Invisalign Archives - Dental Loft

Is Invisalign Causing a Canker Sore?

Posted on February 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I called my dentist because I’ve had a canker sore for 6 days. It has been hurting pretty bad. I bought some over-the-counter ointment, but the pain relief is only temporary. The sore is noticeable, and I’m afraid it will burst and spread germs in my mouth. I’ve had canker sores in the past, but this one is lasting longer than the others. Is Invisalign irritating the canker sore? Should I see my primary care doctor or ask my dentist for a prescription ointment?

Thank you for your question.

Is Invisalign Causing Your Canker Sore?

Anything that irritates your mouth, including oral appliances like Invisalign, may cause canker sores. But Invisalign does not cause canker sores for all patients.

Canker sores can have these causes:

Allergies
Injury
Stress
Irritation from a dental appliance.

How Long Does It Take for a Canker Sore to Go Away?

Canker sores usually clear within two weeks. You’re just about at the halfway point, so you should try to manage it on your own. If the sore worsens over the next few days, you can visit an emergency dentist or your primary care doctor.

You made the right choice to buy an oral anesthetic. It will help minimize the pain and protect the sore. If the sore looks like it might be infected, you can also purchase a topical antiseptic. Some ointments and patches contain pain relievers and antiseptics. A mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water can be used as a mouth rinse. Some people get relief from Listerine mouthwash.

If you frequently get canker sores, you should let your dentist examine your mouth to determine what is causing them. Remember that if the sore gets worse or doesn’t improve, schedule an appointment with your current dentist if you have one.

Dr. Claudia Vargas, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Is My Root Canal Procedure Failing?

Posted on November 26, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I am concerned that my root canal failed and will lead to an extraction and a dental implant, delaying the start of my Invisalign treatment. My dentist completed the root canal four days ago. I am taking ibuprofen and antibiotics just as she directed me. But I am still in pain. How do I know if I am going through root canal failure? Can my dentist repeat it before removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant? I am scheduled to begin Invisalign in January, but it’s the holiday season, and the root canal failure will probably delay everything. Thank you. Randolph from Ohio

Hello Randolph,

Thank you for your question. Although Dr. Vargas would need to examine your tooth and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis, we will explain what you can expect after root canal treatment.

Is Your Root Canal Treatment Failing?

Discomfort after root canal treatment is not unusual and does not mean the procedure failed. The discomfort may peak in a day or two and progressively improve. When your dentist cleans infected tooth pulp, some material can go through the tip and into the tissue that meets your jawbone. Your tooth can become sore and sensitive, and your gums can swell. The sensitivity and inflammation can worsen after you bite or chew.

Should You Be Concerned About Pain After Root Canal Treatment?

Although improvement may be slow, schedule an appointment with your dentist if your discomfort increases or persists. Some dentists minimize the discomfort after root canal treatment by adjusting the tooth so the opposing tooth will not touch it when you bite down. Reducing the tooth prevents painful impact from the tooth that would meet it when you bite down.

Can Your Dentist Repeat Root Canal Treatment?

Achieve optimal oral health before getting Invisalign

If a root canal treatment fails, a dentist can repeat it. Sometimes a dentist will refer you to a root canal specialist (endodontist) for treatment. An endodontist would examine your x-rays to see if your dentist missed any canals. Repeat root canal treatment can help prevent the need for tooth removal and a dental implant.

When your tooth is stable, you can begin Invisalign treatment without interrupting it later to care for the root canal tooth.

Dr. Claudia Vargas, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Why Is My New Crown Wobbly?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta and switched dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. I had a toothache, and my new dentist said I needed a new crown on my lower left first molar. She took my impression quickly. The crown does not fit well, and my tooth hurts when I chew. I don’t think this dentist knows how to adjust my bite, and I am concerned that this episode will prolong my Invisalign treatment. Is there something I can tell her to do to fix this wobbly crown? Thank you. Genesis from Atlanta

Genesis,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns and frustration. Dr. Vargas would need to examine your tooth and crown to determine why the crown is wobbly and how to resolve it. Skilled cosmetic dentists understand the risks of rushing impressions of your teeth and ensure your temporary crown fits well before having a lab craft the final one.

A dental crown should feel as comfortable and stable as a natural tooth. You should not notice that you have a crown.

Why Is Your Dental Crown Loose or Wobbly?

If your new dental crown is loose or wobbly, the cause may be a lack of tooth structure or faulty bonding.

Lack of tooth structure

When you have little tooth structure left for a crown or if a dentist aggressively prepares your tooth for the crown, even the strongest cement will not secure it. Aggressively tapering your tooth makes it impossible to securely bond your crown.

