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Should I Drink Bottled or Tap Water?

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tap water It is pretty hard to go out shopping or to a restaurant and not have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of water. With water bottle sales increasing drastically over the last few years, it is estimated that 15.3 billion gallons of bottled water were bought in 2021 (which was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic).

As dental professionals, we encourage all of our patients to increase their water intake to not only promote oral health but overall wellness. Water has countless amounts of benefits for the human body. Here are just a few:

  • Maintain the balance of fluids in your body
  • Help your kidneys filter your blood
  • Energize your muscles by delivering electrolytes
  • Regulate body temperature
  • Cushion the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues.

The question is, should you drink bottled water or is tap water better? Here are a few things to consider.

Tap Water Provides the Best Source of Fluoride

During the day we are constantly losing and taking in minerals. Phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and fluoride are all known to be healthy minerals that keep your teeth strong and protect them from decay.

When it comes to keeping your teeth strong and healthy, fluoride is the most important mineral. Dental professionals recommend taking fluoride through both external and internal means. This is most commonly found in:

  • Tap water
  • Rinse
  • Toothpaste
  • Supplements

Most towns add fluoride to the local tap water. This allows the population to get their dietary fluoride needs from their tap water.

Many bottled water companies remove minerals and substances including fluoride from their water. The purpose of removing these minerals is to prevent the minerals from affecting the taste. Tap water isn’t just the best choice for your oral health, there are multiple reasons why you should say goodbye to bottled water.

4 Reasons to Stop Drinking Bottled Water

  1. Bottled water has a terrible value. According to Food & Water Watch, tap water costs $0.005 per gallon while a bottle of water can cost upwards of $9.47. This is almost 2,000 times the price of tap water.
  2. Bottled water is not environmentally friendly. Plastic bottles can take years to decompose in a landfill. If they are not brought to a landfill, they are incinerated and release toxic gases into the atmosphere.
  3. Lots of bottled water brands are selling you tap water. The quality of bottled water will vary depending on the brand of water you buy. According to Natural Living, more chemicals and other unwanted compounds may go inside bottled water. Bottled water samples can contain phthalates, mold, microbes, benzene, trihalomethanes, and arsenic.
  4. Bottled water is inconvenient. Tap water is everywhere, restaurants, public drinking fountains, and spigots. For bottled water you have to go to a store to buy it.

If you aren’t sure how tap water is treated in your area, take a look at your local water fluoride report from the CDC.


How to Choose a Toothbrush

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best toothbrushes Whenever you get sick, you should automatically replace your toothbrush! This can help you avoid getting sick – again. You should also replace your toothbrush – at a minimum – every three months, even if you have been healthy. While many people store their toothbrushes with a cap or in a cabinet, bacteria, dust, and pathogens can find their way onto your toothbrush. The longer your toothbrush sits, the more likely this bacteria is to multiply and make you sick. But, when you go out to buy a toothbrush, how do you know which one will give you the best clean and keep your teeth healthy? We are glad you asked!

How to Choose a Toothbrush

At Alrez Family Dentistry, we have two favorite products we recommend to our patients. We love these toothbrushes so much that we even carry them in our office! If you don’t choose either of those, then we can definitely point you in the right direction for choosing a good-quality toothbrush that can help keep your teeth healthy. Here are the most important elements to consider when choosing a toothbrush:

  • Size & Shape. It is very important that you clean the entire surface of your tooth (and in between with flossing). So, in order to cover the entire tooth, we recommend a small, round toothbrush head. The small size of these allows you to get into those tight little spots better – especially back behind your molars where many cavities can be missed. With a round head, you can also maneuver the toothbrush around the mouth better – ensuring a thorough, fresh clean!
  • Comfort & Control. If you have arthritis or mobility issues, the shape of the handle and the grip are extra important. A rubber grip strip in the right place can prevent the brush from slipping and bruising your gums. Look for a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand, that’s easy to hold on to, and is easy to control.
  • Bristle Hardness. Brushing with a hard (or even medium) bristled toothbrush can destroy your enamel. Dentists recommend choosing a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to avoid damage to the enamel, an increase in sensitivity, or even an increase in cavities.
  • Manual vs. Electric. You may have seen the popularity of electric toothbrushes take off in the last several years, and there is a reason why! Not only do electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and tartar than a manual toothbrush, but many electric brushes also come with built-in timers – this is especially great for kids who may not brush for enough time or who don’t move the toothbrush around manually to reach all of the areas they need to. Electric toothbrushes are also a great option for elderly patients who may be suffering from arthritis or mobility issues.
  • ADA Seal of Approval. For some people, buying products from dental experts is vital. Not only do we endorse the Oral B toothbrushes, but the American Dental Association also has an excellent list of ADA-approved products. Just look for the  ADA Seal of Approval.

