Blog — The UnOrthoDoc

How to Whiten Sensitive Teeth

You shouldn't have to compromise on achieving a brighter, whiter smile due to teeth sensitivity issues. With the right approach and products, you can effectively whiten your teeth while addressing sensitivity concerns. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to navigate teeth whitening with sensitivity, ensuring a radiant pearly white smile without discomfort.

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening. The main reason for this discomfort is due to the bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide. This causes a chemical reaction on the tooth surface that increases the porosity of the enamel thus making your teeth sensitive. This discomfort can be pronounced or heightened if you have existing conditions like enamel erosion, exposed dentin, or gum recession. However, by adopting the right strategies (and products), you can minimize sensitivity while still achieving noticeable whitening results.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithApril 10, 2024twelve, teeth whitening, teeth tips, smile tipsComment

Revolutionize Your Oral Hygiene Routine with Slate Flosser: A Comprehensive Review

As an orthodontist, I've seen firsthand the impact that proper oral hygiene practices can have on a person's dental health. One of the key components of a thorough oral care routine is flossing. However, for many people, traditional string flossing can be challenging, especially for young children or those with limited manual dexterity.

That's why I'm excited about Slate Flosser, a really great alternative to traditional flossing methods. Slate Flosser is an electric flosser designed to make flossing easier and more effective for individuals of all ages. In this comprehensive review, I'll go into the features of Slate Flosser and explain why it's revolutionary for maintaining optimal dental health.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithApril 3, 2024twelve, smile tipsComment

Nano-Hydroxyapatite: The 10% Difference

In recent years, there's been a surge of interest in natural alternatives for oral care, leading to the rise of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) as a promising ingredient in toothpaste formulations. As a dentist who has long advocated for the benefits of fluoride, I've been intrigued by the potential of nano-hydroxyapatite to offer a natural alternative for maintaining optimal oral health. However, as with any scientific breakthrough, it's essential to understand the research behind the claims. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of ensuring that nHAp toothpaste formulations contain a concentration of at least 10% to be as effective as fluoride in remineralizing enamel. You can explore the evidence-based article supporting this claim here.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithMarch 27, 2024twelve, smile tips, nanohydroxyapatiteComment

Silent Ambition: Let Your Success Speak Louder Than Your Words

Once, I excitedly shared a promising business idea with a colleague, hoping to team up and bring it to life together. Instead of collaboration, I received a polite decline. Months later, I was taken aback to discover that my colleague had launched a business—selling the very idea I had shared with her.

In a world where oversharing is the norm, where every meal and milestone is broadcasted on social media, it may seem counterintuitive to keep your ambitions under wraps. But in reality, there's immense power in working quietly and letting your success make the noise.

Designing Your Life with Purpose and Freedom

In today’s world we often equate success with material wealth and possessions. It's easy to get caught up in the rat race of accumulation. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder in a 9-5 job or running your own business, the pressure to chase after money and status can feel overwhelming. However, there's a different approach—one that prioritizes intentional living and designing your life around what truly matters.

Intentional living is about aligning your actions and choices with your values and goals, rather than simply going through the motions dictated by societal norms or external expectations. It's about consciously crafting a life that brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose, regardless of your financial situation or professional aspirations.

Lifestyle & Travel, MotherhoodDr. Patrice SmithFebruary 21, 2024twelve, personal development, professional development, motherhoodComment

Choosing the Best Electric Toothbrush: A Dentist's Top 5 Recommendations

A bright, healthy smile begins with effective oral care, and one of the cornerstones of a solid dental hygiene routine is choosing the right electric toothbrush. As a dentist, I often get asked about the best options available, and I'm thrilled to share my top 5 recommendations to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll explore the key features of each toothbrush, providing you with a detailed overview of what makes them stand out. Among my top picks are the Oral B Pro 1000, Oral B iO 9 Series, Philips Sonicare Prestige, Ollie, and Suri.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithFebruary 14, 2024smile tips, dentistry, twelveComment

Why I Have a Weekly family Business Meeting

In the bustle of modern life, finding a delicate balance between work and family can be akin to walking a tightrope. As an orthodontist and practice owner alongside my husband, a general dentist, with a lively two-year-old in tow, life is a constant juggling act. Amidst the myriad responsibilities, we've found a beacon of organization and harmony in an unexpected place: the weekly family business meeting.