Invisalign upper and low aligners; for information on Dallas, TX orthodontic treatment

Get a second opinion from a dentist with orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry training to minimize the impact of a wobbly crown

A dentist with advanced training understands that minimal preparation is healthy for your tooth and keeps a dental crown secure. If you lack enough tooth structure for a crown to stay in place a cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to build up the tooth structure.

A weak bond

Contamination of the dental cement during the bonding process can weaken the bonding. Or your dentist may have made a mistake in her technique.

Ask your dentist to check your crown. Schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist if she cannot resolve the issue. We recommend a dentist with orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry training if you need to switch dentists.

Dr. Claudia Vargas, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

How Can I Close a Gap Between My Front Teeth Without Braces?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I want to get rid of a gap between my two front teeth. I’ve had people tell me that it’s not that noticeable or that it’s cute. I prefer an attractive smile, not a cute one. I don’t want braces because my other teeth look okay. What are my options? Thanks – Carson, Elk Grove, CA

Carson,

Thank you for your question.

What Are the Ways to Close a Tooth Gap?

A cosmetic dentist may recommend closing your tooth gap with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or braces. We will explain the differences.

Dental bonding

Before-and-after photos of cosmetic contouring

Dental bonding can reshape teeth and fill in spaces

If a tooth gap is small, composite bonding is the best way to repair it. Cosmetic dentists apply bonding by hand. It requires advanced training and artistic technique to blend the bonding with your teeth perfectly. A cosmetic dentist will roughen the tooth’s surface on either side of the gap. The next steps include:

Select a dental composite that perfectly matches your tooth shade
Apply and layer the composite to match the translucence of your teeth
Sculpt and harden the composite
Further shape and polish the bonding to a natural gloss

Porcelain veneers

Veneers are thin wafers of porcelain that a dentist bonds to the fronts of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by lightly shaving them to ensure the veneers fit well and look natural. When a tooth gap is large, porcelain veneers can conceal it. Depending on the gap size, your cosmetic dental treatment may affect the teeth on either side of your center front teeth to harmonize tooth shape and size.

Orthodontic treatment

If you do not like the look and feel of traditional braces, Invisalign invisible braces are an alternative for closing the gap between your teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made BPA-free aligners to straighten your teeth in half the time of traditional braces. Unlike dental bonding or porcelain veneers, you will not need cosmetic dentistry materials on your teeth to correct your gap. If you continue to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment, your gap will stay closed.

We recommend consulting a cosmetic dentist who provides Invisalign to examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options.

Dallas, Texas, dentist Dr. Claudia Vargas sponsors this post.

Why Do I Have a Sour Taste in My Mouth After Getting Veneers?

Posted on June 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I received porcelain veneers in February of this year after finishing Invisalign to correct tooth shape and discoloration. In April, I began to get a sour taste in my mouth. The closest way I can describe it is like spoiled milk or sour dairy products. It’s strange. I am very serious about my oral hygiene. I floss daily or twice daily if I feel anything foreign between my teeth and gums. So that is not the issue. I also brush my teeth twice daily, rinse my mouth out after I eat, and sometimes swish a little mouthwash around in my mouth to try to neutralize the sour taste, but it isn’t working.

My sister told me to try brushing my tongue, but that still doesn’t help. I am not an alarmist, but I am sure the sour taste is getting worse. My dentist checked all my eight veneers, but she didn’t see anything wrong. Now my dentist is asking me about changes in my diet and medication. She suggests that I see my primary care doctor. I don’t think that’s the issue, though. Is there something about the porcelain veneers that my dentist might have missed that could be causing the problem? Thanks for your help. Jen – Delaware

Jen – We understand your concern. A consistent sour taste in your mouth can be annoying. The issue is possibly an oral issue, which may be caused by tooth decay or an infection.

What Can Cause a Sour Taste in Your Mouth?

A change in diet or medication can cause unusual tastes in your mouth. Other causes of a sour taste include:

Dehydration
Infections or illness
Poor oral hygiene
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Advancing age
Cancer treatment

Porcelain veneer

But if the sour taste didn’t start until you received porcelain veneers, microleakage behind your veneers may be causing your concerns.

Microleakage facts:

Microleakage occurs when, during the bonding process, there is a gap left between the veneer and your tooth.
Food or liquid can leak behind the veneer and breed bacteria.
Decay will eventually result, and it can result in bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

It is best to take control of your oral health and get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. If your veneers are faulty, an advanced cosmetic dentist can carefully remove, clean, and bond them back on. If the cosmetic dentist agrees that your porcelain veneers are correctly bonded and are not causing the bad taste in your mouth, they will further investigate.

