Blog

Everything You Need to Know about Your Expander

A common first step of orthodontic treatment is an expander. Expanders, or palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances that increase the space between the halves of the upper jaw. While that sounds scary and painful, expanders are very common and relatively painless! Many young, growing orthodontic patients have expanders, and they can help make sure you don’t have to undergo surgery later!

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Eating with Braces

One of our most common questions from patients is “What can I eat with my braces?” or “What foods do I have to give up?” and we have a few simple guidelines to share. Getting braces is a big change, and on top of the wires, brackets, or Invisalign trays, there’s a whole new set of habits you must get used to. Luckily, we’re here to help and answer any questions you may have during treatment! If you keep these in mind, your smile and diet will be happy and healthy!

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Early Treatment Orthodontics

Parents are usually well-versed in getting their child to the dentist early on. Establishing oral health routines for your toddlers is standard – but many parents have questions about getting their child set up with orthodontic treatment. What about their first visit to the orthodontist? When should they go? Is my child too young for the orthodontist? Is my child too young for braces? Luckily, all these questions have simple answers. 

 

The Lucky Number Seven

Age seven is the magic number for a first orthodontist visit. This is because, at seven, your child’s first set of molars should have come in. This first set of molars erupts between ages six and seven and are in the lower jaw and do not replace any baby teeth. 

The seven-year molars are a good indicator of future dental issues once they have fully grown in. Seeing your child right after this growth occurs allows your orthodontist to get a more accurate picture of your child’s mouth and treatment plan than if they were seen before the molars grew in but give them enough time to address possible issues before it’s too late.

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Gum Disease

What is gum disease? 

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by these practices hardens and forms “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. This tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. 

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden. If the disease worsens, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

There are risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in women, diabetes, and medications that lessen the flow of saliva.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

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A Night Out with Braces

Braces can be sharp and restrictive. This makes the dating scene seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, dating with braces is possible and still just as fun. Here are a few of our tips and suggestions for a painless date night! 

 

Dates to Avoid with Braces

You CAN feel beautiful and have a successful date night with braces. Also, you can always pack a toothbrush if you want to be super prepared. For a successful and embarrassment-free dating experience with braces, we advise you to stick to soft foods you know won’t get caught in your brackets and teeth. 

Popular dates like a movie, the mall, or a local summer carnival have lots of foods that aren’t braces-friendly. When you’re out for a romantic night nothing kills the mood like a bracket popping off, so. Best avoid foods on the list of problem snacks your orthodontist gives you. Things like popcorn, chewy candy, or hard pizza and cookies are a recipe for disaster rather than a fun date. 

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Announcing Our “Spring Puzzle” Contest Winner!

Congrats to our patient who emerged victorious in our “Spring Puzzle” online puzzle contest!

Our winner completed the puzzle and gained entry into the pool for the prize drawing, where her name was randomly selected to receive 2 tickets to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Congrats again to our winner! Thank you to all our patients who enter the contest!