Electric Toothbrushes Vs. Manual Toothbrushes

When looking to invest in a new toothbrush, there are so many kinds; it can be overwhelming. Your dental hygiene is important, so picking out the right toothbrush is essential. Probably the biggest difference between toothbrushes is that some are manual and some are electric. Many of our patients want to know which is better. Because at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want our patients to be well-informed on the best dental care, we are laying out the facts.

Since electric toothbrushes were first made in 1939, there have always been debates about whether or not they do a better job of cleaning teeth than manual toothbrushes. Well, the evidence is in. There have been studies done; and as it turns out, manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes do the same job.

The studies showed that electric toothbrushes did not do any better than manual toothbrushes, and vice versa. A good cleaning all depended on who was brushing. However, since they do the same job, electric toothbrushes may be a better option for those who have trouble using their hands. For instance, those with arthritis cannot move their hands as well to maneuver the toothbrush around the mouth. Electric toothbrushes mostly do all of the work, so you just need to hold them in the right place.

Picking out the best toothbrush for you can be a little confusing, but not when you have the facts right! To learn more about dental hygiene and Garrison Family Dentistry, call our Smithville, MO office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com

What are Ceramic Braces?

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Garrison offers a variety of options for straightening your teeth. It’s assumed that every adult who wants to straighten their teeth, most likely want to transform their smile with as little metal as possible. Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into the teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be less noticeable.

The fundamental difference of ceramic braces is simply the type of bracket that’s used. With ceramic braces, they are clear or tooth-colored (white), not metal. All conventional braces use a metal archwire that runs across your teeth that is held inside each tooth’s bracket via an elastic band. In the case of ceramic braces, a silver one is sometimes used. As a more esthetic alternative, a “frosted” or “esthetic” (white) one can be utilized instead, so it’s less obvious the patient is wearing them. Opting for ceramic braces tends to create a more pleasing, less conspicuous look for the patient’s dental appliance, especially from a distance.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about the types of braces we offer, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Less Noticeable Ceramic Braces Available at Garrison Family Dentistry

Straight teeth both look good and reduce oral complications. Braces are wonderful for straightening teeth. But traditional metal braces are not very nice looking and they make it obvious that you are straightening your teeth. This is why Garrison Family Dentistry provides their patients in the Smithville, MO area the option of ceramic braces. They are less noticeable and better looking!

Ceramic braces have translucent brackets so they blend in with your teeth. In certain cases, the wires may be able to be tooth colored to blend in well, also. In the past, ceramic braces would stain over time. But with the latest advances in ceramic braces, they are stain resistant, so they continue to look nice and blend in well for the duration of your straightening process.

As with any type of braces, a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is required. Combined with regular cleanings from your dentist, the braces will look good for a long time.  When the process is complete, you will have an attractive smile!

The process for applying ceramic braces is the same as traditional braces. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and come up with a step-by-step plan. The brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth and the wire is clipped in.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth but do not want a noticeable metallic smile, schedule a consultation with us at Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com.