Getting Braces? This Book Will Help!

Thinking of getting braces and looking for orthodontic information? Orthodontist Douglas DePew, DMD, has written a great new book you might find very helpful. Change Your Smile, Change Your Life: Your Guide to Orthodontic Treatment explains the science and the art of orthodontics. Dr. Depew offers his unique insight into today's cutting-edge technology. He also details the best practices to ensure a successful treatment experience.

“With so many different technologies today, and so many providers to choose from, it’s important to find someone who will give you the level of care you deserve” says Depew, who has been in private practice in Kennesaw, Ga, since 1990. “My goal is to help clear the air and give you accurate information about orthodontics, some of the latest treatments available, and what you should look for when choosing a provider for you and your family.

Dr. DePew goes on to say, “Orthodontics is the science of moving teeth into their proper positions and changing the shape of the jaws so the upper and lower rows of teeth fit together properly. But there is so much more to orthodontics than just moving teeth. Much of what doctors and staff do also affects the facial profile, the shape of the face, the fullness of the lips, the ability to speak and swallow properly, even the ability to breathe effectively.”

The book clearly and simply explains how an orthodontist's training and experience make all the difference when they are choosing treatments for a patient’s unique situation.

Dr. Depew runs Atlanta Orthodontic Arts, a practice focusing on TMJ, sleep disorders, and aesthetic treatments and is also the founder and Academic Director of Trapezio, an online platform which provides formal training for orthodontic staff members. He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the Georgia Association of Orthodontists, the American Lingual Orthodontic Association, the Spear Dental Study Club, and the Elite Lingual Orthodontic Society.

The book is available at Amazon.com.

Tips for Taking Care of New Dental Braces

The first weeks of orthodontic braces can be exciting, frustrating, and sometimes painful. Even if you try your hardest to do the right thing, braces can cause soreness to your mouth.

As your teeth begin to move, it's normal for your teeth to ache and for your jaw to feel sore to some extent. You might get canker sores when the brackets rub the insides of your lips and cheeks. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter treatments available to reduce the pain and irritation from braces. Some of these include Rincinol PRN, ComfortBrace Strips, OraChill, and OrthoDots. In a pinch, good 'ol dental wax also helps.

Some of the common problems that can occur when you have braces include: 

Bracket Comes Loose: To fix this problem, apply a small bit of orthodontic wax to the bracket. You might also want to apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth. Call your orthodontist to have the bracket replaced at your earliest convenience. 

Bands Come Loose: This is a more serious problem, which your orthodontist needs to fix. Try to save the band for repair, if you can.

Protruding or Broken Wires: Poking wires are very common. You can use an eraser from the end of a pencil to move the wire to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax or OrthoDots to the tip. A poking wire can sometimes tear up the insides of your cheeks and may get infected. To prevent this, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse. Call your orthodontist -- most of the time, you can just drop in to get the wire clipped, without an appointment. 

Loose spacers: Most people only wear spacers for one week to 10 days. They're not comfortable, but they're necessary to make room for orthodontic bands. If a spacer comes loose, call your orthodontist, because they will need to be repositioned or replaced. 

Avoid Problem Foods: It will be difficult to bite foods like hamburgers or burritos with your front teeth. It's better to to cut your food into small pieces and chew slowly and carefully. Avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your hardware, stringy foods that can get caught in your braces, and sharp foods like tortilla chips. Take corn off the cob. Avoid nuts, hard carrots, biting into apples, chewing on ice, and bubble gum.

With a little patience, the first weeks in braces will fly by. In time, your braces won't hurt as much. But after each adjustment, you could develop some soreness and new canker sores. Just repeat the steps that you took previously, and you'll feel better in no time.

Retainer Brite: The Gold Standard for Cleaning Invisalign Trays and Retainers

When dentists and orthodontists are asked what to use to clean retainers, the answer is almost always universal: Retainer Brite! These effervescent tablets are the all-time gold standard for cleaning Invisalign aligner trays, retainers, and most types of dental oral appliances.

Just drop one Retainer Brite tablet into a cup of warm water and add your retainers or aligner trays. In 15 to 20 minutes (after the water is no longer blue), your oral appliance is clean, fresh, and germ-free. Use it every single day to ensure that your retainer doesn't get any icky white plaque buildup.

Retainer Brite is available in boxes of 96 tablets (a three-month supply), and a one-year supply that also includes the soaking cup and a free retainer case for storing your retainer. For extra deep cleaning, you can optionally purchase a cordless sonic cleaner, that helps the Retainer Brite to get into all of the crannies and crevices of your retainer.

