Mechanical Vs. Manual Toothbrushes

{gallery}versus{/gallery}

When it comes to brushing, the manual toothbrush has shown us over the years that it is up for the task. In later years, when the mechanical toothbrush was introduced, it challenged not whether it could brush teeth, but how well and consistently it could get the job done. Both tools are effective in their own rights, but which toothbrush is right for you? Here are some pros, cons and tips to help you make that choice!

Firstly, both brushes should be selected carefully. You will want to make sure you select a soft bristled brush that is the right size for your mouth, so you can reach all your back teeth. One pro for the mechanical brush, is that the brush is typically smaller and can access harder to reach areas.

Brushing in general is intended to remove plaque and stimulate the gums. Both products can accomplish this when used properly, but how do you use them properly? Manual toothbrushes should be held at a 45-degree angle. Starting at the gum line, you will use a gentle circular motion and move the brush up and down each tooth.

A mechanical brush takes most of the guess work out of how to move the brush. The movement, whether oscillating or vibrating, will depend on the model of brush you’ve chosen. Another pro for the mechanical brush, is that some come with timers. Ensuring that you have finished cleaning either individual portions or your entire mouth during a two-minute cycle.

You always want to make sure you spend enough time brushing. While it may seem more intuitive to use the brush with the timer, you must factor in the weight of the brush. Due to the power brush holding batteries, a pro for the manual is that it is significantly lighter and may be easier for some to hold for longer periods of time.

With cost being factored in, you can count on a manual brush being the cheaper option. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better, but for the ease of use, the investment may be a sound one for you.

Please be sure to consider all dynamics of each brush before making a purchase. You want to brush correctly, efficiently and make a decision that keeps you smiling!

Let's Talk About Your Breath - Part 1

Brushing your teeth plays the lead role in your hygiene routine, but it may not be as simple as you think. Several factors come into play that contribute to good oral hygiene. Lucky for you, we've done the dirty work and assembled some helpful tips to keeping a clean mouth! 

When?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and tartar. The brushing process should take about 2 minutes. Don't forget to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months (more often if the bristles are fraying). 

How?

You should brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. Gently brushing with short strokes. .Be sure you brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of teeth. Don't skip your tongue! A build-up of tongue plaque is a leading cause of bad breath! Use a brush or plastic tongue scraper to clean your tongue daily.

What?

Choose a soft brush (harder ones can irritate the gums) in a shape and size that fits your mouth. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay. 

Where?

Your toothbrush can't go everywhere! Floss and use an interdental cleaner in-between teeth to remove bacteria-ridden plaque. You may also want to add an anti-bacterial mouth rinse to your daily routine. Be sure to go have a professional cleaning twice a year or more. Also, visit your dentist if you have pain, swelling, bleeding or notice strange changes in your teeth or gums.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

One of the most critical components to a successful restorative outcome is how the laboratory works with the dentist office to properly fill prescriptions. We at Gator Ceramics believe that excellent communication with our dentist partners is an absolute necessity to achieve predictable results and ultimately, happy patients. We view ourselves as an extension of the dentist's office and an integral part of the dental team. We take great pride in our ability to anticipate issues that might otherwise result in a less than desirable outcome. If we foresee any issues, we communicate with our dentist partners to avoid these potential failures. Communication is done occasionally in person, often over the phone, and sometimes through written correspondence. However, the goal is always to provide the best possible results in every case that we create.

9/13/17 - Spotlight: Full Contour Zirconia Crown

We would like to take a moment to spotlight one of our more popular products; the GatorZ Crown. GatorZ Crowns are made with an aesthetically pleasing yet functional zirconia material. While this is not the strongest material we offer, it is measured at 850 MPA (which is considered a very strong tensile strength rating). We use a multilayer puck that allows us to regulate the amount of translucency and adjust shade balance. Please note that GatorZ Crowns can be applied to anterior as well as posterior areas. For strength and aesthetics, go for GatorZ Crowns!

Photo Gallery: Full Contour Zirconia Crown

{gallery}zirconiacrown{/gallery}