Adult Orthodontics

Riverwalk Dental provides orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile. Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about all the orthodontic treatments we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Causes of Gap Teeth

A gap (also known as a diastema) between the top front incisors is one of the most common cosmetic problems people want dentists’ help with. At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we’re happy to help patients with their smiles, but depending on a gap’s cause, different treatments may be appropriate.

If the teeth are otherwise in good alignment and there’s just a small gap, veneers may be the quickest solution. They are artificial fronts for teeth that can be made in a slightly different size than the underlying tooth, closing the space. It is more common for teeth to be somewhat misaligned, in which case the Invisalign orthodontic treatment we offer may be preferable. Invisalign cannot be used for major realignment, but it is a good option for people seeking cosmetic changes.

Gaps that are caused by serious jaw issues, such as an overbite, may require a more specialized approach. Even if orthodontic work is completed successfully, there may be an underlying cause that has to be dealt with. Some people have overbites because anxiety causes them to suck their thumbs. Others involuntarily thrust their tongues forward when they swallow, in which case they will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. It is also possible that the strip of connective tissue between the upper lip and the jaw, the labial frenum, is too thick, in which case an oral surgeon will have to cut some of it away.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

Pain with Braces

The doctors of Riverwalk Dental have seen many smiles transformed with braces.  But we all know braces are a long process, and there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!   

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about braces and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Caring for Invisalign

Riverwalk Dental provides Invisalign’s clear aligner system, which straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners!

You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use a mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Basics of Bruxism

When you’re angry, or anxious, do you find yourself clenching your teeth together? Do you wake up with a sore jaw and ask yourself why? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to pay attention while our doctors at Riverwalk Dental discuss the basics of bruxism. Bruxism is the action of clenching or grinding the teeth and although this can occur during the day, it’s most common during sleep.

Bruxism takes a toll on tooth enamel because the action of grinding your teeth can wear it down.  Enamel can’t be restored once it’s lost, so it’s important to address this problem at the first sign of grinding.  Bruxism may cause tooth sensitivity, headaches, and aching jaws due to the overuse of the jaw muscles. When bruxism interferes with sleep, our doctors may suggest a night guard as a treatment option. Depending on the severity of malocclusion, orthodontic options may also be explored.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or night guards, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

Traditional Braces

When you hear the term “orthodontics,” traditional braces are probably the first thing to come to mind. At Riverwalk Dental, we have a variety of orthodontic options for patients to choose from if they desire a straighter smile, but we’d like to take the time and explain the benefits of traditional braces. Depending on your level of self-discipline, they may or not be a better option than their clear alternative – Invisalign.

Traditional dental braces consist of brackets and archwires that are placed on the teeth, which use elastic ties to secure them. Though they are the least aesthetically pleasing option, patients can select from a variety of color choices to express their personalities through their smile. Traditional braces treat a wide range of malocclusion issues such as crowding, alignment issues, and irregular spacing. Though there may be mild discomfort once the brackets are placed, they are permanent until removed, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing aligners. The length of treatment varies from person to person, but once they come off, you’ll see that the duration was worth it.

If you have questions about our orthodontic options, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.