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Sugar and Its Effects on Your Teeth | Schnecksville Dentist

Well, despite quite the rollercoaster of a year, we’ve made it – we are officially in the holiday season. And while it doesn’t quite look like the holidays we are used to, some things will never change, especially when it comes to eating. We need these holiday favorites to show up and comfort us during this wild time. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be somewhat bad for us. It’s the season of the cakes and cookies, the ultimate of the food hugs – how are we supposed to control ourselves? Know that you just need to try, because all of that sugar is wreaking havoc on your smile.

When you eat something sugary, harmful bacteria in your mouth get to dine and dine they do. Then they produce acids, and this is what is breaking down your tooth enamel. The more the enamel is destroyed, the faster a cavity develops. The good thing is that saliva helps wash away the acids in our mouth causing the issue. Saliva has minerals within it that help to build back the damaged tooth enamel. Think of it like the front line for your smile. The more sugar you eat, the more you feed the bad bacteria. And if you aren’t practicing good dental hygiene, they will cause more damage. And this is why it is so important to continue to practice proper dental hygiene routines daily. Can’t let those cavity creeps damage your healthy smile.

We aren’t saying avoid sugary treats all together – we aren’t monsters. ‘Tis the season! Just be mindful of what you’re eating and practice proper dental hygiene after each indulgence. And make an appointment in the new year to make sure you’re doing a great job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrating the Holidays with Your Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

As we rapidly approach the holiday season, it is important to know that while we love to indulge in all of our favorite holiday treats, we need to make sure not to forgot about our smiles in the process. After all, we couldn’t enjoy these holidays without it. This may not be the holiday season we are used to, but we can’t let our dental hygiene fall to the wayside. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin to celebrate this holiday season:

Avoid grazing. There are just so many delicious foods to overindulge in, but it is best to stay focused on the matter at hand – try to limit snacking throughout the day. Not only will it allow for bacteria to constantly cling to your teeth, but you will be too full to enjoy the meal itself.

Maintain a balance. We all know there are loads of foods that are bad for us available, but there are also lots of great foods. So, enjoy everything, just make sure to balance it out with foods that contain calcium and/or protein, and fruits and vegetables.

Stay hydrated. Tis the season for seasonal drinks, but it is important that you try to remain hydrated. Not only will you keep some type of composure from too much egg nog, but it will also increase saliva production, which helps to keep bad bacteria away from your teeth.

Practice proper dental hygiene. It’s a busy time of year for everyone, but that’s no excuse to let your dental hygiene slip. Brush twice a day, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash. And after the holidays are done, visit your dentist to make sure you’ve done a good job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Say Cheese! Invisalign and Our Wine N’ Smile Event | Schnecksville Dentist

As a professional adult, we know that our outer appearances mean a lot to our day-to-day lives. It affects our careers, our personal lives and our overall self-esteem. But what if your smile is your personal issue? After all, a smile is the first thing a stranger sees when meeting you, so most adults feel that their smile is a very necessary focus when addressing their first impressions towards others. Our Wine N’ Smile event will give you the boost needed on the path to a perfect smile.

Thankfully, there are ways around fixing your crooked smile without anyone knowing. Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten your teeth without having to use traditional braces. With Invisalign, you will receive a series of treatments where clear plastic aligners are custom created for an individual patient. Each aligner is worm for a specific period of time, slowly and slightly correcting the patient’s bite. As the patient completes the specified time with each aligner, the teeth slowly shift into their proper position.

The aligners should be worn as often as possible – generally 20-22 hours each day. They can be removed while you eat, and when you brush your teeth, but are generally worn while awake and asleep. Because the aligners are removed while you eat, you’re free to eat virtually anything you’d normally eat – there are no concerns about getting food stuck in the wires of traditional braces. Nearly all bite issues can be corrected with Invisalign.

We know it’s important to be proud of the smile you have, and we would like to help you show it off. So, we have put together an event in order to introduce you to the program and answer any questions you may have while casually sipping a glass of wine. Make your reservations for our Wine N’ Smile event today!

For more information about our Wine N‘ Smile event, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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10 Tips for a Healthy Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want a healthy smile, but are you doing your best to keep that smile healthy? After all, we at Extraordinary Smiles will do our best to treat your dental issues, but most of the work falls in your hands. Do your job well and our job is easy. But how do you know if you are doing the best possible job for your smile? Here is a quick rundown:

Brush properly. Maintaining a healthy smile means brushing, flossing and rinsing on a daily basis. Brush for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day – all four quadrants.

Even your tongue. You may not think this is necessary, but your tongue holds tons of bacteria and can lead to bad breath.

