If your teeth are not aligned properly in your mouth it is harder to exercise proper oral hygiene. Left untreated, a bad bite can lead to periodontal disease.
Gum disease - which can be secondary to having crooked teeth - isn’t just a problem for your oral health. When your mouth is full of harmful bacteria fighting it out with your immune system, your whole body is affected, just as it would be if you had a bad infection anywhere else in your body.
While inflammation is your body’s normal reaction to fight off infection, when inflammation in your mouth goes on for a long time, it can lead to inflammation throughout your body – and that’s a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (a.k.a “heart disease”) and even having a stroke.
Studies have shown that preventing inflammation to begin with is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. That means good dental hygiene is key. In order to exercise the best oral hygiene possible, your teeth and bite must be aligned properly.
It might sound far-fetched to associate crooked teeth, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease and certain types of cancer. There is, however, a correlation between a history of periodontal disease and several cancers, including a 36% increased risk of lung cancer, a 49% increased risk of lung cancer, and a 54% increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Peridontal disease has also been associated with colon cancer and some types of blood cancer.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Why are crooked teeth a health problem?
Teeth that are not aligned properly in your mouth can create what orthodontists call “malocclusion” (bad bite.) Left untreated, a bad bite can lead to periodontal disease and create abnormal amounts of stress on the teeth and jaws, which lead to premature wear.
Straightening your teeth can reduce the risk of serious dental problems because it’s easier to clean them properly when they are well-aligned. What we have also learned through scientific research in recent years is that straightening your teeth and correcting your bite can actually help you live a longer, healthier life.
Does this sound too good to be true? It’s not.
When teeth are crooked and crowded it’s hard to keep them clean even if you are very diligent about brushing and flossing. Chances are that over time some hard-to-reach areas will end up being neglected and you will develop periodontal disease. This means that your gums that hold your teeth in place get infected. Your gums become swollen and bleed easily when you brush your teeth. This initial gum infection is called gingivitis.
If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which literally means “inflammation around the tooth.” The gums pull away from the teeth and form little pockets of infection from trapped food and bacteria. Infections activate your body’s immune system, which in turn attacks the bacteria. The battle between bacteria and the immune system will start to break down the gums, connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place in the jaws. That can make chewing painful and difficult, and can lead to teeth that become so loose that they fall out or need to be extracted.
Straightening your teeth can reduce the risk of serious dental problems because it’s easier to clean them properly when they are well-aligned. What we have also learned through scientific research in recent years is that straightening your teeth and correcting your bite can actually help you live a longer, healthier life.
Does this sound too good to be true? It’s not.
When teeth are crooked and crowded it’s hard to keep them clean even if you are very diligent about brushing and flossing. Chances are that over time some hard-to-reach areas will end up being neglected and you will develop periodontal disease. This means that your gums that hold your teeth in place get infected. Your gums become swollen and bleed easily when you brush your teeth. This initial gum infection is called gingivitis.
If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which literally means “inflammation around the tooth.” The gums pull away from the teeth and form little pockets of infection from trapped food and bacteria. Infections activate your body’s immune system, which in turn attacks the bacteria. The battle between bacteria and the immune system will start to break down the gums, connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place in the jaws. That can make chewing painful and difficult, and can lead to teeth that become so loose that they fall out or need to be extracted.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Herbst Appliance
This appliance is not a new appliance. It has been around in the world of orthodontics for about 50 years. It gained popularity in the last 20 years as the focus of orthodontic treatment shifted to individualization of patient care to address specific issues, and not use the same treatment techniques for everyone.
The Herbst appliance is very effective in correcting large overbites due to small lower jaws in patients that are growing. It is used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction. The lower jaw is held forward by a pair of tubes and rods working together similar to a shock absorber to connect the upper and lower jaws.
The Herbst appliance corrects “overbites” by holding the lower jaw in a forward position, which in turn is what encourages lower jaw to accomplish its maximum genetic growth potential, helping it to grow and catch up with the upper jaw. The growth center of the lower jaw is near the joint area and the Herbst appliance works “remodeling” this area.
By utilizing the Herbst appliance while a young patient is growing, we can maximize their growth potential and possibly eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth or a jaw advancement surgery to fix the bite in the future.
