What is Teeth Whitening? 

Teeth Whitening/ Bleaching/ Zoom Teeth Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments being requested at Embrace Orthodontics.  

It is a quick, non-invasive and affordable way to enhance your smile. 

What should you expect during Teeth Whitening? How much time does the procedure take? 

Your teeth will most likely be given a prophylactic cleaning to remove the debris and plaque. Post this the hydrogen peroxide gel will be applied to your teeth and kept on for approximately 20 mins. This cycle can be repeated 2-3 times in order to achieve the desired shade. Usually, teeth whitening is a 60 minute in-office procedure. 

Is teeth whitening permanent? How long does the effect of teeth whitening last? 

No, Virtually everyone who opts for a teeth whitening solution sees moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile.

That said, it’s not a permanent solution to discoloration and requires maintenance or “touch-ups” for a prolonged effect.

Are you a suitable candidate for Teeth whitening?

This procedure is not suitable for those with the following conditions:

• Tooth and Gum hypersensitivity. 

• Deep stains – some stains are resistant to whitening or bleaching.

• Bleaching doesn’t act on Crowns/Veneers/Fillings.

What is home teeth whitening? 

Home teeth whitening is when your dentist gives you custom-made trays and bleaching gel of lower concentration compared to the one used in the office.

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance designed to keep your alignment intact after the completion of the Braces treatment.

It’s an integral part of your orthodontic treatment and not wearing retainers for as long as advised may lead to relapse. 

There are different types of retainers. Your orthodontist will be your best guide on the type of retainer best suited for you. 

Key pointers to keep in mind.

How long should I wear my retainers?

Retainers are effective only when you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.

They are effective only when they are in your mouth. So, remove them only while eating, drinking and brushing.

Ideally, they should be worn for 20-22 hours/day.

Retainers need to be worn for 18 months at the least.

However, your orthodontist will determine how long you will need to wear retainers.

How do I store my retainers when not in use?

Your orthodontist will provide you a retainer case with the Vivera/Clear plastic type of retainer.

When they are not in use it’s a safe practice to keep them in the case and not wrapped in a tissue or in your pocket/purse.

How do I clean my retainers?

For your Hawley/Essix or Vivera type of retainer, gently scrub it with a toothbrush and rinse it with water.

You may occasionaly use liquid soap or toothpaste to keep it fresh and clean.  

For your fixed bonded retainers, It’s important to brush thoroughly after meals and clean around the wire.

If you can’t brush immediately after a meal, make sure to at least rinse your mouth until you get a chance to brush thoroughly.

Does my retainer need replacement?

Removable retainers are made of plastic (Essix retainer) or acrylic (Hawley’s retainer) both are subjected to wear and tear with daily use. A follow-up with your Dentist/Orthodontist is advised once in 6 months or if you notice your retainer is unusually worn out or not fitting properly. 

However, your vivera retainers after Invisalign treatment comes in a pack of 3 sets, which needs to be worn for 6 months each.

General instructions:

Avoid exposure to high temperatures, as that may lead to distortion or warping. 

Keep your retainers away from pets and children for obvious reasons. 

Do not lose your retainers.

What are Dental Sealants? 

Dental sealants (aka Pit and Fissure Sealants) is a dental treatment intended to prevent tooth decay/caries. A thin layer of tooth-colored filling material is coated over the rough surfaces of the molar teeth.

Why Pit & Fissure sealants? 

Children above 6 years of age or once the first set of permanent molars erupts are best suited for dental sealants. 

Abnormally deep grooves on the chewing surface of molars are more susceptible to decay/caries. Sealants help by filling the grooves, making the surface smooth and easy to clean. 

As compared to dental fillings, sealants are:

• Painless

• Significantly less invasive

• Quick and easy to apply

• No Drilling required

• No Anaesthesia required

Who needs Pit & Fissure sealants?

• Early dental decay/caries can also be treated by applying sealants.

• Children undergoing orthodontic treatment can also benefit from the sealants as braces tends to harbour more plaque

• Children with special needs

• Children with poor oral hygiene and high sugar diet

• Teeth with Enamel defects and hypoplasia can also benefit from the sealants.

You have taken the first step towards your smile makeover and had braces fitted. It may take a while to get used to the feel of having braces in your mouth, but pretty soon, you will forget that they are there.

To give your braces a chance to work effectively, be sure to follow these important Dos and Don’ts.

Dos:

1) Brush your teeth more frequently: 

Brush your teeth extra carefully. Proper brushing is more important than ever because food and plaque left around your braces can cause tooth decay and swollen gums.

Brush with an orthodontic toothbrush, Proxabrush (Inter-dental brush), and fluoride toothpaste after every meal.

