Get the straight on braces myths from McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman Orthodontics

While watching Myth Busters on the Discovery Channel the other night, it made me think of the many myths and misconceptions there are out there about braces.  Hopefully after reading this blog, the confusion and fears of some will be alleviated. 

Myth # 1 – If I get braces I will beep when I go thru a metal detector.

Myth-Buster – Braces do not set off metal detectors so go ahead and book that next vacation.

Myth #2 – I am too old for braces, they are for young kids.

Myth-Buster – You are never TOO old for braces, in reality about 25% of our practice are adult patients.

Myth# 3 – Braces are big, ugly and very noticeable.

Myth-Buster – With the advancements in technology braces have become smaller, more efficient and there are even options for a clear bracket.

Myth#4 – Any dentist can put braces on and straighten teeth

Myth-Buster – Sure anyone can put a bracket on a tooth and straighten that tooth out.  However, an orthodontist has studied not only how to straighten teeth, but also how to make sure they stay that way.  They have taken courses on facial growth and development and how to make your teeth fit and function together properly.  An orthodontist will straighten teeth while taking facial profiles and jaw joints into consideration when they treat a case. Only an orthodontist can be accredited by the American Association of Orthodontist. 

NEW YEAR MEANS NEW RESOLUTIONS!

Have you made your resolution list for 2014? Many people have or will be soon.  Some of the top resolutions year after year are:

1. Lose weight
2. Exercise more
3. Get a new/better job
4. Eat Healthy
5. Quit Smoking
6. Improve a relationship
7. Stop procrastinating
8. Set aside time for your self

  So after looking over these we wanted to share how we think getting braces can help achieve these resolutions!

1. Lose weight – While in braces there is a food list that should be followed which in turn will eliminate some candies from your diet that can cause weight gain.
2. Exercise more – when craving something that is on the food list work out instead
3. Get a new/better job – having more confidence because you are happy with your appearance will help get you a new or better job
4. Eat Healthy – since you have to follow the food list while in braces it’s easier to grab a healthy snack as to grabbing a chewy candy bar
5. Quit Smoking – smoking can cause gum disease and bone loss. Having braces on while smoking  can exacerbate these issues so its best just to quit now
6. Improve a relationship – since you will be visiting your orthodontist on a regular basis that relationship will definitely improve
7. Stop procrastinating – by making the decision to start orthodontics you already have resolved that resolution
8. Set aside time for your self – every 6-10wks you will set aside time for yourself to visit your orthodontist

Keep Calm, Brush and Sparkle!

Don’t forget to brush!  Those are the four magic words for dentist and orthodontist everywhere.  Every time you go to the dentist they always tell you to brush. Sometimes your face gets all red because you’re scared that they noticed you didn’t brush before you came.  However, all they’re saying is that you need to keep your teeth clean, even if you have the prettiest teeth in town.  Trust me I’ve been told many times to brush my teeth twice a day. 

                Before I got my braces on I said I was going to wear my rubber bands, brush three times a day. All I wanted was teeth like Mr. Clean when I got my braces off.  One of my friends had braces and when she got hers off she had pretty straight white teeth that sparkled. After I had seen her teeth I said I wanted to look just like that when I got mine off.  On the other hand, when I got my braces on I only stuck to that  for about a week. After that week I started getting really lazy and quit brushing as many times.  By the end of my treatment I regretted ever getting lazy, because now I have to pay even more attention to keep my teeth nice and clean.

                Many kids think that brushing is only a thing to keep your teeth clean.  In reality, it actually helps you from getting cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease.  Also, brushing isn’t just a twenty second thing to really get your teeth clean you need to brush for at least 2 minutes. When you brush it helps clean the surface of your teeth and when you floss it gets the plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.

                In conclusion, if you focus on brushing and flossing then your teeth will sparkle when you get your braces off. Plus, the next time you go to the dentist you won’t be red faced because they noticed you didn’t brush your teeth.

                                Blog was written by a former patient of McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman!

Nothing But A Floss Thing!

Do you ever wonder why your dentist/hygienist and orthodontist are always asking patients about how often they are flossing? Really, how important can it be…. right?   Well, according to the Academy of General Dentistry it is the most important thing that can combat against plaque.  Not only does flossing remove junk caught in between your teeth, it polishes the tooth surface, controls bad breath and decreases the chance of getting gum disease.  Many people say that they do not have the time floss, you could practice flossing with your eyes closed, if you can master that you can floss anywhere for example, in your car, at your desk (make sure your co-workers are ok with it), or even in bed each night before you go to sleep.  Buy extra packages of floss and keep them in handy places and when you have an extra minute grab some floss and floss away!

Here are a few tips on flossing.

