TikTok has become wildly popular as a source of entertaining and informative videos. You could spend the afternoon watching adorable cat videos, grandma dancing to Drake, recipe videos that make you want to run for the kitchen, and silly people doing very, VERY silly things. While most of the videos are fun and even informative, a few videos have offered suggestions on what to do to your teeth to make them look different. Some of these TikTok tooth videos can harm your smile and overall health.
Zombek Orthodontics loves seeing you with a gorgeous smile. What we wouldn’t love is having to see you in our office to repair potentially irreversible damage after you’ve filed down your teeth or bejeweled it or whatever other wild thing you may have done because you saw it on TikTok. Those who encourage these “decorations” don’t realize how dangerous they could be. Don’t be fooled by them calling these ideas “cosmetic dentistry” or “cosmetic orthodontics.” There’s a huge difference between what you see online and cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics done by professionals. Before you decide to listen to a self-proclaimed TikTok orthodontist or doing DIY orthodontic treatment at home, let us show you what we mean.
One of the big TikTok trends that has us shaking our heads is the idea that you should reshape your teeth. People discuss how to reshape your teeth if you don’t like the shape or if you want vampire fangs or wolf teeth or some other shape. Please please don’t file down your teeth.
Filing your teeth causes permanent damage by removing the enamel — the hard outer shell that protects the living inside of your tooth. That shell keeps your teeth from rotting and becoming infected. This could cause the tooth to fall out. Using a nail file on your teeth can also be incredibly painful, both during the process and afterward when the exposed pulp and dentin inside the tooth rots and dies. The tooth will eventually turn brown or black and fall out.
Bottom line, when it comes to teeth filing, don’t try this at home — or anywhere else.
We’ve seen another TikTok dental trend that has us concerned. People are using hot glue or Super Glue to place fake tooth gems on their teeth. They believe adding teeth gems this way looks great for Halloween or gives their smile a little extra “bling.” It may seem like a fun idea, but it won’t seem as much fun when you see the damage it does to your teeth.
The hot glue can scar your tooth, discoloring it. The excessive heat can also damage your tooth, causing it to rot and eventually fall out. It can also cause severe burns to your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
You might think Super Glue would be a better option, but it isn’t. The bond is so strong that it can cause permanent damage to your tooth because it would be difficult — if not impossible — to get off. You could also accidentally get it on the soft tissue in your mouth and damage it to the point that a trip to the dentist or even the emergency room would be your only option to get rid of it. On top of all that, Super Glue is highly toxic. That means you could get very sick from using it.
If you want to “bling” up your smile for Halloween or any other event, talk to a dentist or Dr. Zombek about safe alternatives.
We’ve seen another TikTok orthodontic trend that we find very dangerous. Videos show people doing “at-home braces” or do-it-yourself orthodontics using rubber bands, ponytail holders, or whatever else they decide to fit around their teeth. They claim that doing this will close gaps and move teeth without needing braces or even a visit to an orthodontist. They also suggest that wearing fake braces or “fashion braces” can move your teeth or give them that braces look without worrying about what an orthodontist might say.
They don’t understand that orthodontics is a very detailed-oriented, specific process involving minute calculations to move each tooth a certain way. Otherwise, you can move a tooth to the wrong place, move it too much, or move it too fast. This can cause other dental problems, such as crowded teeth, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. That’s why dental trends from TikTok can be so dangerous.
Zombek Orthodontics gives you a detailed examination on your first visit, complete with 3D digital scans and x-rays using cutting-edge technology. We draw up a very specific plan customized to you. This plan moves your teeth exactly the right way to give you a perfect smile without damaging your teeth, jaws, or gums. You will never get those results from a rubber band or ponytail holder.
If you’re thinking of using homemade braces or fake braces, please talk to us first. You may be surprised at the options we can offer you, and you will definitely be pleased when your teeth don’t fall out from wrapping them in your old hair scrunchie.
You’ve probably heard of those mail-order, at-home orthodontic companies who plaster social media (TikTok included) with ads about how much easier and cheaper it is to use their products. They lead you to believe anyone can use clear aligners.
The truth is, these companies care more about profits than final results. Those final results usually aren’t what people expect. That’s because not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners. Some people need braces and possibly appliances such as a tongue crib or palate expander before braces to get the best results. That’s why it is so important to go to a licensed, professional orthodontist for your clear aligners.
Zombek Orthodontics is Platinum Invisalign Provider in Hollywood, FL, and Weston, FL. That means we provide at least 60 Invisalign treatments every six months, so you know we have the expertise to know whether Invisalign is right for you. Unlike mail-in companies, the most important thing to us is your satisfaction with your new smile.