The Herbst appliance is cemented on the back molars and is in place and active 24 hours a day. It generally stays in place for 12 months along with front braces. Once it is removed, braces are added to the side teeth for an approximately 12-18 months to complete tooth alignment.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Treatment of "Overbites" - part 2/2
But what about those patients whose “overbite” is due to a small lower jaw? Does it make sense to adapt a good upper jaw to a faulty lower one? The answer is no. Limiting the growth of a good upper jaw or moving well-positioned upper front teeth to “fit” a small lower jaw may produce an acceptable bite. It will not, however, produce an attractive face.
Considering the aforementioned, what is the proper way of addressing an “overbite” due to a small lower jaw? The short answer is to encourage the lower jaw to grow and “catch up” with the upper jaw on pre-teen and early-teen patients. This concept gained popularity in Europe in the 50’s and arrived in America in the 70’s.
Although many times orthodontists accomplish corrections that are worthy of “wows,” there’s hardly any magic in what we do. We can’t “grow” a lower jaw or make it grow to pre-determined standards. When it comes to growth, orthodontic treatment is limited to the individual genetic growth potential each person has. What we can do, however, is try to create a treatment environment conducive to taking advantage of the maximum growth potential each person has during the growing years.
When it comes to treating the “overbite” of someone with a small lower jaw, there are many different appliances that once in place in the mouth can encourage the lower jaw to accomplish its maximum genetic growth potential. My appliance of choice is the HERBST APPLIANCE, which I will write more about in my next posting.
Considering the aforementioned, what is the proper way of addressing an “overbite” due to a small lower jaw? The short answer is to encourage the lower jaw to grow and “catch up” with the upper jaw on pre-teen and early-teen patients. This concept gained popularity in Europe in the 50’s and arrived in America in the 70’s.
Although many times orthodontists accomplish corrections that are worthy of “wows,” there’s hardly any magic in what we do. We can’t “grow” a lower jaw or make it grow to pre-determined standards. When it comes to growth, orthodontic treatment is limited to the individual genetic growth potential each person has. What we can do, however, is try to create a treatment environment conducive to taking advantage of the maximum growth potential each person has during the growing years.
When it comes to treating the “overbite” of someone with a small lower jaw, there are many different appliances that once in place in the mouth can encourage the lower jaw to accomplish its maximum genetic growth potential. My appliance of choice is the HERBST APPLIANCE, which I will write more about in my next posting.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Treatment of "Overbites" - part 1/2
The purpose of correcting an “overbite” is not cosmetic. It is important to have a proper bite where the teeth work as they are intended to prevent future problems and breakdown of the teeth and jaw muscles. That said, positive changes to the jaw line and facial profile will also be noticed.
The job of an orthodontist is not to solely move teeth. Our specialty is called “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics” and this means that we also must consider the structure of the whole face when deciding how to move teeth.
In the past, all “overbites” were treated with either a headgear or the removal of two permanent upper teeth to allow moving the front teeth towards the back (towards meeting the lower teeth). You may be wondering: “are headgears still around??” The answer is, you bet they are. And you want to know why? Because they are efficient if properly worn.
The headgear is an appliance that prevents the upper jaw from continuing to outgrow the lower jaw. The appliance is attached to the upper first permanent molars (back teeth), via bands and tubes. A backwards force is the applied through a neck or head strap to limit the forward growth of the upper jaw. This type of treatment works well for patients that have a prominent upper jaw and/or upper front teeth that need to be moved back.
Headgears can also be used to make more space for teeth to come in. In this instance the headgear is attached to the molars and a light force is applied to help to draw these molars backwards in the mouth, opening up space for the front teeth to be moved back using braces and bands. Multiple appliances and accessories are typically used along with the headgear, especially braces and elastics.
But what about those patients whose “overbite” is due to a small lower jaw? Does it make sense to adapt a good upper jaw to a faulty lower one? Stay tuned for the answer in my next entry
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
"Overbites"
One of the most common bite situations an orthodontist deals with on a frequent basis is the correction of bites where lower teeth are set back relative to the top teeth. Such situations are often referred to as “overbites” by most people. In orthodontics, however, overbites mean something else. What the public calls “overbite” is called excessive overjet by orthodontists. For the purpose of this blog entry, I will use the term “overbite” in quotes so my colleagues will not think wrong of me.
