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Invisalign

Can I Run My Invisalign Aligners Through the Dishwasher?

I’m a germaphobe. I hate the idea of putting my aligners in my mouth with bacteria in them. All that spit that got on them (and yes I know it’s my spit) gives me the heebee-geebees. I was thinking of running them through the dishwasher as a means of disinfecting them. I do that for all my dishes and silverware. The heat gets rid of the bacteria.

Kate – San Antonio

Kate,

I understand how you feel. I’m a salmonella-phobe. You should see all the precautions I take when I’m cooking chicken. However, using the dishwasher to disinfect your Invisalign aligners is a bad idea. The heat, which admittedly does disinfect, will also distort the aligners. That can derail your treatment.

Your dentist should have given you instructions on how to properly clean your Invisalign. Additionally, the Invisalign company makes a special kit you can order. If you are still concerned, you can do a vinegar soak. Vinegar is a natural and potent disinfectant. However, I would only let them soak for 30 minutes about once a week. Don’t forget to rinse them after the soak or you’ll have a nasty taste.

You may also consider asking your dentist if you can get your teeth whitened simultaneously with your Invisalign treatment. The aligners can double for teeth whitening aligners as well. Peroxide (used in whitening gels) is also a disinfectant. This way you can feel better about killing bacteria, while doing something proactive about your smile at a reduced cost. I’m all for multi-tasking (and saving money).

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Uncategorized

I Want an Implant and My Dentist Wants Me to Get a Bridge

I have two teeth that need work. They’re right next to each other. One needs a crown. The other needs to be extracted. I want to do a dental implant and a crown. My dentist wants to do a bridge. I’d think he’d be more excited about a dental implant because they’re more expensive, but he seems pretty insistent about a bridge.  Is there a real medical reason for this?  I’m not too excited about the idea of a bridge.

Brenda C. – Michigan

Brenda,

My guess is your dentist isn’t comfortable with dental implants.  It’s an extremely advanced procedure. I wouldn’t push your dentist if that’s the case. When it’s not done perfectly, there can be serious complications.  It’s a credit to your dentist that he’s not just taking your money and doing the procedure halfway.

A bridge is fine in your case. You already need work on one of the adjacent teeth, so it’s like getting two procedures knocked out in one—no pun intended. However, your other tooth is healthy so you might not want to grind down healthy tooth structure. I understand your desire to go with an implant and crown.

My suggestion would be to get the implant and crown, but with another dentist. I’m not saying leave your current dentist, just have this particular procedure done with someone else. Then, you can continue with your current dentist for general treatments and cleanings afterward.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Porcelain Veneers

Is it True I Can’t Have Porcelain Veneers with a Tongue Piercing?

I want to get porcelain veneers before my wedding, but my dentist said I can’t have them because of my tongue ring?  Do I really have to get rid of my tongue ring? It’s important to me.

Liz E. – Michigan

Liz,

No, you won’t have to get rid of your tongue piercing. You will be able to find a dentist who will give you porcelain veneers even with it. However, I want you to be aware of the downside of your piercing and why your dentist is avoiding giving you veneers.

Often, patients with a tongue piercing end up with chipped teeth. They bang the piercing against their teeth either accidentally or out of habit.

Another issue is shifting teeth. If you suck on the piercing, you’ll pull your teeth in a certain direction. It will also open up the margins on your veneers and leave you exposed to decay.

Your dentist would make a lot of money if he just gave you the porcelain veneers. In fact, he’d likely have you as a constant customer because of repairs to chips and things. The fact that he isn’t giving them to you says he cares about his work and not just  a paycheck.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Cosmetic Dentist

Can I Improve My Smile Without Tons of Money?

I’ve wanted to improve my smile for a long time, but just don’t have that much money. I’ve heard porcelain veneers are the way to go, but when I looked into them they were way too expensive. Is there a less expensive way to makeover your smile?

Amanda S. – Topeka

Amanda,

It’s a tough economy right now, especially where we are in Louisiana, so I understand wanting to save money. It’s tough when you have a desire to improve something, but don’t feel you have the requisite funds. I have some good news for you though. There are cosmetic procedures you can do that will improve your smile without porcelain veneers.

One of the least expensive cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening. That simple procedure takes years off your appearance. If you can swing in-office whitening, it’s faster. Your teeth will be dramatically whiter in one appointment. However, your dentist can custom design trays for you to do professional strength whitening at home. That costs a little less. It will take a little longer, depending on the level of whitening you desire, but it can get them as white as the in-office option.

If you have chips or gaps in your teeth, dental bonding can repair them, and is significantly cheaper than veneers. Just be aware that while veneers can last a couple of decades when well cared for, dental bonding will only really last a few years.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Uncategorized

Are CEREC Crowns Worth Switching Dentists?

I need to get a dental crown. My sister told me to make sure and get a CEREC crown, but my dentist said he doesn’t do those. My sister seemed to think it was really important. Is it worth switching dentists to get one?

