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When your dentist informs you that you might benefit from an orthodontic treatment, a whole host of questions can arise. What are my options? What is the cost? What will be the most effective?

When it comes time to choose a method to straighten teeth, most people have to choose from Invisalign and traditional braces. Both have their pros and cons. They also are two very different methods which can produce the desired straight teeth that you’re looking for.

Ultimately which method you choose is going to be entirely dependent upon varying factors such as cost and length of treatment. Most importantly, you’re going to want to choose the one that’s going to give you the longest lasting results.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the brand name of a product that is designed to straighten your teeth. Before getting the treatment, your dentist will advise you if Invisalign is right for you. A 3D computer is used to envision your entire treatment plan, including total length of time it will take to straighten your teeth.

If Invisalign is right for you, and you opt to go this route, your dentist will make a custom thermoplastic material mold of your teeth using the 3D computer. The plastic is soft and won’t cause irritation or harm to your mouth.

This mold is turned into a tray that is transparent and fits snugly over your teeth. Your dentist will help make any arrangements so that the tray grips your teeth firmly. It is also removeable, so you can eat whatever it is that you want (just be sure to brush your teeth before you put the tray back in your mouth).

You will need to wear the tray for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing it only to brush your teeth, eat, or floss.

There are two major selling points for Invisalign.

• If you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, the length of time it takes to straighten your teeth can be dramatically reduced. On average it will take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for your teeth to be fully straightened. Compare this to an average of 2-3 years for metal braces.
• Invisalign is made from a clear material. This means it will be near-impossible for people to tell that you’re wearing braces. The ugly metal braces look is completely gone and so is the pain that’s associated with wearing wire braces. Many people opt for Invisalign for this reason alone.

Over the course of your treatment, you will be required to change your aligner tray every 2 weeks. Your dentist will use the 3D printer to custom print a 4 to 6-week supply of trays. You will be required to visit your dentist every month or so in order for them to check up on the progress of your teeth straightening.

There are some people whom Invisalign is NOT ideal for. Those who have:

• Bridgework
• Certain bite issues with the back teeth
• Requirement to move certain teeth such as canines
• Requirement to move teeth vertically to achieve straightening
• Those who lack the discipline to keep trays in their mouth for ~22 hours daily.

In order to fully determine if Invisalign is right for you, you’ll need to sit down with a dentist and they will give you an examination and let you know if this is a viable option. Keep in mind that Invisalign also costs quite a bit more than traditional metal braces. If cost is an issue, some dental insurance companies will cover anywhere from $500 to $2000 of the Invisalign procedure. Check with your dental insurance company to see if you’re covered.

Metal Braces

Metal braces as a form of teeth straightening have been around for decades. Back when they first came out, the patient had to wear an ugly and complicated metal headgear device. As time went on, orthodontists figured out how to forgo using the headgear and just use wire braces that were placed inside the mouth, as opposed on top of the head.

Unlike Invisalign, metal braces are not removable, nor are the invisible. They are designed to stay on your teeth anywhere from 18 months up to 3 years. People who get metal braces generally have complex teeth issues that Invisalign cannot solve.

The good news about metal braces is that after a relatively short period of time of getting them put in your mouth, the patient will notice an improved difference. This tends to help out their self-confidence tremendously.

Maintenance can be a bit more complicated than Invisalign. With the latter, all you need to do is take the tray out of your mouth when you’re eating food. After you’re done brushing and flossing your teeth, you can put it back in. With metal braces, you have to be cognizant of brackets, wires, and bands when you brush your teeth. You can’t remove the metal braces to perform oral hygiene, and it does require a bit more skill and attention.

You will also need to avoid certain foods when you have metal braces in your mouth. Such fun treats as popcorn, gum, apples, and anything sticky or too crunchy needs to be avoided. Follow up visits to the dental office will be anywhere from 4-6 weeks so your dentist can make adjustments and check up on your progress.

The good news about these appointments is that the only take ~30 minutes and are usually painless. If your dentist changes out a rubber band (a part of the brace mechanism) or if they tighten them down a bit, you may notice a little soreness in your mouth for a day or two afterwards.

The cost of metal braces is significantly lower than Invisalign in most cases. It all depends on how much work is needed to straighten your teeth. In some cases, metal braces can cost as much as Invisalign if the patient requires a tremendous amount of work.