Don't be fooled by third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay who carry old expired (or counterfeit) products! DentaKit.com gets its Retainer Brite fresh from the USA manufacturer on a regular basis, ensuring that the Retainer Brite that you buy from us is genuine and has a 2-year expiration date.

Floss Your Braces Faster with GumChucks OrthoGami!

ORTHOGami by GumChucks is a new, an easier way to floss your teeth when you have braces! The patented flossing tips allow you to safely and quickly floss your entire set of brackets faster than ever! The flexible hook on one end of the disposable flossing tips allows you to safely and quickly position the floss under the arch wire and between brackets for effective flossing. No more threading, struggling, or time-consuming contortions!

ORTHOGami's unique two-handle system increases dexterity and control, allowing you to make the dentist-recommended “C” shape with the floss to get under your gum line.

We're sure that you'll love using OrthoGami, so don't forget to buy the replacement tips! The Starter Kit only includes 10 tips (enough for 10 days of flossing if you floss once a day), but the Refill Bag contains 60 tips -- enough for two months if you floss once a day!

The Gum Chucks ORTHOgami Starter Kit for Braces includes everything you need to get started: 1 set of Handles, 10 disposable Ortho flossing tips and a convenient travel case. The tips are designed for one-time use. However, in a pinch they can be used twice. Alll GumChucks products are made from recycled plastic and are BPA Free. The plastic bags, tips and cartridges are all recyclable.

Pick-a-Dent by Denticator: A Durable, Convenient Dental Pick

Pick-a-Dent, (Pickadent) made by Denticator, is one of the most durable reusable dental picks available. Won't bend, even after many multiple uses! Don't be fooled by imitations -- this is the genuine original product.



Compare to the leading competitor and you'll see why Pick-a-Dent is the best -- our number one selling dental pick! Great for dislodging food from your braces before you brush, better than any other dentapick. Great for gum stimulation, too! Compact size: 3" long.

If you have been searching locally for Pickadent, please note that the product is no longer available in local stores (and has not been for many years). But you can buy it online at DentaKit.com.

This product is sold in factory-sealed packages of 36 (you get 36 individual Pick-a-Dents per package -- each with its own plastic orange holder). Want to buy Pick-a-Dents in larger bulk quantity?  It's also available in a factory-sealed package of 144 Pick-a-Dents!

No More Retainers Lost In Trash Cans with No Brainer Retainer Bags!

Did you or your kid wrap your retainer in a napkin, only to realize it got thrown out at school or at a restaurant? You can prevent that from happening with No Brainer Retainer Maintainer™ Bags! They were invented by an orthodontic lab technician who heard a few too many stories of retainers getting lost in trash cans!

These see-through clear bags are zip re-sealable, and are imprinted with a design that will ensure that your retainer won't accidentally get thrown in the trash. They are 3.5" x 4"-- the perfect size for most retainers or Invisalign aligners. Put a few in your purse or your pocket for those spur-of-the-moment occasions when you need to take out your retainer, but don't have your retainer case.

No Brainer Bags are available in sets of 100 bags (that's 8 cents per bag!)

Comfort Covers Protect Your Mouth From Your Braces

Braces hurting the insides of your mouth? There's a product for that! Comfort Covers are re-usable flexible plastic lip bumper shields that snap securely into place on your orthodontic brackets. They totally cover your braces from end to end, providing hours of pain relief from the irritation of orthodontic brackets and wires.

This handy lip protector product can be especially helpful to musicians, public speakers, and "braces newbies" who want a little extra help in those first uncomfortable weeks of orthodontic treatment. You can also wear Comfort Covers for light contact sports (like wrestling practice) where mouth guards are not needed, or in intimate situations where you want protection from oral laceration. This product works best on smaller brackets and arch wires that are relatively straight, horizontally (may pop off of brackets that are very crooked across the teeth).

Each Comfort Cover set contains two clear Covers, housed in a convenient plastic tube for easy transport. Just put your Comfort Cover set in your purse, backpack, or briefcase and go! The Covers are 5 inches long. Trim them with scissors for a custom fit. Caution: may present a choking hazard if used while sleeping.

Each Comfort Cover set contains two covers (one for the top teeth and one for the bottom teeth), a plastic carrying/storage tube, and instructions behind the label.

Introducing Dentibrite Triple Action Cleaning Crystals - Persulfate-Free, Dye-Free

DentaKit.com now carries dentibrite™ triple action cleaning crystals, an easy and fast way to clean your retainer or aligner. Dentibrite uses a patented formula that kills 99.99% of germs and odor causing bacteria. It removes stains and plaque build-up, and it's persulfate-free and dye-free. It comes in individual packs of crystals and is easy to use. Your aligner or retainer is clean and germ-free in just 5 minutes.