In order to determine the best treatment for someone with an “overbite” problem, it is important to establish which jaw is at fault. An orthodontist is trained to look at a patient's facial profile much like a Plastic Surgeon.
Basically, the orthodontist needs to determine why the upper front teeth are far from the lower front teeth. Is it because the upper jaw is too big for the lower jaw? Is it because the lower jaw is too small? Or is it because of both?
A thorough first examination plus a complete set of records, with digital photographs, radiographs and study models are key to helping me determine which jaw is at fault and what is the proper treatment for an ideal correction that improves the bite and the facial profile.
The purpose of correcting an “overbite” is not cosmetic. It is important to have a proper bite where the teeth work as they are intended to prevent future problems and breakdown of the teeth and jaw muscles. That said, positive changes to the jaw line and facial profile will also be noticed.
In order to determine the best treatment for someone with an “overbite” problem, it is important to establish which jaw is at fault. An orthodontist is trained to look at a patient's facial profile much like a Plastic Surgeon.
Basically, the orthodontist needs to determine why the upper front teeth are far from the lower front teeth. Is it because the upper jaw is too big for the lower jaw? Is it because the lower jaw is too small? Or is it because of both?
A thorough first examination plus a complete set of records, with digital photographs, radiographs and study models are key to helping me determine which jaw is at fault and what is the proper treatment for an ideal correction that improves the bite and the facial profile.
The purpose of correcting an “overbite” is not cosmetic. It is important to have a proper bite where the teeth work as they are intended to prevent future problems and breakdown of the teeth and jaw muscles. That said, positive changes to the jaw line and facial profile will also be noticed.
"Overbites"
One of the most common bite situations an orthodontist deals with on a frequent basis is the correction of bites where lower teeth are set back relative to the top teeth. Such situations are often referred to as “overbites” by most people. In orthodontics, however, overbites mean something else. What the public calls “overbite” is called excessive overjet by orthodontists. For the purpose of this blog entry, I will use the term “overbite” in quotes so my colleagues will not think wrong of me.
In order to determine the best treatment for someone with this an “overbite” problem, it is important to establish with jaw is at fault. Basically, the orthodontist needs to determine why the upper front teeth are far from the lower front teeth. Is it because the upper jaw is too big for the lower jaw? Is it because the lower jaw is too small? Or is it because of both?
A thorough first examination plus a complete set of records, with digital photographs, radiographs and study models are key to helping me determine which jaw is at fault and what is the proper treatment for an ideal correction that improves the bite and the facial profile.
The purpose of correcting an “overbite” is not cosmetic. It is important to have a proper bite where the teeth work as they are intended to prevent future problems and breakdown of the teeth and jaw muscles. That said, positive changes to the jaw line and facial profile will also be noticed.
In order to determine the best treatment for someone with this an “overbite” problem, it is important to establish with jaw is at fault. Basically, the orthodontist needs to determine why the upper front teeth are far from the lower front teeth. Is it because the upper jaw is too big for the lower jaw? Is it because the lower jaw is too small? Or is it because of both?
A thorough first examination plus a complete set of records, with digital photographs, radiographs and study models are key to helping me determine which jaw is at fault and what is the proper treatment for an ideal correction that improves the bite and the facial profile.
The purpose of correcting an “overbite” is not cosmetic. It is important to have a proper bite where the teeth work as they are intended to prevent future problems and breakdown of the teeth and jaw muscles. That said, positive changes to the jaw line and facial profile will also be noticed.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Are braces better than Invisalign?
This is a difficult one to answer. There are pros and cons with every type of orthodontic treatment and both you and I have to weigh these up before making the right decision.
Invisalign is a very good system which is proving to be very popular with a great many patients because of its esthetics, convenience and how it fits the modern urban lifestyle. It uses a highly transparent, patent-protected material that makes the aligners appear practically invisible.