Our family, much like a business, requires strategic planning and, most importantly, regular check-ins. The weekly family business meeting has become our compass, guiding us through the maze of tasks, appointments, and familial responsibilities. It's a designated time to synchronize our calendars, discuss the upcoming week's events, and ensure we're all on the same page.

My Recommended Toothpastes with Hydroxyapatite

Everyone is looking for natural alternatives to everything these days, your toothpaste is no different. For many many years we’ve heard our dentists tell us about the importance and benefits of fluoride and why we need to ensure that it exists in all our dental products. I am one of those dentists that have long touted the use of fluoride. The benefits and importance of it still holds true. However, in our quest to find more natural options hydroxyapatite as a fluoride substitute has been getting a lot of attention lately.

There is a pretty distinct difference between fluoride and hydroxyapatite. Fluoride is a naturally found element and in toothpaste it works by building a stronger, more acid resistant tooth surface and thus help to prevent cavities. However, higher doses of fluoride are seen to be possibly unsafe and can weaken bones and ligaments. The amount you’re likely to use in your toothpaste, under 20mg, is safe.

Whitening Strips: A Comprehensive Review

In the pursuit of a brighter, whiter smile, the quest for effective teeth-whitening solutions has led many to explore the realm of at-home treatments. In a world where beaming smiles are coveted, individuals increasingly turn to convenient and cost-effective alternatives, eschewing pricier in-office treatments at the dentist's office. With the rise of at-home whitening options, Amazon has become a hub for an array of teeth-whitening strips, promising dazzling results without the hefty price tag. In this comprehensive guide, I delve into a side-by-side comparison of seven of the most popular whitening strips available on Amazon, shedding light on the key factors to consider when navigating the diverse landscape of at-home teeth-whitening solutions. Whether you're a seasoned teeth-whitening enthusiast or a newcomer seeking a radiant smile, understanding these essential criteria will empower you to make an informed choice for a brighter, more confident you.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithJanuary 10, 2024twelve, smile tips, teeth whiteningComment

23 Goals for 2023 End of year Check-In

As this year comes to a close, I find myself revisiting the 23 goals I set for myself in my "23 Goals for 2023" blog post at the beginning of this year. Along the way, I provided a mid-year check-in to update you on my progress, and here we are now, at the end-of-year check-in, evaluating how far I've come and what I've achieved.

2023 turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. While I didn't quite accomplish all 23 goals I set, I managed to achieve the more meaningful ones. As the year unfolded, I had to prioritize certain things over others. It's been a year of growth, of learning to appreciate the small things, and understanding the true essence of wealth – family, health, and simple moments of joy.

11 Extra Income Streams For Young Professionals: Fresh Perspectives on Financial Freedom

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the pursuit of extra income streams, or as it's popularly known, the "side hustle," has become more crucial than ever for young professionals navigating the challenges of student loan debt and escalating living costs. This is especially vital for gaining financial freedom, as additional income provides the means to invest, reduce debt, increase savings, and ultimately achieve financial independence.

While the term itself has gained notoriety over recent years, the concept of supplementing a 9 to 5 job with additional income has been a longstanding practice. As a young professional, I myself leverage my “free time,” nights and weekends to carve out supplementary incomes through real estate investing, blogging, my candle company, digital products and monetizing my influence on social media.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithDecember 20, 2023side hustle, Side Hustle Ideas, twelveComment

Discovering True Wealth: The New Rich

In a world often measured by financial wealth, the concept of true richness extends beyond bank accounts and possessions. It’s about acknowledging the overlooked treasures that enrich our lives, nurturing our spirits and granting us a sense of fulfillment. Welcome to "The New Rich," where abundance transcends monetary figures and instead resides in the simple yet profound aspects of existence.

What if our genuine wealth is rooted in the things we often take for granted? Imagine waking up to a sunrise, feeling the gentle morning breeze, or savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. These simple pleasures, often overlooked in the rush of daily life, compose the fabric of true richness. It's about relishing the unhurried moments that embrace our souls, granting us a profound sense of fulfillment.

Elevating Orthodontic Care: OrthoNu Tweakz for Braces and Aligners

OrthoNu Tweakz for Braces and Aligners have emerged as a transformative innovation within the realm of orthodontic care. As an orthodontist deeply invested in optimizing patient experiences, I've been intrigued by the potential these Tweakz offer for both patients undergoing treatment and orthodontic professionals seeking novel solutions.

