Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your GumsOral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums


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Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums

When you go to your dentist, you are likely concerned about cavities and the stains on your teeth. If you are like me, then you probably never thought much about your gums. Unfortunately, this caused me to form a serious gum recession condition. My dentist said that hard brushing practices, poor flossing techniques, and even the consumption of sugary foods led to the recession. After some deep scaling treatments, I was informed that I needed a gum graft procedure. The gums are extremely important to your health. They provide your teeth with the nutrients they need and they protect the sensitive dental roots. The gums even keep bacteria away from your jaw bone. Don't ignore your gums like I did. Read my blog and learn about proper oral care techniques. Prevention practices can easily save your gums from necessary restoration.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Braces And Invisalign

Having straighter, nicer-looking teeth is not hard to achieve if you are willing to get some type of orthodontic treatment, but which type is the best option for you? The two main types to choose from are traditional braces, which are made of brackets and metal, and Invisalign, which are invisible. If you are trying to decide which route to take, here are several factors to think about and evaluate as you make your decision.

The basic differences between these options

Before you compare these options too much, you should have a basic understanding of what each option is. Traditional braces have been around for a very long time and have not really changed much over the years. These braces include brackets placed on the teeth with a wire running through them. They cause teeth to shift from the pressure the wire places on teeth, and they work well for correcting a wide variety of problems.

Invisalign is a relatively newer option that involves wearing clear, almost invisible, aligners. The aligners also place pressure on teeth, causing them to shift, but Invisalign tends to have more limits than traditional braces.

The problems you are trying to fix

Secondly, you should factor in the current looks and condition of your teeth and think about what needs to happen to make them look nicer. To correct teeth that are just misaligned, both options work well. To fill in gaps from missing teeth or to correct major bite issues, traditional braces tend to work better. Because of the differences between these options, you should take the advice of your dentist when choosing which type to get.

Other factors to compare

Additionally, there are several other factors you should compare when making this decision, and this includes the comfort of each option, cleaning methods and duties, the looks of each, the time frame it will take, and the costs. Invisalign is often a more comfortable option, as it is removable, and Invisalign wins when it comes to the ease and ability to clean the braces. In terms of costs, though, traditional braces might be less expensive. You should thoroughly compare all these factors before choosing one.

As you begin comparing these options, you may know which one you would like, but you should always talk to an orthodontist before making any decisions. To do this, contact a clinic today to schedule a consultation visit.