Bad breath?! Helpful tips to correct it and avoid it!

 

A bright, beautiful smile is often achieved with braces. The time you spend wearing braces is an investment in the good health and appearance of your smile. However, we know that having braces on your teeth can pose challenges. Many of these challenges are commonly faced by all who wear braces, such as flossing, getting food stuck in your braces, and bad breath.

Fresh Breath Tips for Braces Wearers

• Eat a Healthy Diet. Unhealthy foods that are filled with sugar can contribute to bad breath. Stick with healthy produce, protein, grains, and dairy found on the list of foods your orthodontist says are safe to eat with braces.
• Drink Non-Sugary Beverages. Likewise, steer clear of sugary sodas and juices for the same reason. They contribute to bad breath.
• Stay Hydrated. A mouth that’s continually dry can lead to bad breath by inhibiting your production of saliva. Regular production of saliva removes bacteria and excess food from your mouth, both of which cause bad breath.
• Brush Often. Brush your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning, after each meal and snack, and before you go to bed, to remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Don’t Forget to Floss. Flossing with braces might seem tricky, but it is a necessity. Ask any of our team members to show you the best way to floss effectively with braces.
• Mouthwash Use. For the best results, swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Get Regular Cleanings. Regular dental exams and cleanings are more important when you have braces. Cavities can delay your treatment progress, so be sure to visit your dentist every six months.

Practice Good Hygiene Daily
Good oral hygiene practices are important every day, whether you wear braces or not. But they become even more important during the months you wear braces. In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups, see your general dentist for cleanings and exams.

Nervous about your first visit to our office! Don't be! Read below for some helpful tips to prepare!

 

Is it normal to feel nervous and apprehensive?
Absolutely!! We find that most children (and some adults) are nervous about their first visit because they don't know what to expect! Our treatment coordinator will greet you when you arrive, provide an office tour and start the process.  We will obtain, with permission, some pictures of your teeth and an xray called a panoramic xray. Dr Smith will then come into the room and go over the pictures and xrays with everyone present.

 
What questions should I ask during the consultation?
As you consider orthodontic care, it is likely that a few questions may arise. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have. Our orthodontic team is here to help. Here are just a few examples of questions you may want to ask at your consultation.

• Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain?
• Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems?
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces?
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument?
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces?
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments?
• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces?
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options?

Our treatment coordinator will also spend a lot of time with you discussing different payment options and explaining your insurance benefits. If questions arise after the consultation, don’t be afraid to ask! Our orthodontic team will be here to help throughout the entire process. You can call or email us anytime!

We're here for YOU!
With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatments. From the initial consultation to the day your braces come off, your orthodontic treatment at Blaine Orthodontics can be a smooth and simple process. The moment you see that beautiful smile, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Call us today to start this fun and exciting process!

Sugar and braces - NOT a winning combination!

After braces are removed no one wants to hear the word "cavity"!

We often blame candy as the culprit behind tooth decay, but other foods and drinks that kids consume can be just as harmful to their teeth, and can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Keeping your teeth or your child’s teeth from decay during treatment starts with a proper diet, and today, our team at Blaine Orthodontics will explain the negative effects that candy and other treats, including fruit juice and chewy fruit snacks, have on your child’s teeth as he or she undergoes orthodontic treatment. Keep in mind that half of your child’s sugar intake may be coming from beverages that he or she drinks. A major offender is soda, but be mindful of fruit juices as well.

While sugar is known to sit in your child’s teeth and in between and under brackets and wires after consumption, it is important to know sugar is not the only cavity-causing culprit. Carbohydrates, starches, acids, and any food that is chewy or sticks break down into sugars, and can promote tooth decay.

So, what are the alternatives?

Candy such as dark chocolate, sugar-free gum, or anything that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute, is not as harmful for your teeth as hard, chewy, or sticky sweets. Sugar-free gum or gum that contains xylitol are known to reduce levels of bacteria on teeth.

And if you’re still looking for something to snack on, we recommend cutting up easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables. You would also be surprised how much eating a banana or sipping on a glass of water helps you curb snack cravings.

If you’re one of those folks who just can’t stay away from sweets, we encourage you to brush your teeth immediately afterward and swish water in your mouth.

Whatever you eat, Dr. Smith and our team want you to remember to brush often, floss regularly, and visit your general dentist as your treatment progresses. If you have any questions about sugary foods or drinks, please give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment visit!

I want to know more about Invisalign....

Studies have shown that people with bright, straight healthy teeth demonstrate high self-esteem and radiate confidence. Millions of adults, teens and children have improved their lives and their health by getting their teeth and their bites corrected. But conventional metal braces aren't for everyone. An effective, excellent alternative is Invisalign!

Many patients ask, how does Invisalign work?

Invisalign^® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.

Straight teeth isn't just for kids! Many adults are choosing to straighten their teeth. Click here to find out more about Invisalign for Adults!

I'm interested! Now what? Simply call our office for your complimentary exam to discuss your options, why Invisalign may be a better option versus conventional braces and the treatment process today!

My First Orthodontic Visit!

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children see an orthodontist around the age of 7.   The purpose of the visit is for the orthodontist to evaluate the relationships developing between the teeth, jaws and bite (occlusion) and make sure all will continue to develop as they should.  The examination will help determine whether your child may or may not need orthodontic treatment. If no treatment is indicated, your child will be placed on a recall schedule to continue monitoring dental growth and development.

Below are some signs that could indicate your child is ready to see an orthodontist:

Early or late loss of teeth

Difficulty in chewing or biting

Mouth breathing

Finger sucking or other oral habits

Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude

Speech difficulty

Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth

Protruding teeth

Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all

Facial imbalance

Grinding or clenching of teeth

Call our office today for a complimentary initial orthodontic evaluation!