Clear aligner treatment, however,is best suited to those patients with orthodontic problems that are not extreme. Severe overbites, underbites and situations where permanent teeth need to be removed for straightening of the teeth are usually better addressed with braces or with an initial period of braces followed by Invisalign for completion of the treatment.
All in all, when it comes to selecting the best way to correct your bite and furthering you smile, my final decision is individualized and made based on your orthodontic problem, your personal needs and requirements and – most of all – your expectations of the treatment results and outcome.
Gone are the days of “doctor knows best.” Yes, doctors do know quite a bit. But so do you when it comes to your expectations and how you want to straighten your teeth. Come on in for a complementary evaluation so we can see if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign is a very good system which is proving to be very popular with a great many patients because of its esthetics, convenience and how it fits the modern urban lifestyle. It uses a highly transparent, patent-protected material that makes the aligners appear practically invisible.
Clear aligner treatment, however,is best suited to those patients with orthodontic problems that are not extreme. Severe overbites, underbites and situations where permanent teeth need to be removed for straightening of the teeth are usually better addressed with braces or with an initial period of braces followed by Invisalign for completion of the treatment.
All in all, when it comes to selecting the best way to correct your bite and furthering you smile, my final decision is individualized and made based on your orthodontic problem, your personal needs and requirements and – most of all – your expectations of the treatment results and outcome.
Gone are the days of “doctor knows best.” Yes, doctors do know quite a bit. But so do you when it comes to your expectations and how you want to straighten your teeth. Come on in for a complementary evaluation so we can see if Invisalign is right for you.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Is Invisalign® right for me? The Pros and Cons of Using the Invisalign System
Aside from the benefit of correcting your teeth with a virtually invisible system, there are other advantages to using the Invisalign system. At the same time, there are some potential drawbacks that should be taken into consideration when trying to determine if this method is right for you.
Each pair of Invisalign aligners needs to be worn 22 hours per day. The fact that the aligners can be removed when necessary is one benefit that you will not find with traditional metal-wire braces. Correcting your teeth with an ultra esthetic and virtually invisible system is a major benefit. Other advantages are comfort, convenience and making your teeth look and function better with an appliance that fits your lifestyle.
Since you can remove the Invisalign aligners, you can eat with more comfort and you can brush your teeth more thoroughly than you would with traditional braces. It’s key, however, to not abuse this benefit and to not turn it into a habit of removing the aligners several times a day.
Another benefit of the Invisalign system is that it is more comfortable than braces because the aligners do not apply a great deal of tightening force to your teeth. Metal braces can make the teeth sore from time to time and may lead to local inflammation of the gums (if oral hygiene is not proper) as well as general irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth. Also, there are virtually no emergency visits compared to those associated with traditional braces (poking wires, canker sores, loose appliances, etc.)
While the Invisalign system is effective when it comes to moving teeth, at the same time there are some potential drawbacks that the orthodontist must consider when determining if this treatment method is right for you.
In more severe misalignment situations, where a great deal of movement of the teeth is required or where one or more teeth need to be removed in order to correct the bite, Invisalign may not be the best treatment choice. Such situations are better addressed either with full treatment with braces OR an initial period of braces followed by Invisalign for completion of the treatment.
Compliance is key. I cannot stress enough that in order for the Invisalign aligners to realistically and efficiently move teeth, they need to be worn at least 22 hours per day. I tell all my Invisalign patients that the reason why Invisalign is cool is because it’s virtually invisible and not because it can be removed any time you want. If you need to remove the aligners several times a day, the final results may be below your expectations and a period of braces may be needed to rectify the situation.
Each pair of Invisalign aligners needs to be worn 22 hours per day. The fact that the aligners can be removed when necessary is one benefit that you will not find with traditional metal-wire braces. Correcting your teeth with an ultra esthetic and virtually invisible system is a major benefit. Other advantages are comfort, convenience and making your teeth look and function better with an appliance that fits your lifestyle.
Since you can remove the Invisalign aligners, you can eat with more comfort and you can brush your teeth more thoroughly than you would with traditional braces. It’s key, however, to not abuse this benefit and to not turn it into a habit of removing the aligners several times a day.
