adminmarc, Author at Unsichtbare Zahnspange Berlin

Antibacterial Aligners

Aligners And Retainers Made Of Petg Plastic - A Hygienic Solution

Innovative, Antibacterial Material For Invisible Braces

Aligners and retainers made of clear plastic are the modern way of straightening teeth and in many cases replace the classic treatment with metal braces. Many patients ask us whether aligners and retainers are hygienic at all. After all, plaque can build up in the trays. We give you the answer to this question – and valuable tips on oral and aligner care.

Aligners, Retainers & Co: A Clean Affair Thanks To Special Coating

Clear aligners and retainers are made of soft plastic – based on a tooth impression. The disadvantage of standard acrylics is their susceptibility to bacterial colonization. This results on the one hand from the structure of the material itself, and on the other hand from the situation in the mouth. Bacteria can easily multiply in the warm, moist climate of the oral cavity. If oral hygiene is inadequate, they form bacterial biofilms on teeth and aligners which are difficult to remove, thus increasing the risk of periodontitis. In addition, the acidic excretory products of the bacteria quickly make the acrylic rigid, brittle and unsightly.

The Hygienic Solution - Superhydrophilic Petg Plastics

Korean scientists have finally developed an antibacterial coating for aligner and retainer plastics, significantly increasing the hygiene factor in aligner treatment. For this purpose, they modified the classic polymer film made of polyethylene terephthalate with glycol (PETG) and then coated it with carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan. This resulted in a resistant plastic with a superhydrophilic (water-loving) surface.

Advantages Of Aligners / Dental Splints Made Of PETG

For these good reasons, we at Speedcorrect Berlin have decided to offer our patients only aligners made of PET-G.

However, without a thorough cleaning of the braces and consistent oral hygiene, it still does not work.

How do I properly care for my aligners / invisible braces?

Here are some tips on how to keep your aligners (and retainers) clean and germ-free throughout treatment:

Cleaning Your Aligners

Rinse your aligners with cold or lukewarm water after removing them. This will prevent saliva and bacteria from “settling” in the aligners. Then clean them with a soft toothbrush and a little liquid soap. In between, your invisible braces will enjoy a “bath” in a lukewarm cleaning solution for braces or a special cleaner for aligners. We will be happy to recommend the right products for you.

Important:

Using water that is too hot can deform the aligners. For the same reason, you should only clean the aligners under lukewarm water.
Heavy scrubbing can damage the invisible braces.
Do not use toothpaste to clean the aligners. The polishing particles in toothpaste can roughen the splint material and settle as a whitish deposit on the aligner and affect its transparency.

Thorough Dental Care

The invisible braces are removed before every meal. Please brush your teeth thoroughly or at least rinse your mouth before reinserting the previously cleaned aligners. Do not forget to clean the interdental spaces. Interdental brushes or interdental sticks are best suited for this purpose. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can prevent “fermented” food residues from getting stuck between your teeth and the aligners.

It is extremely important that you keep your aligners and retainers hygienically clean throughout the treatment. If you have difficulties with this, let dr.med.dent. Marc Adler or his team help you with this. We will be happy to demonstrate the best way to clean your invisible braces so that they are always fresh and clean. We will also be happy to give you tips on proper dental care.

Call us today under 030 44 323 019 or email us at info@speedcorrect.de.

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Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening

DIY Teeth Whitening At Home: What You Always Wanted To Know.

White teeth are beautiful to look at. There is no changing that. No wonder more and more people are turning to do-it-yourself whitening products. Get white teeth quickly and save on dentist’s fees: That sounds just too tempting. However, bleaching strips and gels from the drugstore or eBay are anything but safe. We present the various DIY alternatives and briefly the professional methods of teeth whitening.

Are over-the-counter whitening gels, strips and tray gel kits safe?

