Traditional floss, waxed or unwaxed, is a must for every oral health nut’s cabinet. But if you want even more of a clean, fresh feeling, try adding one of these dental tools to your toolkit.

Waterpik Water Flosser

High-pressured water flossers shoot a stream of water between your teeth to dislodge any food particles or plaque leftover after flossing. They also gently massage your gums to improve circulation. Water flossers are not a replacement for traditional flossing, but if you use a water flosser in conjunction with regular flossing, you’re in for a whole host of oral health benefits!

Air Flossers

Air flossers are a lot like water flossers, but they use high-pressured air to blow away any plaque or food particles you may have missed after flossing and brushing. Is one better than the other? While one study showed that Waterpiks removed more plaque, we still believe if you’re more likely to use an air flosser over a Waterpik, then use the air flosser. The extra benefit of either is great!

Tongue Scrapers & Oral Rinses

While they aren’t flossers, tongue scrapers are great for removing foul-smelling bacteria that cause bad breath. Just be sure to rinse and wash your tongue scraper before and after you use it to prevent spreading that bacteria back into your mouth. Scrape the entire top and sides of your tongue, not just down the center.

Use an oral rinse or mouth wash after flossing to strengthen your enamel, freshen your breath, or even just to finish of a great round of brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping!

Want some other suggestions for great dental tools that you can use at home? Let us know and we’ll recommend a few others at your next appointment! Call us today to book your next appointment or teeth cleaning, or conveniently book online.

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile with Invisalign®, you may be asking yourself an important question: Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist for treatment? The answer depends on your dental needs, lifestyle, and goals. Both Invisalign dentists and orthodontists are trained to provide clear aligner therapy, but they approach treatment from slightly different perspectives.

Invisalign from a General Dentist

Many general dentists, like Dr. Desai and Dr. Sekhon at North Richland Hills Dentistry, complete advanced Invisalign training and become certified providers. This allows you to start your smile-straightening journey in the same office where you already receive cleanings, exams, and other dental care. For patients with mild to moderate misalignment, Invisalign from a dentist is often a convenient, effective, and budget-friendly solution.

Dentists also focus on your overall oral health, so you’ll benefit from a treatment plan that balances alignment with the health of your gums, bite, and supporting teeth.

Invisalign from an Orthodontist

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus solely on correcting tooth and jaw alignment. If your case is complex—such as severe crowding, large gaps, or significant bite issues—an orthodontist may recommend braces, Invisalign, or a combination of treatments. Orthodontists also handle more advanced cases that may require extra monitoring or specialized appliances.

Choosing the Right Provider

So, should you choose an Invisalign dentist or orthodontist? Here’s a simple breakdown:

Choose a dentist if you want convenient, comprehensive care and have mild to moderate alignment needs.

Choose an orthodontist if your case is complex or you’ve been told you may need braces in addition to clear aligners.

Why Choose North Richland Hills Dentistry?

At North Richland Hills Dentistry, Drs. Desai and Sekhon are skilled Invisalign dentists who have helped many patients achieve straighter smiles without metal braces. We’ll carefully evaluate your teeth, explain your options, and let you know if Invisalign is the best solution, or if seeing an orthodontist is recommended.

Ready to find out which option is right for you? Schedule your Invisalign consultation today!