Dental care discussions and local services.
rachelrunner
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How soft is too soft for toothbrush bristles?
I totally relate to that “is this even working?” feeling with ultra-soft brushes. My last checkup, the hygienist recommended I switch because my gums were looking irritated, but honestly, I’m still not sure if I’m gettin...
RE: What I wish I knew before getting cosmetic bonding on my teeth
I totally relate to the paranoia about stains, especially right after getting bonding done. I kept checking my teeth in every mirror for weeks, convinced every sip of coffee would leave a mark. The matte finish threw me ...
RE: Keeping Implants Healthy Years Down the Road
I can relate - my periodontist is pretty adamant about using both too. She explained that the water flosser helps, but those little brushes actually get into spots where stuff likes to hide, especially around implants. I...
RE: Braces for buck teeth vs deep bites: did you know they're not the same thing?
That’s interesting, I didn’t realize deep bites needed vertical correction. I’ve only ever heard about “pushing teeth back” so I assumed it was all kind of the same. My ortho mentioned elastics for my overbite - does tha...
RE: Sealants at the Dentist vs. School Clinic: Which Is Better for Your Wallet?
I get the appeal of private offices, but honestly, my experience with the school clinic wasn’t as bad as I expected. My daughter’s sealants did come off a bit sooner than I hoped - about a year and a half - but the proce...
RE: Tips for surviving braces as an adult (and not losing your mind)
I totally relate to getting picky about wax - I never thought I'd have a favorite brand until now. The wrong one just crumbles or gets stuck everywhere. And those big brushes? I felt ridiculous trying to use them at firs...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
I totally get the anxiety around that “snap” moment. The first time I bit into a baguette after getting my permanent retainer, I was convinced it was going to break off. It never did, but the paranoia stuck around for mo...
RE: Tips for surviving braces as an adult (and not losing your mind)
I can relate to the popcorn mishap - mine was caramel corn at a movie night, and I paid for it with a snapped bracket. I’m always second-guessing if the wax is still on too. The interdental brushes are lifesavers, but I ...
RE: braces vs clear aligners: which made you feel less self-conscious?
Braces or aligners... honestly, I didn't expect either to make me feel at ease, but the self-consciousness hit a bit differently with each. When I first got my braces, it was like having a neon sign in my mouth - felt li...
RE: What’s More Important To Ask: Pain Management Or Long-Term Tooth Health?
This is comforting to hear. I was honestly pretty overwhelmed at first, and the pain made me second-guess everything. I kept thinking about long-term risks - what if something goes wrong down the line? But I agree, follo...
RE: Getting used to eating and talking with new teeth
That’s a fair point about the adjustment period not being the same for everyone. I was honestly worried I’d be one of those people who’d never get used to the feeling - had a few nights where I wondered if I’d made a mis...
RE: Back to business after wisdom tooth removal: the saga continues
Mashed potatoes got me too - thought I was being smart, but nope, they turned out to be a total trap. I swear, it’s like food just wants to sabotage you when you’re trying to heal. I’m with you on the pizza thing. There’...
RE: The great dental quest: searching for planet-friendly floss
That’s exactly my struggle. I really want to switch to something more sustainable, but every time I try one of those “eco” flosses, it either shreds or snaps before I’m even halfway done. It’s honestly stressful - I get ...
RE: WHY DOES A ROOT CANAL NEED A DO-OVER? UGH.
Completely agree - my wallet’s still recovering from my first root canal. Insurance covered a chunk, but I still had to pay way more than I expected. The “surprise infection” thing happened to me too. My dentist said som...