Everyone who regularly drinks their black tea or a glass of red wine knows the problem: teeth become discolored and do not find their way back to their old “shine” even after a professional dental cleaning. What could be more natural than trying out one of the tooth whitening products available on the free market? As tempting as the promises of the providers may sound: We at the orthodontic practice dr.med.dent. Adler are convinced that bleaching with DIY products does more harm than good. But from the beginning:

Why are do-it-yourself bleaching products ineffective?

Bleaching products from the drugstore or eBay do not contain enough carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to permanently change tooth color. According to the legislator, they may have a maximum active ingredient concentration of 0.1%. Dental practices, on the other hand, work with much higher concentrations (0.1-6% home bleaching and in-office bleaching up to 35%), which makes it possible to achieve a beautiful, even whitening of the teeth.

Also, it happens very easily that users make mistakes when bleaching at home. In turn, incorrect application of the products can lead to unexpected and undesirable results. Why, you will learn in the following paragraphs.

Bleaching - Pens, Strips And Tinctures: Cheap, Ineffective And Often Harmful

Bleaching strips (strips) for teeth whitening are widely available. They are available for little money in drugstores or on the Internet. The same applies to bleaching pens for treating individual teeth, as well as special tinctures with which the user brushes his teeth. In most cases, you will achieve a slight teeth-whitening effect with these products. However, the hoped-for wow effect will not occur with them.

Since the strips (whitening strips) only lie on the tooth surfaces, the bleaching agent does not reach the interdental spaces. With the bleaching pen and the tincture, the application is often not even. For this reason, the result of these methods is often stained. We say: better slightly darker teeth than stained ones!

Another problem we often encounter is the tooth and gum irritation that occurs when the products are used excessively and improperly. Many users repeat the procedure if they are dissatisfied after the first pass. Then, after several passes, they suddenly complain of painful teeth.

Sets Of Dental Trays And Whitening Gel: One For All!

Many of the do-it-yourself products come as a set of universal dental trays and bleaching gels. Since these trays are not individually adapted to the user’s teeth, it is difficult to dose the bleaching gel. Some teeth get too little, others too much of the gel. If this then oozes out of the trays, severe gum irritation is pre-programmed.

Pseudo-Professional Teeth Whitening Sets

Recently, there are even sets on the Internet consisting of impression trays, impression material, UV light and bleaching gel for sale. With these sets, consumers are led to believe that you can make your own custom trays to perform light-activated bleaching just like at the dentist’s office. However, it takes some experience to create a good dental impression. No wonder the do-it-yourself trays often don’t fit properly. The included UV lamp doesn’t have enough power to support teeth whitening. At the low price, it can’t. Unfortunately, the packaging of these products often indicates no active ingredient concentration or one that is far too high for over-the-counter products. The customer thus receives a surprise package – with unpleasant consequences.

Unsafe Treatment

Although the aforementioned DIY whitening kits are advertised as “safe,” they often cause users to experience toothaches, gum inflammation and stomach problems. In the worst cases, DIY teeth whitening even damages the nerves of the teeth. If you want to be absolutely sure that your teeth will not “die” as a result of DIY – bleaching, it is better to leave the whitening kits alone.

Special Toothpastes For Teeth Whitening

Many toothpastes with the promise of whiter teeth contain bicarbonate and sometimes Blue Covarine, a dye that makes yellow teeth look whiter for a short time. The active principle of these toothpastes is based primarily on medium to high abrasion. The abrasion more or less reliably removes tea, red wine and nicotine stains. This gives the impression of whiter teeth, although the paste actually only makes them particularly clean and makes them “look” whiter. Users do not achieve real teeth whitening with it.

The main disadvantage of abrasive toothpastes is that they can cause severe damage to tooth enamel and especially to exposed tooth necks.