OrthoNu stands out as a pioneer, focusing on driving innovation in oral care to enhance the orthodontic journey. With a mission to redefine the standard of care in response to the significant growth in patients seeking orthodontic treatment, OrthoNu Tweakz aim to streamline processes while offering practical solutions

Professional Financial, Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithDecember 1, 2023smile tips, orthodontist, orthodotics, twelveComment

Elevate Your Well-being: Self-Care Gift Guide for Busy Professionals

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, prioritizing self-care often takes a backseat. As busy professionals, the demands of work, responsibilities, and commitments can leave us feeling drained and depleted. But fear not, because it's time to reclaim a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation with our curated Self-Care Gift Guide.

This gift guide is specially crafted for the dedicated professionals out there who are always on the go, juggling multiple tasks, and constantly striving for success. We understand the importance of carving out moments of self-care amidst the chaos, which is why we've handpicked a selection of thoughtful, practical, and indulgent items to help you unwind and prioritize your well-being.

Motherhood, Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithNovember 29, 2023gift guide, Gift Guide, self care, twelveComment

Ultimate 2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Perfect Presents for Everyone on Your List!

'Tis the season to spread joy, and what better way to do so than with the perfect gifts that light up the faces of your loved ones? It's that time of year again, and I'm thrilled to unveil my highly anticipated 2023 Holiday Gift Guide! Year after year, this curated selection of gifts has been a favorite among my readers, and I can't wait to share this year's fabulous finds with you all.

As the holidays draw near, finding the ideal presents can often be a daunting task. But fear not! My ultimate gift guide is here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Handpicked with care and thoughtfulness, this collection features an array of gifts that cater to every taste, personality, and budget.

Lifestyle & Travel, Motherhood, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithNovember 22, 2023gift guide, 2023 gift guide, twelveComment

Embracing Life's Changing Seasons

Life is an intriguing journey, a winding path that takes us through various stages, each molding our priorities and reshaping our perspectives. As I reflect on my own journey, I've come to realize that our priorities are ever-shifting, mirroring the different chapters of our lives.

In my early twenties, my fervent aspiration was to become an orthodontist. The drive for success and ambition surged within me, propelling me toward my professional goals. I dedicated tireless hours to study, embracing every opportunity to advance my career.

As my late twenties unfolded into the early thirties, my focus shifted gears. I found myself immersed in building my career, relishing in accomplishments and accolades.

Motherhood, Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithNovember 15, 2023twelve, personal development Comments

Stocking Stuffers that Spark Smiles: 8 Orthodontist-Approved Oral Care Products Under $25

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy than by filling your loved ones' stockings with gifts that contribute to their oral health? As an orthodontist, I know the importance of maintaining a healthy, radiant smile, and I've curated a list of eight smile-worthy stocking stuffers – all under $25. These oral care products are not only affordable but also recommended by yours truly to keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape.

Lifestyle & Travel, MotherhoodDr. Patrice SmithNovember 9, 2023gift guide, stocking stuffers, twelveComment

Fall Comfort: Cozy Earth Gift Guide

The Fall/Winter season is here, what better way to embrace the cozy spirit than with some exceptionally snug treats? A few years ago I stumbled upon a brand that has become one of my favorites, and as usual I couldn't wait to share it with you. I discovered these fantastic finds at Cozy Earth, a brand that specializes in bamboo-based products, and I can't help but rave about their quality.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithNovember 3, 2023cozy earth, gift guide, twelveComment

Living a Fulfilling Life: Balancing a Successful Career and Personal Happiness

As a busy professional, it can become all too easy to lose sight of the importance of maintaining a balance between career success and personal happiness. We can become so consumed with work and the pressures that come with it, that we forget about the things that truly matter. However, the good news is that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life while juggling a successful career and maintaining a happy personal life. Let this guide shared by The UnOrthoDoc help you strike that balance between work and happiness.

Finding and Walking in Purpose: Strategies and Resources for a Fulfilling Life

Finding one's purpose in life and walking in that purpose is a profound and deeply personal journey. It is a pursuit that can lead to a life of meaning, fulfillment, and happiness. Many people spend their entire lives searching for their purpose, and while it may not be a linear path, there are strategies and resources that can help you in this quest. In this blog post, we will explore how to find your purpose and how to actively walk in it.

Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithOctober 24, 2023personal development, twelveComment