Check it out at: https://www.dentakit.com/dentibrite.html

All orders over $69 ship free with coupon code: FreeShip69

Remove Your Invisalign Aligner Trays Easily with the Outie Tool

If you're having trouble removing your clear aligners or retainers, then this tool is the solution for you! The Outie Tool safely and easily removes clear invisible braces such as TRU-LINE™ and Invisalign®, as well as clear Essix retainers. This product was created by an Invisalign patient!

The Outie Tool pops your aligners out easily and quickly the first time, even when you have attachments on your teeth! Each pack comes with 7 Outie Tools: 2 electric blue, 2 neon green, and 2 hot purple. (The Outie tools are not sold individually; they only come in a pack of 7). You'll have extra to stash at work, in your car, in your purse or briefcase, or anywhere you need to remove your aligners or clear retainers! Comes with full instructions. Why struggle with your aligner trays? Try the Outie Tool today!

Conceal Your Braces with Tooth-Colored Dental Wax

Sometimes you just don't want your metal braces to be so noticeable. Tooth-colored dental wax to the rescue! It's great for those times when you want to hide or obscure your braces. Soft and pliable, it is slightly more opaque with yellow undertones than regular dental wax to match the natural color of most teeth. While it won't completely hide your braces, it will make them a lot less noticeable.

Some dentists call this type of wax "pontic wax" and use it to fill spaces in clear retainers where teeth are missing.

This wax is unscented and unflavored. There are 10 containers of dental wax per pack. But if you use it a lot, try the money-saving bulk box of 50 containers.

It's a Snap to Clean Your Teeth in The Shower with ShowerBreeze!

Keep your braces and teeth dentist-clean with the original ShowerBreeze oral irrigator by OralBreeze. It works like a Waterpik®-type appliance, but attaches directly to your bathroom shower head! No more bulky noisy appliances to clutter up your countertop! Great for busy adults and kids! And unlike traditional countertop irrigators, this product is very quiet -- nobody else in your house will hear you using it!

The ShowerBreeze is easy to install. First, unscrew your shower head. Then attach the included adapter. Screw your shower head into the adapter. That's it! View the video on our website to see the installation in action.

ShowerBreeze is a terrific product for people with braces, because it dislodges food particles quickly and easily, helping you to keep your teeth cleaner. It's also great for people with periodontal pockets or gum disease, because it gets under the gumline to help fight bacteria that causes periodontitus and gingivitus.

The ShowerBreeze is made to last, with valves constructed of chrome-plated brass. It comes with all hardware and detailed instructions, two tips (one yellow and one green), and a tip holder for your bathroom. Replacement tips are available. All of the OralBreeze products are made by Americans in a Veteran Owned and Operated Company.

New OrthoDots Stops Braces From Hurting the Insides of Your Mouth

Introducing OrthoDots, a new more convenient way to protect your mouth from the irritation and discomfort of orthodontic braces. OrthoDots are thick but moldable individual pieces of dental silicone combined with new moisture-activated technology.

Unlike traditional dental silicone, your orthodontic braces brackets don’t need to be dry for OrthoDots to stick. Just push them firmly onto the braces brackets that are irritating your mouth. The moisture on your brackets activates the patented adhesive, holding the OrthoDots in place as long as 6 to 8 hours or more. You can even eat and drink with them on! Works for all types of braces: metal, ceramic, lingual (behind the teeth) and even Invisalign and Invisalign attachments. Protects the back of your cheeks from poking wires better than wax. Plus, they're made in the USA!

OrthoDots are made of biomedical grade silicone. They  are extremely moldable and easy to apply and use. You can wear them up to 24 hours if necessary, including during meals. They will stay on during light teeth brushing, but take them off for your daily heavy brushing or strong water flossing. Please note that they are not re-usable (will not re-stick) once they are removed.

Orthodontists love this new product, and in trials they said that they prefer it over traditional dental wax and dental silicone. Each box of OrthoDots comes in either a starter pack of 12 or a bulk box of 48. Buy a few boxes to keep in your backpack, desk, car, or purse so that you'll never have to suffer from the irritation of orthodontic brackets. Makes a thoughtful gift for a loved one in orthodontic braces! Get OrthoDots now at DentaKit.com.

Bite Wafers: A Low-Tech Way to Beat Braces Tooth Pain

Got sore teeth? Bite Wafers for Orthodontic Braces help relieve discomfort when you get your braces adjusted. Chewing on the wafer helps increase blood circulation in your teeth and gums, which in turn helps to reduce your pain and discomfort.

