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The mouth is a complex and intricate part of the human body. If you’re considering braces or Invisalign, it’s important to know all about the structure of your mouth, so that you can make an informed decision about what type of treatment will work best for you! Being well-informed about the intricacies of orthodontic treatment is highly advantageous for both patients and parents. Recognizing what occurs behind the scenes can empower you to approach consultations with confidence. At Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS, Dr. Dennis Flanagan is dedicated to sharing crucial information to ensure you have the knowledge you need.

In This Post We’ll Cover:

• The Jaw
• The Tooth
• Orthodontic Movement

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You might be considering getting braces to help straighten your teeth. Congrats! Before you make a decision about which treatment path is best for you, it’s important that you ask your orthodontist some key questions. In this post, we’ll cover what you should ask about the treatment process, the cost of braces, and what to expect after your braces or Invisalign treatment starts, with insights from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

What Does My Treatment Timeline Look Like?

You should always ask your orthodontist for a description of the treatment plan, as a patient it is crucial to at least have a basic understanding of what will be going on in your mouth over the next few months. This will help you to understand what is going to happen during treatment and what you can expect in terms of results. And, understanding your treatment helps you to make more informed lifestyle choices, motivates you to maintain oral health, and helps you plan for costs down the road. our orthodontist will be happy to share where your treatment is headed with you!

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Invisalign is a popular and effective alternative to traditional braces. However, like any orthodontic treatment, you may experience some discomfort and pain as your teeth shift into their new positions. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to relieve Invisalign pain and keep your treatment on track. Here are some helpful tips from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

1. Follow the Recommended Switch Schedule

Invisalign aligners are designed to incrementally move your teeth into their optimal positions. It’s important to stick to this schedule to avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. You can make the switch to your new aligners right before bed to let the worst of the pain happen overnight. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed to help you sleep comfortably.

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Diet is an important aspect of good oral health. Beyond brushing and flossing every night, it’s also good to understand which foods are doing the most damage to your teeth, and how to lessen or avoid that damage altogether. As you shop, it always pays off to check labels for high sugar content, high levels of acid, or ingredients you’ve never heard of, but here are some tips  from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS about foods to watch out for. It is always best to be mindful of what goes into your body! 

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You may take vitamins daily for energy or a better immune system. But, vitamins are good for more than keeping your energy up or gut health, they are integral to good oral health as well. Vitamins are a great and super easy preventative measure for common oral health issues. Improving your mouth’s health every day with vitamins is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free healthy dental experience. Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS recommends these vitamins for tooth health to strengthen your enamel and promote jaw health. 

5 Daily Vitamins for Your Teeth: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

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Every year, you visit your doctor for a check-up. These well visits are to ensure you are healthy for the year to come! You also should have visits like these with your dentist, you need to have a dental check at least once every six months to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. Dental checkups are quick and easy, but they make sure to do a comprehensive check on your teeth and gums and then perform a professional dental cleaning.

In This Post, We’ll Cover:

• What Happens at a Dental Check-up?
• What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
• Why are Dental Cleanings so Important?
• Why are Regular Check-ups so Important?

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