow-Up Appointments

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Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

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Discuss any discomfort or fit issues with your aligners promptly to ensure timely adjustments.

Retention Phase

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Upon completion of your Invisalign/Sure Smile treatment, Dr. Patel or Dr. Joseph will recommend wearing a retainer to maintain the alignment of your teeth.

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Follow the instructions for retainer wear and care diligently to prevent relapse.

By adhering to these aftercare guidelines, you can maximize the effectiveness of your Invisalign or Sure Smile treatment and enjoy the benefits of a beautifully aligned smile for years to come.

Teeth Whitening

It is not uncommon for some patients to experience minor tooth sensitivity after whitening.  If you experience any severe or prolonged sensitivity, please contact our office. As with any whitening procedure periodic maintenance is essential. Our team is ready to assist in creating a personalized maintenance plan that suits your needs. Naturally, one of the most effective methods to maintain your brighter smile is adhering to your routine professional cleanings!

Post-Whitening Sensitivity Management:

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When not wearing your aligners, store them in their designated case to prevent loss or damage.

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Should you encounter prolonged sensitivity, you can use any over the counter pain medicine.

Whitening Duration and Maintenance

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Understand that all whitening procedures have a finite duration, and teeth will gradually return to a darker shade over time.

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Consider incorporating at-home whitening products periodically to touch up your teeth and prolong your brightened smile.

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Our dental team can help determine an appropriate maintenance program tailored to your specific needs.

Regular Professional Cleanings

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One of the most effective ways to preserve your newly brightened smile is to maintain regularly scheduled professional cleanings.

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These routine cleanings not only contribute to oral health but also help to maintain the longevity of your whitening results.

Dietary Restrictions Post-Whitening

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For the first 48 hours following your whitening treatment, avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages.

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Also, steer clear of items that could stain a white garment, as your teeth are particularly vulnerable to staining during this period.

Oral Hygiene Practices

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Continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to maintain the brightness of your smile.

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Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic or staining foods to minimize discoloration and maintain oral health.

Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring

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Attend follow-up appointments as recommended to monitor your whitening results and address any concerns promptly.

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Our dental professionals are here to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your whitening journey.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions, you can optimize the results of your teeth whitening treatment and enjoy a radiant, confident smile for longer.

Composite (White) Fillings

Your new fillings will be fully hardened before you leave the office. Oftentimes, you may experience numbness in your lips, teeth, and tongue for several hours due to the anesthetic. As part of your dental aftercare treatment, try to avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off or chew on the opposite side of the newly placed filling(s). You may also experience sensitivity to pressure and/or hot and cold food or beverages—this may linger for a few weeks but should fade over time. If you feel soreness, tenderness, or discomfort at the anesthetic injection sites, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Tylenol)*.

Bite Adjustment and Follow-Up

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It's common to have an incorrect bite following filling placement due to numbness, which may prevent you from detecting unevenness.

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If your bite feels uneven once the numbness subsides, please contact our office promptly. We'll prioritize getting you in as soon as possible to correct any issues.

Dietary Considerations and Oral Care

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Minimize the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages to reduce the risk of decay and prolong the longevity of the fillings.

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Minimize the consumption of sugary foods and beverages to reduce the risk of decay and prolong the longevity of the fillings.

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Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the filled area to prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral health.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

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Attend regular dental check-ups as recommended to monitor the integrity of the composite fillings and ensure optimal oral health.

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During these visits, your dentist will assess the fillings for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration and address any concerns promptly.

Follow-Up and Support

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If you have questions, concerns, or feel any discomfort about your composite fillings, please contact us. Our dental team is dedicated to supporting you and ensuring the durability of your fillings.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions and staying in touch with our dental team, you can help maintain the integrity of your composite fillings and enjoy a healthy, functional smile for years to come.

Root Canal

Completing your root canal may require two or more visits. Post-op discomfort, due to bacteria removal from inside the tooth, can last up to a week.

Post-Procedure Numbness Management

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Avoid chewing until the numbness has entirely subsided. If you need to eat, chew on the opposite side of your treated tooth to prevent accidental biting or burning of your tongue or lip.

Temporary Filling or Crown Placement

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We'll place a temporary filling or crown on the treated tooth to safeguard it until the final restoration is installed.

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It's common for a small portion of the temporary filling or crown to wear away or break off between appointments, which is generally harmless. However, if the entire filling or temporary crown dislodges, contact our office immediately for prompt protection of your tooth.

Avoidance of Certain Foods and Substances

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To help maintain the integrity of your temporary filling or crown, refrain from consuming sticky and hard foods, such as gum, nuts and ice.

Post-Treatment Discomfort Management

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Although you may not have experienced discomfort before treatment, it's normal to encounter some discomfort after your restoration.

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This may include soreness while chewing, a dull ache near the restoration or anesthetic site, and mild irritation or gum tenderness, typically resolving within 7-10 days.

