Signs Your Child Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

If your child exhibits the following signs, he or she may be a good candidate for two-phase orthodontic treatment:

• Losing baby teeth early, before five years of age
• Problems with biting or chewing
• Sucking the thumb after age five
• Evidence of a crossbite, where the teeth don’t come together when opening or closing of the mouth
• Teeth are crowded at age seven or eight
• Protruding teeth on the top or bottom

Not all children need to have early treatment, but if your child shows any of these signs, you should bring him or her to us for a complimentary initial evaluation at Poser Orthodontics.

What is Simpli5?

Today's orthodontic appliances are designed to be comfortable, discreet, and fit the needs of your unique lifestyle. Invisible aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances like metal braces and headgear giving patients the beautiful smiles they've always wanted without ever having to wear braces.

Poser Orthodontics is pleased to offer our patients a "clear" alternative to metal braces with Simpli5 invisible aligners.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Simpli5?

• Quicker treatment times - With Simpli5, you can begin your treatment just three to four weeks after your doctor has taken impressions, and most cases are completed within just five months.
• Comfort - The Simpli5 plastic aligners are custom made to fit your mouth. The aligners are made of a unique plastic material that is smooth and invisible! The aligners fit so well that your family and friends may never even know you're wearing braces.
• Convenience - Each aligner is worn for only three to four weeks, for five to six months. After your treatment is complete, you're left with a beautiful, straight smile in less time than with traditional orthodontic appliances.

Don't "DIY" Orthodontics

Poser Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing. Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics, or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at 262-255-6255.

What is Orthodontics?

There are a rising number of adults nowadays seeking orthodontic treatment for a wide variety of reasons. Ranging from the same reasons children and teenagers are being treated, to some important differences which adults are faced with.  Several adults assume orthodontics provides only the solution of straightening out crooked teeth. Though this is a major factor as to why a majority of our patients seek treatment, there are several other important reasons why you may need to be treated by an orthodontist. 

Orthodontics involves the movement of the teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them to bite more evenly together. Treatment is about making the best of your teeth; and improving the coordination of your mouth and jaws. It’s important to be treated by a certified orthodontist, rather than a general dentist, because orthodontists are fully qualified in this field completing further training and studies to specialize in orthodontics.

Dr. Poser and his team utilize state of the art orthodontic technology and techniques to ensure that you will enjoy optimal results, maximum comfort and the shortest treatment time possible. If you are ready to learn more about orthodontic treatment at Poser Orthodontics, give us a call at our Germantown office, 262-255-6255 or our Wauwatosa office, 414-476-2244.

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How To Floss With Braces

When you have braces, it's very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us at Poser Orthodontics and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

Step 1: Using a piece of floss about 18 inches long, carefully thread the end between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.

Step 2: Carefully floss around the braces.


Step 3: Carefully floss around the gum areas.


Step 4: Carefully floss around each tooth.

What is the Damon 3 bracket?

Poser Orthodontics is pleased to offer our patients passive self-ligating Damon Smile braces. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and allowing the teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile can be faster and easier than you ever thought possible!

What is the Damon 3 bracket?

The Damon 3 bracket offers several benefits for patients. It is made from stainless steel for stability and a clear material for aesthetics. The rounded structure improves patient comfort while maintaining overall performance.

The Damon 3 System uses a self-ligation technique using lighter wires and lower friction brackets to move teeth, resulting in faster treatment times. Its slide mechanism, strong mechanical base, bonding and solid wall structure control tooth movement with speed and efficiency.

In addition to greater comfort, the Damon System makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene because the brackets are easier to keep clean. This contributes to greater overall health, happiness and physical attractiveness for the duration of treatment at Poser Orthodontics.

Comfort Food

Do you have a hard time finding meals that are fit for your braces and your appetite? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than four million children and adults wear braces, and they also understand the difficulty of eating certain meals with braces. Because of this, we decided to find a few recipes that will give a new meaning to comfort food if you wear braces.

Click the picture of the meal to be linked to the ingredients list and recipe directions.

Basil & Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Click here for the recipe. 

Buffalo Bacon Chicken Macaroni & Cheese

Click here for the recipe. 

Pizza Rigatoni

Click here for the recipe. 

These 3 meals aren’t just delicious, they’re braces friendly. Do you have any braces friendly recipes or dinner ideas to share with us? Leave a comment below or post one on our Facebook wall!

Advantages of Damon System

The advantages of a self-ligating system over standard braces are significant. Aesthetically, metal Damon system brackets are less noticeable than the brackets of traditional metal braces.  Damon system braces now come in clear versions for the image conscious, which is another advantage in itself.

What can't be easily overlooked, however, is the reduced treatment time that can be experienced using the Damon system. Studies show Damon patients had treatment times that were more than a half a year shorter than patients with traditional metal braces. Damon patients had 47.8 percent fewer appointments as compared to the metal braces group in order to get their smiles looking great.

