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Invisalign vs Traditional Braces | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Invisalign, Oral Health, Tooth Crowding, , , , , , , , , , , ,


A woman with braces on her teeth smiling.

Traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most common techniques used by dental professionals to straighten the teeth of their patients. The main purpose for such treatment options is to help move teeth to their ideal position, improving their patient’s look. At the same time, both treatment options also promote proper function of the teeth, which helps prevent further dental problems in the future.

With traditional braces, dentists use metal wires, brackets and even elastics to help “push†teeth to their ideal position. Meanwhile, Invisalign utilizes a set of clear plastic trays to accomplish the same thing.

The main difference between the two is that traditional braces are very obvious and have been known to make patients feel self-conscious about their smile. While, on the other hand, Invisalign remains practically invisible.

Each treatment option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

It’s important that you know what each treatment option brings to the table in order to make a proper, informed decision about which treatment you’ll choose to help improve your teeth.

The Argument For Dental Braces

Traditional braces work by utilizing wire and brackets that pressed against your teeth, encouraging slight movements of the teeth that gradually helps put it in proper alignment and eventually, straighten it.

Dental braces are considered the more versatile of the two as the procedure can be used to correct even the most complicated cases.

While it is debatable about whether the braces are esthetically pleasing or not, what can’t be denied is its function and how effective braces are in straightening teeth.

Unfortunately, the braces do have drawbacks, including but not limited to:

  • The use of visible brackets and wires can make the patient feel self-conscious about their smile. While, the patient can learn to adjust to this over time, it still is a major deciding factor that’s worthy of consideration.
  • Braces are permanent and can only be removed by an orthodontist. Also, should any of the wires or brackets be lost, they’d have to be refitted by the orthodontist and additional costs may be incurred.
  • The patient will have to adjust to a whole new oral routine, mainly because braces require more extensive care, including different brushing and flossing techniques for proper cleaning.
  • The risk of breaking and staining means that the patient will have to alter their diet and avoid certain food items.

Why Invisalign is a Better Option

Invisalign utilizes a set of clear, computer-generated trays that has to be worn for around 20 to 24 hours a day, only to be removed when eating or drinking. The tray is also changed every two weeks, though certain trays can last for as long as six months and even one year in between changes.

The best advantage to using Invisalign is that they’re practically invisible, hence the name.  This is good news for those who simply do not want people to know that they’re wearing braces. This also helps avoid being put in awkward social situations where the braces may end up being the source of discrimination or bullying.

While Invisalign is mainly considered as an esthetic procedure, it works almost as effectively as dental braces do and, in many cases, improving the functionality of teeth.

That and the fact that Invisalign does not cause any speech problems and can easily be removed anytime makes Invisalign a generally more appealing option.

Which Is Which?

The unique advantages that Invisalign offers – such as being able to take them out anytime, no need for dietary changes and so on – clearly makes it the better treatment option of the two.

Ultimately though, your orthodontist will be the most qualified person to help you weigh out which of the two are best suited for your particular case.

Be sure to discuss with your orthodontist thoroughly to make sure that you do not make a choice that you’ll end up regretting in the end.

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

General Dentistry, , ,


A tooth brush and mirror on top of pearls.By definition, a dental emergency is any event that causes trauma to the mouth that resulted in either the bleeding and/or lacerations to the gums, or the dislodging, fracture, or chipping of the teeth. The emergency may be the result of an accident, or it may also be simply the result of biting a piece of food that’s too hard.

Either way, dental emergencies warrant medical attention as soon as possible, or else it may lead to much more serious complications.

What To Do In a Dental Emergency

Handling dental emergencies can be quite tricky, especially if you or a person close to you is the one involved. But, knowing what to do can make a huge difference between saving a tooth and losing it.

Be sure to read on below and familiarize yourself with these dental emergency procedures just in case you ever encounter a dental emergency in the near future.