Summary

When it comes time to decide between Invisalign and metal braces, there are many things you need to keep in mind. Cost, length of time of treatment, and the aesthetics are just a few things that can cause you to choose one over the other.

At Water Tower Dental Care, we specialize in fixing teeth with orthodontic braces. We offer both Invisalign and metal braces as treatment options. In order to know which is right for you, give us a call (312) 787-2131 to schedule an appointment and have our expert dentists examine your teeth and let you know which option would work best.

It’s that time of the year again.

Leaves are starting to change color, the weather is starting to cool, and an unmistakable crisp can be felt in the air.

Fall has arrived in Chicago and that signals the start of a wide variety of outdoor festivals and other fun things to do before Old Man Winter casts his freezing spell over our city. There is no better city in the world to celebrate fall time than Chicago. Pound for pound, we have more fun things to do than anywhere else.

If you’re not actively planning at least 2-3 weekend activities per month, you’re truly missing out on one of the most spectacular seasons that Chicago has to offer.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 fun things to do in the fall time in Chicago. There’s something for everyone on this list.

STAMMTISCH OPEN HAUS – OKTOBERFEST

If you attend one Oktoberfest this year, make sure it’s the Stammtisch Open Haus. It’s the most authentic Oktoberfest in all of Chicago. It’s held in the German American Cultural Center and features authentic beer, brats, and yodeling. The Paloma Band of Chicago will be playing live on stage. There’s nothing more fun than doing the Chicken Dance with thousands of other Oktoberfest patrons in your Dirndl or Lederhosen.

When: 7:30pm Friday, October 20th

Where: DANK Haus 5th floor ballroom, German American Cultural Center

4740 North Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625

Admission: Free! (Free parking after 6pm @ MB Financial Bank lot)

The Haunted Halloween Ball

Come dressed to impress in your best Halloween costume as you join over 3,000 ghouls, goblins, and revelers in the Grand Ballroom at the Navy Pier. The event features DJ Metro (official DJ of the Chicago Bulls) and several cash bars spread throughout. Before you go, be sure to read our blog post on teeth-friendly cocktails in Chicago. The Grand Ballroom is the perfect venue for this event and its 80-foot domed ceiling provides views of the lakefront. The age limit is 21 and over so bring your ID!

When: October 28th 8pm-2am

Where: Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier

600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Admission: $15-$100

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm & Garden Center

If partying the night away in an alcoholic stupor isn’t your idea of fun, then you can always check out one of the biggest and most popular pumpkin farms. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm is located 35 miles outside of Chicago – and rightfully so. You’re not going to find an authentic pumpkin patch in the middle of downtown. Being that the Midwest was and still is primarily farm land, we’re fortunate to be located within a reasonable driving distance of the country.

Located in the scenic town of Hampshire, the pumpkin farm features pony rides, a mini zoo and of course, pumpkins! If you have young children, this is the perfect place to take them. Even if you don’t have children, adults can still take in the crisp fall air as they search for the perfect pumpkin to care before All Hallows Eve.

When: Open now!

Where: Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm

40 W. Higgins Rd. South Barrington, IL, 60010

Admission: $12-$15 – Visit their website for more information regarding various events and the cost.

Basement of the Dead

No fall outing is complete without a visit to one of the most popular haunted houses in all of the greater Chicago area. Basement of the Dead is one of the highest rated haunted houses in the area. Buzzfeed voted it the #1 scariest haunted house in all of Illinois. Based in Aurora, it features highly rated scare actors and even a roomful of psychopathic clowns! Check out the online reviews, everyone is raving about the Basement of the Dead.

When: Now through November 4th

Where: ½ Block west of Hollywood Casino, right on the Fox river.

2 West New York Street, Aurora, IL

Admission: $25 General admission/$45 VIP

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns – Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicagoans are fortunate in that we live in the Midwest. As such, we don’t need to go too far to see the fall colors. If you don’t want to spend hours on the road on your quest to view the fall foliage, try stopping by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Spread out over 285 acres, you’ll definitely get your fill of reds, yellow, and orange leaves. You can explore the park on foot or on the tram.

