The Common Factor: Gummy Smile

Have you ever seen a smile where the gums stand out more than the teeth? This is called Gummy Smile.

Formally known as “Excessive Gingival Display”, this orthodontic problem gives the appearance of overly exposed gum on the upper arch. Not only does this problem cause issues with how the smile looks, but it can also reveal underlying orthodontic problems.

Gummy smile occurs when teeth, gums and the upper jaw are not proportional to one another.  

This is caused by:

• Abnormal eruption of teeth
• Upper lip positioned higher than normal
• Position of the upper jaw in relationship to the skill

There are several treatment options available for this problem. In minor causes laser treatment to remove excess gum tissue is an option. Braces treatment to move teeth is an option as well. In severe cases surgery may be necessary to reduce the vertical length of the upper jaw. Treatment options vary depending on what is causing gummy smile.

If you have questions regarding Excessive Gingival Display do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us so we can give you all the information you need.

The Breakfast Club

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Waking in the morning can already be a daunting task, and then you have to muster up the energy to prepare for a full day ahead. There is one sure way to get an extra boost in the morning…eating breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing energy needed to focus, whether it be in the classroom or at work. People give many excuses to why they skip out on breakfast like, “Oh I’m not hungry this early” or “I don’t have time to eat”. However, for those of you who start their day off early you are almost guaranteed to feel a mid-morning energy slump and experience hunger long before lunch times.

Breakfast not only provides you with the energy you need for a productive day but it is also helps in maintaining healthy weight.

Here are 3 tips for starting your day the healthy way:

• Buy portable breakfast items such as fruit, yogurt and breakfast bar to name a few.
• Get up 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually do in the morning to eat. Waking up earlier will allow you to make sure you have time to set and eat in the morning.
• Replace drinking a cup of coffee with drinking a glass of milk or orange juice, both are proven to provide natural energy.

Remember, you want to make sure that the foods you are consuming for breakfast are healthy and good for your body and oral health.

The Common Factor: Crowding

On average kids have 20 teeth and adults have 32 teeth in their mouths, but when you don’t have enough space teeth begin to crowd.

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Crowding of the teeth is one of the most common orthodontic problems. Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough space to fit teeth within the jaws. There are other factors that can contribute, but this problem typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of teeth.

When crowding occurs teeth may be overlapping and displaced, which can cause a number of functional and cosmetic issues.

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Depending on the severity of the crowding determines which treatment option is best for you. Some cases call for extractions or surgery, but the most common treatment for crowding is braces.

If you are experiencing crowding schedule a consultation today and we can determine what treatment is best for you!

Back to School Countdown

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Parents it’s just about that time again. It is time to set the kids alarms and pack their lunches. Care-free summer days are over, school is about to be in session.

Going back to school can be a sad moment for kids. However, this is a moment most parents are very fond of. As they’re back in the classroom, you finally get back to your regular schedule. So before school starts there are things you can do to prepare your kids and make sure their ready for the new school-year.

Check Ups: Schedule appointments to check-up on your child’s health. Make sure your child visits the doctor, dentist and orthodontist. Regular health exams are needed to be sure your child’s body is tip-top shape.

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Sleeping Schedule: Sleep is an important part of learning. Children between ages 5-12 need at least 10 hours of sleep to be ready for a full day of school. Two-weeks prior to the first day of school start getting your kids out of their summer sleeping habits. Changing sleep habits prior to the start of school helps kids get into the groove.

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Re-Fresh memory: A great way to get ready for the new school year is to get an academic head start. For example, kids entering the 4^th grade should start reviewing 4^th grade material so they know what they will learn. This extra preparation could help with any nerves your child may have about entering a new grade.

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Fresh Gear: Give your kids a new fresh feeling for the new school year. Whether your child’s school requires uniforms or allows for regular clothes, having new threads can boost self-confidence and which can provide a positive attitude. So take your kids to a trip to your favorite department store and catch some great back to school deals.

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School Supplies: Send your kids back to school with everything they need to be prepared in the classroom. Pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.

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Here at Rhode Island Orthodontics Group we care about our patients and want to help with the transition back into school. So as a “Back to School Contest” we are giving away a backpack filled with school supplies. Schedule you next appointment today and enter to win during your visit.