  • When a tooth is knocked out, hold on to the tooth by the crown and then wash the roots to make sure that they’re not dirty. Do not scrub or else you may risk removing any remaining attached tissue fragments. Try to see if you can place the tooth back in its socket, albeit doing it gently. If you can’t, place it in a cup of milk and see the dentist immediately.
  • If a tooth is broken, keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Then, apply a cold compress on your face to help reduce the swelling. Make sure to see the dentist immediately.
  • A bit tongue or lip should be cleaned as gently as possible with a clean cloth. You should also apply cold compress as your lips, or tongue are sure to swell. This type of accident typically doesn’t require immediate treatment. But, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes or if it’s really heavy, be sure to go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
  • If you find yourself suddenly suffering from a toothache, cleanse your mouth with warm water and then, gently floss the affected area to remove any possible food particles that may have been trapped. Do NOT try to self treat by applying aspirin to the tooth or gum tissues. Rather, make sure to see your dentist immediately.
  • If you suspect a possible fracture or jaw injury, apply cold compress to reduce swelling and immediately go to the emergency room or your dentist’s office.
  • If a wire breaks or becomes loose from your braces and causes irritation in your mouth, cove the wire end with a piece of gauze or a small cotton ball until your teeth are checked by your dentist. Do not delay treatment or try fixing it yourself, especially if the wire gets stuck in your cheek, tongue or gum tissue.

Prevention and Preparedness

To help prevent or minimize dental emergencies, be sure to take in mind the following tips:

  • Wear a mouth guard. If you’re regularly involved in any contact sport, wearing a mouth guard is the best way to protect your teeth from any form of trauma or injury. This is especially true if you’re wearing braces. For a mouth guard that’s comfortable to wear, be sure to bring this issue up with your dentist.
  • Avoid regularly eating hard food and candies. Most dental emergencies result not from accidents, but from eating hard food and candies regularly. Be sure to minimize your risk for an unnecessary dental emergency by avoiding eating hard food and candies.

It may also pay to be prepared and pack an emergency dental-care kit for immediate relief of pain, including:

  • Your dentist’s phone numbers.
  • A clean, white cloth or a handkerchief.
  • A small container, preferably one with a lid.
  • (NEVER Aspirin as it is an anticoagulant and may end up making things worse by causing excessive bleeding).

The key to handling dental emergencies is to be prepared and most important of all, be prompt, both with immediate on-site treatment and treatment in the dentist’s office. The latter is especially important so as to prevent any further damage resulting from the dental emergency.

If you have a dental emergency please call the office of Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 to get in immediately. To learn more about how you can prevent dental emergency’s visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

How Preventative Dental Care Can Help You Save Both Money and Time

Preventative Dentistry, , ,


A woman getting her teeth cleaned by dentist.

Not taking proper care of your teeth and neglecting your oral health can easily cost you thousands of dollars in restorative dental care. But, by practicing what’s known as preventative dental care, you can easily save yourself from the hassle of having to deal with and spending money for various dental problems.

Preventative dental care emphasizes the proper education, treatment and practice of maintaining good oral health. It involves brushing daily, flossing, rinsing and even regular dental cleanings, all of which are designed to help prevent gum disease, cavities and a wide range of other dental problems.

In-Office Procedures

Preventative treatment can occur in the dental chair, with the most common form being the dental exam itself.

The main purpose of a dental exam is to thoroughly check the teeth for any possible signs of gum disease, dental decay, cavities, so on. Taking X-rays occasionally may also be necessary.

After the examination, the dental practitioner can recommend a thorough cleaning, which is also one of the best ways to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.

Most of the time, one appointment is more than enough. However, if you haven’t been visiting the dentist often for regular maintenance and checkups, more than one appointment may be required. And, if infection and other complications are already present, your dental practitioner may have to refer you to another specialist.

Preventative Dentistry in Children

The best way to prevent gum disease and other oral complications is to start early, which is why preventative dentistry in children is very important.

As early as 1 to 2 years old, children should be taken to the dentist regularly to ensure a lifetime of dental health.

For further preventative measures, sealants that can help prevent decay during the years (between ages of 6 and 12) the permanent molars start to erupt may also be applied.

Orthodontics and the wearing of braces is also a popular choice among parents as this helps prevent misalignment as a child’s jaw slowly matures into adulthood.

All in all, the key here is for parents to teach children proper dental hygiene habits and more importantly, be role models themselves.

Benefits and Goals of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry comes in many forms, including fluoride use, following a well-balanced diet, visiting the dentist regularly, regular dental cleanings and screenings, X-rays, use of mouth guards, oral health management and so on.

The main goal here is to prevent all sorts of oral complications from gum disease, sensitivity, cavities, oral cancer, as well as many others and keep them at bay. And, when you consider the costs of treatment versus prevention, preferring the latter is a NO-brainer of a decision. Also, now that oral health has been proven to affect our overall health, there’s really no reason NOT to emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry.

All things considered, preventative dentistry can not only save you both time and money, but it can also help you enjoy and look forward to a lifetime’s worth of a healthy smile!

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Tooth Decay, , , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with a tooth brush.