1.       Waxed floss generally is easier to slide, but unwaxed floss will squeak on clean teeth – this is a sign that the plague is gone

2.       Generally you will want about 18inches of floss, and will wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand

3.       Hold the floss tightly between the two hands, you will have about an inch between each hand

4.       Gently glide the floss back and forth between your teeth

5.       Wrap the used floss around the middle finger of the other hand as you floss (this way you won’t re-use the floss)

6.       Once the floss is between the teeth make a “C” cupping the tooth with floss, gently rub the floss against the tooth moving it up and down the tooth

7.       Do this on all your teeth, this does include your molars

8.       Discard floss when finished

In the orthodontic office many people will ask us about the use of water picks or electric toothbrushes, although these are good tools to use, we do not recommend that our patients hurry out and purchase them.  At McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman, we believe that a manual tooth brush and flossing will work just as sufficient provided they are being done daily.   

Remember, you don’t need to brush and floss all your teeth, only the ones you want to keep!!!

2 Phases of Orthodontic Treatment!

Why an orthodontist recommends two “Phases” of orthodontic treatment.

“Phase 1” orthodontic treatment is initiated when we need to position the teeth where they should be for that stage in the patient’s dental development. “Phase 2” orthodontics is initiated when the permanent teeth have erupted and is typically necessary to complete the work started in the “Phase 1” treatment.

In most cases of a “Phase 1” treatment, a “Phase 2” treatment will be needed. The “Phase 2” treatment is entirely separate from the “Phase 1” treatment but will typically be less involved if earlier treatment has been performed. There will generally be an interim period between the two phases of treatment and during this time, we will closely monitor your child’s growth and development along with the permanent teeth as they erupt.

“Phase 1” treatment may require a limited amount of braces and/or appliances that are actively moving the teeth and can be the foundation for a more stable and ideal facial result prior to a full “(Phase 2)” orthodontic treatment. The benefits a patient may receive from “Phase 1” treatment may include but are not limited to:

1. Taking advantage of growth
2. Minimizing the need to extract permanent teeth
3. Avoid or reduce the need for facial surgery
4. Correct harmful habits
5. Decrease the risk to tooth trauma
6. Improve psychological factors
7. Increase compliance
8. Maximize the benefits of orthodontics


“Phase 2” treatment will typically include braces on all the teeth and/or appliances. This phase will insure that each tooth has a precise location in the mouth to provide the optimal oral health environment and esthetic result.

ADULTS & ORTHODONTICS

Certainly times have changed when it comes to adults and orthodontic treatment. In our office, 1 out of 4 patients starting treatment is an adult. Many of these adult patients did not get braces as an adolescent. They can now afford treatment, want a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. Others have had braces as a child, however, either due to growth or lack of compliance, their teeth are no longer straight. There are no age limits when it comes to adult treatment. At any age, taking care of your smile and overall oral health is just part of taking care of yourself.
Your smile may be the most distinctive and important feature on your face. Orthodontic treatment in our office is geared toward profile esthetics and treating to the aging face. Orthodontic treatment can enhance our appearance and give us a wonderful smile.

So what are some clinical concerns when it comes to adults and orthodontics? As an adult we heal more slowly and as a result, treatment compared to a growing individual may take a little longer. Obviously, this depends on how involved your case may be. A comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment may also be necessary. This means that a close relationship with your general dentist and even other specialists may be necessary to obtain the best treatment result.

With the advent of new technologies we can move teeth in a gentler manner. New innovative braces can decrease treatment time and minimize the number and length of appointments. Newer esthetic braces have increased the overall acceptance of orthodontic treatment. We have entered a new and exciting time for orthodontics which will give more people beautiful and healthy smiles.

What's the Best Age for an Orthodontic Consult?

Many parents often ask, when should my child be seen by an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children by the age of 7 years old should have an orthodontic evaluation. There are certain types of problems that may be addressed before all the permanent teeth have erupted. There are definte advantages to correcting these problems early; however, visiting an orthodontist does not necessarily mean that treatment may begin!

Here is a list of some typical problems that may need to be addressed and why.

1. Moving front teeth back to prevent injury.
2. Improving and guiding the growth and development of the upper and lower jaws.
3. Minimizing and preventing the removal of permanent teeth.
4. Intervening to possibly avoid later involved treatment.
5. Improving a child's facial appearance and speech development.
6. Taking advantage of good cooperation at an early age.

These are just a few of the things that orthodontists typically look for when seeing a child at an early age. Getting to know a patient early can definitely help in establishing a healthy and beautiful smile because this is ultimately a team effort that involves the patient, the family dentist and the orthodontist.

Why go to an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who has spent 2 to 3 years in a specialty residency program focused on tooth movement, facial development and how teeth fit together to provide optimal function and esthetics. For example: if you had a heart condition , you would not see your general physician, you would see a cardiologist. Just the same, if you needed your teeth straight or your bite fixed, you would go to an orthodontist.