The Night of 1,000 Jack-o’Lanterns is a paid event that takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden that features 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins. The event starts at 6pm and is only open to ticket holders. The regular park closes at 5pm.

Best of all, admission to the park is 100% free!

When: Thursday-Sunday, October 26th-29th, 2017

Where: 1000 Lake-Cook Rd, Glencoe IL 60022

Admission: For the Botanic Garden itself, admission is free. For admission to the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’Lanterns - Adults: $14, Children $12. Children 2 and under: free

Chicago International Film Festival

The 53rd Chicago Film Festival is a must-see for any Chicagoan. One of the biggest cultural events of the year, Sir Patrick Stewart will be honored by the festival. If you have a day off and have an interest in movies and cinematography, you have to check it out. It’s a great place to take a date and show him/her how cultured you are. No matter what your style or taste in movies is, there’s something for everyone.

When: October 12th-26th, 2017

Where: 212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607

Admission: “Moviegoer Pass”: $135 non-members; “Passport Pass”: $260 non-members

Dia de Los Muertos – Chicago Public Library

Aka “Day of the Dead”, this event is held in many Latin-American countries and has made its way up to the Chicago Library. It originally started to celebrate the lives of deceased ancestors. Brightly colored skulls (fake) and skeletons (also fake) along with candies and sweets make this a cultural event that closely mirrors Halloween.

When: Starts October 15th

Where: Oct. 15 at Chicago Public Library’s Dunning branch, 7455 W. Cornelia Ave., 4 p.m

Admission: Free

Summary

From haunted houses to pumpkin farms to world-famous film festivals, Chicago has more to do in the fall time than any other city in America. Best of all, you don’t have to drive countless hours or hundreds of miles to participate in any of the events. It’s all in your proverbial backyard!

As the saying goes: “Winter is coming” and if you don’t at least get out 2-3x in the fall time, you’re going to be kicking yourself when December/January rolls around and you’re stuck inside because the weather is in the single digits.

If you’re like most people, your parents and your dentist have repeatedly told you that you need to change your toothbrush every so often. The keyword being “every so often” is somewhat vague and subjective. We’re going to look at exactly what kind of toothbrush you should buy as well as clear up any misconceptions regarding the timeline to change your toothbrush.

Soft, Medium, or Hard?

If you’ve walked down the oral care aisle of your local drugstore lately, you’ve seen the wide variety of toothbrushes on the market. From ones with a conventional head (that’s shaped like a rectangle with rounded corners) to ones with a diamond head, it’s sometimes confusing to know which toothbrush to buy.

Generally speaking, the one with a diamond shaped head can get into hard-to-reach places inside your mouth. Some newer brushes will come with bristles of varying sizes and shapes. Their purpose is to give the brush a more effective clean and by varying the size and shape of the bristles, you can cover more surface area of your teeth. This will enable a more effective clean when you brush your teeth.

Then you have the hardness of the bristles: soft, medium, hard. The majority of dentists recommend you use a soft-bristled brush if you have sensitive teeth and gums. If there is a significant buildup of plaque, you may want to consider a medium brush for a more effective cleaning.

There’s really no good reason for selecting a toothbrush with hard bristles. While some people claim to prefer hard bristles, they can cause more harm than good by removing tooth enamel due to improper brushing. Several scientific studies have been performed on the damage that improper brushing of one’s teeth can cause.

Physical Damage

If your toothbrush has frayed or splayed bristles, it’s long overdue for a change. Damaged bristles can do more harm than good. Considering toothbrushes are relatively inexpensive, you should run out and buy a new one if you notice any physical damage to it.

The same goes for the heads of electric toothbrushes. The instructions of the manufacturer will give you a “change date”. It’s best to follow their recommended suggestions. Don’t try to stretch it out, thinking you’re going to save a buck or two.

Germs and the Toilet

When you flush your toilet, the swirling vortex of water shoots microscopic water droplets as high as 10” into the air. These droplets of water can contain viruses such as E. coli and Staph. They can stay airborne for up to 30 minutes, and some of them can even find their way onto your toothbrush.

If you can help it, move your toothbrush holder to the far side of your bathroom counter (away from the toilet) and your sink. When you wash your hands, microscopic germs can go airborne and land on your toothbrush.