Proper oral care is rather simple – take good care of your teeth or your smile will suffer for it. But, simple, doesn’t always mean easy. If it were, then people won’t have to worry about having any dental problem and dentists won’t have as many patients.

The truth is, dental problems affect people of all ages today and one of the most common is tooth decay.

Tooth decay is what happens when the bacteria in plaque have produced enough acid in your mouth to destroy your tooth enamel. Being that bacteria are always present in your mouth, the key to preventing tooth decay is to always exercise proper oral care.

What happens, though, once the damage has been done? Can the effects of tooth decay still be reversed?

Visiting Your Dentist

Well, sadly, there are no immediate and magical cures for tooth decay. Also, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re better off taking steps to preventing it rather than trying to undo the damage it has done, which is near-impossible to do so.

What you can do, however, is to start scheduling regular appointments with the dentist. They can help you prevent tooth decay, or at least, prevent it from progressing any further. Also, they can check your teeth for cavities and other dental problems. They can also clean your teeth and gums to get rid of as much plaque, as well as bacteria as possible.

Basic Dental Habits

While undoing the damage done by tooth decay is already out of the question, you can at least defend yourself from it. You can start by brushing twice a day to help rid your teeth of plaque and food particles that are partly responsible for tooth decay. Flossing and rinsing regularly also helps in this regard.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a key ingredient in helping prevent tooth decay and keeping your smile as bright as it can be. Fluoride can also help reverse the mild effects of tooth decay, making it even more important of an ingredient.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with a fluoride rinse will keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay

Use Sugarless Gum

If you’re going to chew on gum, go sugarless.

As it turns out, the chewing of gum can help stimulate saliva production. The more your mouth produces saliva, the more it’s able to neutralize and wash away the acids on your teeth, helping prevent tooth decay.

By chewing on sugarless gum regularly, you have a great option that helps keep your teeth nice and clean in between brushing and flossing. As a bonus, your breath will almost always smell fresh.

Just remember to chew on sugarless gum that’s been sweetened with Xylitol, not just any other regular gum that’s full of sugar.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can also help prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of bacteria present in your mouth.

You can choose to buy an over-the-counter mouthwash, or get a prescription mouthwash from your dentist.

Keeping Tooth Decay at Bay

By giving your teeth all the tender loving care that they deserve, you can help make sure that they’re in clean and healthy for many more years to come!

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

 

FLOSSING | BOCA RATON DENTIST

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A woman with white teeth and pink lips.Dentists routinely remind people to floss regularly – many patients have no problem brushing their teeth twice a day, but many seem to have a harder time flossing. The excuse varies from patient to patient – some find it difficult, others simply don’t think they have time, and still others don’t understand the purpose and importance of flossing. While brushing your teeth regularly is necessary to prevent tooth decay, flossing is just as important: brushing alone, without flossing, will not prevent either tooth decay or periodontal disease.

One of the main risks to oral health is damage from bacteria – the bacteria within the mouth produces acids that damage the tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. Within the mouth, this bacteria takes the form of plaque – a thin yellow film composed primarily of bacteria and water – which will harden into tartar if not removed. The presence of plaque and tartar is virtually always damaging to teeth – it will produce acids that will eat through tooth enamel, and hardened tartar deposits will physically irritate gum tissue, leading to gum recession.

The primary purpose of flossing is to remove plaque and tartar from surfaces of the teeth that can not be reached by brushing alone. In particular, while brushing is great at cleaning the lingual (tongue-facing), facial (cheek-facing), and occlusal (biting) surfaces, it’s relatively poor at cleaning the proximal surfaces – those between teeth. Because brushing alone can not reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Patients that skip flossing risk allowing tartar to form between teeth – once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning, as brushing and flossing alone will be unable to remove the calcified deposits from teeth.

Patients who rarely floss will likely notice that their gums are irritated and bleed when flossing – this is usually an indication that they should have a professional cleaning, and floss more often to help remove existing bacteria. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal, and the bleeding will subside. It is important, though, to use antibacterial mouthwash in conjunction with flossing to help kill any bacteria that remain in the mouth after flossing.

Brushing and mouthwash can help kill much of the bacteria within the mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you how – proper flossing technique will save you time, and make you more likely to floss daily.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Preventing Tooth Decay | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Tooth Decay, , , , ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.Brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay by removing bacteria and food particles from the teeth before they can damage teeth. The combination of bacteria and food particles is important – the bacteria breaks down food, creating acids that can damage tooth enamel. Not all food is created equally – some can be more or less likely to be consumed by bacteria, and other types of food may be less likely to remain in the mouth once it’s eaten.