Another benefit of the Invisalign system is that it is more comfortable than braces because the aligners do not apply a great deal of tightening force to your teeth. Metal braces can make the teeth sore from time to time and may lead to local inflammation of the gums (if oral hygiene is not proper) as well as general irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth. Also, there are virtually no emergency visits compared to those associated with traditional braces (poking wires, canker sores, loose appliances, etc.)
While the Invisalign system is effective when it comes to moving teeth, at the same time there are some potential drawbacks that the orthodontist must consider when determining if this treatment method is right for you.
In more severe misalignment situations, where a great deal of movement of the teeth is required or where one or more teeth need to be removed in order to correct the bite, Invisalign may not be the best treatment choice. Such situations are better addressed either with full treatment with braces OR an initial period of braces followed by Invisalign for completion of the treatment.
Compliance is key. I cannot stress enough that in order for the Invisalign aligners to realistically and efficiently move teeth, they need to be worn at least 22 hours per day. I tell all my Invisalign patients that the reason why Invisalign is cool is because it’s virtually invisible and not because it can be removed any time you want. If you need to remove the aligners several times a day, the final results may be below your expectations and a period of braces may be needed to rectify the situation.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Invisalign® – An Overview
Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic appliance that can be used in place of traditional braces to close gaps between teeth and straighten those that are crooked.
With the help of computerized technology and three dimensional modeling, invisible aligners are fabricated to correct the position of the teeth without the use of metal, wires or other visible components.
Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign® system is completely clear and virtually impossible to notice when in use. They are very effective correcting some dental problems and most treatments can generally be completed in anywhere between six months to slightly over one year.
By fabricating a series of clear aligners to exactly fit your teeth, the Invisalign® aligners are able to slowly move teeth to their proper, desired positions for a more attractive smile. Each set of aligners works for 2 to 3 weeks before moving on to the next set. At each visit you receive 2 or 3 sets of aligners (as well as the starting dates for each) and products to keep them clean and hygienic.
If the Invisalign® system is indicated for your treatment, we will take impressions of your teeth with hi-definition putty material. The next step is to obtain several high definition photographs of your teeth from a variety of different angles. With this information, a 3D digital animation of your teeth and bite will be developed. With my direct input, this virtual model is then used to simulate how your teeth will be moved to their final position.
Finally, from this CGI (computer-generated image) simulation, your aligners will be custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. Although some minor discomfort can be experienced when you first start using the aligners, most people find this type of treatment to be quite comfortable. An additional advantage is that the aligners can be removed when necessary so you can eat with more comfort and exercise proper oral hygiene without difficulties. Also, there are virtually no emergency visits compared to those associated with traditional braces (poking wires, canker sores, loose appliances, etc.)
In summary, Invisalign® can be used to correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Nonetheless, as it is the case with any modality of treatment, this system does present limitations. In more severe cases, where a great deal of tooth movement is required, or where one or more teeth need to be removed in order to correct the bite, Invisalign® may not be the right choice.
It is important to consult with an orthodontist for this type of treatment as he or she is most qualified to recognize the aforementioned circumstances in order to better educate patients regarding treatment expectations and outcome.
With the help of computerized technology and three dimensional modeling, invisible aligners are fabricated to correct the position of the teeth without the use of metal, wires or other visible components.
Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign® system is completely clear and virtually impossible to notice when in use. They are very effective correcting some dental problems and most treatments can generally be completed in anywhere between six months to slightly over one year.
By fabricating a series of clear aligners to exactly fit your teeth, the Invisalign® aligners are able to slowly move teeth to their proper, desired positions for a more attractive smile. Each set of aligners works for 2 to 3 weeks before moving on to the next set. At each visit you receive 2 or 3 sets of aligners (as well as the starting dates for each) and products to keep them clean and hygienic.
If the Invisalign® system is indicated for your treatment, we will take impressions of your teeth with hi-definition putty material. The next step is to obtain several high definition photographs of your teeth from a variety of different angles. With this information, a 3D digital animation of your teeth and bite will be developed. With my direct input, this virtual model is then used to simulate how your teeth will be moved to their final position.