Because no friction is involved by using elastic or metal ligatures, teeth can slide more freely, thus shortening the treatment time, as well as causing less pain during treatment.

Lastly, the Damon system can lead to better oral health during orthodontic treatment, making your smile that much healthier when the braces come off.  For more information on Damon Braces, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Poser Orthodontics located in Germantown & Wauwatosa for your convenience. 

What is the Damon System?

Dr. Poser specializes in Damon Braces offered at both Poser Orthodontic practices. The Damon System is a new way of treating patients in comparison to traditional metal braces.  Damon smiles are full, natural 10-tooth smiles achieved with light biologically-sensible forces, and are specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient.

With Damon Braces, there are 3 main components which provide faster treatment and better results:

1. Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.
2. Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.
3. A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

Damon Braces are also offered in clear brackets too helping our patients be discreet with their orthodontic treatment.  

Not all doctors can offer Damon braces, but Dr. Poser is certified in offering the Damon System to his patients, and can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.  Contact us now to set up a complimentary consultation.

National Pound Cake Day

This may sound a little odd, but today is National Pound Cake Day.National Pound Cake Day is annually observed in the United States on March 4th. Pound cake lovers, near and far, can celebrate with a slice (or two) of this delicious rich delight.

Traditionally, the name Pound Cake comes from the recipe itself. The recipe for pound cake makes a cake much larger than most families can consume, as it calls for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar.  You mix these ingredients together and bake to create a delicious moist cake ready for any toppings you'd like to add!

Check out this awesome video we found showing you how to make a pound cake using a blender!

We hope you enjoy this video. Do you have a good pound cake recipe you would like to share? Post it on our Facebook page & we will share it with our Facebook fans!

Myth or Fact

So we all know someone who has a friend who has a cousin who knows a guy...so the story must be true.

Oh those myths and how we love to believe them all. No...we aren't talking about mixing Pop Rocks candy with Coca-Cola, we're talking about the myths surrounding the Orthodontic World...you know, the really scary ones.

There are many legends and myths about orthodontics, some of which have become so commonplace that they are now believed to be legitimate. Well...guess what? Even if you know the guy who has the cousin who has the friend that the story happened to...it's myth.

Myth: Only children and teens need to visit an orthodontist. 



Fact: Braces are not just for kids. More and more adults today are seeking the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important at any age.

Myth: Braces interfere with radio signals and electronic devices.

Fact: In theory any metal can act as an antenna, but braces are really bad ones. Radio signals are modulated electro-magnetic waves transmitted through the air. In order for these transmitted signals to travel well in air, they must be sent at high-frequencies. This is achieved through modulation. Even if someone's tooth could receive these frequencies, it would have to be decoded to actually hear real messages.

Myth: Braces are just for cosmetic purposes and aren’t necessary for your overall dental health.

Fact: While braces can definitely help you get that beautiful smile, they aren’t just for cosmetic improvement. Well aligned teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene making it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, resolving certain orthodontic problems with the use of braces can improve your ability to speak, chew, and even breathe.

Myth: Wearing braces will increase your chances of being struck by lightning?

Fact: The chances of a person getting struck by are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any one year, the chance you will be struck by lighting is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing.

Myth: If there was a giant magnet overhead, anyone who is wearing braces would get stuck to it.
Fact: Braces are made of materials which are non-magnetic in nature. Therefore getting stuck to a giant magnet is highly unlikely...and really, where is this giant magnet anyways?

So fear no more...Orthodontic myths are just that...MYTHS. No matter what your friend's cousin's brother says.

Your Smile Is A Lifelong Investment

When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, also consider the lifelong benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment.

For your convenience, we do offer different methods of payment, including interest-free monthly payment plans and credit card payments. We will discuss these payment options and assist in determining the best plan for you.

Our office will assist those who have orthodontic insurance by submitting the necessary information. Insurance companies vary greatly in the type and extent of coverage available. Most misunderstandings about insurance can be eliminated if you are familiar with your policy:

• Be sure that you do have orthodontic coverage. Not all dental plans provide orthodontic benefits.
• Inquire if there is an age limitation as some orthodontic plans can expire at age 18.
• Be aware of the percentage which will be paid by your insurance and the amount of lifetime benefits provided by your plan.

Braces Are Great At Any Age

Don't let age stop you from having the straight teeth you've always dreamed of. Braces aren't just for kids anymore. Parents are still making regular trips to the orthodontist's office, but these days more and more are leaving their kids in the waiting room.

Sad, but true…over time our bodies start to wear out, including our teeth. As you age, your teeth break down. Unfortunately, it's one of the most visible signs of aging. As teeth wear, the lower and the upper jaw move closer together. Shortening of your teeth causes your lips to change, creases to form on the sides of your nose and mouth, a deep crease develops between your chin and lower lip and jowls develop on the sides of your jaw. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can also contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Numerous technological advances have made braces less noticeable, less painful and even less time-consuming.