Patients wishing to protect their teeth can choose food that helps limit the risk to their teeth; here are some foods that are healthy for teeth:

  • Cheese and milk are high in calcium, helping build stronger teeth, and are low in sugars and acid, making them less likely to contribute to tooth decay. Some studies have shown that cheese, in particular, can help lower mouth acidity further, even for a period of time after eating.
  • Tea – especially green and black tea – contains compounds that slow the growth of bacteria. Patients who drink or rinse their mouth with tea have lower concentrations of bacteria in their mouth, decreasing both tooth decay and bad breath.
  • Sugarless gum that contains Xylitol can help teeth in two ways. First, it stimulates production of saliva to rinse acids and sugars away, and the act of chewing can help dislodge other food particles stuck between teeth. Second, Xylitol has been shown to decrease bacteria within the mouth, helping fight tooth decay.
  • Vegetables such as celery and carrots are crunchy, require chewing, and stimulate production of saliva to help remove other foods from the mouth. Celery also contains high amounts of water, which can help rinse the mouth.

While simply eating tooth-healthy foods is unlikely to prevent tooth decay without proper brushing and flossing, combining healthy foods with a good oral hygiene regimen can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

For more information on tooth decay contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Obtaining A Whiter Smile! | Boca Raton Dentist

Teeth Whitening, , , , ,


A series of photos showing different stages of smile.Many patients desire a perfect smile, and that typically involves straight, white teeth. Dr. Rosenbusch offers solutions to obtain your desired smile! This blog entry will focus on the whitening aspect of your smile.

Yellow, stained teeth are unattractive and can add years to your appearance. So if you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly then why are your teeth still discolored? This happens because the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years by consumption of beverages with caffeine, soda, wine and smoking.

Dentists can help not only correct alignment and crowding with orthodontics (braces) and cosmetic dentistry techniques such as veneers and bonding, but can also provide professional whitening.

All teeth whitening procedures involve a mild abrasive to remove surface stains, and/or some type of whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide. Together, the mild abrasive can help remove stains such as coffee or wine, and the whitening agent can help lighten the shade of the rest of the tooth.

There are a number of over the counter options:

– Whitening rinses use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, and it may take 8-12 weeks to see any results.

– Whitening toothpastes use both a mild abrasive and a peroxide-like whitening agent, and can lighten one shade in 4-12 weeks, depending on the brand.

– Over the counter whitening gels and strips use a stronger dose of peroxide, and are typically worn for less than an hour per day. Results can be seen within a few days, and when used properly, can lighten a few shades over the course of a typical two week treatment.

– Tray based tooth whitening – typically provided by a dentist for home use – use stronger agents than over the counter whitening gels, and provide better results in similar time periods.

The level of effectiveness, of over the counter products will depend on how regularly they are used, and how stained the patient’s teeth are to start.

In-office whitening tends to be far more effective – the dentist can apply the bleaching agent in very strong doses, and use laser/light/heat for increased effectiveness. In as little as 30 minutes, in office treatments can provide significant whitening, though your dentist can provide multiple procedures for even better results.

If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, ask your dentist about services they provide, or over the counter recommendations they may have. Depending on how many shades of lightening you expect, your dentist may recommend certain products or procedures over others, and may recommend professional cleaning or other permanent work before whitening to ensure it’s as effective as possible.

We all know your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If yellow satined teeth aren’t the impression you want to give, contact Dr. Rosenbusch today!

For more information on whitening your teeth contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Caring for your Toothbrush | Boca Raton Dentist

Oral Hygiene, , , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush.Dentists recommend you brush your teeth twice a day, but it’s important to remember that the toothbrush you use is as important as brushing itself. The toothbrush is a tool to remove food debris and bacteria from your teeth, and like many tools, requires proper care in order be effective.

First, toothbrushes are designed to minimize bacteria in your mouth by removing food and plaque. To minimize bacteria, the toothbrush must be kept clean. It should be washed thoroughly with tap water after each use to remove food particles.

Keep the toothbrush upright in a rack or cup – allowing water to drain from the bristles, as dry bristles are less likely to grow bacteria. If you must put the toothbrush into a closed container after use (for example, when traveling), try to dry it using a clean towel if possible.