 

Up Your Dental Health Game at Alrez Family Dentistry

Wondering how to buy a toothbrush that will give your teeth the best clean? At your next cleaning appointment, just ask our professional and friendly dental hygienist which type of brush would work best for you. Our office has ones in stock that we recommend, but we can also recommend others based on your unique dental health needs and lifestyle.

Our comfortable, Glen Mills dental office provides exceptional dental care. Join the Alrez Yearly Dental Plan for two cleanings, two exams, fluoride rinse, and any necessary digital x-rays – all for just $299 per year! Schedule an appointment today!


August Invisalign Special: Get a $200 Wawa Gift Card

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Invisalign Aug Deal It’s no surprise that many of us have felt the sting at the gas pump lately. In fact, with the nearly 80% increase in fuel prices and a 12% hike in grocery prices since 2021, a lot of us are trying to cut expenses and stay on a budget. Alrez Family Dentistry wants to help you save money while still allowing yourself a better quality of life and a smile that builds confidence!

Start Invisalign in August and Get a $200 Wawa Gift Card

Whether you want to do it for back-to-school or because you want to feel more confident in your work meetings, our team at Alrez Family Dentistry is now offering all new Invisalign starts a $200 Wawa gift card for their treatment if they begin any time in August! Get some relief on your fuel and start the process you have been waiting for!

Payment Options

In addition to the August promotion, we have excellent financing options that can help you budget for your Invisalign treatment. Our team is committed to making dentistry accessible for every patient, so please chat with us at your August appointment about payment plans.

Why Choose Invisalign

There are a number of reasons why you would choose Invisalign as your method of correcting crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, speech issues, or eating discomfort. These are just a few!

  • Easy to start – our office can get you started quickly with x-rays and digital photos in just one visit
  • Discreet – many adults love Invisalign because they can correct their dental issues discreetly while still having professionalism in the workplace
  • Comfortable – unlike metal braces, clear aligners like Invisalign are custom fit to your mouth for comfort. These can also be removed while eating and for flossing to help protect teeth from cavities and decay.
  • No time wasted – Invisalign aligns your teeth quickly, and many people see results in their first few months with the aligners.

Get Started Today

There’s no time to waste! Schedule an appointment for your free Invisalign consultation today and start your treatment before August 31st, 2022 for your $200 Wawa gift card! We are so excited to help you take the steps toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.


The Harmful Effects of At-Home Aligners

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completed invisalign Nothing quite boosts our confidence like a big, beautiful, straight smile. What used to be an expensive or age-defined treatment is now readily available to people of all ages and can be very affordable. In fact, working professionals are excited because they can straighten their teeth discreetly with nearly invisible aligners – like Invisalign. Unfortunately, not all clear aligners are created equal, and some may cause more problems than they solve.

Third-Party Dangers

Many businesses have now seen how they can make a buck by promoting ‘at-home aligners’. These companies – like Smile Direct Club or Candid Co. – have numerous patients who have reported needing to keep coming back for realignment at the cost of the patient. Many people have complained about the high failure rates as well. In addition, you may need to get impressions redone multiple times at your own cost and pay for the retainers after your alignment series is complete. Sites like the Better Business Bureau have listed the complaints from these companies and you can read firsthand about the consequences that come from using these ‘at-home aligners’.

With these companies, there are no dentists that are checking your progress and making sure your teeth are moving. In fact, many people complain that after wearing these for months – their teeth haven’t moved or changed. We have had two recent patients that have come into our office after using Smile Direct: not only were there no results or noticeable alignment but one patient may end up losing a tooth because of it, and both patients are fighting for refunds.