As America's baby boomers have become more health conscious, they're rejecting the notion that loosing teeth and dentures are a routine part of growing older. These days people are exercising more and eating healthier and braces are another way of demonstrating that you care about yourself and your overall health.

Don’t believe us? Still think you’re too old for braces? Check out these adults who decided it was time to improve their smiles…you might be surprised.

Faye Dunaway - Age 61 Tom Cruise - Age 40 Gwen Stefani - Age 30

Don't forget to check out our FaceBook page and post your comments letting us know what you think of our blog!

Become Besties With Your Braces

Every relationship takes work and the relationship between you and your Braces is no different.

You and your braces will become besties over the upcoming months. There will be some bad days, but there will be good days too.  If you stick with it and work through those bad days, the good days will be that much better.

To prevent any ill feelings between you and your braces we recommend...

Avoiding sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your bestie harm. And even though it may seem like the best foods are the foods that are sticky and/or hard…sticky or hard foods can break a bracket or wire.

Chewing with your back teeth. Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. Cut large foods into pieces and use your back teeth to chew.

Flossing. We know that it can be a pain to floss around your braces…your braces may even fight you on it. But flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders definitely make flossing with braces much easier.

Smoothing things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.

You and your braces will go through a lot together. When all is said and done, you’ll smile at yourself in the mirror one day, remembering your braces fondly and you'll know that the relationship was totally worth it.

Treatment Troublemakers

Successful orthodontic treatment depends upon our patient exercising reasonable care in avoiding hard or chewy substances which will damage braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Please Stay Away From These Troublemakers:

• Sticky foods like taffy and caramels
• Crunchy foods like pretzels, popcorn, and nuts
• Vegetables and fruits such as apples and raw carrots should be cut into small pieces
• Do not open sports bottles with your teeth
• Biting on things like pen caps, pencils, ice or fingernails

It is impossible to list all the types of food that need to be avoided, so please use common sense in your selections.

If you experience a problem with a loose bracket, band, or other orthodontic appliance, please call us at Poser Orthodontics as soon as possible during regular office hours. That will allow us to schedule the additional time necessary for the repair.

Calling All Cheeseheads

We are excited to announce we have a new contest going on this month for our patients. It’s easy to enter and we have 2 awesome prizes up for grabs!

Can you guess how many mac & cheese noodles are in this jar?

#PoserCheesehead

To enter:

1. Go to our Facebook Page

2. LIKE US

3. Post your guess with your name, and office you are seen at.

4. Use #Posercheesehead

Two winners will be announced, one from both of our offices. Each winner will get a Green Bay Packers gift basket!

The contest will run January 1-January 29th!

Wishing you a Happy New Year

Poser Orthodontics would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season as we approach the New Year! We hope that you are able to spend time with your friends and loved ones while enjoying full meals, big hugs, and lots of love and laughs.

If you are currently being treated and wear an orthodontic appliance, please be sure to make the proper choices when enjoying holiday treats that are sticky or chewy. Should you have any questions, please visit our website for common questions and answers regarding appliances.

Remember New Year's celebrations tend to have treats we don't usually indulge it, so be sure to brush and floss after your special countdown!

Happy New Year!

What are your holiday plans? Share your holiday activities with us by commenting below or by sharing on our Facebook page.

Holiday Hours

Please note our holiday hours are as follows:

December 24 & December 25

Closed

December 31

Closed at 1pm

January 1

Closed

Our regular office hours will resume on January 4, 2016.

Happy Holidays!

Do You Know The Benefits Of Straight Teeth?

There are several benefits of having properly aligned straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

We decided to highlight some benefits of straight teeth, check them out.

Improved Gum Health

• Lower risk of gum disease.
• Lower risk of tooth loss.

Better Overall Health

·         Less tooth decay.

·         Lower risk of heart disease.

·         Lower risk of high blood sugar.

Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Injury

• Misaligned teeth can push against soft tissues in the mouth.
• Cuts, sores, and infections are a result of crooked teeth.

Increased Confidence

• More self-esteem at work or school.
• Confidence leads to a more successful attitude.

Easier Eating

• Crooked teeth compromise chewing.

If you are ready to take advantage of the benefits of straight teeth, give us a call at (414) 476-2244.  Poser Orthodontics offers affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages. 

Let's Celebrate

They say to celebrate good times, right? Well we wanted to get into that phrase a little more by showcasing some of our patients who are celebrating their new smiles!  At Poser Orthodontics our friendly staff develops a relationship with our patients on a more personal level.  Our patients aren’t the only ones proud of their smiles, but we are too.

Meet some of our patients that are ready to ring in the new year with their new smile!

Congratulations Anna!

Congratulations Jordyn!

Congratulations Dawn!

Congratulations Ethan!

Congratulations to all of you for achieving such great results! Great results don’t just come from our efforts, but they are achieved by a team effort of our patients and staff combined. Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Request an appointment for a complimentary initial evaluation now by contacting our office.

Visit www.poserortho.com for more information.