Taking steps to change something as significant as your teeth or jaw alignment can be intimidating. At Designer Smiles by Benton, we want to ease that anxiety by telling you about some fantastic products we have in the office and one that you can use at home that makes a huge difference in your orthodontic care! Without further ado…
iTero Digital Scanner
In short, the iTero Digital Scanner boosts your orthodontist’s precision and increases your orthodontic motivation, helping you finish treatment faster! But how?
Many orthodontic offices are moving away from messy mold impressions of the mouth, and Designer Smiles by Benton is no exception. Instead, we have switched to an iTero Digital Scanner due to its increased accuracy and detail. The scanner is also more comfortable for patients because of the small wand it uses to take images of the mouth. With those images, the state-of-the-art technology generates an interactive 3D model of your mouth that Dr. John Benton or Dr. Barry Benton will use to create your treatment plan with a smaller margin of error. They can even show you a representation of your predicted final look! Knowing what you’re working toward in the following months is a great motivator!
Laser
The words “laser” and “orthodontics” might not seem like they go together, but they do! At Designer Smiles by Benton, we use a laser to remove parts of the gums. While this can be done for cosmetic reasons, we usually use the laser to improve bracket placement. Exact bracket placement gives your orthodontist more control over the movement of your teeth, decreasing your overall treatment time and unnecessary discomfort.
Shape-Memory Wires
No, we’re not placing wires with artificial intelligence in your mouth! Shape-memory wires are bent to fit into your mouth, but they always remember the shape they were. Because heat from the mouth activates their ” memory,” they constantly put gentle pressure on the teeth. This continuous tension on your teeth moves them along their path quicker and reduces discomfort. Their superelasticity and erosion resistance also makes them perfect for braces.
Orthodontic Wax
Your mouth needs time to adjust to having a foreign appliance! Whether you are a Boost, Invisalign, Spark, Lightforce, Damon metal, or Damon ceramic braces patient, you will likely experience some irritation and swelling at the beginning of treatment. Picking, poking, and friction on the cheek and gums can quickly become uncomfortable and even painful. To prevent or ease frustration and irritation, we recommend orthodontic wax! This removable product can be applied as needed and is a layer of protection for the lips, gums, and cheek against the clear aligners or braces. You will probably need less wax over time, but we suggest having some hand after tightening appointments or when wearing a new clear aligner set, just in case!
Water Flossers
No matter your treatment route, water flossers can benefit you. These oral hygiene machines use jets of water to remove bacteria, plaque, and stubborn residue from the mouth. We recommend every patient who comes into our office add one to their brushing and flossing routine! It is important to note that water flossers should not replace brushing or thread flossing! Brushing, thread flossing, and water flossing are all critical in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications that can delay treatment and damage your smile.
When you have braces, it can be hard to clean all the nooks and crannies of your braces and all the hard-to-reach places around them. Water flossers can help keep your breath fresh and your braces in top-notch condition for a healthier mouth and a beautiful smile.
With clear aligners, it’s essential to keep the mouth clean for your oral health and the transparency of your trays. Water flossers help to remove food or drink particles that could stain your clear aligners!
To Discover More Products That We Use To Create Your Designer Smile, Visit Us Today!
Your smile affects many aspects of your life, and with these products and more, your smile becomes a certified, one-of-a-kind designer smile by Drs. John or Barry Benton.
Turning your smile into a healthier one you can feel proud of is our number one priority here at Designer Smiles by Benton. We take pride in making your experience with us as inviting and comfortable as possible, which is why we have invested in modern technology and take the time to inform you about products you can use at home.
If you are a new patient and want to learn more about orthodontic products and treatment options, schedule a free consultation at one of our two convenient locations! If you are a current patient with questions about your care, please contact us today!
Any orthodontist can give you a new smile, but only we can give you a designer smile by Drs. John or Barry Benton! We are excited to discuss orthodontics with you and hope to see you soon!