We can’t neglect one of the grossest trends we’ve seen — using nail polish on teeth to change their color. You should NEVER use nail polish on your teeth. For one thing, it’s highly toxic, so you can get very sick. For another, it can discolor your teeth permanently, which means you would need a cap, crown, or veneer to repair the damage.
There is a product called Chrom Toothpolish that was created by dentists to color teeth. It is non-toxic and temporary and comes in various colors and glitters. It can be removed with normal toothbrushing. However, it is not recommended if you have braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. The company recommends you check with your dentist or orthodontist before using the product.
If you’re truly looking to get the smile of your dreams, don’t rely on a TikTok trend or other instructions from social media. If you’re in the Hollywood or Weston, FL, areas, come see us by booking an appointment. We will give you a thorough examination and layout options that will achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without any damage or illness. We are definitely your safe bet compared to what you might see on social media. You can stick with TikTok for cute cat videos, but when it comes to gorgeous smiles, we’re the ones you want to see!
A straight smile may look great, but it has a lot more health benefits than you might think. Did you know you can eat better, sleep better, and even speak better with straight teeth? Straight teeth have more physical health benefits than most people think, but they also provide self-confidence and self-esteem that can benefit your mental and emotional health as well. The
You got your braces, and you’re on your way to the smile you’ve always wanted. Then…you have to move. What do you do? Can you change orthodontists when you already have braces? Can you switch dentists with braces? Do you have to commute cross-country just to get your dream smile? Will you have your braces on for the rest of your life if you can’t? Don’t worry — you can definitely switch orthodontists! In our profession, we understand that patients may have to move during treatment. They may also not see eye-to-eye with their doctor, or perhaps they just have too many scheduling conflicts to make it work. Whatever the reason, it is possible to transfer an orthodontic patient during treatment.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we welcome all patients, whether they’re new or changing orthodontists during braces, Lightforce braces, or Invisalign treatment. We will work with your previous orthodontist to get the information we need, and we’ll build a new plan that works best for you.
Change isn’t always easy, but as doctors, we are here to make changes as easy as possible. You need to take certain steps for a smooth transfer from one orthodontist's office to another. The first step is the most important — choosing your new orthodontist. If you’re moving to south Florida or are already in the Hollywood, FL, or Weston, FL, area, we’d love for you to choose us!
Once the choice is made, you’ll want to talk to your current doctor, if you feel comfortable. If you’re moving away from the area, they might be able to assist you in finding a new orthodontist. Most orthodontists would be happy to do anything for you, including arranging a transfer.
How do you choose your new orthodontist? There are several options available to you. If you know people in your target area, you can start with recommendations from them. That will at least give you an idea of where to begin. Research the office in your target area using resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the local Chamber of Commerce, Google reviews, Facebook groups, or even your dentist if you’re staying in the area. If you’re not staying in the area, can you switch dentists with braces, or can you switch dentists during Invisalign? Of course! You can find a dentist in a similar fashion to finding your new orthodontist.
The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) offers patients an orthodontic transfer form that makes it easier to move from one orthodontist to another during treatment. The form will keep track of the status of your current treatment. It will also provide dental records, a list of orthodontic appliances you may have, your financial information and arrangement, and other pertinent information. You can fill out the form online with a PDF filler.
Once you’ve chosen the orthodontist you’d like, and perhaps a few backups, you’ll want to schedule a consultation to check out your potential new doctor. If you’re moving to the Hollywood or Weston, FL, areas, you can start with Zombek Orthodontics by initiating a virtual consult from your desktop, laptop, or even your mobile phone! You’ll want to let the new office know you’re in the middle of treatment and want to transfer to their office. That way, they’ll know to start working on your transfer right away. As orthodontists, we know that your goal is to get your dream smile in as little time as possible. We don’t want there to be any unnecessary delays in your transfer process, so the sooner we know about it, the better.
The consultation at the new office is essential, but it can also be a little intimidating. Will this team meet my needs thoroughly? Will they be able to offer the same treatment? Can another dentist remove my braces? Is it a good idea to be moving in the middle of Invisalign treatment?
Your new orthodontist should be able to answer these questions and more. Expect the initial consultation to be a thorough one. Be prepared to talk a little about why you’re changing orthodontists during braces or Invisalign. If the reason for the transfer isn’t about a move, don’t be afraid to explain your issues or grievances so that your new orthodontist can be aware of how to best care for you.
