The ultimate guide to eating with Invisalign

by torjl | Jan 23, 2016 | Invisalign

The ultimate guide to eating with Invisalign

At Academy Dental in Victoria, the most common questions our patients ask us about Invisalign are all about eating and drinking. With this mind, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you negotiate the lunchroom with ease.Can you eat while wearing Invisalign?Some dentists say you can eat soft foods while wearing Invisalign, but it is not something we recommend at Academy Dental. In fact, the ability to remove your Invisalign trays is one of the best things about the system! Now you can eat what you want without having to worry that it is going to get stuck in your braces. If you are eating out, simply excuse yourself to the washroom to remove your trays before your meal.Can you drink while wearing Invisalign?Yes, technically you can drink with your Invisalign trays in, but again it is something that our dental team does not recommend. This is because the liquid will seep underneath the trays and can cause decay. If you do drink while wearing your Invisalign trays, find a moment to brush your teeth, or at the very least rinse them with warm water, as soon a possible.Do I have to avoid any foods or drinks?Because you will be removing your alignment trays every time you eat, you will not have to avoid any foods. But if you plan to drink with your Invisalign trays in, know that substances like coffee, tea, and red wine will stain the trays. Hot liquids could potentially melt and warp the plastic, so stay away from hot drinks!Ready to start your journey to a beautiful smile? Academy Dental can help! Contact us now for Invisalign services in the Victoria area.

The A – Z of Veneer Care: Keeping Your Veneers White for Life

by torjl | Jan 8, 2016 | Dental Care, Veneers

The A – Z of Veneer Care: Keeping Your Veneers White for Life

Investing in porcelain veneers means investing in a beautiful smile for life, but only if you treat them well. Just like your actual teeth, veneers are susceptible to damage and discolouration. Here are the top tips the professionals from our Victoria team recommend to make sure your veneers always look as good as the first day you got them.

We know they taste delicious, but try to stay away from foods like tea and coffee, red wine, cola, soy sauce, and curry powders such as turmeric. The bonded material in veneers will gradually absorb pigmentation from these treats in much the same way natural teeth will. If you need to drink a soda, use a straw to help minimize contact with your new smile.
Make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Certain products can damage the polish on your veneers and damage their appearance.
While veneers are durable, they are not as strong as your natural teeth. Chomping down hard on ice, hard candy, pens or hairpins could cause veneers to crack and break. If you have been known to clench or grind your teeth (bruxism) your dentist can fit you with a nightguard to wear while you sleep to reduce the impact on your veneers. Always wear a mouthguard when playing high impact sports that could put your veneers at risk.
Stay away from cigarettes. Smoking will cause irreversible discolouration to your veneers (and doesn’t do much for your breath either)

Academy Dental are the leading experts in cosmetic and general dentistry in Victoria, BC. View our website now to make an appointment in one of our 4 convenient Victoria locations.

What are Dental Sealants?

by torjl | Dec 24, 2015 | Dental Sealants

What are Dental Sealants?

Thanks to the different foods that we eat, our teeth are prone to many forms of tooth decay which destroys our teeth and in turn will require expensive procedures. Don’t you just wish there was a way to protect the crevices of our teeth and prevent the growth of bacteria and germs? Well, dental sealants do just that. Dental sealants are plastic coverings that go over the part of the tooth that’s exposed or used when chewing or biting food.

Dental sealants, available at Academy Dental, have the ability to protect your teeth from food, germs and bacteria from being stuck on the pits and slits on the biting surface of the teeth. If not dislodged through brushing and/or gargling, the germs can develop into tooth decay and destroy the tooth in time. Dental sealants are barely noticeable once added onto the teeth and is usually used for the teeth located in the back of the mouth like the molars.

Dental sealants are also applicable for children and adults. As long as the tooth is mature enough or is in the ideal condition for the sealant, this is a viable form of teeth protection. This is because dental sealants can last for up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. This is perfect for kids so that parents minimize the costs of dental procedures for the child’s milk teeth, and a good option for adults who do not like to worry about dental problems too much.

There are even dental organizations that recommend the application of dental sealants for adults because it is so effective in protecting the teeth. However, it is also good to point out that dental sealants are not a valid excuse to stop brushing teeth, flossing and rinsing. The sealants work hand in hand with regular dental hygiene regimens to maintain a person’s oral health.

To see if dental sealants will work for you, best to consult the dental professionals at Academy Dental so that you can get an expert opinion and recommendation for your dental health. Contact us today!