Brushing with an orthodontic toothbrush – Move your brush in horizontal strokes. Brush over, above, and under the braces. (Refer to the above image)

Brushing with an Interdental/Proxa Brush:

Use an interdental brush to remove plaque and food debris stuck between two teeth and around the braces. Make sure you brush all the surfaces of the brackets and teeth. (Refer to the above image)

2) Use Fluoride mouthwash: 

There are higher chances of food accumulation while you are wearing braces, which may lead to tooth decay if proper care isn’t taken.

Use fluoridated mouthwash at least once a day to protect your enamel.

3) Relief Wax: 

Apply relief wax over the sharp/pokey wires to overcome any discomfort. Report Breakages (if, any). Even if you are careful with your braces, they may occasionally break or become loose.

It is important to make an appointment to get them fixed as soon as you can, so your treatment stays on track. How to apply wax?

4) Wear Elastics and Retainers as directed by your orthodontist

5) Keep your appointments and arrive on time: 

For timely completion of the treatment, it is absolutely mandatory to keep with the appointment schedule.

Don’ts:

Avoid these 5 things to sail through your braces journey smoothly:

1) Hard / Crunchy and sticky food items: 

Candies, Toffees (especially Eclairs), Thin crust pizzas, Popcorn, Nachos, Nuts, Hard Breads, Chikki, etc. Don’t gnaw meat on the bone or corn on the cob.

2) Biting into whole fruits and vegetables: You can have small pieces on the back teeth.

3) Biting on foreign objects like pens, pencils, and fingernails.

4) Chewing on Ice

5) Carbonated Drinks: Energy drinks, and flavored milk drinks as they are high in sugar and acids and cling around your braces and cause cavities.

Contact your orthodontist in case of an emergency. We are always happy to help!

The Invisalign system consists of a series of doctor-prescribed and custom-made plastic aligners that are designed to move your teeth in small increments from their original position to the most desired natural position. It’s a thin and clear removable appliance indicated to use for the alignment of your teeth like braces.

While some of you may be aware of these aligners and the care, required during the course of the treatment, many would still have doubts about how to use them. Here are a few answers to basic questions about the aligners and a compilation of instructions that are to be followed while wearing and/or removing them.

1) Wear your aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day:

• Compliance is the most important part of the treatment and requires the most discipline.
• To ensure the timely completion of the treatment you need to stick to the protocol tailored by your orthodontist.
• Aligner treatments are proven to be 2x faster than the traditional braces treatment if worn as per the schedule.
• At Embrace Orthodontics, we usually follow 7 days aligner change schedule.
• You can wear them while performing any sports activity. You may also wear them while swimming. It won’t harm your aligner quality.
• For teens, we have an optional compliance indicator to monitor adequate timely wear. The aligners come with a blue mark in the corner that changes colour (after the prescribed time) and lets us know for how long the aligner has been worn.

2) Eating/Drinking with Invisalign:

• The best part about undergoing Invisalign treatment is that it gives you the freedom to eat your favourite food without any restrictions
• There is no special diet to be followed while undergoing Invisalign therapy, unlike traditional braces.
• Special caution: Do not eat/drink with the aligners ON. You may distort them.
• You are only allowed to have a cold / normal water with the aligners ON.

3) While you are not wearing them:

• Always store your aligners in the case provided by your orthodontist.
• At Embrace, we provide a case that is sleek, stylish and easy to carry
• Keep your aligners stored safely away from pets and children.
• Do not ever use tissue or napkin to keep your aligners.
• Always store aligners in a cool, dry space.

4) Brushing and flossing with Invisalign:

• You can continue to brush and floss as you normally do.
• Clean or rinse your aligners before putting them back each time.
• It’s advisable to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back.
• DO NOT use hot water to clean your aligners. Instead, use cold water when cleaning or rinsing your aligners. You could also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to clean your aligners. High temperatures can damage them.
• Protect your aligners from the sun and excessive heat.
• Do not use denture cleaners on your aligners or soak your aligners in mouthwash, since this can damage or discolour them.

5) Use Chewies :

• While putting them back, do not bite your aligners into position. This can damage your aligners and your teeth. Instead, use “Aligner chewies to seat your aligners on the teeth.

6) Ask your orthodontist for extra sets of aligners if you have travel plans:

• Unlike braces, aligners do not require monthly visits to your orthodontist.
• We at Embrace Orthodontics encourage our patients to visit us every 3 months for a progress assessment scan and follow-up regarding any concerns.

7) A temporary increase in salivation or dryness may occur for the few initial days.

8) Attachments may be temporarily bonded on your teeth to facilitate aligner retention and/or tooth movement. These may fall off during the treatment and might require replacement. They will be removed after the completion of treatment.

9) Please note that the attachments might feel poky and sharp for the first few days. But it should not be a matter of concern, as the regular wear and tear make the edges smooth.

10) After the aligner treatment is over, always wear retainers as guided by your orthodontist as the teeth may shift position after treatment.

For any more information or queries that you may have, feel free to connect with us.