You should consider sanitizing the toothbrush occasionally. This can be done easily with antibacterial mouthwash, though some dentists recommend you run your toothbrush through the dishwasher to allow the heat to kill bacteria. You can even buy professional sterilizers that utilize ultraviolet light to sanitize toothbrushes.

The average toothbrush should last 3-4 months, but replace it if it shows signs of wear. Bristles that are frayed, loose, or falling out are a sign that it’s time to replace the brush, and certainly any sign of cracking plastic signal it’s time to replace the toothbrush. Even if the toothbrush is in good condition, you should consider replacing your toothbrush if you’ve ben ill – if you continuing using a toothbrush after you’ve been sick, you can continue introducing the bacteria from that illness to your system.

If you have questions about choosing the right toothbrush, talk to your dentist. While any toothbrush that is certified by the ADA is likely effective, proper brushing technique and care of your toothbrush are necessary to properly fight tooth decay.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Foods & Drinks to Avoid | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Oral Health, , , , , , ,


A woman is eating an apple outsideBrushing and flossing are the two best ways to avoid tooth decay, but what you eat and drink also plays a part. Tooth decay is caused by acids eating away at tooth enamel, and those acids are typically produced by bacteria on the surface of teeth and beneath the gums. Certain foods and drinks can either combat or contribute to tooth decay, and knowing the difference can help you manage your risk.

The foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay typically fall into one of two categories – either high in sugar (which provides food for bacterial colonies), or high in acid, which weakens enamels. Examples of these foods and drinks are easy to come by:
– Sugary sweets (such as candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as chips, bread, and pasta) are likely to linger in your mouth, feeding bacteria
– Soda and sugary drinks can be both acidic and sugary, contributing both to stronger bacteria colonies and weakening the enamel that protects the teeth.
– Lemons, oranges, tomatoes, and their juices all have some sugar, but are very acidic – eating or drinking them is fine, but you should avoid sucking on lemon wedges for extended periods of time, as the acid is strong enough to erode enamel very quickly.

Much like some foods can cause tooth decay, there are also foods that can help fight tooth decay. Typically, these are foods that are fiber or calcium rich, and low in sugar and acid. Examples include:
– Foods like celery require a lot of chewing, which produces saliva, which helps wash other food particles off of teeth
– Foods like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt provide important minerals that will help strengthen your teeth.
– Sugarless gum (containing Xylitol) will stimulate saliva to help wash food particles from your mouth, and the Xylitol will actually help fight the bacterial colonies within your mouth.
– Like xylitol, green and black teas suppress bacteria within the mouth

While it may not be practical to avoid all sugary and acidic foods, knowing that they can contribute to tooth decay allows you to take steps to mitigate the risk. After eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods, brushing and flossing can help remove the sugars and acids to keep bacteria and tooth decay away.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Halloween Candy | BOCA RATON DENTIST

General Dentistry, Halloween Candy, , , , , , , , ,


A halloween scene with bats flying over the house.Halloween is fast approaching. We know consuming candy is pretty much unavoidable. You ca, however, eat candy responsibly!

Not all sweets are created equal. Some can wreak havoc on your teeth. We’ve got a list of the best and worst candy for your oral health.

The Worst Offenders:

• Sticky, chewy snacks like caramel, gummy bears, salt water taffy and even dried fruit get stuck in the teeth easily. The general rule is that the stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. Delta Dental’s survey says 57 percent of kids eat chewy candy at Halloween.

• Candy corn is laden with sugar that produces acid that eats away at your teeth.

• Sour candies have high acid levels that break down tooth enamel, especially the soft enamel of young children.

• Hard candies stay in your mouth for a long time, drenching it in sugar.

• Jawbreakers actually are hard enough to chip your teeth!

The Best Choices:

• Sugar-free lollipops stimulate saliva production, which flushes away bacteria from your teeth, tongue and gums. Delta Dental’s survey says 44 percent of kids eat sugar-free candy at Halloween.

• Chocolate melts quickly. Choose your favorite variety: milk, dark or white. Be sure to choose the plain variety because chocolate with fillings, such as nuts or caramel, are more harmful to your teeth. Delta Dental’s survey says 86 percent of kids eat chocolate at Halloween.

• Peanut butter cups are similar to chocolate in that they disappear fast.

• Sugar-free gum helps dislodge food particles and stimulate saliva production(Source: chron.com).

Be sure to practice your oral care routine after consuming candy. Candy left sitting on your teeth can produce damaging bacteria. We’re guessing you don’t want to see the dentists drill on your next visit.

For more information on oral health & Halloween candy contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/