Safety, Convenience, and Discretion

If you are truly seeking a way to straighten your teeth successfully and discreetly, our team at Alrez Family Dentistry can talk with you about our Invisalign options. We typically only need to get one set of impressions to make your custom aligners, and our reviews speak for themselves. After your initial appointments, you can straighten your teeth with your aligners from the comfort of your home: just continue to check in with Dr.Alrez so we can monitor your progress directly! Straightening your teeth under the guidance of a licensed and educated dentist is always the safer move.

refer aligners

In addition, we offer payment plans and financing to help with the cost, but you may find that we are actually more affordable than the third-party ‘at-home’ alignment companies and we care about your results. If you know a family member or friend that is thinking about using an at-home alignment system, please send them our way first! They’ll get better treatment with better results and you’ll get $100 cash if they begin Invisalign in our office. If you have any questions about straightening your teeth or the options we offer, please contact us or schedule an appointment today. 


Why Does Your Mask Give You Bad Breath?

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guy with bad breath Bad breath is usually a major hit to your self-confidence, whether someone else pointed it out to you or you caught a random whiff when the wind blew just right, bad breath is never something you want coming out of your mouth. There are a lot of ways to avoid bad breath. For instance, practicing good dental habits and avoiding smelly food – but, then the pandemic threw a wrench into the situation. While they assist us in staying healthy, masks also make our breath terrible. Is there a reason for this? Yes, and unfortunately, it may not be something we can avoid – completely.

The Downside to the Mask

More people than ever before have been wearing masks, leading many to ask why their breath seems to be getting worse. Fortunately, with a mask – most people aren’t going to notice your breath can clear a room. It is true, however, that your mask may be causing an increase in the bacteria that causes odor in your mouth. As we wear a mask, we are more likely to breathe through our mouths. If we wear a mask for the majority of our day – breathing through our mouths – we become susceptible to a condition called dry mouth. As our saliva decreases in our mouth, we lose the neutralizing agent that protects against bacteria and tooth decay. The end result is bad breath. By the time you remove your mask at the end of the day, your mask may be ready for the trash bin just because of the stench it puts off.

Solving the Puzzle

Wearing a mask is an important element for staying healthy, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from bad breath every time you put on a mask. Since dry mouth causes bad breath, and masks inhibit dry mouth, the solution to solving the puzzle is preventing dry mouth. Here are some ways to do this:

  • Good Dental Hygiene. The first step to good breath and a healthy level of saliva is making sure to have a good dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice per day and seeing your dentist twice a year will help keep your mouth healthy.
  • Stay Hydrated. A smart choice to stay in good health, drinking enough water throughout the day will keep your saliva levels up and your body hydrated.
  • Take a Break. Give yourself breaks during the day, in safe spaces, that allow you to remove your mask to breathe freely. Ideally, go outside and take a walk. This is great for your mental and physical health and will help keep bad breath at bay.

 

In Good Hands

For the time being, masks are going to be a part of all of our lives. As we adjust to this new normal, we encourage you to do your best to stay healthy. A great way to stay in good overall health is to stay on top of your dental check-ups. At Alrez Family Dentistry, we are committed to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile. We also have resources available to help you stay on the right track throughout the year. Schedule an appointment today – we look forward to taking care of your teeth!


Reasons to Choose Invisalign Over Metal Braces

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Girl with Invisalign
If you have been to the dentist recently, you may have discussed braces with your provider. If you are an adult, you may be concerned that getting braces at this point in your life will make you look less professional. You also may have been prevented from getting braces as a child due to financial constraints or access to dental care. You are not alone. About 25% of adults require dental correction involving braces for one reason or another. Thanks to Invisalign, more and more adults can get the smile they have always dreamed about without anyone even noticing! While metal braces are still an excellent option for dental corrections, Invisalign might be the right choice for you. Here are some reasons to choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces.

They’re Invisible

Okay, you probably already figured that one out. Invisalign is appealing because you can straighten your teeth without having to compromise your smile with metal braces. Invisible braces are especially appealing to adults in a professional or career setting. Unfortunately, many people want to improve their smile but shy away from braces because they fear what people think if they have metal braces in adulthood. First of all, no one should be swayed by the opinion of others; there is nothing wrong with getting braces when you are over the age of 18. That aside, Invisalign is an excellent choice if you want to avoid those situations and opinions altogether.

Better Technology, Better Results, Better Comfort

In the last decade or so since the perfecting of Invisalign, custom fittings have produced better results. With metal braces, there is not much room for customization. While metal braces are sized for your teeth, there is not much room for comfort adjustments. Even the bands that need to be changed regularly can cause discomfort for most people with metal braces. Because of Invisalign’s new technology, dentists can give patients a custom aligner through the use of 3-D molding or with the latest technology, the iTero Scanner – which we can use here in our office at Alrez Family Dentistry! Moldings and 3-D scans will create aligners that fit your entire mouth. As your teeth begin to move and shift, a dental provider can make a new molding as often as needed until the desired correction is reached.