Swish, swish. Using mouthwash will not only improve your breath, but it can also strengthen your teeth, prevent plaque and gum disease. Rinsing fits anywhere in the sequence as mouthwash will dislodge debris in your mouth, making it easier for you to clean your mouth well.

Flossing. Flossing is very similar to mouthwash – it loosens particles in places your toothbrush can’t reach.

Choose your weapon. Picking out a toothbrush may seem daunting with all of the variations available. Choose soft-bristles and a small enough head to reach your back molars, electric or manual is up to you.

Keep it clean. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush after each use will help keep bacteria from entering your mouth. Allow it to air dry for optimal cleanliness – no toothbrush covers.

Swap it out. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or after having a cold.

Midnight snacks. Unless you plan on brushing and flossing after your snack, food before bedtime isn’t a good idea.

Tobacco-free. We all know smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also terrible for your smile. If you use tobacco products, try quitting.

Keep your appointments. Finally, make sure to call us for regular checkups. We are the only ones that can tell you if you’re doing a great job. It’s all about teamwork!

For more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Keeping the Needles at Bay | Schnecksville Dentist

When you’re in the dental profession, there is one major question you are constantly asked by your patients as they step in the room – am I going to need to get a shot? No, you are not alone. Many patients are sitting in the same boat as you are and as dental professionals, we have to do our best to make our patients feel comfortable while in our dental chair. But despite the anxiety that is building as we begin a dental procedure, anesthesia is necessary. It is vital to performing a successful dental procedure. So, how do you rectify this dental dilemma? The Wand.

The Wand Anesthesia System is a computer-assisted way to deliver anesthesia to the patient that is revolutionizing the dental surgery industry. No longer are the days that you are staring down the barrel of a dental needle, now there is a plastic wand.

Within this handy wand is a very tiny needle that will deliver your anesthesia to your mouth in the most pain-free way possible. And because a computer is aiding its delivery, there is now a way to only numb the tooth in question. Not only that, but the computer will also administer the correct amount of anesthesia throughout the procedure. No more “fat lip” feeling, no more embarrassing accidents. In fact, you don’t even need to miss work because an entire area in your mouth hasn’t been numbed.  

So, as you can see, you have nothing to worry about at your dental appointments. Here at Extraordinary Smiles, it is our first priority to give our patients the most calming, efficient service possible. And we are proud that The Wand Anesthesia System is the latest addition to our patient care.

For more information about The Wand Anesthesia System, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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It’s Not Hard to Make a Good Impression | Schnecksville Dentist

When it comes time to get a dental procedure done, it is important that your dental professional gets the best look into your mouth in order to prepare your mouth for what’s to come. In the past, this impression was created with trays and gooey material. For many patients, this would trigger a gag reflex or other variations of discomfort, making the whole experience very undesirable. Thankfully, dental technology has advanced in this area and 3D impressions have changed the impression-making game.

These days, dental impressions can be done with an intraoral scanner. The scanner shoots a light at the area and a 3D digital impression is created in less than a minute. Not only is this a more time-efficient way to get a look at a patient’s mouth, but if the scan isn’t taken to the satisfaction of the dental professional, or the impression isn’t as clear as it could be, it can be easily retaken at that time. No more additional appointments! This not only saves time, but also money – no more impression trays and materials to keep on hand.

Taking time to visit the dentist is something everyone needs to do, but not always the most favorite task to do. With today’s technology, these appointments are becoming faster, safer and a comfortable experience for the patient. Here at Extraordinary Smiles, we have taken advantage of many of these soothing and relaxing methods to ensure our patients have the best experience possible. Soon enough, these experiences are going to be so enjoyable, you’ll begin to look forward to making those dental appointments.

For more information about intraoral scanners, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Live Your Best Life with Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

female smile

Whether we like it or not, life happens. And sometimes that life leads to the loss of our teeth. Because our smile is so intricate to our daily lives, having any issues with it makes us feel self-conscious. We don’t smile as much, and we may develop issues speaking or eating that cause us to even step away from being social. Thankfully, this isn’t the end of your smile – it’s just time to call your dental professional for a consultation. Because, for many, the solution to this problem is dentures.

You may be thinking, ‘Am I doomed to keep my teeth in a glass next to my bed for life?’ ‘What if my teeth fall out during a social event?’ And a while back, you really wouldn’t have an option. Yes, those may be instances you would likely face. But you don’t need to have those concerns now. While there are removable dentures available, there are also fixed sets of dentures available to alleviate those uncomfortable situations typically associated with traditional dentures.