Your new orthodontist will likely lay out a plan during your initial consultation to change out your braces or Invisalign. You should be prepared that they might have to remove your current braces and replace them. They might do that because their braces or treatment plan may differ from what you have currently. It’s much easier to start from scratch than to adapt someone else’s hardware to your new treatment plan.
Moving may be a common reason to change orthodontists during braces, but it’s not the only reason. Several other factors could be involved in your decision.
Sometimes, a patient doesn’t agree with the treatment plan laid out by an orthodontist. While the orthodontist is the professional, sometimes a treatment plan doesn’t feel right. The best thing is to talk to your orthodontist and voice your concerns early so that they can be addressed. It’s one of the many reasons why at Zombek Orthodontics, we offer a consultation. However, if the orthodontist doesn’t feel that the patient’s idea for treatment is in their best interest, they may refuse to treat. In this case, it’s better to find a new orthodontist. In the end, you should be happy with your decision and your treatment.
Sometimes, the conflict with the orthodontist isn’t about treatment — it’s about scheduling. If you have a busy schedule, it will be hard to fit in an orthodontist appointment. If your orthodontist has a huge clientele, scheduling is even more difficult. Try working with your orthodontist to find a solution. Changing orthodontists may be the only answer. You must attend appointments and get regular checkups, so you need an orthodontist who can accommodate your schedule.
Every person has different needs and that translates to needs from their orthodontist and orthodontic office; from anxiety about a dentist or orthodontist to accommodations related to physical disabilities. Your doctor should understand and be willing to listen and address any issues you have. As an orthodontist in South Florida, Dr. Zombek understands that some people have anxiety about visiting a dentist or orthodontist. He and his team work hard to ease patients' concerns and allow them to have as comfortable a visit as possible. But if your orthodontist isn’t as sympathetic or accommodating, then it might be time to move on.
For some patients, a transfer comes after they lose their current orthodontist. The orthodontist may retire and close his business or decide to sell the business to another orthodontist. You may decide to give the new orthodontist a try or decide it’s time to transfer to another orthodontist. Usually, the departing orthodontist will let you know via letter or email when they are leaving and whether the practice will close or will continue on. They should give you enough time to find another orthodontist and begin a transfer if that’s what you prefer to do.
Changing orthodontists during braces can take time, and figuring out the finances may take a good chunk of that time. If you paid in full at the start, your current orthodontist would need to figure out how much they need to refund you. If you’re on a payment plan, the doctor will need to figure out what you will owe to the end date of your treatment, if anything. Payment plans can’t be transferred between orthodontists so you’ll need to set up a new payment plan with your new orthodontist.
Be sure the new orthodontist offers a payment plan similar to what you have. Some orthodontists offer extended payment plans, while others don’t. Some accept dental insurance and FSA/HSA accounts, while others stick with in-house financing. Make sure your financial options are a part of your initial conversation with the potential new orthodontist and find the one who will work best for you. If you used your insurance benefit with your current orthodontist, you might not have benefits left to cover fees for your new orthodontist. Check with your dental insurance to see where you stand on benefits for the year.
You will have new treatment fees once you transfer. Your new orthodontist will have a new financial plan and contract for you. There may also be fees for obtaining your orthodontic records from your current orthodontist and fees to remove your braces from your previous orthodontist. State or local requirements differ so be sure to get details on financing from all possible choices for your new orthodontist.
Changing orthodontists during braces or changing orthodontists during Invisalign treatment can be a complicated process. We want to make it easier. Keep the above steps in mind to facilitate a smooth transition. If you’re in southern Florida or moving to the Hollywood, FL, or Weston, FL, areas, consider Zombek Orthodontics as your new orthodontist. We can aid you in your transition, and we offer treatment with LightForce braces and Invisalign. In fact, Zombek Orthodontics is a Platinum Invisalign Provider! We also provide zero-interest, in-house financing, extended payment plans, and low down payments.
A straight smile may look great, but it has a lot more health benefits than you might think. Did you know you can eat better, sleep better, and even speak better with straight teeth? Straight teeth have more physical health benefits than most people think, but they also provide self-confidence and self-esteem that can benefit your mental and emotional health as well. The differences between attractive crooked teeth vs. straight teeth attractiveness are hard to argue. Zombek Orthodontics strives to bring you the perfect forever smile not just for looks but also for your oral health and overall health.
Let’s look at some of the many benefits a straight smile can bring to you. What will straighter teeth mean to you?
Let’s face it: It’s not easy to brush and floss those crooked teeth! When your teeth are crooked, it’s more difficult to get all of the plaque off all of the surfaces of the teeth. That can lead to tartar buildup on your teeth — that hard, crusty stuff your dentist has to scrape off during a cleaning. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to tooth decay. You have a bigger chance of developing cavities, tooth discoloration, and gum disease if you can’t clean your teeth properly. Excessive plaque can also cause bad breath. No one wants that, right?
