Which Toothpaste is Best for You

Toothpaste serves a vital component to oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth four times a day and what do you need to brush your teeth? (other than a toothbrush) TOOTHPASTE!

While shopping we're sure you have noticed that there are different types of toothpaste available from different brands all promising different results. So how do you pick a toothpaste? …well it all depends on what your teeth need.

Types of toothpaste:

Anti-decay toothpaste
This toothpaste contains Fluoride Compounds such as Sodium Fluoride , Stannous Fluoride, or Monofluorophosphate.  If the fluoride content is 1,000 ppm (parts per million) or above. they are all effective in preventing tooth decay.  Children toothpaste contains 500ppm fluoride and is usually flavoured, e.g. fruit flavour, candy flavour, which is more appealing to children.

Desensitizing toothpaste
The active ingredients provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity symptoms in 2 ways.  First, they interrupt the neurone response to pain stimuli; second, they occlude the dentinal tubules of dentine. There are many different types of desensitizing toothpastes marketed by different brand names. Their various functions on different active ingredients they contain. Therefore, you are advised to consult the dentist and undergo a thorough check-up to explore the cause of tooth sensitivity before using desensitizing toothpaste


Anti-plaque toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces the toxic effects of the bacterial toxin on the tooth surrounding tissues, and thereby reduces the chances of getting gum disease. In the market, different anti-plaque toothpastes contain different active ingredients. For example, Triclosan or Zinc Citrate.

Whitening toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste contains relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect.

Natural toothpaste
Natural toothpaste is that it does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Instead, it uses natural ingredients such as xylitol and stevia for sweetness, herbs, fruits and spices for flavor and naturally occurring titanium dioxide for a white color. They may or may not contain fluorides and some of the surfactants found in conventional toothpastes.

If you need help choosing which toothpaste is best for you please consult with us or your dentist during your next visit to find out which areas your teeth can improve in.

Can You Name all the Parts of Your Braces?

Do you know what all the parts of your braces are called? Check out the list below

Photo provided by Solutions by Design ScreenPlay Pro

Bands
Bands are a ring of metal that fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest-fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets
The brackets hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

Archwire
The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of the movement.

Elastics
An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.

Hooks
Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Coil Spring
The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire

Here's a diagram to show show you where everything is located:

The more you know about your braces the easier your experiences will be, If you have any questions feel free to contact us today!

A Great Smile Doesn't Have to Break Your Budget

We believe that finances should never be an obstacle when it comes to a beautiful, healthy smile. Therefore, we offer convenient payment options to help you keep from worrying about the cost of braces and allow you focus on what matters most – your smile!

Some people hesitate to get braces because paying for them can be surprisingly difficult. For families, paying for braces can be a major investment, which can become even greater when multiple family members need braces. Our at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group goal is to provide you and your family with affordable, quality orthodontic treatment that fits your budget. That's why for your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, money orders and all major credit cards.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment.  But with some smart planning and budgeting the cost for orthodontic treatment will be easier to manage.

Get Covered: If you don’t have dental insurance, look into plans that include orthodontics. A good resource to help you get started is www.deltadental.com.

Review Your Insurance Policy: If you have health insurance, it may include dental treatment, and possibly, orthodontic treatment. Insurance policies vary, so we will review your insurance to determine the appropriate course of action. Once treatment has started, we will file your claims. We accept payment from your dental insurance and will work personally with you on payment for any remaining balance. Contact your insurance carrier to determine what information they need to allow us to accept payment from them, and let us know if you need a treatment verification form from our office.

Choose a Payment Plan: We offer monthly payment plans extended over the time of treatment.

Consider Credit: In many cases, the fee for orthodontic treatment can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment. Our Financial Coordinator will provide you with a written estimate of your cost before beginning treatment and will help determine the best payment option that is most suited to your budgeting needs.

New Year, New Toothbrush

As we go into 2015 many people are saying out with the old and in with new, and this motto also needs to be applied to your toothbrush.

It is important to keep the mouth very clean and stay on top of your oral hygiene. Oral hygiene includes thorough brushing and flossing. However, unlike floss which you throw away after using, you use the same toothbrush repeatedly. Which brings up the question, how long should you a keep a toothbrush?

It is recommended that every 3 to 4 months you switch out that old toothbrush for a new fresh one (and if you've been sick, change it even sooner). Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn out that is a sign that you need a new toothbrush. For example, people who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles and the toothbrushes lose their effectiveness.

If you choose to go with dumping your old toothbrush every 3 months that can add up 4 new toothbrushes a year, but did you know you can put those toothbrushes to use. Here's 4 household uses for your old toothbrush:

• Cleaning shoes
• Cleaning small appliances
• Removing marks on walls and floors
• Cleaning jewelery

Making sure your toothbrush is in good shape very important to your oral hygiene. It is helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in your household at all times for easy replacement. So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and think "out with the old and in with the new".

Visit our Oral Hygiene page for more information about keeping up with your oral health.