Finally, from this CGI (computer-generated image) simulation, your aligners will be custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. Although some minor discomfort can be experienced when you first start using the aligners, most people find this type of treatment to be quite comfortable. An additional advantage is that the aligners can be removed when necessary so you can eat with more comfort and exercise proper oral hygiene without difficulties. Also, there are virtually no emergency visits compared to those associated with traditional braces (poking wires, canker sores, loose appliances, etc.)
In summary, Invisalign® can be used to correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Nonetheless, as it is the case with any modality of treatment, this system does present limitations. In more severe cases, where a great deal of tooth movement is required, or where one or more teeth need to be removed in order to correct the bite, Invisalign® may not be the right choice.
It is important to consult with an orthodontist for this type of treatment as he or she is most qualified to recognize the aforementioned circumstances in order to better educate patients regarding treatment expectations and outcome.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A modified toothbrushing technique that reduces risk of cavities
According to a study published in September’10 by the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the use of a modified brushing technique significantly reduced the incidence of new carious lesions in orthodontic patients when compared to routine oral hygiene instructions with fluoride toothpaste.
The study titled “Modified fluoride toothpaste technique reduces caries in orthodontic patients: A longitudinal, randomized clinical trial” followed 100 orthodontic patients randomly divided into 2 groups. Each patient was examined before starting orthodontic treatment (baseline) and shortly after removal of the appliances in a 2-year study period. The test group patients were instructed to use the modified brushing technique while the control group patients were given routine clinical oral hygiene instructions.
The modified brushing technique that was more effective in preventing caries in orthodontic patients than normal oral hygiene instructions consists of the following steps:
(1) use ¾ of one inch of toothpaste on a wet toothbrush;
(2) spread the toothpaste evenly on both upper and lower teeth;
(3) brush all surfaces of the teeth for 2 minutes;
(4) use a small amount of water, the equivalent of a handful with the dentifrice remaining in the mouth and filter the dentifrice slurry between the teeth by active cheek movements for 30 seconds before expectorating;
(5) avoid further rinsing with water;
(6) avoid drinking or eating for 2 hours;
(7) brush twice a day, after breakfast and at night before going to bed.
Compared with other dental specialists, orthodontists have a great opportunity to emphasize fluoride toothpaste regimens since patients usually visit the clinic every few weeks, giving the orthodontist an excellent opportunity to stress the importance of using fluoride toothpaste and. Although this technique is highly efficient, patients must be aware that slurry rinsing with the toothpaste can cause some oral discomfort and irritation of the oral mucosa. Also, the use of dental floss lessens the risk of dental cavities between the teeth during orthodontic treatment.
In my website you will find a section especially dedicated to how to maintain good and proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, including brushing techniques and how to use dental floss appropriately. http://www.larchmontortho.com/PatientInfo/OralHygiene/tabid/74/Default.aspx
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Avoiding cavities during orthodontic treatment
If you thought brushing and flossing were important before you got braces…well, you were right. But people undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene.
Braces trap food very easily, which contributes to dental plaque formation. If plaque is not carefully removed from teeth and from around braces, patients run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath."
Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and bits of food. The bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids. The acids can irritate your gums, erode the enamel on your teeth and contribute to bad breath. It's important to remove the plaque thoroughly and often. Then, when your braces come off, the surfaces of your teeth underneath the braces will be healthy and strong and look good.
The very early stages of dental cavities are white, opaque spots on the surface of the teeth. These spots are technically called areas of “enamel demineralization.” They are associated with a rapid process caused by cavity-inducing bacteria that develop around the braces.
Despite improvements in materials and preventive efforts, demineralization can occur around orthodontic appliances as early as only 1 month into treatment. There is a higher risk of demineralization adjacent to brackets at earlier ages, because of the lower resistance of enamel and poorer cooperation by younger patients in the orthodontic treatment process.
Toothbrushing remains the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Many patients ask me about electric toothbrushes (are they better, is it worth it buying one, etc.). Regardless of brand, I believe an electric toothbrush is an excellent addition to anyone’s set of tools for home dental care.
Today’s electric toothbrushes are both highly effective and reliable. Their efficacy in comparison with that of the manual toothbrush has been evaluated in a large number of clinical studies carried out by academic institutions and contract research companies specializing in dental research. These studies consistently have shown the electric toothbrush to be superior, with results demonstrating greater plaque removal and, as a consequence, more improvement in gingival condition than that achieved with a manual toothbrush alone.