There are relatively inexpensive toothbrush holders on the market that have a top or cap. They will prevent airborne germs from the toilet getting onto your toothbrush.

If you drop your toothbrush on the floor, there is no such thing as a “5 second rule”. Bacteria and viruses that are tracked in by your shoes have their suitcases in hand and when a toothbrush hits the floor, they hop on board for a quick ride into your mouth.

When you flush your toilet, do it with the lid down. It will contain the microscopic spray that occurs with every flush.

Preventative Maintenance

Every so often, take your toothbrush and dip it into a cup of hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash (the ones with anti-bacterial agents). If you accidentally drop your toothbrush on the ground, a 30 second or so rinse in a cup of hydrogen peroxide should sterilize it enough.

Some people go as far as putting their toothbrush in the dishwasher on occasion. If this seems like something you’d like to try, try putting it on the top rack of the dishwasher just to be safe. The “heat” cycle gets extremely hot and is enough to kill the germs.

Try not to store your toothbrush in an air-tight container. This could cause the brush to dry out and ideal conditions for mold to form.

Sick or Not Feeling Well?

If a loved one is sick or not feeling well, make sure that the toothbrush heads are not touching each other when you store them. That’s the quickest way to get whatever bug they have. If you yourself aren’t feeling too good, make sure to change your toothbrush when you start feeling better. The germs you had prior will be all over your toothbrush and could cause a 2nd round of not feeling well to occur.

Summary

Dentists suggest that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If damage occurs or if it falls on the floor, change it immediately. By keeping in mind these simple preventative maintenance tips, you will keep your mouth germ free and your toothbrush in proper working condition.

Dentists also suggest you have a professional teeth cleaning performed at least once a year. All the brushing in the world can’t make up for a proper dental cleaning, as dentists have specialized tools that get in the nooks and crannies a toothbrush can’t.

At Water Tower Dental Care, we specialize in helping our patients look and feel their best. Give us a call at (312) 787-2131 to schedule an appointment to get your teeth cleaned. You’ll walk out of our offices with a squeaky clean look and feel to your mouth.

Your mouth contains thousands of nerve endings which makes it sensitive to pain. If you ever have had a toothache, you know how excruciating it can get. This is why dentists like to numb the part of your mouth they’re about to work on. Numbing agents prevent the nerve endings from sending pain signals to the brain. Done properly and you won’t feel a thing while getting a root canal, extraction or other dental work.

Dentistry has come a long way since the wild wild west days. Back in the 1800’s, you’d have to visit a barber if you want a painful tooth extracted. There were no numbing agents, just a couple of swigs of whisky and the barber telling you to “be a man” while he places his foot on your chest for leverage and yanks out the tooth with a pair of pliers.

Nowadays dentists use all sorts of techniques and numbing agents to help their patients feel comfortable. In most cases people feel zero pain. It’s only after the numbing agent wears off does the pain start to kick in, and that can easily be managed with over-the-counter Ibuprofen. We’re going to look at the various numbing options out there, what type of procedure they’re generally used for, potential reactions you may have, and any benefits from a comfort standpoint.

Novocain / Lidocaine

Novocain was invented by a German chemist in 1905. It is injected by a needle into the area in your mouth the dentist wants to numb. It’s considered to be a local anesthetic as it won’t put you to sleep or make you groggy.

Over the years, most dentists have switched to a product called “Lidocaine” which is faster acting and lasts longer than Novocain.

The dentist determines the proper dosage and then sticks the needle into your mouth. A skilled dentist can minimize or almost eliminate the tiny sting of the needle by gentle vibrating the area to be injected.

Lidocaine/Novocain are generally considered to be safe. As with anything medical, there are people out there who might experience an allergic reaction. Chest pain, dizziness, nausea or shaking have all been reporting by people who suffer from an allergic reaction. It’s not known if this form of anesthetic is harmful to unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, be sure to let your dentist know.

Laughing Gas / Nitrous Oxide

Most dental offices are equipped with nitrous oxide. The purpose of it is to lightly sedate the patient without putting them to sleep completely. You will be able to hear and respond to any verbal directions your dentist may give you while under the effects of nitrous.

