Know Your Ortho Terms: Impressions

For orthodontic appliances to fit perfectly to each individual patients smile there is a process in place to attain custom mold, this is called Impressions. This is the first step in making a mold of teeth.

Impressions are usually done to before you undergo orthodontic treatment and get appliances that must fit to the position of your teeth. Impressions are done by placing a tray filled with alginate onto
your teeth.

Alginate is a mixture of powder and water produces a cream-like substance. The tray is kept in your mouth until the alginate sets. Once the substance has hardened imprints are of your gums and teeth are created. This process is done to both the upper and lower teeth.

Lastly, plaster is poured into the imprints, which allows the orthodontist to create a mold of your teeth. This impression can now be used for examination and to make your custom-fit appliances. Impressions are done before and after braces to since the alignment of your teeth changes.

Two Brushes a Day Keeps the Bacteria Away

What’s one of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning? No not press snooze on the alarm clock, were talking about brushing your teeth! Taking care of your oral health is a daily task, but morning isn’t the only time you take care of your teeth.

Brushing should be done in the morning, after meals and before bedtime. It is important that you are at least brushing your teeth (and braces if you are under treatment) once a day to keep your teeth clean.

Brushing Tips:

Photo provided by Livehalffulblog.com

• Step 1 – Starting at one side of the mouth on upper teeth, position the brush so that the bristles angle downward beneath the arch wire. Brush 1-2 teeth at a time, and do 5-6 circular motions in each area.
• Step 2 – Repeat Step 1, except angle bristles upward beneath the arch wire.
• Step 3 – Brush again without angling the bristles using a gentle, circular motion between the gum line and the braces.
• Step 4 – Repeat Steps 1-3 for the lower teeth. Remember to brush the back and biting surfaces of all your teeth as well 

In addition to brushing you should also be flossing regularly. Flossing helps get the food particles and bacteria your tooth brush may not be able to reach. Flossing should be done every day, but 3 days a week is acceptable.

Photo Provided by Almightydad.com

Flossing Tips:

• Step 1 – Starting between the first two teeth on one side of your mouth, insert the stiff end of Super Floss between the teeth and above the arch wire for the upper teeth and beneath the arch wire for the lower teeth. Move floss in an up-and-down motion (not a sawing motion) between contacts of the two teeth.
• Step 2 – Remove floss and then reinsert floss between the next two teeth. Repeat this procedure until all the teeth have been completed.

So your daily routine should consist of brushing, flossing and rinsing (with water or over-the-counter fluoride rinse) to retain good oral health.

Know Your Ortho Terms: Herbst

There are many different orthodontic appliances that can be used for treatment. Each problem can have several different types of treatment, it all depends on which appliance best suits you and your needs.

An overbite is a common condition where the front teeth overlap the lower teeth. Most people assume when you have an overbite braces are the only treatment available, however, the Herbst appliance has revolutionized the way orthodontist treat overbites.

Photo provided by ScreenPlay

The Herbst is a hydraulic-like metal appliance that attaches to the upper and lower back molars. Pistons and bands are used to put pressure on the lower jaw, helping it grow forwards while the upper jaw moves backward. 

Photo provided by ScreenPlay

This appliance may seem like it would hinder movement of the mouth, but it doesn’t enable your mouth from opening and closing. Designed to correct bites and also improve facial profiles, it combines two treatment phases by achieving skeletal and dental correction at the same time.

As a result the use of the Herbst the facial profile is noticeably changed, providing the patient with a healthier smile.

Yum and Fun!... It's National Picnic Month

August is National Picnic Month, so it’s time to pack up some food, grab those blankets and a meal outside in the fresh air.

Photo provided by Consettmagazine.com

As summer comes to an end we must take time to enjoy the warm weather and sunny skies with our family and friends. You don’t have to go far, with this it’s cheaper and more enjoyable alternative to dining out. We have 5 things to consider when planning the best end of summer picnic.

Photo provided by freefoto.com

1. Location: The basis of any great picnic starts off with the location. The best thing about a picnic is that they can take place anywhere, just has to be an outdoor setting. A beach, lake, local park or any other outdoor setting. The location sets the tone for your picnic, so be sure to pick the right site for a great time.

2. Guest: Invite family and friends out for a day of fun. Picnics parties can be as small or large as you please.

3. Weather: Pick a date that your local weather person says will be the right temperature for you. Some summer days can be really hot, so make sure the date you pick is good for you and your guest.

4. Seating: Being that you are outdoors you must make the setting comfortable for you and your guest. Depending on your location this could be a blanket, quilt or a beach towel. Table cloths are also an option; some locations may have picnic tables available. You want to have fun in nature, but since there is going to be food involved you don’t want dirt, sand or grass added to your meals.

Photo provided by eofdreams.com

5. Food: Depending on your guest you can either go with nice dishes for adults or finger foods for children. But, you can never go wrong with picnic favorites. Favorites include sandwiches, potato salad and fruit salads. You could even bring a portable grill and turn things up on the grill.