Fluoride toothpaste has been widely used for more than 4 decades and remains a benchmark for the prevention of dental caries. It reduces caries in both permanent and deciduous teeth. For this reason, fluoride toothpaste is important as an effective caries-prevention measure worldwide.
Four factors influence the anticaries efficacy of fluoride toothpaste: 1. frequency of brushing; 2. duration of brushing; 3. fluoride concentration; and 4. postbrushing rinsing. Brushing should be done two or three times daily and patients should be persuaded to brush for no less than 2 minutes each time.
Flossing is an excellent aid to oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. Dental floss may be flavored or unflavored, and waxed or unwaxed. Whichever type you choose does not matter. The important thing is to use it at least once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Many people tend to disregard flossing in thinking that brushing is more than enough for their dental care. Brushing but not flossing is like cleaning only 65% of your teeth leaving 35 % dirty. The main role of flossing is to eliminate food particles caught between the teeth. Non-removal of those particles often lead to cavities and other problems. Researchers found that gingival bleeding, gum disease-causing bacteria and halitosis (“bad breath”) were greatly reduced when flossing is done at least once daily.
In my website you will find a section especially dedicated to how to maintain good and proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, including brushing techniques and how to use dental floss appropriately.
Braces trap food very easily, which contributes to dental plaque formation. If plaque is not carefully removed from teeth and from around braces, patients run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath."
Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and bits of food. The bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids. The acids can irritate your gums, erode the enamel on your teeth and contribute to bad breath. It's important to remove the plaque thoroughly and often. Then, when your braces come off, the surfaces of your teeth underneath the braces will be healthy and strong and look good.
The very early stages of dental cavities are white, opaque spots on the surface of the teeth. These spots are technically called areas of “enamel demineralization.” They are associated with a rapid process caused by cavity-inducing bacteria that develop around the braces.
Despite improvements in materials and preventive efforts, demineralization can occur around orthodontic appliances as early as only 1 month into treatment. There is a higher risk of demineralization adjacent to brackets at earlier ages, because of the lower resistance of enamel and poorer cooperation by younger patients in the orthodontic treatment process.
Toothbrushing remains the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Many patients ask me about electric toothbrushes (are they better, is it worth it buying one, etc.). Regardless of brand, I believe an electric toothbrush is an excellent addition to anyone’s set of tools for home dental care.
Today’s electric toothbrushes are both highly effective and reliable. Their efficacy in comparison with that of the manual toothbrush has been evaluated in a large number of clinical studies carried out by academic institutions and contract research companies specializing in dental research. These studies consistently have shown the electric toothbrush to be superior, with results demonstrating greater plaque removal and, as a consequence, more improvement in gingival condition than that achieved with a manual toothbrush alone.
Fluoride toothpaste has been widely used for more than 4 decades and remains a benchmark for the prevention of dental caries. It reduces caries in both permanent and deciduous teeth. For this reason, fluoride toothpaste is important as an effective caries-prevention measure worldwide.
Four factors influence the anticaries efficacy of fluoride toothpaste: 1. frequency of brushing; 2. duration of brushing; 3. fluoride concentration; and 4. postbrushing rinsing. Brushing should be done two or three times daily and patients should be persuaded to brush for no less than 2 minutes each time.
Flossing is an excellent aid to oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. Dental floss may be flavored or unflavored, and waxed or unwaxed. Whichever type you choose does not matter. The important thing is to use it at least once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Many people tend to disregard flossing in thinking that brushing is more than enough for their dental care. Brushing but not flossing is like cleaning only 65% of your teeth leaving 35 % dirty. The main role of flossing is to eliminate food particles caught between the teeth. Non-removal of those particles often lead to cavities and other problems. Researchers found that gingival bleeding, gum disease-causing bacteria and halitosis (“bad breath”) were greatly reduced when flossing is done at least once daily.
In my website you will find a section especially dedicated to how to maintain good and proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, including brushing techniques and how to use dental floss appropriately.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
