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These days, it’s become more common to see adults at our office getting their teeth straightened with Invisalign clear aligners . . . that is, if you can see them! Whether they are seeking to overcome the stigma that “braces are just for kids,” or simply want straighter teeth without a mouth full of metal, Invisalign is an effective and easy solution.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, from 1994 to 2010 the number of adults 18 and older who request braces increased by 58 percent: from 680,000 to 1.1 million a year. Many adults enjoy how discreet the aligners are and that the user doesn’t need to avoid any foods or make dietary changes the way you would with traditional braces. Also, each treatment is unique to the patient.

With an Invisalign treatment, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits over traditional braces:

• The total treatment time is more precise with Invisalign because your treatment is modeled by a computer. Traditional braces depend more on an estimate and aren’t as exact.
• You’ll make fewer trips to our Albuquerque office, since you’re able to change your trays on your own every few weeks or whatever is prescribed.
• Without brackets to place over your teeth, there’s less risk to the health of your tooth enamel.
• Invisalign aligners are clear and practically invisible, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

If you’re interested in Invisalign as a treatment option, please let Drs. James and Mary Rose Twohig know. We’d be happy to help you on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!

Dear Patients,

We hope that this letter finds you and your families in good health. We at Twohig Dentistry have been anxious to see you!

On Friday, May 8, the governor lifted the order restricting dental care to urgent or emergency procedures only and we began to see patients on May 13. Our staff has been trained on new protocols that are recommended by the ADA and CDC and we are prepared to see you. For the next few weeks, we will see half the number of patients we normally see which will allow us to ensure that the systems that we implemented are effective and efficient. If you have a hygiene appointment scheduled in the next few weeks and it is canceled, the reason is that we are adjusting to better ensure the safety of both our staff and patients. In a previous letter, we mentioned some of the protocols which we are implementing. As a reminder, they are listed below:

- When we confirm your appointment, we will either screen you on the phone or, if you schedule by email, you will receive a screening form via email. We ask that you complete the form and bring it with you to your appointment.
- We ask that you reschedule your appointment if you have symptoms of respiratory infection on the day that you are scheduled.
- We will try and schedule high-risk patients at times when we have fewer patients in the office.
- On the day of your appointment, we ask that you wait in your car until you receive a call or text asking you to come into the office.
- As you come into the office, we will take your temperature and review the questions that you were asked or sent.
- If someone is accompanying you to your appointment, please ask them to wait in the car. If this is not possible, please use social distancing in the reception area.
- Patients will be asked to use a preprocedural rinse prior to your appointment.

In addition to new office implementations, we are diligently following CDC guidelines including wearing face shields and KN95 masks covered with surgical masks during procedures that generate aerosols. We will also change jackets after every patient. Due to the extra protective equipment that we will wear, we ask that you bring a sweater and/or dress warmer than you would for the weather outside as the office will be cooler than usual. Finally, it’s important to note that due to the expense of the additional precautions we are taking there will be a $10.00 PPE fee added to your appointment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at any time.

We look forward to caring for you.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose Twohig DDS and team

Over the past decade, most people have been ingesting less and less fluoride. This is not such a great trend, since fluoride has a history of successfully reducing tooth decay and promoting good dental health. Most of us drink bottled water now, so many children and adults are not getting the optimum amount of fluoride they need. Of course, dental needs vary, depending on such factors as age, tooth sensitivity, medical conditions, and risk for cavities, but there are several ways to make sure you get the proper amount of fluoride.

Fluoride can be applied in the form of foam, varnish, or mouthwash. For children, topical fluoride can be useful in the early stages of development to ensure the future strength of enamel. For people who have a dry mouth as the result of medication to treat anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, or high cholesterol, a daily fluoride rinse is recommended, as well as a varnish treatment. 

If you’ve received or are receiving any form of cancer treatment, that could be affecting your dental health. If such is the case, fluoride varnish treatments are recommended prior to, during, and after chemotherapy. Getting an oral infection during cancer treatment can be especially harmful, so it’s worthwhile to do as much as you can to prevent that.

If you suspect you might be in need of a fluoride treatment or have any questions about the treatments Twohig Dentistry offers, please feel free to give our Albuquerque office a call!

In our office, we customize treatment for every patient. Amid all of the fillings, crowns, and veneers, we find there are three treatments that are most valuable when offering our patients options: dental implants, bite guards, and teeth whitening.

Dental implants are a great tool for those who have lost teeth from trauma, genetic predetermination, decay, or fracture. Technology and design have allowed these implants to look and function like a natural tooth. They are a great investment when maintaining bone structure and smile presentation.

In our fast-paced lives, people take their stress and tension out on their teeth. Clenching and grinding, or bruxism, is on the rise. This is traumatic to crowns, fillings, and natural teeth. Headaches are a symptom of bruxism and when not treated, jaw joint inflammation and pain are a result. Bite guards are often worn at night when most of the action occurs. Many are not even aware of this habit until presented with evidence of cracked teeth, broken crowns, and pain.

Last, but most definitely not least, is whitening. Tooth whitening is safe and effective. There are different types of tooth whitening: in-office, custom trays, and over-the-counter strips. Each is effective, though at different levels. First, and your best option, is done in the office. The gums are protected and a gel with high potency is applied to the teeth. Some methods have a light shining on teeth and some have timed intervals without the light. Next are custom trays, which require an impression of your bite. Trays are picked up at a later date. At that point, instructions are given and the gel and trays are delivered. A final option is whitening strips, which can be found in many local stores. They are effective, though the whitening process is slower and some areas may not whiten.

Each treatment has risks and rewards that should always be considered prior to any treatment. Implants must be well cared for. Bite guards must be an accurate fit and worn regularly. Comfort is most important. Whitening causes temporary sensitivity and some people’s teeth whiten better than others.

Consider what your needs are, and then customize your wants to fit into the equation. A little stability from implants, protection from a bite guard, and a brilliant smile may be just what the doctor ordered. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our office, Twohig Dentistry.