Oil Pulling (Oil Chewing, Oil Cure) - An Ayurvedic Method Of Teeth Whitening

The alternative Ayurvedic method of oil pulling as part of dental care is becoming increasingly popular in the West. It is said to strengthen the entire oral cavity and have a teeth-whitening effect. When oil pulling (oil chewing), you keep a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 15 minutes and pull it “through your teeth” from time to time. Sesame oil is recommended, but you can also use any other cold-pressed vegetable oil. According to Ayurvedic teachings, the oil is where the body’s toxins collect. When you spit out the oil, the toxins are supposed to disappear as well. In fact, the oil cure has a positive effect on the mouth and teeth, which is why we thoroughly recommend it. However, it cannot bring about a real whitening of teeth or even a cure for dental diseases.

In Summary: The Main Advantages And Disadvantages Of Diy Home - Bleaching

Advantages

Disadvantages

Less effective and unpredictable results.
DIY methods are convenient, but they are only effective up to a certain point. You will never achieve the same results with them as you would in the professional environment of a dental office.
Tooth and gum damage due to application errors.
When doing do-it-yourself teeth whitening at home, you can make many mistakes. The risk of damaging your enamel or gums is high. If you are not careful, DIY teeth whitening can do more harm than good.

What are the effective and safe options for teeth whitening?

Many dentists offer fast and especially safe in-office bleaching in addition to so-called home bleaching. In both cases, the treatment is always preceded by professional teeth cleaning. In this way, the dentists ensure that the whitening is based on the actual tooth color and that the treatment result is uniform.

Controlled home bleaching: convenient teeth whitening at home

As part of home bleaching, the dentist will give you individually made dental trays and bleaching gel to take home. Of course, he will also instruct you in the proper use of the kit. He will choose the concentration of active ingredients so that tooth sensitivity is minimized and the whitening result is maximized. The duration of the treatment is individually between 8 to 14 days. A check-up appointment is held in between.

In-office bleaching: Efficient, Fast And Safe Bleaching At The Dentist's Office

With in-office bleaching, the bleaching gel is applied directly to the teeth. In this process, the dentist or specially trained dental assistant works with a concentration of active ingredients that is much higher than in over-the-counter products. The additional use of UV light activates and accelerates tooth whitening. The sensitive gums are covered before the treatment begins and thus are perfectly protected.

In most cases, one dental session is sufficient for significantly whitened teeth and a radiant smile. In the case of very dark teeth, however, up to three treatments may be necessary. After the bleaching treatment, a special dental care product is applied to protect your teeth.

Would you like to learn more about bleaching in our orthodontic practice? Then feel free to call and make an appointment with us.

Call us today at 030 44 323 019 or email us at info@speedcorrect.de.

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Order Braces Online

Order braces online? Better not!

More and more adults want beautiful straight teeth, and they want them as quickly and discreetly as possible. To make this dream come true, many of you order “invisible braces” (aligners) on the Internet instead of visiting an orthodontist. But this can backfire and, in the worst case, end in disaster. Find out why in this article.

The Underestimated Danger Of Aligners From The Internet

Orthodontics has made real quantum leaps in the last ten years. One of the most important innovations is the ability to correct teeth almost invisibly. Inconspicuous options such as therapy with removable clear aligners are therefore becoming increasingly popular. The uncomplicated handling and problem-free integration of tooth correction into everyday life have contributed to the triumph of colorless aligners. In view of the ease of handling, more and more prospective customers are asking: “If it’s so simple, why do I need a dentist or orthodontist? Can’t it be done just as well with sets from the Internet?”

These are questions with dangerous consequences if they are answered incorrectly – as they are by online businessmen. Incidentally, they care little about the well-being of their clientele. Rather, they operate their “mail-order braces business” primarily for profit, where not quality but “mass” determines the level of annual profit.

What are "online braces"?

Orthodontic appliances such as Invisalign® or Clear Aligners rightly have their price. After all, years of experience, precise diagnostics, high-quality materials, and professional manufacturing methods go into every aligner set from an orthodontist. Certain online companies, on the other hand, offer inexpensive do-it-yourself alternatives without orthodontic guidance

Instead of sending their customers to an orthodontist or certified dentist in advance, these “direct providers” encourage them to self-therapy. In fact, purchasers of such products must take the necessary denture impressions themselves. These are then sent to the specified address together with photos.