Summer isn’t over just yet so you still have time to plan the perfect summer picnic. So invite everyone out for a day of fun to create a great summer memory. Post pictures on Facebook and tag us to show us your great picnic.

Life After Braces

You have worked hard to improve your smile and now it’s time for those braces to come off. But, you’re not finished yet there is still one more step to having the amazing smile you desire.

Once your braces are removed it is possible for teeth to want to return back to their original positions. To prevent all the hard work of your orthodontist from going down the drain, you must wear your retainer. Retainers, like the name states, retain your teeth in their new positions. How often you have to wear your retainer depends on the directions given to you by the doctor, which also depends on the type of retainer you have.

There are three types of retainers that are often used:

The Hawley Retainer:

Photo provided by globaldentalsolutions.com

The Hawley retainer is the most commonly used appliance for post-braces treatment. This retainer is available for both the upper and lower arches. It is often referred to as wire retainer for its design, wires attached to plastic body.

Essix:

Photo provided by dentalkit.com

The Essix is a removable clear retainer. Made from a cast of your teeth, it’s worn to retain the corrected position of teeth. Unlike the wire retainer, this clear retainer allows for total discretion. At first, it must be worn for 24 hours and then it only has to be worn at night.

Fixed Retainer:

Photo provided by Ortholab.com

The Fixed retainer is a non-adjustable appliance that consists of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. There is an advantage to this non-adjustable retainer. Unlike removable retainers that can be forgotten and lost this fixed retainer doesn't have that issue. Though it cannot be removed it is not permanent and can be broken or detached from your teeth if you are not careful.

Remember, your retainer is an important part of getting the smile you want. So once you've picked the retainer that is right for you, you must wear the retainer as instructed by the Doctor. 

Watch What You Eat

Eating healthy is important for your entire, including your teeth.

You’ve heard over and over about the basics of maintain good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, floss daily, visit your dentist twice a year and stay on top of orthodontic appointments. However, in between all of that an important way to keep your mouth healthy you must get foods that help main oral health.

When you eat foods that are not good for your teeth, like sugary foods, you are aiding the production of bacteria formally known as plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and gum disease if they are not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.

Here are some foods to add to your diet to protect your teeth and keep them healthy.

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables:

These foods stimulate saliva flow which is the best defense your teeth has against cavities and gum disease.

Photo provided by Trans-high.com

Dairy products: cheese, milk, yogurt

The calcium in dairy products helps put back minerals your teeth may have lost due to other foods.

Photo provided by guardianlv.com

Black and Green Tea:

Both teas contain polyphenols which can suppress or kill bacteria that could attack the teeth.

Photo provided by 1966mag.com

Sugar-less gum:

Chewing gum also helps create a mass production of saliva to defend the teeth.

Photo provided by Health.com

Foods with fluoride: This includes drinking water and products you prepare with water like powder sugar-free juices and soups. Commercial prepared poultry, seafood and cereal provide fluoride also

cleanwateraction.org

Remember everything that goes into your mouth has an effect on your teeth, just make sure it is a positive effect. 

The Discomfort Zone

 

Photo provided by commons.wikimedia.org

You’re all set to start your journey to a better smile, but you’re your worried “will getting my braces hurt?” Don’t worry it won’t be painful. Applying braces doesn't hurt. However, the first couple of days after the placement of your braces there may be some discomfort but it won’t last for.

“Why is my mouth sore?”

The soreness comes after the wire is place onto the brackets. This is because your teeth are beginning to move and your teeth are not use to the pressure the arch wire and elastic are causing. As the days progress your teeth will get more and more use to the brace and your soreness will decrease.

Here’s what to expect during your first days in braces:

Photo provided by Poserortho.com

First day braces are applied: There should be no pain. You might find that your taking longer to eat meals, you’ll have to get adjusted eating with braces. Also your teeth may be sensitive and it may be harder to chew certain foods, so it is probably best to stick to soft foods and liquids for the first day.

2-3 days after braces are applied: These couple of days can be uncomfortable; this is when the teeth begin their realignment. Your orthodontist will show you how to use dental wax to help alleviate the pain.

5 days after braces are applied: You should be feeling minimal, if any, discomfort at this time. You teeth should be used to your braces making eating much easier. Certain foods may still be a challenge to chew, but going back your normal diet is ok at this point. Remember to avoid those foods on the "What not to eat" list to protect your braces and wires.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with the discomfort:

• Take over the counter medicine like Tylenol
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• Eat soft foods like yogurt and mash potatoes
• Place heating pad or warm was rag on jaw
• Avoid acidic drinks; those drinks with acid can irritate a sore mouth
• Use over the counter oral anesthetic like Orajel
• Apply wax to any bracket or wire bothering your cheek, tongue or lips