Bite Wafers are made of a semi-hard plastic which slightly gives way when you bite on it. Simply put it in your mouth and clench the bite wafer gently and intermittently between your teeth. In other words, just bite on it, on and off. Do this 3 or 4 times per day for 15 to 20 minutes per time. Do not bite down so hard that it makes your jaw ache. Gentle pressure is better. Ask your orthodontist if you need more specific instructions. Remember to wash your bite wafer at least once per day to keep it clean. You can soak it in Retainer Brite or another retainer cleaner, if you wish.

Bite Therapy Wafers are sold individually and are available in four scents/flavors: Bubblegum (Pink), Cherry (Clear), Grape (Purple), and Mint (Teal Green). They're an inexpensive, low-tech way to make your orthodontic treatment more comfortable. Try some Bite Wafers today!

Clean Your Invisalign or Retainers in 3 Minutes with Persulfate-free Steraligner

Introducing a convenient new Persulfate-free way to clean your Invisalign aligners and retainers! Steraligner removes 99.9% of bacteria*, and also removes plaque and tartar from your clear aligner. Steraligner was developed by Sam Daher, DDS, a leading orthodontist and lecturer, to provide a better and more effective cleaning system for his orthodontic patients.

Unlike powders or tablets, Steraligner (pronounced STER-a-liner) is a liquid that works immediately to clean and sanitize your aligners in just 3 to 5 minutes. With daily use, Steraligner can help reduce yellowing, staining , and bad breath caused by dirty aligners. It leaves your dental appliance sparkling clean and minty fresh.

Steraligner is safe for aligners, retainers, partials, sleep apnea dental devices, and mouth guards. Safe for retainers that contain metal solder, when used as directed.

The Steraligner Starter Kit includes one 16 ounce bottle of Steraligner solution and one soaking dish with a built-in measuring line. That's enough for a month of cleanings if you use it every day.

Try Steraligner today!

Stop Your Braces From Hurting with Drug-Free OraChill Frozen Mouthpieces

Got new braces pain or mouth pain? Before you reach for the bottle of painkillers, try drug-free OraChill®.

OraChill frozen mouthpieces block
the pain that comes from your teeth.

OraChill is a whole new way to stop your braces from hurting. It is a mouthpiece made of medical grade polymer, filled with freezable non-toxic saline solution. You freeze OraChill in your home freezer, then apply it inside your mouth as needed. When you place a frozen OraChill mouthpiece inside your mouth as directed, it blocks the pain that comes from the nerves inside your mouth and jaw. The result is, the nerves in your mouth and jaw temporarily stop transmitting pain impulses to the brain! It has been clinically proven to work!

OraChill can help stop a large part of your orthodontic pain when you first get your braces on, or after an orthodontic adjustment. When used before meals (along with some dental wax to prevent irritation), it can help you eat more "challenging" foods -- so you don't need to limit yourself to soft foods all the time!

Use OraChill any time you suffer from any type of oral pain, whether it's from an orthodontic adjustment or other types of dental work or dental surgery.

Each box of OraChill contains 3 identical mouthpieces which must be frozen before use.
Place one mouthpiece on the inside of your upper gums, and the inside of your lower gums. (You don't put OraChill on your BRACES; you place it far into the tops and bottoms of your GUMS, where your nerves are that transmit the pain).

Leave the OraChill mouthpiece in place for two minutes. Then, remove it and replace it with the second chilled OraChill mouthpiece. Leave in place for two minutes. Then, remove it and replace it with the third chilled OraChill mouthpiece. The entire process takes about 6 minutes.

Each OraChill box contains 3 mouthpieces, which are totally re-usable. Just keep the 3 mouthpieces in your freezer and use them as often as you need, as many times as you need. OraChill is latex-free and DEHP-free. It has been FDA approved and successfully tested in patient trials.

Why suffer with the pain and discomfort of braces or other orthodontic work? Try OraChill today!

OAP Retainer Cleaners are Persulfate-Free

Short on time and don't want Persulfate in your retainer cleaner? OAP Cleaners solve the problem. OAP Cleaners are available in two innovative formulas: a gel and a luxurious foam. Both of these products are clinical proven to kill 99.9% of germs and viruses on your retainer in 60 seconds and contain no dyes, abrasives, or Persulfate. Regular use will help prevent plaque buildup on your dental appliance. Great for mouthguards, nightguards, retainers, bridges, aligners, and other types of removable dental appliances. It's also safe for Hawley retainers which contain metal solder.

