The dental assistant provides various tasks related to clinical administration and patient care. In contrast, the dental hygienist works for cleaning and polishing patient’s teeth.

While comparing the dental assistant vs. dental hygienist, it is observed that the dental hygienists also check for oral diseases by performing a dental health examination.

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a dental assistant are,

• To take care of the patients and enable them to sit on chairs comfortably.
• Sterilize and clean all the dental pieces of equipment.
• Prepare the clinical working areas to carry on treatment processes.
• To dry the patient’s mouth through suction hoses and give the required instruments to the dentist during treatment.
• Perform x-ray processes and other laboratory tasks.
• Schedule all the patient’s appointments and their records so the patients can feel comfortable.

However, the typical responsibilities of a dental hygienist are,

• To take care of the patient’s plaque, bacteria, and stains from the patient’s teeth.
• Apply fluoride treatments to protect the teeth from decay.
• Examine oral conditions of patients and provide health reports to dentists.
• Help patients to select appropriate dental tools (e.g., floss, toothbrush, and mouthwash)
• Provide the best education to the patients on brushing and flossing techniques.

Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program is itself a challenging task. It requires both technical and interpersonal skills. There are several ways to receive the training, which includes,

• A formal dental assisting program
• On-the-job training (OJT)

On-the-job training in place of formal dental assisting education is accepted in some states. But usually, other states require students to complete a one or two-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA.

Dental Assistant Salary

According to the HR-reported data, the average salary of a dental assistant is noted as $44,431 in California (as of June 2021). But a particular range lies in between $34,831 and $53,737. Also, the salary varies state-wise.

Dental Hygienist Program

An associate’s degree in the hygienist program requires two years to complete. Typically, 300 dental hygiene programs are accredited by CODA.

Hygienist Salary

Based on the data, the average salary of a dental hygienist is $84,907 in California (data recorded in June 2021). But as mentioned earlier, the salary also varies state and nation-wise.

So, the salary contrast is clear between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist.

If you are thinking of becoming a dental hygienist just because of their handsome salary, WDAS will first encourage you to become a dental assistant first.

This technique gives you a wide variety of knowledge for your upcoming dental career. It also provides you with the skillset of becoming a successful hygienist in your desired future.

Therefore, while contrasting the dental assistant vs. dental hygienist, the studying program of dental hygienists requires a long commitment. Being a dental hygienist, it’s a gratifying job but requires a lot of dedication. One has to learn a variety of subjects in a short period. But if you succeed in doing so, the hygienist salary will be as promising as your hard work.

The use of Invisalign rubber bands is a beneficial orthodontic treatment. This procedure includes clear plastic aligner trays, which help to reshape your teeth. These aligners are replaced every one or two weeks. Sometimes, your dentist may require you to wear elastic rubber bands with Invisalign, which is considered an alternative to traditional braces.

How Does Invisalign Work

Some devices help to align your teeth. But even they can not change the way your upper and lower teeth meet. The processes involve,

• Traditional braces
• Invisalign
• Other aligners

On the other side, elastic rubber bands exert force on teeth to correct the bite conditions. The bite usually involves overbite or underbite. The placement of rubber bands depends upon the bite condition you are going through.

The question that arises is, how does Invisalign work? Invisalign are transparent plastic aligners that align the teeth. And while brushing, one can remove it as well. Invisalign is easy to wear and remove while eating a meal, flossing, or brushing. However, rubber bands along with Invisalign can give excellent results.

Under the question of how does Invisalign work, it usually takes 21-22 hours a day. If lesser time is given, then the treatment will become prolonged. Aligners are set according to the condition of the patient.

Primarily, dentists recommend wearing rubber bands along with Invisalign if the condition is worse. Rubber bands speed up the recovery process. One should change the elastic 3-4 times a day, or at least after every 12 hours because the rubber bands lose their effectiveness and strength after 12 hours.

Invisalign is an advanced form of traditional braces. And if talking about Invisalign vs. braces cost, Invisalign costs a bit more than these conventional braces.

Invisalign vs. Braces Cost

The next question that pops up is, how much is Invisalign, and how much are braces? According to Diamond Braces, braces cost $1700 to $3500. And, Invisalign can cost from $2400 to $9000. But dental insurance will make the Invisalign process a bit cheaper.

