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You have done a lot of work to get the perfect smile. You wore your Invisalign aligner trays and cared for your teeth, and now your treatment is done. You still need to take care of your teeth to keep your beautiful smile. Keeps these things in mind when you think about your oral care routine.

Retainers

Many patients do require a retainer after Invisalign treatment. This will be based on your unique situation. If a retainer is recommended by Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody, use it as directed. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position. You should also avoid hard, crunchy foods for the first couple of weeks as your teeth adjust. For younger patients, retainers are normally used until the wisdom teeth come in or are extracted.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing must be part of your daily oral care. Flossing helps remove the plaque, which becomes tartar or calculus. This build up can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. Your gums may be more sensitive for a week or two after your orthodontic work is completed. A warm salt water rinse may relieve discomfort.

Your teeth may be slightly sensitive for a short time. They have been protected by your Invisalign aligner trays and now are fully exposed. You might want to try a sensitive toothpaste to get through the transition. Just ask; we will be glad to recommend the best type for your needs. If your teeth are stained, a professional whitening treatment can be considered.

Regular Dental Checkups

You still need to have regular dental exams. Professional cleanings and X-rays make sure that both your teeth and gums stay healthy so you can keep your teeth for life. If cavities or other problems are found, they can be taken care of quickly.

If you have any questions about how to care for your teeth after your Invisalign program, please ask our Naples, FL team. We want you to keep your healthy smile and enjoy the results of your Invisalign treatment.

Sucking is a common instinct for babies and the use of a pacifier or their thumb offers a sense of safety and security, as well a way to relax.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the majority of children will stop using a pacifier and stop sucking their thumb on their own between the ages of two and four years of age. Prolonged thumb sucking or use of a pacifier can have dental consequences and needs be taken care of sooner, rather than later.

Many dentists favor pacifier use over thumb sucking because it makes it easier for parents to control and even limit the use of a pacifier. If thumb sucking lingers, the same strategies used to break the baby from using the pacifier can be used for thumb sucking.

Precautions

• Try to find "orthodontically correct" pacifiers, as they may reduce the risk of dental problems.
• Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey to calm the baby.
• Give your baby a bottle of water at bedtime, never juice.

Dental Complications

Long term pacifier use can lead to an assortment of dental complications including:

• The bottom teeth leaning inward
• The top teeth slanting outward
• Misalignment of the baby’s jaw

The risk of any or all of these things happening is greatly increased if thumb sucking and pacifier use is sustained after the baby’s teeth start to come in.

Breaking the Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habit

Most toddlers and children will stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier between the ages of two and four on their own. However, if intervention is necessary here are a few tips to help your child break the habit:

• Slowly decreasing the use of a pacifier can be effective for many children. This method does not work very well with thumb sucking.
• Thumb sucking can be more difficult to break. Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody may recommend using an over the counter cream that you put on the child’s thumb; it doesn’t taste good and usually does the trick.
• Rewards can also help with the process.
• If these simple commonly used strategies do not work, there are oral devices that will prevent a child from sucking their thumb or a pacifier.

Talk to Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody and our team, as we have many tricks up our sleeves that will be effective in breaking your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use.

I came in with a problem; Dr. Cardinale took care of it; I've been to many different dentists over the years and on a scale of 1 to 10; the Dr., office, staff, and environment, all get a 10.

I am an old guy an have been to numerous dental facilities in my lifetime and Dr. Moody and Jody are without a doubt two of the very best.  Both spend quality time explaining things and are two genuinely friendly people.  Rest of staff are equally professional.

It was my first dentist experience since moving to Naples, Fl and it will not be my last.  I felt comfortable and content in this dental office... I plan to revisit every 6 months =-)  Dr. Moody and his wife were fabulous.

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you

I must say that this is the most organized, professional, curtious, respectful office and staff I have ever encountered in my 56 years.  Most offices promise to do what they are suppose to (like return your call), but never come through.

Jayme did a good job and all was good.

Very Nice

A great visit  Thank you

Best office.  Dentist and staff

I came to your office as a new patient with a problem tooth.  Thank you for your immediate help.  Making the appointment was quick and easy and Dr. Cardinale fixed my tooth quickly and painlessly.  I had a very good experience with your office!

I am always impressed by the care I receive when I visit your office.  Ken does a great job cleaning my teeth, and potential problems and issues are always noted.  I feel well care for.  You have an impressive team of people.

Jayme was excellent

I have always experienced wonder care at Cardinale Dentistry.  I have recommended them to many of my friends.

My first visit Overall great visit

Excellent *****

Visit was professional and prompt

The best dentist and Kenny is the best too.

Best dental practice.  Thorough, modern, fun and friendly.

All was excellent

Thanks for a good experience

First visit with Dr. Moody.  He was pleasant and very professional

Very impressive office

Kenny's the best

Jody is wonderful, kind and caring

Martha was very patient with my x-rays

I chose Dr. Cardinale for a 2nd opinion and he found the problem quickly.  I appreciate that as I have been in pain for several months not knowing what the problem was.  The other dentist told me my teeth were in good condition, no problems.

Excellent environment.  Friendly and professional.  Thank you

I continue to be in AWE of Dr. Cardinale's skills.  He does amazing work.

From a student handing out sweets for her classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of Valentine’s Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.

Contribute to Your Health

According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that the cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins. Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain. Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers. However, you should keep in mind that many companies produce chocolate that is so heavily processed that the flavonoids are largely eliminated. Your best bet is to look for high-quality dark chocolates and cocoa powders that have undergone minimal processing.

Protect Against Cavities

If you think there’s no way candy could ever be beneficial for your teeth, think again. The Texas A&M Health Science Center has reported that the tannins present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with bacteria’s harmful interaction with teeth. Just like with flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather than milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer, sweet varieties.

Avoid a Sticky Situation

One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get stuck in the crevices and spaces between teeth. Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, putting you at a greater risk for developing cavities. When you choose your chocolate, be sure to avoid types that also contain sticky ingredients like caramel or marshmallow, and instead opt for the plain varieties.

Remember that the health benefits you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating the candy in moderation. With that being said, it’s easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when you’re out shopping for your sweetheart, friends, loved ones, and yourself. Have fun satisfying your sweet tooth this year and Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Cardinale Dentistry!