Dental Check-up & Whitening Routine

Today I had my 6 month check up at my regular dentist (not who I went to for my invisalign). Things went good and it appeared my water flosser has been helping, which is awesome. The hygienist suggested using mouthwash in it, which I actually randomly tried for the first time yesterday. It was an interesting experience. I think I will try doing it once a week. I am not a fan on antiseptic mouthwash as it just tastes numbing, but it is good for getting rid of bacteria. My gums seem to have been much stronger and didn't bleed or hurt during my cleaning. My teeth even didn't react to the cold water, which they used to. This is really weird, but I used to dry brush my gums to strength them quite awhile ago and then just never stuck with it. But I think I will do that again. It's simple to do while watching tv or whatever and strong gums are good. They said my gums looked good, but it can't hurt. 

An interesting thing my hygienist said was I still should be string flossing in addition to my water flossing. I was under the impression the water flosser did a much more effective job so that wasn't necessary. But she said it's like hosing off a car as opposed to hand scrubbing it. I have a hard time believing I need both, but I guess a couple times a week is doable enough that it won't bother me to do. I also have made it a habit to brush my teeth before bed. I used to only brush in the morning, but I think it's a good idea. Plus, changing my sonicare brush head has made a big difference! I had an old head on their for a long time. It really mattered, surprisingly. 

I feel like I spend more time on my mouth than the average person, especially lately, and I almost have to. I don't want to have dental problems in the future and genetically I think I am predisposed to them. So I am trying to be on top of things. Plus, after the money I spent on having straight teeth will be a waste if my gums aren't strong enough to keep my teeth in them! Not that that is a concern right now, but I just worry. I haven't missed my nightly waterflossing since I got my waterflosser for christmas, so adding nightly brushing isn't that much of a big deal. I am doing really well at sticking to it, and it is becoming a habit, so I think it will be easier as time goes on to just do it without thinking about it. And I have been wearing my wore down retainers every night. I may have to order more (or actually call them to see if they have the ones they never gave me) My teeth still will move if I don't wear my night retainers. And that is not ok with me. They need to stay in place! So retainers it is.

Whitening is certainly not something I'm an expert at, but I think I have a good routine down. I started using the crest 3d whitening toothpaste again and quickly remembered why I stopped: it made my teeth sensitive. So I am trying to do it every OTHER day, at night only. The rest of the time, I use whatever toothpaste I have available. I don't want to overdue it. I also use the finishing touch whitening pen, probably once a week. I don't have specific times I use it. Whenever I think of it and have a free half hour, since they suggest not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after. I usually will do it right before I leave the house to go somewhere or right after I eat. I do think it made a difference. It seems to have to me, at least. But I also don't want to overdue it. I still want strong teeth and a lot of the whitening products out there, especially home remedies, seem dangerous like they'll strip your enamel. 

Below are some before and after pictures of the color of my teeth. They translate SO much better in person, but on the left is before my 2nd round of invisalign I believe (the most recent before picture I could find!) and on the right is one I took TODAY! (in natural light so it looks as best as it can photograph)

A nice white, straight smile is something I've always wanted. And I think I have it now! I always would smile with my mouth closed and now I can flash my teeth without being self conscious, which is awesome. It was completely for vanity, which seems absurd to think about, but it really bothered me. And orthodontia is practically considered a necessity in today's world. (In America) In my legal background, I have seen many divorce documents requiring parents to buy their children braces, which seems like a want to me, but I guess it's not classified as one. Regardless, I will do my best to keep my teeth the way they are! A pretty smile doesn't always mean a healthy smile. So my goal is to have BOTH!