Our Blog

ClearCorrect has become a preferred and favorite treatment for those that have to wear braces. ClearCorrect offers patients the opportunity to straighten teeth with clear aligners instead of metal braces. The clear aligners will be replaced about every two weeks until your teeth have reached the desired goal set by Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow.

How to Start

You can start this process by having Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow look at your teeth and see if you will be good candidate for this type of treatment. If you are a good match then a set of impressions will be taken right away of your teeth as well as photos and X-rays. These will all be sent off to have your first set of aligners made.

ClearCorrect is able to create 3D designs of your teeth on a computer system to create the exact fit of your specific aligners. The whole treatment plan is completed with this modern technology so that you are able to have the best possible treatment available.

Why choose ClearCorrect?

• ClearCorrect is now one of the most desired treatment plans available. Most patients become self-conscience while wearing braces, but since these are offered in clear aligner’s patients can smile proudly because they are virtually invisible.

• They also offer the convenience of being able to remove the aligners while eating, brushing and flossing as well as playing sports. For teens this is a big plus because it takes away the chance of the braces hurting the mouth if they are hit in the face.

• They can speed up the treatment time if worn as directed, and are usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces as well other treatment options.

Overall Success

With all the benefits that ClearCorrect offers to patients they are quickly becoming one of the most sought after treatments. Patients enjoy the option of removing them to eat as well as when they brush and floss. It’s definitely worth a visit to our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Invisalign Teen is one the newer styles of braces, and perfect for those who do not like the standard metal braces. They are available in a clear material that is practically invisible called aligners that are replaced every two weeks. The aligners are custom made for each patient and gradually straighten teeth without all of the metal and rubber bands that come with traditional braces.

Is Invisalign as effective?

If your child will wear them as directed to, then the answer is yes, they are as effective as traditional metal braces. However, to make sure the child is actually wearing them correctly you will notice a small blue spot on the back of each aligner. This is called an indicator and if worn correctly will fade over a period of two weeks. Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow will be able to tell if the patient is not wearing them correctly.

Can Invisalign be removed?

Parents should be aware that the Invisalign aligners can be removed for up to four hours per day to eat, brush teeth, play sports, or play musical instruments. With the option of removing them it actually makes brushing and flossing easier and helps oral hygiene. The recommended time to wear them is at least 20 hours per day.

How long does treatment take and what is the cost?

Your teen will wear Invisalign as long as traditional braces. However, each patient is different so you should speak with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow to determine how many months your child can expect to wear them.

The cost is also very similar to other traditional braces; however there is no set fee. The cost will depend on your child’s unique orthodontic need.

Overall Success

Invisalign Teen has had remarkable success because patients are happy to have the option of having clear aligners for treatment. With the child more confident they are actually more prone to keep up with their treatment and many do complete their treatment sooner. You should speak with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow as soon as possible to learn about the benefits of Invisalign Teen.

Taking care of your ClearCorrect aligners is very easy. It’s actually one of the reasons ClearCorrect has quickly become of the most desired treatments for those who need braces at our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office. There are some simple guidelines for caring for them, and as long as you go by them you will have no complaints.

• Don’t eat or drink while wearing your aligners. The aligners are made out of a thin plastic material and eating can damage them. If they are damaged it can affect your treatment as well as cost additional money to get replacement aligners. The food can also accumulate in the aligners and cause cavities.

• Don’t chew gum because it will stick to the aligners and can be an aggravation to remove.

• After eating always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

• Brush your aligners with a toothbrush every day to keep them clean and to make sure that the inside that is against your teeth all day are clean as well. Rinse them with warm water.

Patients love the fact that their aligners are able to be removed to care for them, and this is a big plus for orthodontic treatment. It reduces the time to get ready and go to bed each day, and is less annoying than dealing with traditional braces because there are no rubber bands and brackets to deal with.

For best results while using ClearCorrect always keep your appointments with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow. Call our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office today to see if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment. You will not be disappointed!

While mouthwash goes a long way in improving your oral care, it is not a substitute for flossing. Mouthwashes and flossing provide different benefits that you should understand.

Mouthwash Benefits

Mouthwash comes in two categories. Some are considered cosmetic. This type of rinse provides temporary relief from bad breath and has a pleasant taste. These do not actually kill any bacteria.

Therapeutic mouthwashes provide the healthier benefits. These may contain different ingredients including fluoride or antimicrobial agents. This type is used to remove plaque buildup and reduce the potential for calculus formation. Therapeutic rinses can also help prevent cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. In addition, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow can prescribe special rinses to assist patients after periodontal surgery or other procedures.

Flossing Benefits

Flossing is what removes the plaque formation before it can harden and become calculus. While a rinse reduces buildup, only flossing will fully remove plaque, especially between teeth. The bristles on a toothbrush do not get between teeth completely. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. When this builds below the gum line, gum disease can start.

Types of Floss

Floss is available in a thin string form or a tape. It can be waxed or unwaxed. If you find flossing difficult, you might want to try a different type of floss. You can buy bulk floss in containers or purchase the disposable type with a plastic handle attached. This style can be easier for many individuals to use. Interdental picks are available for bridgework or other situations where regular floss cannot be used.

If you have questions regarding the best mouthwash or floss, or need tips for easier flossing, please ask our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA team for advice. We will be glad to give you solutions to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.