Straight teeth make it easier to keep them clean. With the smooth surfaces lined up properly, your toothbrush has a better chance to remove all of the plaque, which reduces tartar buildup and tooth decay. So the straighter your teeth, the lesser your chances of developing cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Plaque and tartar don’t just affect your teeth. They can also damage your gums. Crooked teeth not only make it harder to keep your gums clean, but they can also create unwanted spaces between the soft tissue and the tooth. Food particles and plaque can get into these spaces, which can lead to inflammation and infection. This can lead to periodontal disease.
Gum disease is painful and breaks down the soft tissue, allowing the teeth to move. Extreme gum disease can lead to tooth loss and severe infection. You’ll have trouble eating, which will lead to overall health issues.
Straight teeth make it easier to keep the gums clean and healthy. You can brush and floss them easily, and healthy gums keep food particles away from your tooth roots and keep the tissue solid against the tooth. Healthy gums mean a healthy smile!
Your speech depends on the placement of your lips and tongue. Crooked teeth can get in the way of that. Your tongue may not be able to move and sit properly with certain sounds. Your speech could be slurred, or you could develop a slight lisp from crooked teeth.
Straight teeth allow your lips and tongue to move as they were meant, which means clearer, more concise speech. You won’t have to repeat things so much!
Crooked teeth make it harder to chew properly, putting unusual pressure on your jaw. Your jaws connect at the temporomandibular joint, and this joint can become sore from that excess pressure. Jaw pain at the joint is called temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly called TMJ.
TMJ disorder causes jaw pain, popping sounds when chewing, improper chewing, and inflammation. It can make it difficult to chew, particularly hard or chewy foods.
Straight teeth allow you to chew properly, eliminating that excess pressure on your jaw that leads to TMJ disorder. That means you can chew without popping sounds or pain!
If you have problems chewing, you have problems digesting. That’s because digestion starts in your mouth. As you chew, your saliva begins to break down the food and separate out the good stuff — the nutrients. This happens because your teeth break apart the food and allow the saliva to get to it.
Crooked teeth don’t come together properly like straight teeth do, so they aren’t able to break down the food as well. You end up digesting less in your mouth, and you swallow larger bites of the food. Larger bites mean more work for your stomach and gut. This can lead to indigestion, gas, and lack of proper nutrient absorption.
Straight teeth connect as they’re meant to do, so they can tear apart the food faster and easier. Proper chewing means more digestion takes place in your mouth, which makes it easier on the stomach and gut. So if you’re experiencing tummy issues, your crooked teeth may be a factor!
Obviously, if you have problems digesting, it will affect your overall health. That’s because digestion is how you get your nutrients. Without them, you can experience everything from weak bones and muscles to fatigue and even heart problems.
The ability to chew properly is vital to your overall health. Crooked teeth can make chewing and digestion more difficult, while straight teeth can make both much easier. If you enjoy eating healthy foods, you’ll want to take advantage of all those great nutrients. Straight teeth can help you do that.
One of the biggest advantages of straightening your teeth is the self-confidence and self-esteem you will gain. More self-confidence and self-esteem will improve your emotional and mental health.
Admittedly, crooked teeth aren’t as attractive as straight teeth. Your smile creates a huge first impression, and crooked teeth can diminish that impression. A straight, radiant smile can welcome people to you and create a positive image of you from the start.
Because your straight teeth are cleaner, it also means your first impression won’t include really bad breath. Bacteria and infection can lead to some seriously nasty breath. That’s not a good way to make a first impression!
Your teeth are about more than just creating that first impression. Positive responses from people can build your confidence and reduce your stress and anxiety. That improves your emotional and mental health, which are just as important as your physical health.
Self-confidence and self-esteem are so important to mental and emotional health, especially for teenagers already going through normal teenage angst. Teenagers who hide their smile may be afraid to show off their teeth. This can damage a first impression, but it can also damage the teen’s mental and emotional health. Crooked teeth can also damage physical health, both in the short- and long term. That’s why treating crooked teeth with braces or Invisalign is so important.
The team at Zombek Orthodontics understands the importance of straight teeth not only to oral health but also to overall health. We want you to have a smile you can be proud to show off, both now and for years to come. We offer a variety of orthodontic options, from self-ligating and LightForce braces to Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. We provide treatment to kids and adults because we know it’s never too late to have the smile of your dreams!