Nitrous is administered through a small plastic mask that is placed over your nose. It’s mixed with oxygen to render it completely safe. It may take several minutes for the effects of the gas to take hold.

You will most likely feel a deep sense of calm which can alleviate the nervousness that some people suffer from when sitting in the dental chair. You could feel light-headed or have a small tingling sensation in your arms and legs. The effects of nitrous wear off shortly after the mask is removed from your face.

Nitrous is sometimes used in conjunction with Lidocaine and other injectable numbing agents. It helps alleviate the nervousness that people sometimes suffer from when it comes to dentists and needles.

As with any medical procedure, a small portion of the population might experience side effects such as nausea, headache, increased sleepiness or excessive sweating. Be sure to inform your dentist if you start to feel any side effects.

Numbing Jelly

Numbing jelly acts the same was as Lidocaine, with one major difference: No needles. The dentist simply dips a Q-tip into a small tub of numbing jelly and then gently applies it to the area he will be working on. The numbing effect starts in as little as 90 seconds.

Most numbing jellies contain gluten, so if you have a gluten sensitivity, let your dentist know beforehand.

Triazolam

Triazolam is a little blue pill you take on an empty stomach 1 hour prior to your dental appointment. It has the same calming effect as nitrous oxide, with one additional benefit.

Triazolam is from the Valium family and is a prescribed narcotic. Prior to your dental appointment your dentist might write you a prescription for it. Fill the prescription and take the pill and by the time the dentist is working inside your mouth, you’ll feel worry-free.

Triazolam does not stop the pain of dental work by itself. Dentists will still use injectable numbing agents such as Lidocaine. It is merely to help provide comfort and peace of mind to the patient while they’re getting dental work done.

The benefit that Triazolam has over nitrous oxide is that there is a slight amnesia effect. A few hours after your dental procedure, you might find it hard to recall exactly what happened. This is a good thing for people who are scared of dentists or have to undergo major dental work.

As with any narcotic, you might feel some side-effects. You could feel dizzy, tired, nervous, excited or even get a headache. It should be noted that Triazolam will render you legally unable to drive a car. You will need to find a ride to and from the dental office as the drug lasts anywhere from 3-5 hours.

Sedation

For some people, numbing agents and little blue pills aren’t enough. They want to be put to sleep for the entire dental procedure. Sedation is only normally done in such cases as a severely impacted wisdom tooth or other complication which requires the services of an oral surgeon. Sedation could be administered by inhalation, injection or orally.

If the patient requests sedation, a trained dental anesthesiologist must be hired to put you to sleep. This adds a significant cost to the procedure and could negatively impact the quality of the dentistry. The dental anesthesiologist will only allow you to be asleep for so long, then safety protocols dictate you be woken up. This puts additional strain and pressure on the dentist and could potentially compromise the quality of the work done.

While dental anesthesiology is considered safe, there are always risks when you get put to sleep. It’s advised that you forgo being completely sedated for minor dental procedures. Numbing agents, nitrous and even Triazolam work extremely well for helping you mentally cope with the dental visit.

Compounded Topical Anesthetic

There are products on the market that combine tetracaine, lidocaine, and prilocaine in order to form a kind of super numbing gel. These compounds are usually made by local dental pharmacies. There are several medical benefits to using these gels – the biggest one being no needle is required.

The risks are minimal and if you were to experience side effects it would be the same side effects experienced with Lidocaine or other numbing agents. If you’re pregnant, be sure to advise your dentist prior to receiving the numbing gel.

Vibraject™ / DentalVibe™

These devices are relatively new. Their aim is to make injections less painful. They accomplish this by attaching to a conventional dental syringe. The battery cap is twisted, thereby providing power to the small device. It vibrates the area in the mouth where the syringe will be injected. The vibration prevents the nerves in the injection area from sending pain signals to the brain, thereby making the injection area painless.

Which Method is Right for Me?

The only way you’ll know for sure is to sit down with your dentist and discuss the options along with their pros and cons. Be sure to let your dentist know of any pre-existing health conditions, allergies and any other potential complications (such as pregnancy).

At Water Tower Dental Care, we pay special attention to the comfort of our patients. There are a wide variety of options available to help make your dental visit a pleasant one. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and Dr. Aneszko or Dr. Stino will go over your options and discuss which one is right for you.