SMILE
PREVENTING
THE NEW WAY TO BRUSH
SET YOUR SMILE STRAIGHT
THE PROBLEM
Proper oral hygiene plays a role in well-aligned teeth. And, one of the newest ways to brush your teeth is with ISSA By Foreo, the first electric silicone toothbrush. It uses silicone bristles, which are less apt to build up with bacteria, and pulsating technology, rather than oscillating like many electric toothbrushes, which is said to be healthier for teeth and gums. $199, foreo.com
YOU CAN STOP YOUR TEETH FROM SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE IF YOU FOLLOW THE RIGHT PLAN OF ACTION. TAKE CUES FROM THE EXPERTS AND FOLLOW THESE PROVEN TIPS.
03 THE TEETH HAVE SPACES
BEFORE
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As Dr. Goldstein explains, teeth have definitive shapes and are proportionate to one another. But, when they shift, spaces can form, which can alter the smile in a negative way. Spaces between the teeth can also make the overall smile seem crooked and gappy.
GET FITTED FOR A RETAINER OR NIGHT GUARD
AFTER
04 THE SMILE LOOKS WORN The more the teeth start to push forward, the more they begin to look worn and rough. Clenching and grinding can also cause teeth to look worn down. “Shifting teeth can also change the look of the smile overall, but it depends on which teeth are involved,” says Dr. Smigel. “If the front teeth have shifted, then the midline will be off and the teeth will look off-center or crowded and protruded.”
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Grand Junction, CO, cosmetic dentist Julie Gillis, DDS, used braces, teeth whitening, a veneer and a bridge to create a new, improved smile.
Whether your teeth are straight, or you’re just starting to notice minimal movement, Dr. Field says that wearing a retainer can help. “Retainers hold the teeth in position and prevent issues that arise with misalignment,” he adds. In addition to limiting or averting your teeth from moving, a retainer can also help alleviate headaches and pain associated with TMJ. Night guards work similarly, keeping teeth in their proper positions, while also offering the advantage of helping to stop grinding.
TIP O2
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH
Daily brushing and flossing remove any trapped food and bacteria that could cause problems later on. “At the first sign of bleeding gums (from flossing), you must floss until the floss is clean,” says Dr. Gohari, adding that it’s important to see a dentist regularly to make sure your oral health is good. If you start to notice that floss slips with no resistance and you have food collecting in a certain area, Dr. Hamsayeh says to have your dentist take a look because it’s probably the start of a shifting tooth.
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GET REGULAR CLEANINGS Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings is important for a healthy smile. Not only do professional cleanings dislodge trapped bacteria and remove decay from around the teeth, but they also allow your dentist to assess any bone loss or potential gum disease. Dr. Goldstein says that diligent home care is just as important as professional cleanings, which should be done three to four times per year. NB
SUMMER 2015
NEWBEAUTY
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