If you’re ready for straight teeth and better oral and overall health, start with a virtual consult and tell us what you’d like to see in your smile. We’ll bring you in for a no-obligation, thorough evaluation and lay out your best treatment options.
You deserve the smile of your dreams, and you deserve to be your healthiest self. We can show you how a new smile can lead to a new you!
Thumb-sucking is a common habit for children, but it can also be a habit for some adults. It’s not as common as with children, but the underlying reasons are often similar. Small children usually suck their thumbs as a comfort measure to relieve anxiety. Over time, they break the habit as they get older, but they may pick it up again as adults. While it seems a far less destructive habit than some others, thumb-sucking can actually cause substantial issues with your dental health and, eventually, your overall health. Luckily, there are several tips, tricks, and methods to help with breaking this habit, including ones Zombek Orthodontics can offer in a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment.
Thumb-sucking can cause your teeth to become misaligned because as you suck your thumb, your thumb pushes your top teeth out while your tongue pushes down and into the back of the front teeth. This can lead to overbites or crossbites. It can also eventually lead to other issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea, which can cause health issues such as heart disease. Many adult patients are hesitant to ask for help in breaking this habit, but at Zombek Orthodontics, we understand and will treat you with dignity and respect.
Adult thumb-sucking isn’t talked about as much as child thumb-sucking, but it may be more common than people think. Some researchers estimate that 1 in 10 adults suck their thumb at one point or another. Some just never break the habit from childhood, while others take up the habit to relieve anxiety.
It’s believed that adults use thumb-sucking to reduce stress or anxiety. It can also provide comfort or relaxation. The psychological and behavioral effects aren’t completely understood. What is known though, is the damage thumb-sucking can do to your dental health, and eventually, your overall health.
Thumb-sucking begins causing oral issues before teeth even appear in children and can continue to cause several dental issues as the teeth grow in for babies and children. When adult teeth grow in, more issues can arise. Often, an orthodontist must address these issues before they cause more problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea, which can lead to heart problems.
The thumb presses against the palate, or the roof of the mouth, and makes it more concave. This can misalign the teeth and lead to snoring or sleep apnea problems. It can also cause the teeth to move, creating an overbite, a deep bite, or an open bite. This can cause issues with chewing and speaking. Thumb-sucking also leads to a higher likelihood of getting infections and other sicknesses due to bacteria and viruses being introduced to the mouth by the thumb.
It isn’t easy to break a thumb-sucking habit, especially if it’s a lifelong habit. Most habits are not easy to break, simply because your body gets used to certain behaviors and coping mechanisms. BUT, IT IS POSSIBLE. It is always possible to stop habits you do not want to continue and start new habits. The big thing to remember is to start with a small goal, like not sucking your thumb for one day, and then build up to bigger and more permanent goals. And when it comes to stopping your thumb-sucking habit, we can help! Zombek Orthodontics has suggestions for breaking the habit, and if those don’t help, we have tools that can do the job.
Because it’s believed thumb-sucking is used to relieve anxiety, addressing that stress or anxiety is a good start to getting rid of the habit. Try reducing stress with physical exercise, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. There are several resources that can help with this, including apps and online videos.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another option that may help get to the root of your habit and the causes for it. This therapy examines the causes of the stress or anxiety and provides ways to cope with it.
Other home remedies are available, such as using a nontoxic fingernail coating made to stop thumb-sucking by creating a bitter taste in the mouth. If you mainly find yourself sucking your thumb at night and when you sleep, you can also try wearing gloves, a bandage on your thumb, mouth taping, or even wearing a sock on your hand. These are all methods that can be helpful for fingernail biting habits as well.
If home remedies don’t work, Zombek Orthodontics can help. We have a special appliance that acts as a tongue crib to train the tongue to stay off the back of the upper front teeth. This tongue crib makes it difficult, if not impossible, to suck your thumb. The tongue crib serves the other purpose of training the tongue to sit back from the teeth, so it’s not uncommon to see an orthodontic patient with it. Rest assured, you won’t be the first person we’ve seen with this habit. You won’t find judgment here. Instead, you’ll find a team of professionals who will provide you with friendly, compassionate, judgment-free care.
We can examine your teeth, determine what orthodontic issues you may have due to the thumb-sucking, and create a treatment plan to straighten your teeth. We can also figure out whether braces or clear aligners will best benefit you. If you live in the Weston, FL, or Hollywood, FL, areas, you can schedule an appointment with us.
Adult thumb-sucking may be a hard habit to break, but it is breakable, and doing so can benefit your overall health. If you’re ready to take the first steps, Zombek Orthodontics is here to help!
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