Dental care discussions and local services.
patriciapoet
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RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
I totally relate to the “tray detective” thing - sometimes I feel like I’m squinting at my own teeth for ages, just trying to spot if something’s off. One thing I always watch for is when the aligner doesn’t snap on with...
RE: Little tricks for fixing slightly crooked teeth without braces
Bonding can definitely feel a bit odd at first - mine felt kind of “thick” against my lip for a few days, and I kept poking at it with my tongue. It settled down after a week or so, but I’m still hyper-aware of any littl...
RE: When your favorite water bottle starts to smell funky
I’ve actually used those tablets on an old coffee thermos after a patient mentioned it - couldn’t stand the mystery smell anymore. It worked, but I was so paranoid about residue I rinsed it a dozen times. Funny how clean...
RE: What if your implant keeps bugging you - how would you cope?
I totally get the urge to just wait it out - honestly, I’ve seen so many people (myself included) hope that nagging pain would just disappear. But once, I had a patient who waited a bit too long thinking it was just “set...
RE: Worried about mouth sores that won’t heal - should I be concerned?
Three weeks is definitely pushing it - I get anxious over anything that lingers that long, honestly. I once had a patient who swore his sore was just from spicy food, but after a month it turned out to be a sharp tooth r...
RE: Quick fix for small gaps between teeth
Popcorn and tortilla chips are basically public enemies for dental work, I swear. I’ve seen so many folks come in with a chipped bonding or a cracked veneer after biting into something “harmless.” It’s like you get the g...
RE: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO GET ALL 4 WISDOM TEETH OUT AT ONCE?
It’s funny you mention the pineapple juice thing - I kept seeing people swear by it online, but when I had all four out, I honestly couldn’t tell if it did anything. I was so focused on not messing up the gauze and tryin...
RE: Sealants at the Dentist vs. School Clinic: Which Is Better for Your Wallet?
I tend to agree with you there, at least in theory. I get anxious about little things like moisture sneaking in, especially with squirmy kids - sometimes that can make or break how long a sealant lasts. I’ve seen sealant...
RE: What do you actually eat with aligners?
I totally get what you mean about the trays picking up weird smells - sometimes I swear mine develop a funk even when I’m just drinking water. I’ve gotten a bit paranoid about it, honestly. Someone once told me to use di...
RE: Would you freak out if your stitches took longer to dissolve?
I get the whole “don’t poke at them” thing - I always tell patients to leave stitches alone. But honestly, if they’re still hanging around past two weeks, I start to get a little nervous. Had a patient once who thought i...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
That tomato trick is actually spot on - I've used that line with my own family, and it really gets the point across. I totally get what you mean about folks getting a bit too relaxed with electrics. I remember one patien...
RE: Weirdest pain after getting braces tightened - normal or not?
I totally get what you mean about yogurt feeling like a risk. There was a week after my last tightening where even soup felt like chewing gravel. Honestly, I started cutting sandwiches into tiny pieces and just sort of.....
RE: The great dental quest: searching for planet-friendly floss
I hear you on the silk floss disaster - been there, and I still cringe remembering the time I got it so stuck I ended up poking around with a paperclip (not my finest moment). The guilt about waste is real, but honestly,...
RE: Keeping your mouth happy after a root canal
That cracked me up - my own partner called it “the world’s weirdest push-up.” Honestly, gentle and slow seems to work best after all that dental drama. Tingling usually settles, but I always get nervous about it too. Mug...