Advantages of Invisalign Over Braces

Most patients know that there are two major ways to straighten teeth, but do you know the differences? Invisalign has many advantages over traditional metal braces. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to know why Invisalign is often preferred to braces and how it can help them!

 

Hygiene Stays the Same

With braces, your dental hygiene practices get a little more complicated and it takes more time than normal. With Invisalign, there is no need for special dental equipment or extra time. Since you take the aligners out to brush and floss, dental hygiene remains how it always has been.

 

No Food Restrictions

You also take Invisalign out to eat. Therefore, you do not need to steer clear of certain types of food. You can still eat crunchy, hard, or chewy foods all you like. With braces, these types of food could damage the braces and slow down treatment time.

 

A Clear Smile

A huge aesthetic advantage over braces is the near invisibility of Invisalign. Most people cannot tell you are wearing the aligners unless they are really looking closely. You can also take them out for important pictures like yearbook pictures or wedding pictures.

 

Less Gum Irritation

Invisalign consists of smooth, clear plastic aligners, so it does not rough up cheeks and gums like metal brackets and wires do.

 

Straightening your smile doesn’t have to mean having a metal mouth, the irritation of braces, or major changes to your day. To learn more about Invisalign, contact Bensalem Family Dentistry of Bensalem, PA by calling (215) 638-9952 or visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.

 

Tips for Getting Kids Interested in their Dental Care

Great dental health begins as a child. That is when many habits are picked up. In addition, healthy baby teeth are important for adult teeth. For tips on getting kids interested in dental care, keep reading! At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want all of our patients to benefit from good at-home dental care.

Educate Them

Many children will do great once they know the reasoning behind good dental care. Animated dental videos are both educational and fun to watch for kids. They will then know all about how brushing and flossing help keep away cavities.

Let Them Pick

When picking up dental supplies for your child, bring them along so they can pick. There are many toothbrushes with their favorite characters. There is even fun-flavored toothpaste and floss. Letting them pick may get them more excited about it.

Reward Good Behavior

Many kids respond well to rewards. A chart may be helpful to keep track of brushing before bed. After so many nights in a row, you can take them to the park or let them choose dinner. It’s great for getting kids into good habits. Rewards for healthy reports from the dentist can also make kids with dental anxiety feel better about dental visits.

Good dental habits start at a young age. To schedule your child’s next cleaning and examination, call Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA at (215) 638-9952. More information about our office can be found on our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Foods to Eat with TMJ Disorder

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS doesn’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you have questions about TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS only administers this pain relieving formula to eligible patients. 

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities. 

If you have questions about our sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS only administers this pain-relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

If you have questions about our sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

 

Foods for a Healthy Smile

At some point in your life, you have probably heard that sugar will rot your teeth out. Well, sugar does lead to decay; however, there are some foods that are actually good for your teeth! At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, healthy teeth are our top priority. Keep reading to learn more!

Crunchy fruits and veggies like cucumbers and apples help clean teeth as you eat them. The fibrous foods scrape against your teeth and remove plaque! If you can’t reach for a toothbrush after lunch, reach for some cucumbers!

By now, most of us have probably heard that milk is great for strong bones. Well, the same goes for teeth. Calcium in milk keeps teeth strong and healthy. In addition, milk lowers the levels of acid in your mouth, further protecting teeth and gums. Cheese creates similar results.

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are great for your gums. They strengthen the blood vessels and connective tissues that connect your teeth to your jaw. They also reduce inflammation. Just be careful, acidic foods should be eaten in moderation. The acid can actually harm your teeth if eaten too often.

Foods that contain polyphenols like cranberries and tea prevent plaque from growing and sticking to teeth. Less plaque means less risk for cavities!

At-home care is essential for a healthy mouth, but do not forget about your dental appointments! To schedule an appointment at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952 or visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

Straight teeth not only look great, but they are also great for your dental health. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to know the numerous health benefits of straight teeth.

Straight teeth decrease risk of injury and wear-down. Abnormal tooth wear can happen when teeth rub together where they should not. This can lead to worn down tooth enamel, sensitivity, cavities, and damage. Poorly positioned teeth can also cause cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks during injury. In addition, gaps can also lead to more injury to the gums. While biting, chewing, and cleaning your teeth, the gums that are left more open due to gaps are more vulnerable to being poked, scraped, or cut. When teeth are aligned properly, they protect the gums and the gums are allowed properly support the teeth.

Teeth that are crowded or gapped often create hiding places for bacteria and other debris. Even with routine brushing and flossing, these hard-to-reach spaces can be missed. When bacteria become built up, it can lead to gum disease and decay. Gum disease is bad for your oral and overall help.

Straight teeth create a beautiful smile and they promote health! To schedule an appointment at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. More information about our orthodontic options can be found on our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, here are some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have traditional braces and need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to call us. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.