One aspect that makes Invisalign exceptionally comfortable is the fact that you can remove the aligner! While you need to work with your provider to decide how many hours you will need to wear the aligner, most people can take these out after some time each day. Much like a retainer, it gives you more control and comfort over your dental corrections, unlike metal braces that force you to hide your teeth for a few years to see results.

A Beautiful Smile Starts Here

Whatever you choose, metal braces or Invisalign, our team at Alrez Family Dentistry would be happy to talk with you about the pros and cons of each option. We also recommend scheduling an appointment with us twice each year to ensure you are on the best track for optimal dental health. Your beautiful smile starts here!


Our New State-of-the-Art iTero Scanner Has Arrived!

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Getting a dental impression with moldings can be one of the most claustrophobic, gag-inducing feelings one can experience at the dentist’s office. Dental impressions are a necessity for many dental procedures, such as crown/bridge placement and Invisalign, because they enable dentists to create a custom and comfortable fit for your unique mouth needs. While the results might be worth the gagging, many people wonder, “is there a better way?” Yes, there is, and at Alrez Family Dentistry, we just received it!

Innovation in the Dental Universe

Dental Tech Using iTero Our office is so excited to present our patients with the newest innovation in dental technology: the iTero scanner! The iTero scanner is equipped with a 3D, intraoral, high-definition camera. This scanner maps your mouth in color and presents your dental team with a complete picture of what is happening inside your mouth without ever chomping down on a mold.

While a dental impression can take several minutes, the iTero scanner is quick. Finished in as little as 60 seconds, you won’t even have a chance to think about your gag reflex. In addition, the iTero can replace dental impressions in a majority of cases, like bridges and crowns, implants, and Invisalign. Finally, iTero combines timelapse and outcome simulation technology. This innovation allows our team to compare previous scans and even show you a predicted outcome of what your mouth will look like after your dental journey is complete.

The Best for Our Patients

We are proud to offer this new tech to both current and new patients. Our goal as your dental care team is to continue providing the same fantastic care with the added benefit of the latest and greatest technology. This added comfort in-office will make your dental visit a more enjoyable experience. If you have been putting off Invisalign or a much-needed bridge because you feared the mold, you can now rest easy! So give us a call, or schedule an appointment, and share in our joy as we introduce the iTero to Alrez Family Dentistry.


Spring 2021 Whitening Special

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Get $100 Off Whitening Treatment

Whiter, shinier teeth not only look great but often result in a large confidence boost.

For a limited time, Alrez Family Dentistry is offering a discount on our laser whitening services! This discount is $100 off any of our whitening services:

Bronze Beaut: Home Whitening Treatment

The Bronze Beaut

  • 35% Carbamide Peroxide
  • Our opalescence pf take-home whitening system is a super value for do-it-yourself people. This kit includes custom bleaching trays and provides professional results at home.
  • $229.00 $129

Silver Sparkler: Cosmetic Whitening Treatment

The Silver Sparkler
The Bronze Beaut Package plus:

  • In-office laser whitening session with 1 gel application
  • Great value! If you want a whiter, brighter smile fast and affordably. Tooth-gel-contact is less than 15 minutes meaning little or no tooth sensitivity!
  • $595.00 $495

Gold Gusto: Power Whitening Treatment

The Gold Gusto
The Silver Sparkler Package plus:

  • In-office whitening session with 2-gel applications
  • Fantastic results! Maximize the laser bleaching session with 2-full gel cycles! Tooth-to-gel contact is less than 30 minutes.
  • $895.00 $795

Platinum Pride: Ultra Whitening Treatment

The Platinum Pride

The Gold Gusto Package plus:

  • An additional in-office session with 2-gel applications anywhere from one to six months after your last in-office session to accomplish the best whitening!
  • Expect dramatic results!!
  • $1295.00 $1195

$100 Off Whitening Special

This treatment is a great value for those looking for a quick and effective way to brighten their smile. The treatment only lasts for about 15 minutes and the results are immediate! Take a look:

The Whitening Treatment Process

Alrez Family Dentistry uses the safest and most effective treatment methods for our customers’ teeth. This includes our whitening services.