You may need to see your primary care doctor if there is no problem with the restorations of your teeth. It’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent the underlying cause from worsening.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Invisalign?

Posted on May 19, 2022 by AllSmiles.

If you want to comfortably straighten your teeth without people noticing your braces, Invisalign might be the solution you want. But what if you still have your wisdom teeth? Will an oral surgeon need to remove them before you begin orthodontic treatment?

Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Invisalign?

You may need wisdom teeth removed before getting Invisalign if your wisdom teeth are impacted and put your oral health at risk. After taking x-rays, your dentist can see the position of your wisdom teeth and whether problems with them will interfere with or interrupt Invisalign treatment. Healthy wisdom teeth that develop and emerge correctly do not require removal.

When Might You Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?

A dentist or orthodontist may recommend wisdom teeth removal before braces in these cases:

Partially erupted – Partially erupted wisdom teeth are challenging to floss around, brush, and keep clean. Bacteria can settle in or around the teeth and cause infection. An infection can affect other teeth or your bone and interrupt Invisalign treatment. Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent future problems.
Infected – If your wisdom teeth hurt or your gums are swollen around them, it is best to clear the infection before Invisalign treatment. Removing the teeth will keep your mouth healthy and increase the comfort of your orthodontic care.
Developed cysts – Sometimes cysts develop near the roots of wisdom teeth or on your jawbone. If x-rays show cysts from wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend removing the teeth instead of interrupting Invisalign treatment later for oral surgery.
Crowded teeth – An orthodontist or Invisalign dentist may see that your teeth are already crowded, and erupting wisdom teeth may further complicate crowding.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you do not get your wisdom teeth removed before Invisalign treatment, your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist will monitor your treatment to ensure all your teeth are healthy. If any condition threatens your oral health or tooth alignment, your doctor will explain your options.

Also, your dentist and hygienist will monitor your teeth and gum health during your regular cleanings and exams. Whether you keep your wisdom teeth or not, studies show that teeth drift as we age regardless of whether we have wisdom teeth. Wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment is vital to keeping your teeth aligned.

Dallas, Texas, dentist and Invisalign Platinum Provider Dr. Rekha Reddy sponsors this post.

Will My Stained Dental Bonding Make My Invisalign Noticeable?

Posted on January 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

The cosmetic dental bonding on my six front teeth stains easily. I only drink coffee once a week, don’t smoke, and drink alcohol. I am not a big juice or sweets eater either. The discoloration still occurs. Now I am supposed to start Invisalign in March. I am afraid that the stained bonding will continue to darken and draw attention to my teeth. Then people will notice my Invisalign, which defeats the purpose of having invisible braces. I don’t want to need bonding in the middle of Invisalign treatment. Should I get new bonding before I start Invisalign? – Thank you. Elise from Baton Rouge, LA

Elise,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concern about having discolored dental bonding while wearing invisible braces.

Why Does Dental Bonding Stain?

Dental bonding stains over time because it is porous like a sponge and can absorb pigment from staining foods, drinks, and tobacco. But high-quality bonding can last five to ten years if you take good care of it. Although you did not mention how long you’ve had the bonding, it can stain or chip over time. Older bonding materials are more likely to stain than new materials. When a skilled cosmetic dentist places bonding, they will ensure that it is properly cured and polished to help keep stains out as much as possible.

Can a Dentist Polish Your Bonding?

An expert cosmetic dentist can freshen up bonding by polishing stains away. We recommend visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your dental bonding. They will determine whether the stains in the bonding can be polished or if the bonding needs to be removed and replaced before you begin orthodontic treatment.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

I Think I Ruined My New Dental Bonding

Posted on December 9, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I think I ruined my dental bonding with a mixture of activated charcoal and baking soda. I finished Invisalign three months ago and wanted to whiten my teeth afterward. So, I began using a mix of baking soda and activated charcoal. I still had some dark spots on my teeth and asked my dentist if she could help.

My dentist hid the stains on four teeth with bonding because she said that teeth whitening would make the spots look worse. Unfortunately, I continued using the activated charcoal and baking soda mixture, not thinking it would affect my bonding. I’ve only had my bonding for two weeks, and now my teeth look yellow. I am embarrassed to tell my dentist about this. Have I ruined my bonding? Thank you. Elisha from TN

Elisha,

Congratulations on completing Invisalign treatment successfully. We understand that you wanted your teeth to look even better by whitening them.

Will Baking Soda or Activated Charcoal Harm Dental Bonding?

