Smile CSRA

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath (When You Can’t Chew Gum)

September 28, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

We’ve all been there. Out of no where, you realize your breath is a little less than fresh. Many people would just pop in a piece of gum, but what do you do to get rid of bad breath quickly when you have braces? Luckily, there are other options.

1. Reach for you toothbrush. This should always be your first course of action when possible. It is always a great idea to try to keep a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste on hand, though, so you’ll be prepared to keep your teeth sparkling clean.

2. Drink a glass of water. When you can’t rush out and brush up, reach for a glass of water. When it’s been a while since you’ve had a drink, the bacteria in your mouth releases an unpleasant-smelling gas. You’re much less likely to have bad breath when you don’t allow your mouth to dry out.

3. Eat an apple. We’ve mentioned before that apples are natures toothbrushes because of their ability to clean your teeth, but they also do a great job freshening your breath. They contain oxidized polyphenols, which help to neutralize the odor produced by bacteria in your mouth. It’s a win, win.

4. Sip some hot tea. Tea definitely helps keep your mouth from drying out, but black and green tea also contain polyphenols that can prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes bad breath. Brew for your breath!

5. Nibble on parsley. One of the worst culprits when it comes to bad breath is garlic. The next time you chow down on a meal filled with it, check and see if the dish was garnished with parsley. If so, munch on some after dinner to fight the garlicky smell.

My First Invisalign Appointment

August 29, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Before heading to my first Invisalign appointment, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had been wearing a pendulum appliance for months leading up to this appointment, so I was just excited to get that out. I had a feeling getting and wearing trays would be a breeze compared to a permanent retainer. I was right!

After they removed my pendulum and took more “before” pictures, they started the Invisalign fitting process. I had heard horror stories of orthodontist using gross goo to take the impressions, but at Dr. Carter‘s office they use an awesome handheld imaging device.

After a few minutes of scanning, the computer created a rough digital image that exactly mirrors my smile, in all of its crooked glory. The really cool thing about the image was that it was able to show me all the angles. I honestly never realized just how bad my overbite was until I saw the 360 degree view of it. Yikes, you guys.

A few minutes after that, the computer had produced a finalized version of my smile, along with a predicted outcome after I’m done with all of Invisalign trays. At my next appointment, they will show me the official Invisalign predictions, but they explained that this one would be pretty darn close. I have to say, I definitely like the new smile much, much better. It’s really cool to see then end goal when you’re starting a process like this!

And with that, my first appointment was over. It was a really simple, pain free process and it was also seriously neat to watch my smile change on the screen. Now I’m officially on my way to a healthy, new smile. I couldn’t be more excited to share the Invisalign process. If you have any questions about anything so far, leave me a comment. I’ll do my best to fill you in!

In the meantime, if you’re interested in getting started, schedule your free consultation today.

Should You Get Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

June 18, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Having a great smile can make a huge difference in your life. We’ve already discussed the health benefits of wearing braces, but there are many other reasons to choose to work on your smile. When it comes to straightening your teeth, choosing the best option is often a very personal decision. This post will help you understand the difference of two common choices: Invisalign and traditional metal braces.

How are they different?

Braces improve your smile using metal brackets affixed onto each tooth connected by wires. Invisalign corrects orthodontic problems using a set of clear aligner trays. You wear braces at all times, while Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat or drink.

Aesthetics

One of the obvious advantages of Invisalign is that the clear trays are nearly invisible. This is particularly beneficial for adults who are self-conscious about appearing professional with traditional braces. Similarly, teens may feel more comfortable using the aligners because their friends will be less likely to notice them.

Orthodontic Problem

While Invisalign is proven to treat many cases for many people, there are a few instances when it may not be appropriate. Invisalign works well for people who have relatively minor problems, such as crooked teeth, some crowding, or gaps. Braces are still a great choice for people with severe bite issues or other complex orthodontic problems.

Eating and Drinking

Like we previously mentioned, Invisalign trays are removable. You must take them out to eat or drink. You have to make sure to keep up with them while you have them out. However, unlike traditional braces, you are not limited in the foods you may eat. You can still have chewy or sticky foods with Invisalign, as long as you brush before putting them back on.

In the end, you will have to make this decision along with your orthodontist. Contact Carter Orthodontics to better understand which choice might be right for you.

Getting Braces During the Summer

June 11, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Summer vacation is finally here! For many people, this yearly break is the perfect time to start orthodontic treatment. Students are able to make the most of their free time by getting a jump start on their treatment. Many times, the initial appointments are closer together and might also come with some slight discomfort. By scheduling these during the summer, kids and teens have longer to adjust to having braces. Additionally, new patients can complete up to a quarter of their treatment time before school starts back in the fall – and begin the new year well on their way to straighter, healthier teeth.

braces in the summer

Remember, children around the age of seven are already at an ideal developmental stage to reap the full benefit from braces or other orthodontic treatment. Parents, get your kids started on the path to a beautiful new smile today by scheduling their first free consultation at Carter Orthodontics. At this appointment, Dr. Carter will assess your child’s teeth and determine whether or not braces are required or recommended.