Amelia L. – Ft. Worth, TX

Amelia,

The only real benefit to CEREC crowns is they can be done in one appointment.  While it is convenient, I wouldn’t necessarily think it’s worth switching dentists.

The reason it can be done in one appointment is that it is milled on site from a single block of porcelain.

The bigger issue would be where the crown is being placed. If it is a front tooth, you’ll want to be certain your dentist is experienced and artistic with cosmetic issues. You want to make sure that he can make the crown look both beautiful and natural.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Warped My Invisalign Aligners

I took out my Invisalign aligners in order to brush my teeth. I didn’t realize that I’d laid them down where they were touching my curling iron. Now part of them is melted and warped. What do I do?

Nesibe A. – Houston, TX

Nesibe,

Accidents happen and your dentist has seen every kind of accident imaginable. Don’t wear the warped Invisalign aligners. It will set back your treatment. Instead, call your dentist. He’ll make new aligners for you.

If you’re toward the beginning of this particular two-week block, he’ll just start that block over, making the exact same aligners. If, however, you’re closer to the end of your two-week block, then your dentist will likely just move you on to the next set.

It’s safe to do that once or twice, but you wouldn’t want to do it too often. It won’t be great for the roots of your teeth. Generally, your teeth need the full two weeks to give the roots time to stabilize and bone to re-form over the new position.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Porcelain Veneers

Having Pain With My Porcelain Veneers

I got porcelain veneers. When my dentist put in the temporaries they felt okay. But, now that the real ones are in they’re giving me some pain. My dentist looked at them and said the bite is off just a bit. He adjusted them a few times, but it’s still hurting when I bite down. Do I keep going back or have them removed?

Sandy – Georgia

Sandy,

I don’t think what you have is porcelain veneers. If you had temporaries, and your dentist has adjusted them, and he’s saying your bite is off, that sounds more like porcelain crowns.

Your dentist needs to fix this or it will cause severe problems, including TMJ. If adjusting them doesn’t improve things, you may have an infection and that is what is causing the pain.  Have the dentist do the x-ray.

I’m a little concerned that you thought you had porcelain veneers. Was that what your dentist told you? Maybe have another dentist look at your bill and the work you had done.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Cosmetic Dentist

Can I Close My Tooth Gap Without Invisalign?

I wanted to close a tooth gap. I wanted to do it with cosmetic dentistry, but my dentist wants to do orthodontics. Isn’t there a cosmetic way to do it?

Amanda L. – Idaho

Amanda,

Yes, there are a couple of cosmetic options to close a tooth gap without orthodontics. Two cosmetic options are dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding is the most logical if all you want to do is close the gap.  A cosmetic dentist will use a composite resin to fill in the tooth gap.

Porcelain veneers are a bit of an overtreatment for simply closing a tooth gap. But, if you had several changes you wanted to change about your smile, such as the shape, size, and color it would make more sense.

However, let me give you a small word of caution. If your dentist didn’t suggest either of those, it’s likely because he’s not confident in cosmetic procedures. You’ll want to find a skilled cosmetic dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Uncategorized

Can I Get A CEREC Crown If I Grind My Teeth?

I’m scheduled to get my first crown in a week.  I’m nervous about it. One of the things I’m worried about is my teeth grinding habit. Will it hold up as well as my teeth? I don’t know how to stop the grinding. I only know I do it because my husband mentioned I do it in my sleep.

Amanda K. – Montana

Amanda,

I’m bothered by some things you’ve mentioned. You asked if the CEREC crown will hold up as well as your teeth. The answer to that is yes.

However, your teeth won’t hold up to the grinding habit, so neither of them will. Eventually, you will grind your teeth down to nubs. It can even cause you to crack your teeth.

What you need to do is get a mouthguard for while you’re sleeping. It will protect both your natural teeth and the CEREC crown.

I’m surprised your dentist didn’t mention this to you. It’s something you really need to discuss with your dentist. The mouthguard can be custom made to fit your exact smile.

This blog is brought to you by Dr.  Mike Malone

Invisalign

Getting Back Into the Dating Scene

I’m recently divorced, after a 17 year marriage. My husband decided to start a new life with his high school sweetheart. Now I’m stuck trying to navigate a new life. I’m thinking about diving into the dating scene again, but I think my teeth will hold me back.  I’m too old for braces, but can’t afford porcelain veneers. Is there something between the two?

Amanda – Kentucky

Amanda,

They say our smile is the first thing people notice about us, so if you’re not happy with your smile, it’s great that you’re being proactive.

You don’t have to have a mouth full of metal or spend a fortune on porcelain veneers. Invisalign will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. It uses clear aligners.

I’d talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. It has a high patient satisfaction rate. Just bear in mind, that while porcelain veneers can completely remake your smile, Invisalign, just straightens your teeth. Kind of like braces, but without the metal.

Good luck in the dating world!

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.