James Olsen, DDS Blog
June 14, 2022
4 Things to Avoid if You Have TMJ Disorder

If you’re dealing with TMJ disorder, see your Ann Arbor dentist. They’ll likely be able to prescribe you a mouth guard, pain relievers, or therapy to help. Until then, you’ll want to steer clear of anything that would aggravate your condition. After all, there’s no point in making your wait more painful than necessary. That said, here are four things to avoid if you have TMJ issues.
(more…)June 2, 2022
Can You Still Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?

If you’re unhappy with your smile because of crooked and misaligned teeth, you might be curious about Invisalign. Maybe you’ve heard a lot about these awesome aligners, and their discreetness and convenience are quite appealing to you—but you still have a few questions. One thing that many patients wonder is if they can still get cavities while undergoing treatment. Keep reading to learn more about how you can still unfortunately develop cavities during your Invisalign treatment if you aren’t careful, along with some tips for preventing them.
(more…)May 18, 2022
Gum Chewing and TMD: Can It Make Your Disorder Worse?

You may not have given much thought to how your gum chewing habits could affect your mouth and jaw. However, research suggests that there may be a link between TMJ disorder and regular gum chewing. So, whether you like to smack on gum to freshen your breath, stave off hunger, or reduce stress, here’s how it could potentially contribute to the development of TMJ disorder in Ann Arbor.
(more…)May 8, 2022
4 Tips for Traveling with Invisalign

Are you undergoing Invisalign treatment? Are you also considering traveling this year? Whether it’s for summer vacation or a special occasion, you can be sure to enjoy your time putting miles on the soul! However, it can also be more challenging for those who are wearing clear aligners. Read on to learn a few important tips for traveling with Invisalign.
(more…)April 16, 2022
3 Ways to Get Relief From TMD Pain at Home

When you have TMD, you already know that it causes severe discomfort. You’d want to visit your dentist to help fix it in most circumstances. They could give you a nightguard or some other orthodontic treatment.
However, you might not be able to get TMD relief from your Ann Arbor dentist right away. If that happens, try these three at-home remedies for TMD, at least until you find professional help!
(more…)April 8, 2022
Why to Floss During Your Invisalign Treatment

Adding floss to your Invisalign experience might sound tedious, at least at first. You already make sure to take out your trays before eating. Plus, you remember to brush your teeth before putting them back in your mouth. Do you need to floss on top of everything else?
The short answer is “yes.” For a longer answer, read these facts on flossing with Invisalign by your Ann Arbor dentist.
(more…)March 4, 2022
Will I Be Able to Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Not all of us naturally developed the perfectly straight smile that we see on the big screen. Fortunately, thanks to modern dental innovations, you don’t need to settle for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires either! Invisalign can correct misalignment issues without taking away from your appearance, but will it take away your ability to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Continue reading to find out if coffee and Invisalign mix.
(more…)February 23, 2022
How to Meet the 22 Hour Wear Time for Invisalign

Have you started your Invisalign treatment plan? If so, then your dentist probably recommended that you wear them for 20-22 hours each day. You might think this is a long time and may even be tempted to leave them off a little longer than you should. However, it’s essential that you achieve this wear time every day to get the results for a dream smile. Read on to learn why the Invisalign wear time is so important and tips on how to effectively meet this requirement!
(more…)February 8, 2022
5 Important Questions About Invisalign (And Their Answers)

Having a perfectly straight smile is everyone’s dream look. If you’re considering getting orthodontic treatment, then you’re probably going for Invisalign braces. Despite all the impressive benefits of these clear aligners, there are a few important factors you should consider before jumping into treatment. Keep reading to learn five important questions about Invisalign you should ask before pursuing it.
(more…)January 20, 2022
What Happens if You Don’t Treat a TMJ Disorder?

When you first start experiencing jaw pain, you might not think it’s a serious problem at first. Maybe you just think of the discomfort as something you have to deal with regularly. In reality, it could be a problem with your jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and while your condition might seem manageable at first, it could eventually lead to much more severe or even debilitating problems. Here’s why you should seek treatment right away if you’re noticing potential signs of a TMJ disorder, or TMD for short.
(more…)