Cosmetic Dentistry News » Orthodontist

Braces-Wearers Beware: Certain Sweet Treats Can Bite Back

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:50:05 +0000

Halloween is a time when the vampire fangs come out in full force. However, for orthodontic patients – certain sweet treats can bite back. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has teamed up with Pam Waterman, author of The Braces Cookbook, to bring orthodontic-friendly recipes and treats to trick-or-treaters and their parents. It’s no trick – these recipes are fun to make, fun to eat, and they won’t put a dent in the smiles of the nearly five million orthodontic patients currently in North America who wear braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances to help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Halloween tends to be one of the busiest times of the year at orthodontists’ offices, primarily because patients indulge in treats that they should not be eating. Candies and other treats that are hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy can cause damage to braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances. In addition to patient discomfort, a broken bracket or loose wire may prolong treatment and require additional orthodontic appointments. As part of October’s National Orthodontic Health Month, the AAO is providing orthodontic-friendly Halloween recipes and tips to help patients and their families enjoy the holiday.

“Halloween should be a fun time for all kids – including those in orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Lee W. Graber, orthodontist and president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “We’re pleased to team up with Pam Waterman, author of the Braces Cookbooks, and offer tips and recipes that will help keep braces intact and patients satisfied this Halloween season.”

Featured Halloween recipes include Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Softies and Black Cherry Fruit Bats – a complete list of orthodontic-friendly recipes are at the AAO’s Web site, braces.org.

“The recipes we’ve developed are delicious and allow orthodontic patients, like my son, to enjoy the holiday without causing harm to their braces,” says author Pam Waterman. “Plus, they are fun to make together.”

What kinds of Halloween treats are “orthodontic-friendly”?

The good news is that there are plenty of food options for orthodontic patients – and with a little creativity, orthodontic patients can still enjoy Halloween treats. In general, orthodontic patients should look for softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Those with braces or retainers should avoid any foods that are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

Caramel
Nuts
Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
Taffy
Jelly beans
Hard pretzels
Licorice
Bubblegum
Taco chips
Ice

Is it okay for orthodontic patients to eat sweets?

A few sweets can be okay occasionally, if the patient remembers to brush and floss afterwards. Orthodontic patients need to pay special attention to keeping braces or other orthodontic appliances clean, as well as teeth and gums. Orthodontists can advise patients on how best to brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. Dr. Graber reminds patients that if they follow their orthodontist’s recommendations, practice good oral hygiene, and are careful about the foods they eat, they should be able to finish treatment on time and with good results.

What should orthodontic patients do if food damages their braces?

If a patient chews on the wrong type of treat and damage occurs, they should call their orthodontist so that arrangements can be made to correct the problem. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some orthodontic wax until the patient can come into the office.

Orthodontist Compares Traditional Braces to Invisalign

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Just by looking at the two, one can make several comparisons between traditional braces and Invisalign. But, can you judge them by their covers, or is there more to the story than the eye can tell?

“There are many ways to compare Invisalign and braces,” said Lithia Invisalign orthodontist Dr. Michael Hess. “From an orthodontist’s perspective, both treatments are fine, but when it comes to patients, there are all sorts of preferences that come into play. What I’ve seen my patients most concerned with are costs, esthetics, treatment, results, and maintenance.”

Reead full article via Fast Pitch.

Adult braces on the rise

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:32:09 +0000

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a million adults in North America have braces on their teeth. The survey showed a 37-percent increase in the number of adult patients from 1994 to 2004

Read full story via San Bernardino County Sun.

Tooth Gel: Healing Power Of Aloe Vera Proves Beneficial For Teeth And Gums, Too

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:11:31 +0000

Recently, aloe vera has gained some popularity as an active ingredient in tooth gel. Similar to its use on skin, the aloe vera in tooth gels is used to cleanse and soothe teeth and gums, and is as effective as toothpaste to fight cavities, according to the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s AGD clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

Read full story via sciencedaily.com

Concern about Invisalign® product proficiency requirements

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:29:32 +0000

Scores of Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) members have contacted the AGD with their concerns about how the new Invisalign® product proficiency requirements introduced by Align Technology may adversely impact their practices. In response, the AGD has created this communication vehicle for its members and non-member general dentists to use in sharing their reactions with Align Technology.

Read full story via AGD

New technology shortens time braces are needed

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:43:36 +0000

SureSmile is an amalgam of dental technologies — starting with an imaging system dentists use to create a 3D image of their patients’ mouths. The results are sent to OraMetrix in Dallas, where a robot shapes the ideal braces wires for the patients. The idea is that a precise fit the first time cuts down on adjustments and moves teeth into place faster.

Read full story via TwinCities.com.

Braces Cost a Little More from Orthodontists

admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:41:12 +0000

Braces typically cost about $5,000, but there is significant variation. In a poll of general dentists and orthodontists, continuing dental education resource The Wealthy Dentist found that general dentists charge an average of $5,040 for orthodontic work, while orthodontists charge about $5,600. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study.

The cost of braces varies by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors. In fact, city dentists charge about $500 more than do country doctors.

How much dental braces cost also depends on what sort of orthodontic treatment a patient needs. This survey found that adult braces and Invisalign costs were roughly equal. Teen braces were the least expensive option, costing several hundred dollars less. Since teens’ teeth are still developing, it can be technically easier to straighten crooked teeth.

Though dental braces cost thousands of dollars, dentists feel they are worth every penny. “Over that past 30 years the cost of braces has not kept pace with cost-of-living increases,” mentioned a Washington orthodontist. “Thankfully technology has allowed greater efficiency and consequently reasonable profitability for the orthodontist and a good price for the consumer.”

Cost of Braces from Orthodontists and General Dentists

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:55:51 +0000

The cost of braces is typically about $5,000, but there is significant variation. In a poll of general dentists and orthodontists, dental marketing resource The Wealthy Dentist found that general dentists charge an average of $5,040 for orthodontic work, while orthodontists charge about $5,600. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study.

Braces fees vary by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors. In fact, city dentists charge about $500 more than do country doctors.

Read full press release…Cost of Braces from Orthodontists and General Dentists

Braces for children

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:01:36 +0000

Most orthodontic treatment begins in the early teens, when all of the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are in place. Minor misalignments may be treated around age eight, with a removable headgear appliance. Some orthodontists believe that the use of preventative orthodontics on children can later simplify the correction needed by braces. Such preventative orthodontics involves using space maintainers to allow room for the child’s permanent teeth to grow in correctly.

Read Full article…
Braces for children – CBS 12 Action News.

Braces for adults gaining popularity

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:59:38 +0000

Linda Noone had waited for this day for a long time. Though excited, the 50-year-old Indianapolis woman calmly lay back in the dentist’s chair at Pritchett Orthodontics and opened her mouth.

One by one, the dental assistant attached a tiny metal bracket to the front of each tooth. An ultraviolet light activated an adhesive to make the brackets stick. Thin wires linked them.

No shots, blood or pain. Yes, her mouth was sore for a few days and likely will be again over the next 18 months or so. But that doesn’t matter to Noone.

“I’ve waited so long, it will be well worth it,” she said before her braces were put on. “I’ve been looking forward to this and saving for years. My two youngest sons had to have braces.”

Read Full Article…
Braces for adults gaining popularity Detroit Free Press.