After a short time, a dental technician (often from a distant country) contacts the buyers and certifies that they are suitable aligner candidates. Again, a short time later, the customers already have their aligner sets in the mail … with “operating instructions,” of course. From then on, the individual customer is completely on his own. At the latest when problems arise, these patients end up at our dental practice.

Suitable For Aligner Therapy: An Elastic Term

Serious orthodontists and dentists certified for treatment would never make a treatment recommendation without first conducting a thorough examination. That is not the case with online providers. It makes us sad and angry when we see these companies playing with people’s dreams to make a quick buck. By the way, they are not only harming the customers who trust them. The reputation of professional orthodontists and dentists, who have worked for years to acquire their knowledge and skills, also suffers under these profiteers. It is not for nothing that cheap aligner suppliers are facing numerous lawsuits.

The Hidden Dangers Of "Cheap" Braces

The hidden dangers of “cheap” braces

The patient by no means has the know-how to make jaw impressions on his own or to carry out a tooth correction on his own. This is why the German Orthodontic Society (DGKFO e.V.) describes the independent creation of jaw impressions and DIY orthodontic therapy as medically irresponsible. This is about much more than just straight anterior teeth. It’s about patients’ proper bite together and, in turn, their long-term dental health.

The Pitfalls Of Third-Party Aligners In Detail

No Comprehensive Pre-Examination And Pre-Treatment

Any responsible orthodontist or dentist thoroughly examines his patients before recommending orthodontic treatment. If necessary, he creates the necessary conditions for the treatment.

No Control And Documentation Of The Treatment

Another danger posed by “braces online” & co. is the lack of treatment control. If you are treated with aligners in the practice of an orthodontist or certified dentist, routine appointments are the norm. These ensure that the treatment is going according to plan and that the teeth are also moving into the desired position. An orthodontist will adjust your treatment plan if necessary, whereas with third-party kits, they can only hope that the treatment goes “properly.”

During the course of your treatment with “braces from the internet”, tooth or gum disease may occur without them realizing it. Tooth loss due to untreated root infection or periodontitis will jeopardize the success of any orthodontic therapy.

You Risk Your Teeth Looking Worse Than They Did Before Your Treatment

Ill-fitting aligners or moving teeth too quickly can lead to serious complications. The development of tooth decay, periodontitis and bite disorders, as well as tooth loss, are not uncommon. We often encounter cases where cheap aligners have pushed teeth into the wrong position, resulting in the opposite of the desired outcome. Of course, the online providers of hairpin aligners know about these dangers. This is also the reason why they absolve themselves of any responsibility in advance by means of their general terms and conditions.

Aligners Are Not Suitable For Everyone

Aligners are not the right choice for every patient. There are cases where fixed braces are a better option or must precede aligner treatment. Sometimes, an oral surgery procedure is even necessary in advance of straightening teeth in the first place.

There are a variety of different orthodontic therapy options. Only the expert can decide which one is best for your individual needs.

Choose Professional Orthodontic Treatment, Not A "Product".

Orthodontic teeth straightening is a medical service, not an off-the-shelf product. So let an orthodontist or orthodontically trained dentist guide you on your way to beautiful straight teeth. This is the only way to be on the safe side and receive professional, high-quality treatment.

The tempting low prices for aligners from the online store only help to save costs in the short term. In the long run, DIY therapy can prove to be very costly. Especially if the orthodontist/dentist has to straighten your teeth (again) afterwards.

At Speedcorrect, we help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To do this, we rely on customized treatments, state-of-the-art technologies, and warm care. With our individual treatment plans, you are guaranteed to achieve your personal goal.

Simply make an appointment with us. We’ll be happy to introduce you to our wide range of treatment options.

Call us today under 030 44 323 019 or email us at info@speedcorrect.de.

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