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Posts Tagged ‘Protecting Teeth’

Why are Retainers So Important after Teeth Straightening?

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

shutterstock_616998494If you’ve spent weeks or months wearing braces to straighten your smile, the last thing you want is for your teeth to start slipping out of position. We strongly advise all our orthodontic patients to wear retainers after they have finished treatment. This helps to prevent relapse and will ensure your beautiful new smile looks perfect for years to come.

About retainers

Retainers are orthodontic appliances, which are worn to keep the teeth in order after braces have been removed. There are various types of retainer, including fixed and removable appliances. Retainers can be made from transparent materials and they can also be fitted to the back of your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about spoiling the aesthetic of your new smile.

Wearing a retainer is incredibly important because it holds the teeth in position. If you don’t have a retainer, there’s a high risk of the teeth slipping and starting to move out of position, and in the worst cases, repeat treatment may be required. By wearing a retainer, you can increase your chances of keeping your smile in check.

Are retainers painful?

Initially, when you wear your retainer for the first time, you may find it a little uncomfortable, but like braces, you’ll soon get used to it. If you do find it painful, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will do our best to make you feel more comfortable.

If you’d like to find out more about retainers or you’re interested in our orthodontic treatments, why not give us a call and book a consultation? Your dream smile could be just around the corner.

Top Three Tips to Protect Teeth While Exercising

Friday, April 21st, 2017

shutterstock_173963588Exercise has a wealth of benefits for your body and mind, but it can pose a risk to your teeth. Fast-paced activities offer carry a risk of injury, and it’s always a good idea to protect your mouth whenever possible. Here are 3 top tips to help you protect your teeth when you’re playing sport.

  1. Wear a mouth guard: mouth guards are specifically designed to protect the teeth from injury. They are plastic shields, which are custom-made. They slide over the teeth, providing a barrier between the teeth and objects, surfaces and other people. If you do get hit or struck in the mouth, there’s a much lower risk of damage if you’re wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are also known as gum shields and they are worn by participants in rugby, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts and fighting sports like boxing and wrestling.
  2. Use a helmet: in some cases, sports carry a risk of injury to the head, as well as the mouth, and it’s wise to wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head, facial and dental injuries. Examples including close fielding in cricket and American football.
  3. Check the pH of the pool: if you swim on a regular basis, it’s worth checking the pH of the pool. If the pH is too low, and the water is too acidic, there’s a higher risk of swimmer’s calculus, which is caused by acid erosion of the enamel. It’s best to try and keep your mouth closed when you’re swimming and to avoid swallowing the water.