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To alleviate discomfort, take pain medication as directed by your dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the full course, even if symptoms subside.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

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Contact our office if you experience an uneven bite, persistent pain, swelling, or have any questions or concerns regarding your root canal treatment.

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We're here to address your needs and ensure your comfort and recovery throughout the process.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions and staying in touch with our dental team, you can help ensure the success and longevity of your root canal treatment.

Extraction

We often use an anesthetic during tooth extractions, so your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours following surgery. We recommend a liquid diet for the first 24 hours to prevent food from coming into contact with the extraction site and to remain hydrated during healing. Just be sure to not use a straw!

Post-Extraction Numbness and Sensitivity Management

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Refrain from chewing until the numbness subsides entirely to prevent accidental biting or burning of your tongue or lip.

Temporary Protective Measures

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To safeguard the extraction site, we may place a gauze pad over it to control bleeding. Keep gentle pressure on the gauze pad for the recommended duration.

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Avoid rinsing or drinking through a straw for the first 72 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot, which aids in healing.

Dietary Restrictions and Oral Hygiene

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During the initial healing period, stick to a soft diet to minimize stress on the extraction site and promote recovery.

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Refrain from consuming hot, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages that may irritate the extraction site.

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Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing the remaining teeth, being careful to avoid the extraction site.

Pain and Discomfort Management

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It's normal to experience some discomfort and swelling after a tooth extraction. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.

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Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed to alleviate discomfort. If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the full course, even if symptoms subside.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

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Keep an eye on the extraction site for signs of infection, such as persistent pain, swelling, or foul odor.

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Contact our office immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms.

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Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled for evaluation and removal of any stitches, if necessary.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions and staying in touch with our dental team, you can promote optimal healing and minimize complications following your tooth extraction.

Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and strengthens a damaged or weakened tooth, while also enhancing its appearance and functionality.


While individuals of all ages may seek dental crowns, they are particularly common among adults. Younger adults often opt for cosmetic crowns for aesthetic reasons, while restorative crowns are relevant to adults of all ages for addressing various dental issues.

Post-Crown Placement Sensitivity Management

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Sensitivity typically subsides within a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new crown. In the meantime, avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.

Temporary Crown Protection

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If a temporary crown was placed initially, be mindful of its presence and avoid chewing sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage it.

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Notify our office immediately if the temporary crown becomes loose or dislodged.

Dietary Considerations and Oral Hygiene

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Stick to a soft diet initially to minimize stress on the newly crowned tooth and promote healing.

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Maintain regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the crowned tooth to avoid dislodging or damaging the crown.

Discomfort Management

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It's common to experience some mild discomfort or soreness after crown placement, particularly when biting or chewing.

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Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate discomfort as needed. If prescribed, take any pain medication or antibiotics according to your dentist's instructions.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

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Keep an eye on the crowned tooth for any signs of discomfort, sensitivity, or unusual sensations.

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Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled for evaluation and adjustment of the crown if necessary.

Long-Term Maintenance

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With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years. Avoid habits such as chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools to prevent damage to the crown.

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Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure the health and integrity of your crown and surrounding teeth.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions and maintaining regular dental visits, you can ensure the longevity and success of your dental crown.

Implant

Dental implants are created to help individuals with missing teeth, offering a host of benefits that can significantly enhance oral health and quality of life. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants provide a permanent and stable replacement option that closely mimics the natural teeth.

Post-Implant Placement Sensitivity Management

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Take any prescribed pain medication as directed by your dentist to alleviate discomfort and manage pain.

Temporary Protection and Healing

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To promote healing and protect the implant site, avoid touching or disturbing the surgical area with your tongue, fingers, or any objects.

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If your dentist placed a temporary crown or prosthesis over the implant, be mindful of its presence and follow any specific care instructions provided.

Dietary Considerations and Oral Hygiene

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Stick to a soft diet initially to minimize stress on the implant and surgical site. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could potentially dislodge the implant or interfere with healing.

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Maintain regular oral hygiene practices, including gentle brushing and flossing, but be careful to avoid the implant area during the initial healing phase.

Discomfort Management

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It's normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following implant surgery. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.

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Take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your dentist to manage discomfort.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

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Keep an eye on the implant site for any signs of infection, such as persistent pain, swelling, redness, or discharge.

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Follow any specific post-operative instructions provided by your dental provider to ensure optimal healing and long-term success of the implant.

Long-Term Maintenance

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Once the implant has fully integrated with the surrounding bone and tissues, continue to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.

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Avoid habits such as smoking or using tobacco products, as they can compromise the success of the implant and increase the risk of complications.

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Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the health and stability of the implant and surrounding tissues.

By following these comprehensive aftercare instructions and staying in touch with your dental provider, you can promote optimal healing and long-term success of your dental implant.

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