Everyone wants a healthy smile! It’s something that impacts everything when you think about it. How confident you feel, how often you smile in photos, and even how comfortable you are in everyday conversations. But it’s also something that can be easy to take for granted unless you really start paying attention to it.
Thanks to Dedicated Dental Group, I’ve made my smile a top priority. Once I met the dental professionals at this office in Parkland, I knew I wanted them in charge of my pearly whites. We started with a routine exam and cleaning, followed by a teeth whitening treatment that resulted in a two-shade improvement. The office is clean and modern, with essentials to keep patients comfortable, the staff instantly makes you feel warm and welcomed, and Drs. Michelle & Tatyana Nudel are on top of it, always there to answer questions and concerns and provide information about your dental care.
In December 2025, it was time to move on to the next phase of my smile makeover: Invisalign®.
Getting Invisalign made me more aware of how small habits add up when it comes to oral health. The good news is that maintaining a healthy smile doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. A few intentional choices can make a big difference, as long as you stick to them over time.
Here are some realistic and easy-to-follow tips I’ve learned from Dedicated Dental Group for maintaining a healthy and radiant smile.
Everyday Habits for a Healthy Smile
1. Stay Consistent With Your Oral Care Routine
Consistency matters more than perfection. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are the foundations of a healthy smile. These habits help prevent plaque buildup, gum irritation, and long-term discoloration.
This is especially important for fellow Invisalign wearers. Flossing and brushing before putting the aligners back in is key. It keeps bacteria from getting trapped and helps protect both your teeth and your trays. I’ll be honest; I did not floss growing up. Despite multiple dentists drilling the importance into my head over the years, I’ve still not been great at remembering to do it regularly. But having Invisalign has definitely turned me into a flosser!
If you want to level up your routine, an electric toothbrush can be a great investment. It removes plaque more effectively and takes the guesswork out of brushing. This one is super sleek, comes in multiple pretty colors, and even comes with a UV travel case.
Adding a water flosser to your routine is another easy upgrade. It helps clean along the gum line and between teeth, especially in hard-to-reach spots, making it a great complement to regular flossing. This one has 5 different modes (pulse, strong, standard, gum care, and sensitive) and gets the job done well in 90 seconds.
2. Keep Aligners, Retainers, and Night Guards Clean
Anything that sits in your mouth regularly needs to be cleaned properly. Whatever mouthpiece you have: aligners, retainers, night guards, etc., can collect bacteria and odor if not maintained correctly.
I rinse my aligners every time I remove them, before putting them back on. Dedicated Dental Group recommends using a cleanser (not toothpaste) to deep clean at least twice a week or as soon as you see any debris on the trays.
These tablet cleaners are really easy to use. Drop one into a cup filled with lukewarm water, and once it’s fizzed up, add your aligners and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the aligners with a toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and put them back on. Make sure to avoid using hot water, which can warp the aligners and affect their fit. I’ll do this during a time when I’m already taking out the aligners to eat a meal.
Keeping your mouthpieces clean is an often-overlooked, but extremely important, part of maintaining a healthy smile.
3. Be Mindful of What You Drink Throughout the Day
Sipping on coffee, tea, red wine, or acidic beverages throughout the day can gradually impact enamel and lead to staining. I’m not saying to cut these things out completely, but just be mindful about how often you’re consuming these types of beverages.
When you do sip on the darker, more acidic stuff, use a straw when possible and rinse your mouth out with water afterward. If wearing Invisalign, Dedicated Dental Group recommends only drinking plain water to help protect your teeth and avoid discoloration.
4. Don’t Skip Regular Dental Visits
Routine cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Professional cleanings remove buildup much more effectively than brushing and flossing at home. Regular check-ins help catch small issues early and avoid major dental procedures down the road.
If you’ve invested in orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dental work, consistent dental visits help protect that investment. Dedicated Dental Group offers a variety of services, including general cleanings, cosmetic procedures, oral surgeries, and more. No matter what kind of work you need to keep your smile looking its best, you won’t have to search far — this office has you covered.
5. Protect Your Smile From Everyday Wear and Tear
Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and even certain workouts or sports can take a toll on your teeth over time. These habits can lead to enamel wear, chips, or sensitivity.
If you grind your teeth at night or are an athlete, a custom night guard or mouth guard can help protect your smile. Prevention is one of the simplest ways to maintain long-term oral health. Dedicated Dental Group is equipped to handle all things TMJ if this is something you are struggling with.
A Healthy Smile That Fits Your Lifestyle
A healthy smile isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s more about building habits that work into your lifestyle with ease, so you won’t have an issue sticking with them. Being more intentional about oral health has made me appreciate how much of a difference the little things can make.
Navigating through all the options for dental care today can be overwhelming. I feel so lucky that I found these healthy smiles dentists in Florida, and am really excited to see these Invisalign results in a few months.
Partnering with a South Florida dentist who prioritizes education and preventative care has been such a positive experience. Invisalign has seamlessly fit into my routine while encouraging better smile maintenance overall.
At the end of the day, taking care of your smile is always worth it.
To learn more about what Dedicated Dental Group can do to help support healthy smiles, request an appointment online or call 954-796-9900. Make sure to let them know Take A Bite Out of Boca sent you!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Dedicated Dental Group. This post also includes affiliate links. When you click on these links to shop, I earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting my small business.
FAQs
Dedicated Dental Group recommends scheduling exams and cleanings every six months. However, this schedule varies depending on each individual’s oral health needs. Those with a history of dental issues or concerns may want to visit quarterly.
In general, yes. Straighter teeth can be easier to clean, which can reduce plaque buildup and support healthier gums. Wearing aligners also encourages better daily oral hygiene habits.
Most likely, yes. Many major dental insurance provider plans are accepted at Dedicated Dental Group. They also accept out-of-network coverage. Additional flexibility is available through financing options or wellness plans.