Not only that, but here at Extraordinary Smiles, we are pleased to offer our patients both partial and full denture options. Your particular case is exactly that. We are here to design your perfect smile, regardless of the issues you are facing. In fact, we offer lots of various options with your smile makeover to give you the brilliant smile you’ve always wanted, and no one will be any wiser that your smile isn’t natural.

If you feel like your smile’s flaws are causing you to shy away from living your best life, give us a call to set up a consultation. Together we can make the smile of your dreams a reality.

For more information about dentures, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Protecting Our Patients After COVID-19 | Schnecksville Dentist

As the pandemic is beginning to show signs of slowing down and life is beginning to open up again, it is important to start our new post-pandemic life by resuming dental work you were in the midst of before the pandemic hit. This includes orthodontic, cosmetic procedures and sleep dentistry treatments.

For some, this may lead to a bit of skepticism. After all, the country is just beginning to resume, and sterilization is of the utmost importance and we understand that. This is why we are implementing lots of different procedures to ensure that everyone in our office is safe. These layers of protection will not only keep our offices and instruments safe but will control infection from entering during your dental visit. These measures include:

  • Highly efficient central air purification system with ActivePure® (Certified Space technology) – Air Scrubber by Aerus
  • Extraoral aerosol suction unit
  • EPA-approved hypochlorous acid fogging
  • Sneeze guard for safety of patients and staff
  • UV light disinfection of rooms every night
  • Appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
  • Daily staff screening for symptoms
  • Limited use of waiting room
  • Frequent disinfecting of all surfaces including doorknobs, counter, pens, etc.
  • No more than two patients in the office at any given time

So, as you can see, we have made every effort possible to ensure a safe environment for you. So, don’t let your fears prevent you from getting your dental checkups. Checking on your dental health will not only keep your smile healthy, but will also help keep your overall health in top form.

For more information about dental appointments, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Protecting Your Smile During the Pandemic | Schnecksville Dentist

Young woman with toothache and ice bag.

During this rather unpredictable time, one thing we can predict is the way we take care of ourselves. Sure, your dental professionals have tools to keep our smiles healthy, but it is really our jobs to look after ourselves in between our visits. This is why it is important to keep our daily dental routines in place while we stay home and keep ourselves healthy.

Unfortunately, accidents will happen, and we will need to seek professional help. Typically, is would be simple to access a dental professional but during these quarantine times, it is important to know how to identify and soothe yourself until it can be professionally looked at.

When a toothache arises, there are a couple of options that may help. Gargling with warm saltwater will help relieve pain in the affected area by clearing out any bacteria within. If it’s swelling, you may need a cold compress and some over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen.

When you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, it is likely that it will need to be looked at. If it gets jammed or loosened, gently try to straighten it. Wrap it with some gauze or tissue to stabilize it until you can get it looked at. If it is knocked out, don’t touch the root and give it a quick rinse with cold water or milk. All of these are considered dental emergencies and your dentist will be the best advice as to what actions need to take place immediately.

Living in this pandemic is a crazy time, but we don’t need to become overwhelmed by things we can control. Taking the time to brush, floss and rinse every day will prevent long-term issues, but having some DIY tips will help when accidents arise.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Why We Need Straight Teeth | Schnecksville Dentist

In our culture, we associate straight teeth with beauty, vitality, health and even status. But being born with perfectly straight teeth is very rare. Unfortunately, many believe that straight teeth are a cosmetic choice, but that simply isn’t true. Having straight teeth have multiple advantages beyond a great smile.

Straight teeth provide the correct foundation for chewing. When your bite doesn’t align properly, it can cause pain along with dental problems. Misaligned teeth (crooked or crowded teeth) can cause issues from chronic jaw or tooth pain to excessive wear on tooth enamel. A poor bite increases stress on teeth and contributes to a shortened “life span” where teeth begin to crack and develop other signs of fatigue.

Another bonus? Cleaning straight teeth is much easier than cleaning crooked teeth, which have lots of hiding places for plaque and tiny bits of food. Not cleaning these hiding spots properly will begin to cause cavities. The next stage may be gingivitis, or an inflammation between the teeth and gums. If not taken care of with proper dental hygiene, science links chronic inflammation with a variety of health disorders, including heart disease and cancer.

Now to remedy the situation. Traditional braces were one of the few treatment options you could take in order to remedy the situation. But today, there is another option – an option that no one would even notice. Invisalign is a set of invisible aligners used to move your teeth into the correct places discretely and efficiently.

Have we gotten you intrigued? We thought so. Why not call Extraordinary Smiles and set up a consultation with Dr. Ladani to see if Invisalign is the best choice for you.

For more information about Invisalign, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.