Toothbrushes don’t last forever, but it can be difficult to figure out when the time has come to replace it. Surprisingly, your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months according to manufacturer guidelines. 

Signs You Need A New Toothbrush:

• Frayed bristles
• Your teeth feel fuzzy even after brushing
• You were recently sick
• A bad smell
• You can’t remember when you last replaced your toothbrush

Your toothbrush is the first line of defense against bacteria that cause bacteria, tooth decay, and bad breath. Brushing your teeth between each meal is an excellent way to prevent tooth decay. If you are brushing your teeth for two minutes twice per day, then you are already taking actionable steps to protect your teeth from cavities. 

If you are using a manual toothbrush, the bristles will start to fall out and become mangled or twisted within about 3 months. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also advises replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or whenever they appear to be worn out. 

Once the bristles of your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness, Haslam Dental advises that you should throw it out. Without bristles that brush aside food and plaque, your toothbrush quickly loses its efficiency. 

What if I Have an Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes clean the surface area of your teeth by vibrating and rotating quickly. The heads on your electric toothbrush still have nylon bristles that will wear down after regular use. These bristles are also shorter, which can lead to fraying more quickly. 

You should plan to change out your electric toothbrush head every 12 weeks, or even earlier. You should be watching for signs of wear and tear on the bristles to know when it’s time to say goodbye to a brush head. 
All in all, your toothbrush is an important oral hygiene tool. To make the most out of your toothbrushes lifespan, you should use only your own toothbrush and store it upright and let it air dry. You should plan to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. It might be beneficial to mark your calendar on the date of your purchase so you remember when it’s time to replace it again. If you have any more questions about oral hygiene, call our Ogden, UT office at (801) 479-1700.

Dental implants have become many dentists’ go-to procedure for replacing missing teeth. Dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. This surgery is a great alternative to dentures and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

What are the risks?

Like any type of surgery, there are a few risks to getting dental implants. However, the problems that come with dental implant surgery are rare and typically minor and very treatable. Risks include: 

• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Infection at the implant site

The advantages of using dental implants. 

Dental implants are one of the most reliable dental procedures with a 95% success. They also offer advantages that other missing teeth solutions do not, such as:

• Appearance – Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
• Speech – No need to worry about slipping dentures or loose bridges that can cause slurred speech.
• Comfort – Implants are permanent and stable, so no chaffing or discomfort will happen like with dentures.
• Oral health – Implant placement does not require modifying surrounding teeth as a bridge does. Also, implants stop bone deterioration and stimulate healthy bone tissue growth.

Dental Implant Procedure

When considering having a dental implant procedure, a patient will typically go through the following steps: 

1. First, the patient will go through a thorough exam and consultation with the dentist. The dentist will then make an individualized treatment plan. 
2. At the next appointment, the team will place your implant, which acts as a substitute tooth root. 
3. Then, the tooth is given time (about 2-3 months) to heal and integrate with the bone tissue. 
4. Once the implant has bonded to the bone tissue, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Impressions are taken of your teeth to create either a custom crown to replace one tooth or an implant-supported bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. Crown restorations are custom tinted, so they blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
6. The finished crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant(s).

Once you get the finished implant, your new teeth are ready to use! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Ogden, UT office at (801) 479-1700. We want your implants to look and feel like real teeth and you smile looking its best!

It can be difficult for individuals to make a decision on whether they should get clear aligners or braces. While your final decision should include a consultation with Dr. Haslam, this post should help lay out the pros and cons of each option for you.

Clear aligners, as their name suggests, are clear plastic devices intended to straighten your teeth over time. Aligners are custom made using models of your current teeth and the end result you hope to achieve. You will switch aligners every couple weeks until you have reached the final result.

Braces are traditionally made of metal and attached to the outside of your teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are then attached to the brackets and manipulated to adjust the alignment of your teeth.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

There are several reasons that someone would choose clear aligners, with the first being that they are nearly undetectable by observers. Not only are they more difficult to see (getting you closer to being able to show off that perfect smile), but they can be taken out temporarily when needed, allowing you to eat without distraction. Being able to remove your aligners also makes it much easier to brush and floss your teeth. Wearing clear aligners are also generally much more comfortable than braces. While adjusting the alignment of your teeth can be uncomfortable, there is generally less mouth and gum discomfort since the aligners are made of a special plastic and custom-made to fit your mouth.

The Disadvantages of Clear Aligners

While clear aligners have many benefits, they may not be the right fit for every person and every situation. While being able to remove the aligners can be a significant advantage for many people, it can also pose some issues. First, you have to remember to put them back in as soon as you are finished eating or cleaning your teeth or you will not see the best results. You also have to be careful not to lose or damage the aligners while they are out of your mouth. Clear aligners also may not be able to fix more complex alignment problems. Before deciding, you should have a discussion with your dental professional to see if clear aligners can provide the results you desire.

The Benefits of Braces

The number one advantage of braces is that they are suitable for all types of treatments. If you have multiple issues or a complex alignment situation, braces may be the solution for you. It is also possible for braces to be a quicker treatment option. The power of braces can make it quicker to close gaps with braces.

The Disadvantages of Braces

The first thing that many people think about with braces is the look. It is common to be self conscious about the way you will look with braces, while clear aligners present a much more discreet option. Another disadvantage is that braces can be more painful than clear aligners. Braces can have sharp edges that can cut your gums and lips and cause more discomfort. Since braces cannot be removed, teeth cleaning and eating can be more difficult as well. Many people do not want to have to avoid eating their favorite foods, so braces may not be the best option.

For those who can use them, clear aligners such as Invisalign systems can be the least intrusive solution for straightening teeth. It’s nice not to have to worry about the looks and inconveniences of traditional braces! If you have any questions about clear aligners or other methods of straightening your teeth, please contact our Ogden, UT office at (801) 479-1700. We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best possible solution for your smile.