Yearly Archives: 2017

It’s time for a new toothbrush. What to do — take the plunge into the world of rotating, vibrating, oscillating brush heads or stick with the classic, manual toothbrush? To ease your confusion in the toothbrush aisle, we’ve compiled a pros and cons list for each contender.

Classic toothbrush:

• Simple and cheap
• Easy to travel with and brush between meals
• Less pressure on teeth and gums – placing too much pressure can wear away at the tooth enamel
• Better for vigorous scrubbing when it comes to Invisalign trays

Electric toothbrush:

• Good for those with limited dexterity – those with limited hand, shoulder or elbow movement would benefit with a larger handle and powered brush
• Unique features such as:
• Timer, pressure sensors, digital reminders to replace head, different brushing modes
• Some research shows an electric toothbrush with rotating-oscillating bristles do a better job of removing plaque and reducing risk of gingivitis

It’s important to note that if you routinely bump the stem of the electric brush on your attachments, the vibrations may damage them.

Regardless of which toothbrush you use, it’s important to keep these tips top of mind when brushing your teeth everyday.

• Use soft bristles
• Toothbrushes with small heads are best, since they can reach all areas of your mouth
• Get a new brush (or brush head) every three months, or when there is visible deterioration
• Brush for at least two minutes
• Brush with short, gentle strokes, paying attention to the gum line
• For fresher breath, brush your tongue

For more information on Invisalign, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at  (513) 651-0110. Dr. Troy Pearce is located in Downtown Cincinnati, [full state] and is a Preferred Invisalign provider.

Whether it’s a vacation or business trip (we hope it’s a vacation), traveling will definitely alter your Invisalign routine. Here are a few tips to keep top of mind when preparing for your excursion.

Travel Tips

1. Always take your previous set, your current set and your next set with you. That way, if you lose or break a tray, you can always fall back to the previous set.
2. Carry your aligners in your purse or carry-on luggage when flying, in case baggage is delayed or lost.
3. Pack an extra case. If you leave one behind in a hotel or restaurant, you’ll have a spare.
4. Bring a travel toothbrush and floss picks. (Ask the front desk at your hotel for a travel toothbrush and toothpaste — they’ll usually provide it for free.)
5. Keep a bottle of water handy. Rinsing your mouth and trays with it when you need to, plus staying hydrated is always a must.
6. Keep a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer on you and use it on your hands before removing or reinserting your aligners.

Airplane Advice

As if catching a flight wasn’t already a stressful task, consider the length of the flight and how comfortable you would letting a stranger watch you take your aligners in and out of your mouth. Make sure to get an aisle seat if you can, since you’ll probably want to head to the restroom before and after meals. You can also eat something before you get on the plane, so that in-flight snacks aren’t too tempting. Don’t forget your case if you’re brushing your teeth in restrooms! At the very least, grab some paper towels to rest your aligners on to reduce the amount of germs that come into contact with your aligners.

Let us know if you have any Invisalign travel tips that we haven’t included and have a safe trip!

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at (513) 651-0110. Dr. Troy Pearce is located in Downtown Cincinnati, [full state] and is a Preferred Invisalign Provider.