OAP Cleaner was specially designed for busy people who want clean retainers or aligners but don't have the time for soaking. The product comes in two forms:

• OAP Gel which kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, and freshens your retainer in 60 seconds.*
  
• OAP Foam (better for Invisalign and Essix retainers) which spreads quickly into cracks and crevices. It kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, and freshens your retainer in 60 seconds.*

A handy solution for kids who wear retainers or sports mouthguards -- OAP products makes it easy for them to keep their dental appliance clean while at school or after a practice or a game.

OAP Cleaner was created and patented by dental professionals in conjunction with an orthodontic device user who recognized the necessity for a comprehensive dental appliance cleaner. Use OAP Cleaner and never put an icky retainer into your mouth again! You can find them both here: http://www.dentakit.com/oapcleaner.html

Remove Your Retainers Easily with the Outie Tool

If you're having trouble removing your clear aligners or retainers, then this tool is the solution for you! The Outie Tool safely and easily removes clear invisible braces such as TRU-LINE™ and Invisalign®, as well as clear Essix retainers. This product was created by an Invisalign patient!

The Outie Tool pops your aligners out easily and quickly the first time, even when you have attachments on your teeth! Each pack comes with 7 Outie Tools: 2 electric blue, 2 neon green, and 2 hot purple. (The Outie tools are not sold individually; they only come in a pack of 7).

You'll have extra to stash at work, in your car, in your purse or briefcase, or anywhere you need to remove your aligners or clear retainers! Comes with full instructions. Take a closer look at: http://www.dentakit.com/outie.html

A Fashionable Sonic Toothbrush That's Portable - Makes a Great Gift!

Why settle for a boring toothbrush when you're on the go? The Slim Sonic ULTRA Dual Speed Toothbrush is a fashionable battery operated, portable travel toothbrush that has two speeds. It cleans with either 31,000 or 22,000 brush strokes per minute, ensuring a better clean on-the-go than a manual toothbrush. Just push the button to turn on the toothbrush and change speeds. The bristles are between medium and soft in texture.

The Slim Sonic ULTRA includes 3 replacement brush-heads, one "AAA" battery, and a coordinating travel case. It's compatible with all Violife toothbrush sanitizers. While it won't replace a more powerful sonic toothbrush (such as Sonicare), it's ideal for travel or to keep at the office or in your backpack or gym bag.

Comes in a dozen fashionable colors and patterns. Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer! Check it out at: http://www.dentakit.com/vislulto.html

Having Jaw Surgery or Wisdom Teeth Removed? Cool Jaw Ice Pack To The Rescue!

After jaw surgery or oral surgery, you often need to apply ice packs to your face on a regular basis for several days to help reduce swelling. This is especially true after wisdom teeth are removed. These handy, well-constructed face wraps do the trick. Cool Jaw Wraps are made of stretchy satin spandex material that is very soft to the touch. A special built-in pocket on each side holds an ice pack, so that you can ice both sides of your face while remaining hands-free.

The split top and tailored chin ensure a comfortable, slip-free fit, no matter the length of your hair. Two velcro closures at the top ensure a secure fit and offer a custom amount of compression to help reduce pain and swelling. The ice packs are large enough to cover the entire cheek area. The gel packs are reusable and the face wrap is machine washable.

The Cool Jaw wrap comes with 4 clear gel packs, which stay frozen and cold for about an hour when worn on your face. Keep 2 on your face, and 2 in the freezer, to ensure that one pair is always frozen and ready to use.

Why struggle with holding a ice pack to your face when you can have the convenience of Cool Jaw Wraps? Take a closer look at: http://www.dentakit.com/cooljaw.html

Capsule Case: The Perfect Place to Store Your Invisalign Aligners or Clear Retainers

Have you been looking for the perfect case to store your Invisalign clear aligner trays, or clear retainers? Well look no further! Capsule is a new concept in retainer care that makes it easier for you to wear your clear aligners.

Capsule is a storage case that doubles as an oral hygiene kit. It's divided into compartments: one for your aligners, and one for a travel-sized tube of toothpaste and travel toothbrush. Your aligner or clear retainer is held in place in its compartment by the friction of two silicone rails on the bottom of the case -- ensuring that your aligner won't slip and rattle around when the case is closed. (Toothpaste and toothbrush are included in the Capsule; clear aligner or retainer are not included -- they would be your own). The hinge opens flat, allowing you to place the Capsule case on any surface and ensure an hygienic area for your dental routine.

Great for travel, or to keep in your desk, backpack, briefcase, or purse! Check it out at: http://www.dentakit.com/caclalcakit.html