Last updated 3 months ago
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth clenching and grinding, which affects many dental patients. Unfortunately, many of the people who suffer from bruxism aren’t aware that they have it. Though some individuals may clench their teeth during the day, bruxism often occurs at night while the person is asleep. If you recognize one or more of the mentioned symptoms, you may want to consider seeing a dentist, as you too might be suffering from bruxism.
Causes of Bruxism
Dentists believe that bruxism is caused primarily by stress. If you are feeling anxious for personal or professional reasons, be sure to monitor your dental well-being. When left untreated, teeth clenching and grinding can contribute to greater oral health problems.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Individuals suffering from bruxism may not recognize the problem, but they frequently notice the symptoms of it. Many people wake up with headaches, earaches, or jaw pain. Because their teeth don’t have sufficient enamel, people with bruxism may also become highly sensitive to hot or cold foods. Dentists will often see worn enamel on the teeth of patients with bruxism as well. Over time, a lack of enamel can lead to tooth decay, and continued jaw clenching can produce chronic temporomandibular joint problems.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
To permanently eliminate bruxism, patients must prioritize reducing their stress levels. However, dentists can help to manage bruxism with mouthguards that will protect teeth from clenching and grinding. Your dentist can also monitor the state of your teeth to avoid the onset of tooth decay from missing enamel. To make sure that your bruxism does not contribute to more serious problems, be sure to contact your dentist for assistance if you notice any of the symptoms.
Are you grinding your teeth in your sleep? If so, call Dr. Kenn Kakosian D.D.S., P.C. at (646) 833-0582. Our Manhattan cosmetic dentistry office can offer relief for your bruxism symptoms, including TMJ. Don’t suffer through another morning of jaw pain and headaches; call our practice today for a consultation.
Last updated 3 months ago
A straight smile can do far more than just improve your appearance. Check out these resources from around the Web to learn more about how to make the most out of your Invisalign experience. Give Dr. Kenn Kakosian D.D.S., P.C. a call at (646) 833-0582 for more information on our Manhattan cosmetic dentistry services.
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How long are you required to wear your Invisalign retainers per day? Explore this link from Invisalign.com for some great care tips.
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What can you expect from orthodontic treatment? Find out with this article from WebMD.com.
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Make sure you are taking the necessary steps to protect your Invisalign aligners by following these tips from Invisalign.com.
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If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, you have a number of orthodontic treatment options to choose from. You can learn more about your options by reviewing this link from the American Association of Orthodontists.
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Why should you consider investing in orthodontic treatment? This link from the American Dental Association discusses the aesthetic and functional benefits of braces and other orthodontic appliances.
Last updated 4 months ago
Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve both the appearance and integrity of your smile. While metal or ceramic braces can be used to correct a number of “bad bites” such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowing, spacing, and misplaced midlines, many people shy away from the thought of these orthodontic appliances. Fortunately, NYC cosmetic dentist Dr. Kenn Kakosian provides the Invisalign system as an alternative. This article will provide tips for keeping your Invisalign retainers clean.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Your Invisalign aligners are designed to match the contours of your teeth, meaning that they hug the curves of your teeth during each stage of the treatment process. For this reason, it is important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual to reduce the risk of plaque and food buildup along the aligners themselves. It is also a good idea to remove your aligners when eating and drinking to limit the amount of debris they are coming into contact with.
Rinse and Soak Your Aligners
You will want to rinse your aligners after each meal if you are not removing them. When brushing and flossing your teeth, consider placing your aligners in a denture cleaning liquid or a mixture of baking soda and water. This will not only disinfect your aligners but will also help reduce the chances of calcification or discoloration. Just be sure not to use traditional toothpaste to clean your aligners, as the abrasives may actually cause damage or leave noticeable scratches.
Invest in an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Your cosmetic dentist may recommend investing in an ultrasonic cleaner when using the Invisalign system. These small, personal-sized devices are a great way to keep your aligners clean, as they use ultrasonic waves to break up surface particles without the use of harmful abrasives.
Don’t let the condition of your teeth keep you tight-lipped. You can find out more about the Invisalign system by contacting New York City’s Dr. Kenn Kakosian, D.D.S., P.C. online or by calling (646) 833-0582. Dr. Kakosian also offers treatment for periodontal disease and a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Last updated 4 months ago
Unlike traditional metal braces that rely on metal brackets and archwires, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth and correct a wide variety of oral malocclusions. You can help make sure that you are getting the most out of your Invisalign experience by following these important tips.
Wear Your Aligners as Instructed
Your aligners may be removed when eating and brushing your teeth. However, it is important to wear your aligners at all other times to ensure successful treatment. Generally speaking, your aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for two weeks at a time before being upgraded to the next aligner in the series.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
The Invisalign system has been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease associated with traditional braces, since they can be removed for brushing and flossing. Just be sure to also clean your aligners themselves to remove any food debris or plaque buildup. Cleaning your aligners regularly will also help reduce the risk of staining, especially if you wear your aligners while drinking darkly colored beverages.
Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist Regularly
The best way to make the most out of your Invisalign treatment is to visit your cosmetic dentist on a regular basis. Keeping up with your appointments will not only allow you to ask questions regarding your daily hygiene habits, but will also enable your dentist to assess your progress and identify signs of potential problems.
Are you looking for a less noticeable way of improving your smile? Find out if the Invisalign system is right for you by contacting Manhattan cosmetic dentist Dr. Kenn Kakosian D.D.S., P.C. at (646) 833-0582 today! We also offer a number of other cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, dental implants, and veneers.
Last updated 4 months ago
If you are interested in a less-noticeable way to correct your smile than traditional braces, Invisalign may be the perfect solution. This video takes a closer look at how the Invisalign treatment works to reposition your teeth.
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, plastic retainers that snap onto your teeth to gradually correct a number of common malocclusions such as overbites, crowding, and spacing issues. These retainers are worn for approximately two weeks at a time before being upgraded to the next aligner in the series. Watch the clip to learn how the Invisalign aligners are created.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system is to consult with your New York City cosmetic dentist. Let Dr. Kenn Kakosian, D.D.S., P.C. educate you on your treatment options by calling (646) 833-0582. We also offer general dentistry services, teeth whitening and dental implants.