Dental care discussions and local services.
charliebeekeeper
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Space maintainer or watchful waiting after early baby-tooth loss?
Your point about compliance makes the removable option less straightforward, but the anchor for a fixed maintainer depends on its design. I’d ask what tooth each proposed appliance would attach to and whether the eruptio...
RE: Mobile dental vans vs. community health centers for senior care - what's better?
I totally get the frustration with not knowing if or when the van’s actually going to show up. Last year, I tried scheduling with one of those mobile units for a retainer check, and it was a mess - kept refreshing the ap...
RE: How long did your bridge replacement actually take?
I know what you mean about the temp bridge feeling flimsy - I was super cautious with mine too. My dentist spaced things out over three appointments, which felt a bit drawn out, but at least I didn’t feel rushed. Insuran...
RE: ADJUSTING TO A MOUTH FULL OF NEW HARDWARE: A DAILY TALE
Yeah, I’m right there with you. Tried every cleaning hack I could find, even those little tablets that fizz like mad - still get that weird milky look after a week or two. At this point, I’m convinced it’s just part of t...
RE: Weird but true: salt water rinses are actually an old-school trick for easing denture gum pain.
I remember the first time I tried a salt water rinse after getting my braces tightened - let’s just say I was a little overzealous and basically made ocean water in my bathroom. My lips puckered so hard I thought they’d ...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
I actually kind of disagree about the “teeth move forever” thing being dramatic - my lower front teeth started shifting again about two years after I finished with braces, and I was super consistent with my retainer at f...
RE: How to make breath mints last longer (without eating the whole pack)
Letting mints dissolve slowly is definitely more satisfying than crunching, but I’ve actually had a different experience with braces. I found that even the sugar-free mints would sometimes get stuck in the brackets or wi...
RE: Weirdly, chewing on the other side after a root canal can make your jaw sore
That’s exactly how I’d describe it too. After my root canal, my bite felt totally misaligned, and I kept checking in the mirror to see if something looked off. The weirdest part for me was how chewing on the “good” side ...
RE: Keeping your mouth clean after dental work: new study says we might be overdoing it?
After getting my braces on, I went a little overboard with the rinsing - like, every time I ate, I’d use saltwater or even mouthwash. Ended up with sore gums and that weird raw feeling. My ortho actually told me I was do...
RE: Tackling decay in 13 teeth
I used to think the same, but after I started braces, the app actually helped me spot areas I was missing. The pressure sensor was good, but seeing a “map” of my brushing made me realize I was totally ignoring my back mo...
RE: What’s More Important To Ask: Pain Management Or Long-Term Tooth Health?
That really hit home for me. When I first got braces, I assumed more pain meant my teeth were moving faster or something - turns out, not always the case. My orthodontist actually told me that too much pressure can slow ...
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
I totally get the paranoia about dry socket - I was checking the extraction site every hour for days. I started with yogurt and pudding after about 18 hours because I just couldn’t do broth anymore. Didn’t really get a w...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
I totally get where you’re coming from. I tried massaging my own jaw after adjustments, and sometimes it helped, but once I overdid it and woke up feeling like I’d chewed gum for hours. Ice packs have been my go-to ever ...
RE: Ever notice how veneers were invented by a Hollywood dentist?
I’ve got veneers on my top front teeth after years of orthodontic work. Honestly, they feel pretty natural once you get used to them. I was worried about sensitivity, but it wasn’t a big deal for me. Maintenance is a bit...