Dental care discussions and local services.
susanfisher
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RE: Comparing root canal quotes when the crown isn’t included
Ask whether any retreatment coverage applies only to the endodontic procedure. The later crown, onlay, or final filling may be handled by a different dentist, so that restoration could still be a separate expense even if...
RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
That’s wild about the hydration thing - I’ve noticed that too, and honestly, I usually blame it on eating too many salty snacks. Out of curiosity, did your trays ever feel tighter after a rough night’s sleep or stress? I...
RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
Totally get what you mean about the molar area being the first to act up. It’s like those back teeth are the drama queens of aligner tracking - if something’s off, they’ll let you know. I’ve had patients swear their bite...
RE: How picky are you about cleaning around your braces or aligners?
I hear you on the splash zone...I’ve tried a few “affordable” models and, honestly, they all have me mopping up after. Even the fancy ones will soak your shirt if you get distracted. I once aimed it the wrong way and got...
RE: Getting comfortable with a big smile even when your gums show
Honestly, after braces, it’s like you suddenly notice your gums in every selfie - like, were they always this obvious? But here’s the funny part: most people are too busy worrying about their own teeth to care. Did your ...
RE: Keeping dentures fresh when you’re forgetful like me
That sticky note trick is underrated - mine just says “Teeth!” and it still works most days. Honestly, I’ve seen folks try to “catch up” after a few missed days by scrubbing extra hard, but that film just laughs at you. ...
RE: Picking the right color for your braces bands: my go-to trick
That yellow-ish effect with dark bands is real - especially in photos under weird lighting. I’ve seen folks pick black thinking it’s “safe,” but then complain their teeth look off. Ever tried mixing colors, like alternat...
RE: Getting used to my shiny smile: finally feeling okay about braces
Threading floss around braces wires is basically an Olympic sport - seriously, whoever designed those little floss threaders must have had a lot of patience. I hear you about the poking and fumbling; I’ve seen people pra...
RE: Is It Okay to Suck My Thumb at Bedtime?
I swear, insurance companies have a sixth sense for what people actually need and then immediately label it “not covered.” I had a patient once who needed braces as an adult because thumb-sucking as a kid left her with a...
RE: Worried about 6 root canals
Chipmunk cheeks are basically a rite of passage at this point. I’ve seen folks come in convinced they’ll be out of commission for a week, but honestly, most are surprised how manageable it is. Did you get that weird ting...
RE: Keeping pain at bay after wisdom tooth extraction: worth the fuss?
That’s not just in your head - salt actually does pull double duty. It helps rinse away debris, but it also creates a less friendly environment for bacteria. Two weeks of rinsing is totally reasonable, especially if you ...
RE: Keeping sore gums in check: what actually works for you?
Film-on-the-teeth toothpaste is such a letdown, right? You expect spa day for your gums and end up with chalky teeth. I’m with you - sometimes “gentle” options are anything but. And the kid’s toothbrush trick is underrat...
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
That popcorn ban is brutal, right? I always tell folks: salt water’s like chicken soup for the mouth - doesn’t cure everything, but sure feels comforting. Did anyone else get mixed advice about using a straw? Some say it...
RE: That first week after wisdom teeth removal… did anyone else swear by ice packs?
Pea mush is basically a rite of passage after wisdom teeth, right? I’ve seen folks swear by everything from frozen corn to a bag of old blueberries (wouldn’t recommend that one). The 20 on/20 off thing actually does make...