We use BioLas laser, which allows for a shorter exposure time with an average of 18% shade improvement when compared to the arc lamp, the most commonly used whitening tool. You will see a dramatic difference in just this one treatment!

Schedule Your Whitening Treatment

To get started on your brighter, whiter smile, contact us online or dial 610-358-0313 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about our whitening services, visit our whitening page.


Could Wearing a Mask Give You Cavities?

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5 Tips for Preventing Cavities

You may have noticed some changes now that you are often wearing a mask. Not only may your breath smell different, but we have recently seen an increase in cavities in patients who wear masks for much of the day. Although we stress the importance of wearing a mask at this time, we have put together a few tips to help prevent cavities when you wear a mask.

How To Avoid Mask Mouth

  1. Woman smiling at dentistMake a conscious effort to seal your lips and breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing causes a decrease in the production and secretion of saliva, which provides a very important protective mechanism.
  2. Chew gum to promote saliva. Saliva coats and protects your teeth and all the tissue inside your mouth. Without sufficient mineral-rich saliva, we see rampant decay and gum disease!
  3. Remember to drink plenty of water. Wearing a mask has resulted in an obvious increase in dehydration and dry mouth. This is bad for your overall health, including oral health.
  4. Before you put on a mask and after you eat, try flossing and brushing your teeth. This will help eliminate any extra bacteria that may have been able to grow while your mask was on otherwise.
  5. Lastly, it is more important now than ever to visit your dentist for your routine cleanings. Your dentist will be able to properly clean your teeth and remove plaque build-up.

Visit Your Dentist

Here at Alrez Family Dentistry we have a modern and comfortable office and want to help patients with any concerns they may have. We can suggest additional and personalized tips for any changes you’ve noticed in your oral health. We are currently accepting new patients and we are following all COVID-19 guidelines to protect our staff and patients. Contact us today to make an appointment.


How To Get Over Dental Fear

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Every year, many people avoid the dentist until they feel pain or experience a dental emergency. This can be due to dental anxiety. According to a Harvard study, 24% of people suffer from dental anxiety.

To help those struggling with dental anxiety, we created a list of tips and tricks for patients to utilize when they start feeling dental anxiety.

6 Ways To Help Cope With Your Dental Anxiety

  1. Man covering his mouth from dentistCommunicate with your dentist. Voice your fears and explain your feelings to your dentist. If you are afraid of pain or needles they may need to be able to assess the situation and help you in the best way possible. Also, here at Alrez Family Dentistry, we can use laughing gas for patients that are feeling extra nervous. For more information, check out our laughing gas page.
  2. Think of a communication system with your dentist. When you’re not able to talk and you feel confined to a chair, this can trigger some anxiety without even realizing it. If you feel like you relate to this, you and your dentist can come up with a system that when you raise your hand it means it’s time for a small break. That will help you feel more in control of the situation.
  3. Feeling embarrassed Is a common emotion during a dental visit. Many feel embarrassed about the state of their dental health, but try and remind yourself that your dentist has seen it all. If you’re feeling embarrassed, remember that this is normally due to overthinking.
  4. Distracting yourself is a great way to get some anxiety relief. This is easier said than done, but you can bring a book for the waiting room or headphones to drown out the sound of a drill while you listen to your favorite music or podcast. You can try using a stress ball or a fidget spinner to occupy your hands.
  5. Address any past negative experiences you may have with your dentist. Dental anxiety sometimes stems from past negative experiences. This can be due to a careless dental staff or some pain you felt during treatment. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, try and pinpoint what experience upset you and how to work through that. Once you know, you can talk with your dentist so they can understand how to best help you and how to care for your dental anxiety.
  6. If you’re still feeling anxious after trying all of these tips, try returning to the basics. Start by taking a few deep breaths while counting them. Count for how long you inhale and exhale for the same amount of time. Try and relax all your muscles one at a time. Start with your head and relax way down to your toes.

Comfortable and Clean Office Made For You

Alrez Family Dentistry wants to help ease any anxiety you might feel. We have a modern and comfortable office along with the supplies needed to give all patients a successful visit. Our staff and doctors are here for you and are happy to listen to any concerns. We are currently accepting new patients and we are following COVID-19 guidelines to protect our staff and patients, contact us today to make an appointment.