Selfie Perfect Smiles

Photo provided by Myteethforever.com

It has been reported that the first noticed people notice are smiles. Think about it, when you’re having a conversation with some it is kind of hard to ignore looking at their mouths. With this little known fact, you want to make sure you’re putting your best smile forward.

Great and habits and healthy eating are key and have 5 tips to you produce that "selfie" perfect smile.

1. Visit your Orthodontist and Dentist: Making sure you schedule regular visits is the number one way to make sure you are on top of your oral health. Your  Orthodontist and Dentist can give you all the information to stay on top of your health. Also if you currently have any oral health issues they can provide the right treatment.

2. Floss twice a day: Brushing your teeth isn’t enough. Flossing removes plaque and excess food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Flossing can actually make teeth appear brighter if done regularly. 

3. Eliminate soda from your diet: Soft drinks are one of the most common sources of tooth decay. Acid and sugar in soft drinks soften tooth enamel which contributes to cavities and can even lead to tooth loss. 

4. Add calcium to your diet: The calcium in dairy products helps put back minerals your teeth may have lost due to other foods. Calcium rich foods are foods such as includes milk, cheese and yogurt. 

5. Rinse with water: After snacks and meals try to remember to rinse out your mouth with water. Water contains fluoride can protect and remineralize teeth after demineralization caused by acid produced by foods like sugars.

Not only is keeping a great smile good for visual purposes, it also affects your health as well. Kids aren’t the only ones at risk for cavities. At all you must make your oral health a top priority. 

Wear What's Right For You... and Your Teeth

Your smile is an important part of who you are and you want to make sure it looks great. Now that you have decided to straighten your crooked smile you must pick a option that is best for you. Yes, there is more than one option.

With advancement of dental technology options for patients needing braces treatment has expanded throughout the years. The days off metal only option are over.

Metal braces: Metal braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance. Metal braces consist of brackets cemented to the front surfaces the teeth, along with a metal wire to help guide the teeth in the proper position. There are many good reasons why traditional metal braces remain popular, because they offer a reliable, effective and economical treatment option.

Ceramic braces- Ceramic braces, like metal, are attached to the front of your teeth, but unlike metal braces they are less noticeable. The brackets are made out of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. More expensive than traditional braces, this method is often chosen by adults and celebrities looking for a discreet look.

Lingual Braces- Unique in form and unlike metal and ceramic braces, Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth. This allows the braces to be hidden when you smile. Lingual braces are not done by all orthodontist special training is required to install them. If you choose this type of braces treatment you must meet the condition requirements. Lingual braces are significantly more expensive, but if you looking for total discretion then this option should be considered.

Invisalign-Invisalign braces are basically invisible. Invisalign alignment trays are created from molds of your teeth to giving you custom aligners. Unlike the other braces Invisalign braces are removable. You can take out the aligners to do things like eat or brush your teeth, making this the most flexible option. This treatment plan requires you to get new aligners ever two weeks to move teeth into proper corrective position. Invisalign are the top of the line and most expensive treatment option for obvious reasons.

The brace that you need depends on your orthodontic problems and what you can afford. For more information on the different type of braces and what is best you schedule an appointment today!

Don't Bite Off More Than You SHOULD chew

We live in a time where people are always searching for the next big thing, food included. 

Photo provided by Sheknows.com

A new trend in the fast food industry is to advertise foods with the motto “the bigger the better.” You ever heard of Wendy’s “Baconator Triple” or how about Burger King’s “Triple Whooper with cheese”, both burgers include three massive patties along with a host of other condiments. But should you really be trying to eat food that’s bigger than your mouth.

Although these larger than normal foods appeal to your taste buds they could be harmful to your teeth and jaw. The bones attached to your teeth get quite the workout when you chew food and over working your teeth to chew larger bites can put extra strain on your teeth. The key area of the mouth that can be affected by super-sized meals is the jaw. Taking big bites causes you to open your jaw wider than usual. This can strain the jaw bone and surrounding muscles can cause temporomandibular disorder (TMD). 

Photo provided by Precisionperiodonticsnyc.com

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) happen as a result of issues with jaw, jaw joints and surrounding facial muscles that control moving the jaw and chewing.

The effect of harming your jaw may result in needing appliance therapy. Typically TMD splints are worn to reduce jaw stress. Depending on the severity of jaw stress different appliances may be recommended. 

Photo provided by ScreenPlay Technologies

When you encounter super-sized food that causes for extra jaw extension save yourself the potential harm, cut the food into small pieces then dive right in. 

Leave Your Child's Fears at Home

Around 15% of the U.S population is afraid of visiting a dental office. Nerves about visiting dental offices are very common at all ages, but children are more likely to have fears about visits. The main reason for the nerves is fear of pain and the unknown, a stranger sticking unfamiliar tools in your mouth could freak out any child. Don’t worry parents we have some tips for you to calm down that anxious kiddie.

Photo provided by sheknows.com

5 Tips for a Fear-Free Orthodontics Visit:

1. Don’t Go Over Details: Going too much into detail could scare your child even more. If your child has to have any type of procedure done going into detail can lead to questions like, “Will it hurt?”, “How bad will hurt?” Just leave the explaining to the orthodontist, they’re trained to handle your child’s questions.
2. Watch Your Words: “It’s only going to hurt a little bit” Words like hurt, pain, and shot can cause panic.
3. Have Your Child Ask the Questions:  Before your visit to the orthodontist, have your child make a list of questions to ask the doctor. Having your child ask the questions gets them answers they want and will make them feel more comfortable with the doctor.
4. Bring a Distraction to the Office:  Make sure your child brings something to keep their mind off of the fact that they are at the orthodontist office. For example, an iPad or mobile gaming device.
5. Don’t Pass on Your Fears: There are plenty of adults who have their fears about visiting the dentist. If you have a dentist phobia make sure your children don’t pick on it. If mom or dad is scared they will be too.

So remember to ensure your child that everything will be okay and let them know we are here to help keep their smiles safe.