Unfortunately, when you use abrasive substances like baking soda or activated charcoal on dental bonding, it can damage the polish. Abrasive cleaners can even wear away your tooth enamel.

Your dentist was correct—bleaching gel whitens your teeth but does not improve dark spots in them. The bleaching makes dark spots more noticeable. Sometimes, dentists fail to give their patients post-treatment instructions for taking care of bonding. We hope you received the instructions even if you forgot that abrasives would damage your bonding.

How to Restore New Dental Bonding that Yellows

Your dentist can freshen your new dental bonding polish and restore the color. Afterward, use nonabrasive toothpaste designed for cosmetic dentistry work. Supersmile® toothpaste is a brand that can help you maintain your bonding and avoid scratching it.

After your dentist freshens the polish, if your teeth remain yellow or yellow again, schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Although the dentist probably will not need to remove the bonding, they may need to resurface it with quality material and a better polish.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas dentist, sponsors this post.

Will a tooth root left over from extraction interfere with Invisalign?

Posted on September 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist removed four teeth before Invisalign treatment and left one tooth root behind by mistake. Now he says that a premolar tooth root is touching a nerve, and an oral surgeon must remove it. The surgeon explained the risks for numbness that can be brief, last for months, or permanent paralysis. Can I skip this surgery? Thank you. Xander from Kansas

Xander,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

Dr. Reddy would need to examine your x-rays to determine which tooth is in question and what you might expect with surgery.

Is it Necessary to Remove Tooth Roots Left After Extraction?

Removing tooth roots left behind after extraction depends on the location of the roots and which teeth are affected. Sometimes tooth roots left after extraction are harmless. But if you are in Invisalign treatment and the tooth is a lower molar, the root can affect the movement of other teeth.

Oral surgeons must protect themselves from lawsuits and explain the most extreme results of surgery. The risk of nerve damage with wisdom teeth is higher than with premolars. Still, if a tooth root is touching a nerve, the roots may affect the mental foramen nerve that travels along the lower lip and chin. You might have some temporary numbness or complete loss of sensation but not paralysis.

Still, an oral surgeon can see the nerve on an x-ray and avoid damaging it during surgery with good technique.

Get a Second Opinion

Invisalign clear aligners straighten your teeth

If you want to feel confident about your decision to accept or decline surgery, schedule a second opinion with another oral surgeon. They will examine your x-rays and explain your options. The surgeon will also explain what you can expect if you do or don’t have surgery to remove the tooth root.

You can also get a second opinion from another Invisalign dentist on how the tooth root will affect your treatment plan.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

I have lingering jaw numbness after wisdom teeth surgery

Posted on September 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Ten days after getting wisdom teeth removed, I still have numbness in my lower left jaw. I called my dentist, and he said that the oral surgeon might have hit a nerve. The numbness makes it difficult to chew, eat, and brush my teeth. I do not return to the oral surgeon until ten more days. Is there anything I can do to improve the numbness? And how long will it continue? I am supposed to start Invisalign treatment in November. Katherine in Tulsa, OK

Katherine,

Thank you for contacting our office. Your dentist is correct—your jaw nerve is damaged. How long it takes to heal depends on the extent of the damage. No doubt, this is a frustrating experience, but it will take time and patience to heal.

What Causes Nerve Damage During Tooth Extraction?

Lower wisdom teeth roots are close to the nerve that travels beneath your lower teeth and lower lip. In some cases, the nerve touches tooth roots, and there is a risk of nerve damage during extraction. But an oral surgeon takes x-rays before surgery and can explain your risk. Your surgeon may have explained the risk or asked you to sign paperwork regarding it.

Types of Jaw Nerve Injury

The types of jaw nerve injury that can occur during tooth extraction including bruising, crushing, and severing. As you can see from the healing times below, please do not expect the feeling to return in your jaw and lip when you see your oral surgeon in ten days.

Bruised– Numbness lasts about a month, then feeling in your jaw and lip will return
Crushed – It can take up to a year to grown new nerve fibers and regain feeling in your jaw and lip
Severed – The injury and numbness are permanent

woman putting clear Invisalign aligners in her mouth

Ask your dentist how any oral health issue will affect Invisalign treatment

As nerves recover, you will begin to feel tingling in your lip. There is nothing you can do to speed the healing process.

When Can You Begin Invisalign Treatment?

After your appointment with the oral surgeon, you will know the extent of nerve damage. The surgeon will send your dentist a report. And your dentist can determine if and how numbness will affect your Invisalign treatment plan.

Best wishes for your recovery.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, sponsors this post.