The cost of Invisalign and braces depends upon the severity of one’s condition and the region where you live. The dentists usually advise wearing rubber bands in clear or ivory-colored rounds as they have lower visibility. But it is not necessary that every time you get Invisalign, you would also need rubber bands. For this, you should contact your dentist and discuss your situation. The dentist will recommend you the need of rubber bands if necessary.

When considering Invisalign vs. Braces cost, Invisalign is more advance than traditional braces. Rubber bands make the recovery process quicker if used with Invisalign.

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, it’s very important to rest for a healthy and speedy recovery. To get the maximum out of your recovery time, you should prepare in advance so you can spend most of your time in bed. If you plan everything before your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll stay away from house chores and enjoy your time. One of the most common question patients ask before going for surgery is, “How long after wisdom teeth removal can I drink my coffee, or soda, or alcohol?”. This article will explain the guidelines about the beverages that you like and want to drink after your extraction. With this preparation, you’ll know what you need to do and have before going to your dentist.

A common point for every drink after tooth removal surgery is to avoid straw. For successful recovery of the tooth socket after wisdom teeth removal, the formation of a blood clot is essential. If you suck on a straw to enjoy your favorite drink, it can disturb the blood clot and prolong your healing time. If the blood clot is dislodged badly, it can also give you an extremely painful condition called dry socket. Whatever you drink, please avoid using a straw after your wisdom tooth extraction.

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Drink Coffee?

You may be waiting during the whole surgery just to drink your cup of favorite coffee, but you shouldn’t. After your wisdom tooth extraction, you should avoid consuming hot coffee, tea, and other hot drinks for 24-48 hours. The heat from these liquids can irritate the surgery site and damage the healing process. Instead, go for a cold coffee or ice tea. When drinking cold liquids, please avoid using a straw as it’s terrible for your recovery.

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Until I Can Drink Soda(Carbonated Drinks)?

Who doesn’t like to drink a soda, especially when feeling low! According to most dental experts, you should wait for, say, at least 48 hours to drink soda after the removal of your wisdom teeth. Soda drinks have carbonated bubbles that can disturb the blood clot that is essential for the healing of your surgery site. This, in return, can make your recovery time lengthy and agonizing.

Can You Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After having your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s best to wait for 48-72 hours before drinking alcohol, beer, or wine. But the time period as to when it’s safe to drink alcohol also depends on the prescription pain relievers you’re taking. When combined with pain medication, alcohol can be very harmful, leading to liver failure and other severe health conditions. Listen to what your dentist says and follow the instructions. To stay away from troubles, avoid drinking alcohol until you’re done with your pain relievers.

How Long After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can You Have Acidic Drinks?

Drinks that contain high amounts of citric acid are not the best liquids to drink when healing from wisdom teeth removal surgery. Lemonade or orange juice can upset the surgery area and increase the chances of infection development. Avoid acidic drinks for around 7-10 days until the surgery site heals.

Following these preventative measures will promise a healthy recovery. If you’re wondering, the best drink after a wisdom tooth extraction is none other than your H2O friend – water! The more rigorously you follow these measures, the faster you can return to your favorite drinks.

Feel free to contact us!

Our team at Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry is always glad to answer your queries. To talk to your Sugar Land dentist, call us at (281) 937-7530.

Brushing the teeth twice a day is not enough. Teach your child how to brush appropriately. Supervise the children while they brush to make sure that they brush for at least two minutes and spit the toothpaste out. This is the most common way to keep cavities in children low.

Keeping your child away from sugar is vital to their oral health. A small exposure to sugar every once in a while is safe; but constant exposure to sugar and junk food is dangerous for the child. Sugar weakens the enamel layer upon the teeth. Without the enamel, the teeth become vulnerable to cavities that can eventually lead to tooth loss.

There is a lot of plaque buried in the parts between our teeth. Flossing every day helps you get rid of plaque that can lead to cavities. While the child is still small, it is the parent’s responsibility to floss their child’s teeth. A mistake while flossing could harm the gums severely. Once your child turns eight to nine years old, begin teaching them how to floss and supervise them while they floss.

Take your child for their first visit to the periodontist as soon as they get a year old. The periodontist will be able to inform you if the child is brushing their teeth appropriately and if further attention is required. The dentist will also be able to guide you on what steps you can take to protect your child’s oral health from a young age. You can also discuss with your dentist about getting your child a dental sealant to protect their teeth from cavities.

At Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, we have expert periodontists to help ensure there are no cavities in your children’s mouths. If you haven’t booked your child’s first visit to the dentist, then call us now at 281-937-7530 to book your appointment.

Adult teeth are capable of enduring minor oral illnesses without taking severe damage to the teeth and gums. Children, however, can not endure oral diseases since their teeth are not strong enough and are easy for cavities to penetrate.

The first step you can take to protect your child’s oral health is to teach them how to brush their teeth. In the beginning, hold your child’s hand and guide them. Once they begin brushing their teeth on their own, supervise them. Some parents do not supervise their children when they brush their teeth. If you do not watch your child, your child may not use the correct technique for brushing his teeth, which may further endanger their teeth. Next, make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your child will need to use fluoride toothpaste for a maximum cleanse.

You will also need to have your child visit the dentist after their first birthday. Dental checkups should take place every six months. An early dental visit helps the child get familiar with dental processes. As a result, the child will not be afraid to visit the dentist when they are old. So, the sooner you bring your child for his first visit, the better experience you will have in your later visits.

It is essential to protect your child’s oral health while they are still an infant. Make sure that your child stays away from chocolates as well since they are harmful to oral health.

At Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. We have a dental specialist experienced in dealing with children, our team of dentists is always happy to guide you towards protecting your child’s oral health. Do not hesitate to call us at 281-937-7530 or schedule your child’s first visit.

If you are suffering from extreme yellowish teeth, broken teeth, spaced and misalignment in your teeth, then Veneers are the best solution that will help you achieve the best-looking smile.

But if you have any oral health issues or slight discoloration of teeth, your dentist will suggest you first proceed with treating the problem and then proceed with Veneers treatment.

How Does The Procedure Begin?

Your dentist will most probably begin with having you undergo several different tests and examinations. This is important for him/her to determine your condition and the health of your gums and teeth.

If the condition of your mouth is not suitable for Veneers, you may have to undergo the treatment to make your mouth ready for Veneers. Treatments could include anything such as:

• fillings
• root canal treatment
• orthodontic treatments, etc.

During these sessions, your dentist will also take you through clarifying your doubts, expectations and explaining the complete procedure and outcome.

What Happens Next?

Once all the above is complete, now it’s time to fix your Veneers.

The first sitting may take around an hour. Once your examinations are complete, your dentist will use digital technology to show you how the outcome would look. This will help you have an understanding and also set your expectations right.

Once that stage is complete, your Veneers will not take more than two to three sessions. The first session would be to prepare your mouth, impressions, and restorations. The second session would be two three weeks later for testing and fitting.

Maintain Your Veneers

Once your Veneers are fixed in place, it is up to you to maintain them. Remember that Veneers are expensive; hence, it may not be an easy task to have them replaced; therefore, you may never have to have them replaced if you maintain them well.

Keep your mouth clean and practice good oral hygiene, and a regular visit to your hygienist are ways to ensure a long life for your Veneers.

To learn more about Veneers, visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, and our doctors will take you through the complete process. Book an appointment by calling us at 281-937-7530.

Electric toothbrushes do the cleaning for you so that you do not have to move your hands. There are various factors for good dental health. Among the most important is your brushing technique. When you brush your teeth, a lot of plaque stays behind, stuck in corners or where you do not rub your toothbrush. An electric toothbrush targets such places and gets rid of such plaque.

Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes. If I were to ask you, how long do you brush your teeth for, what would you answer? An electric toothbrush usually has a two-minute timer to ensure that you brush your teeth as you should. Has your dentist ever told you that you brush your teeth vigorously? Brushing your teeth too hard can cause:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Gums recession
• Risk of cavities

Also, remember that receding gums do not grow back, and teeth abrasion can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. You mustn’t brush your teeth too hard. An electric toothbrush does just that. Electric toothbrushes have a sensor built within, which will notify you if you brush your teeth too hard.

While adults may find an electric toothbrush beneficial, children benefit from electric toothbrushes even more. Let me explain how: Have you ever stood there while your child is brushing their teeth? Children may not focus on the technique while brushing. They may not brush for long enough, which may affect their oral health.

But there are a lot of different styles, types, and brands for electric toothbrushes. Inquire with your dentist regarding which electric toothbrush you should buy. If you are looking for expert advice, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our team of dentists will be happy to assist you in taking your first step towards better oral health. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.

Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas tissues; it is formed with the cells and lethal. Usually, people, after getting diagnosed, have three years to 3.5 years to survive. Since it has no symptoms and can not be diagnosed earlier, it is only diagnosed within its advanced stages. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, it is indeed curable.

If you are overweight, consume alcohol, and smoke, you may be at risk of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer may also travel through hereditary means. If someone in your family has it, you may be at risk.

Recent research has proven that oral health plays a significant part in the progression of pancreatic cells:

Oral Bacteria Can Lead To A Pancreatic Cancer

When your pancreas develops any changes with the DNA, you feel what is described as a tumor. The severity of cancer depends on the number of oral bacteria present within the pancreas.

Teeth Loss and Gum Disease Hit You Late But Hits You Hard

Losing your teeth at an early age has some downsides when you turn old. Recent research has proven that those who have suffered from tooth loss and gum disease are more prone to suffer from pancreatic cancer.

If there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, smoke, consume alcohol or red meat, then remain alert. There is medical research to prove that oral health plays an essential part in your wellbeing, so to stay away from any illness and diseases, remember to eat healthily and visit your dentist regularly.

If you are looking for expert advice, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, where our doctors will be able to assist you and help solve all your queries. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.

Now that you have got your braces, you have started the journey to achieving a confident smile. During your treatment, you will have regular dental visits where your orthodontist will make adjustments per your treatment plan. But what more could you do to make the most out of your treatment?

Do Not Miss Your Dental Visits

When you visit your orthodontist, they will straighten your teeth, tighten your braces and monitor your progress to see how your treatment is going ahead. But they will not check for any oral problems. Hence you will have to visit your dentist to ensure your oral health problems are taken care of. Your dentist will check for signs of decay or any gum disease and treat the problem before it interferes with your braces treatment.

Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

We all know that with brackets, wires, and bands in your mouth, it becomes challenging to clean your teeth and mouth properly. Hence there is an accumulation of plaque, stain, and tartar on your teeth. This can lead to several dental problems; therefore, your dentist will recommend you visit them for teeth cleaning session every three months.

You Will Not See Results With Poor Oral Hygiene

If you are teeth and gums healthy can lead to slowing down your treatment. If you do not take care of your oral hygiene, it can cause gum infection. When your gums are swollen, it can hinder the orthodontist’s ability to work on your mouth. And if the infection becomes severe, chances are you will have to stop your treatment by removing the brackets to treat the infection. And this can extensively prolong the treatment.

Listen To Your Orthodontist

Make sure you do not chew ice, candies, or any hard food items, as instructed by your orthodontist, because these food items can lead to bending or breaking your wires. And if your brackets or wires are broken, your teeth will not move. Also, make sure the elastics your orthodontist places in your mouth stay intact. You will require these to move your teeth in the right direction. If you remove them, this can lead to damaging your complete jawline and prolonging your treatment.

What does an orthodontist looks forward to is their patient having a beautiful and confident smile. If you have any questions about your braces treatment, you can always speak to our orthodontists at Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Call us at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.

Have you ever thought if it’s the right time to throw away that toothbrush of yours? It depends on how you use it, your health, and your preferences. It would be best if you ideally replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months.

If you think that how you would know the time is right, the best way to figure it out is to remember when you got the last one and if you cannot, then the time is right. Some other factors you can decide on are:

• If you are feeling better after a terrible sickness.
• If you store all the toothbrushes next to one another.
• If the bristles of your toothbrush are frayed.

Some Styles To Choose From:
Now that you have decided that it is time to get a new toothbrush, you need to figure out the type of brush you will be buying. The most common types of brush are a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. But how do you decide which one is right for you?

• Manual Toothbrush: It is the most commonly used toothbrush which you probably are using since childhood. It is easy to use, portable and handy. It does not vibrate or make any noise when in operation. And it gives you full control over the fact that how much pressure you want to apply to your teeth and gums.
• Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush is a very commonly used toothbrush nowadays. It will require you to charge the brush before you use it, and you will have to take the charger with you when you travel. But the most significant benefit of it is that due to the bristles’ rotating movement, cleaning your teeth and between gum lines become much easier.

Ways To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
No matter whichever toothbrush you purchase, make sure you rinse it with clean water after using it and always store your toothbrush in a vertical position. The bristles should be upright so they can properly dry.

Our dentists know how important your oral health is; hence, proper use of a toothbrush is crucial. To learn more about toothbrushes, reach out to Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, and our team of dentists will assist you. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to book a consultation.