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Back to School Orthodontic Care Tips

September 6th, 2024

As summer comes to an end, kids will be heading back to school it's important to remember the importance of orthodontic care for students who are undergoing treatment. Whether your child is starting their first year of school with braces or invisalign maintaining good oral health during the school year is crucial.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to orthodontic care during the school year is to continue following your orthodontist's instructions. This means wearing your rubber bands or invisalign as directed, and keeping up with regular check-ups. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the school year, but staying consistent with your orthodontic care is essential for achieving the best results.

Another important part of back-to-school orthodontic care is maintaining good oral hygiene. With busy school schedules, it can be easy to forget to properly brush and floss but it's important to make time for these tasks. Brushing and flossing regularly will help prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues which can happen while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances.

It's also important to be mindful of what is eaten during the school year, especially if wearing braces. Avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods can help prevent damage to braces and keep treatment on track. Pack braces-friendly snacks and lunches for school, and be sure to brush your teeth after lunch to keep braces clean and free of food particles.

If you have invisalign make sure to remove and place it in case so not lose the trays. When done eating go into to the bathroom, rinse mouth and brush teeth and run water over invisalign trays then return them to your mouth. Do not wrap invisalign trays in a napkin or paper towel-doing so could cause them to be thrown out.

Back-to-school orthodontic care is important to maintain good oral health and achieving the best results from orthodontic treatment. By following the orthodontist's instructions, practicing good oral hygiene, watching what you eat, and scheduling regular check-ups, you can help make sure treatment stays on track and you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We hope everyone has a great school year!

What to know before and after braces or Invisalign

August 30th, 2024

Before getting braces or Invisalign:

1. Consult with your orthodontist to discuss your options and determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

2. Figure out the cost and payment options for braces or Invisalign, as well as any insurance coverage you may have.

3. There may be some discomfort when you first start treatment. You may need to adjust your eating habits at the beginning of wearing braces or Invisalign.

4. Make sure to continue good oral hygiene especially with braces-as they can make it more difficult to clean your teeth. You will need to make sure you are brushing your Invisalign, too, in the morning, night and after eating.

5. Make sure you are responsible with keeping the Invisalign safe and in the case when not in your mouth so you do not lose them.

After getting braces or Invisalign:

1. Follow the orthodontist's instructions for caring for your braces or Invisalign.

2. Attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments and check-ups with your orthodontist.

3. Be prepared for some discomfort after each adjustment, as your teeth are being moved into the correct position.

4. Avoid certain foods that can damage your braces, such as hard or sticky foods.

5. Stay patient and trust the process – braces or Invisalign take time to straighten the teeth, but the end result will be worth it!!!

Why it's important to take care of baby teeth

August 12th, 2024

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play an important role in a child's overall development. Baby teeth start to erupt in a baby around the age of six months and by the time a child is three years old they typically have all 20 baby teeth. Baby teeth are temporary but they are important because they are needed for a child's ability to chew, speak, and maintain alignment for the permanent teeth.

Many believe baby teeth are not important since they will eventually fall out. This is inaccurate, baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely it may lead to alignment issues with permanent teeth. In this case, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment would be necessary.

It is important to start caring for your child's teeth as soon as they start to erupt. This includes gently brushing baby teeth with a soft toothbrush and using a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush every morning and every night before bed. It is also recommended for children see the dentist for regular check-ups starting around their first birthday.

Another important part of caring for baby teeth is watching the development and looking for any signs of decay or infection. Common signs of tooth decay in children include discoloration, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and pain while chewing. If there are any signs of decay to the baby teeth it is important to see the dentist, especially since decay may harm developing permanent teeth. Teaching proper oral hygiene habits from a young age and monitoring dental health can aid in a lifetime of good oral health.

Why Flossing is Important!

August 2nd, 2024

1. Removes plaque and food: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food that may be stuck between your teeth and along the gumline, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Prevents bad breath: Flossing helps to remove bacteria and food that can cause bad breath.

3. Protects against gum disease: Flossing helps to prevent gum disease by removing plaque that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.

4. Prevents cavities: Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.

5. Improves overall oral health: Flossing is a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine and helps to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

6. Reduces the risk of other health problems: Poor oral health has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Flossing regularly can help reduce the risk of these health problems.

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