orthodontics

Can I Swim with Invisalign or Braces?

November 11th, 2024

If you're using Invisalign aligners or traditional braces, you might be wondering how swimming fits into your orthodontic routine. Let’s dive into what you need to know to keep your smile healthy and your braces or aligners in excellent condition.

Swimming with Invisalign

  • Remove Your Aligners: Before you take the plunge, make sure to remove your Invisalign aligners. Chlorine and salt water can degrade the plastic, so it’s best to avoid putting them at risk.
  • Store Them Safely: Keep your aligners in their case while you swim. This way, you won’t risk losing or damaging them.
  • Oral Hygiene: After swimming, rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of any chlorine or salt. Clean your aligners before putting them back in.

Swimming with Braces

  • No Need to Remove: Good news—braces stay on! You don’t need to worry about removing them while swimming. They’re designed to handle daily activities, including a swim.
  • Watch for Discomfort: Some patients might feel minor discomfort due to chlorine. If this happens, it’s usually temporary. If pain is persistent call our office immediately.
  • Oral Hygiene: Rinse your mouth with water after swimming to help remove any chlorine residue. Stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine to keep your braces clean.

If you have damage to your Invisalign or braces, do not hesitate to get an appointment. For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Tooth Decay with Braces: How to Prevent It and Keep Your Smile Healthy

August 27th, 2024

Individuals with braces should be aware that orthodontic appliances can increase the risk of tooth decay. This guide provides strategies for preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Reasons Braces Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay

1. Additional Areas for Plaque Accumulation
Braces introduce multiple surfaces and spaces, such as around brackets and wires, where food particles and plaque can accumulate. These areas are more challenging to clean compared to teeth without braces, increasing the potential for tooth decay.

2. Challenges in Cleaning
The presence of brackets and wires makes thorough brushing and flossing more difficult. Ineffective cleaning can result in plaque buildup, which may lead to cavities.

Preventive Measures for Tooth Decay with Braces

1. Adhere to a Comprehensive Oral Hygiene Routine

Flossing: Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic floss to eliminate plaque between teeth and around braces.

Brushing: Brush teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on cleaning around brackets and wires. Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the braces while ensuring effective plaque removal.

2. Use Mouthwash

Fluoride Mouthwash: Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash can strengthen tooth enamel and help reduce the risk of decay by removing residual food particles and plaque.

3. Limit Consumption of Decay-Causing Foods

Reduce Sugary Foods and Beverages: Minimize intake of sugary snacks and drinks, which can contribute to plaque formation and decay.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Refrain from consuming sticky candies or hard foods that could damage braces and increase the risk of plaque accumulation.

4. Regular Dental and Orthodontic Visits

Routine Cleanings: Schedule regular 6-month dental check-ups and cleaning to remove plaque and monitor for early signs of decay.

Orthodontic Follow-Ups: Attend scheduled orthodontic appointments to ensure braces are correctly adjusted and address any potential issues.

For further information on orthodontic care or to consult with a board-certified specialist, please contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Retainers After Invisalign - Ensuring a Lasting Smile

June 27th, 2024

Completing your Invisalign treatment marks a significant milestone in your journey towards a straighter, more confident smile. However, it's essential to recognize that the process doesn't end there. Retainers play a crucial role in ensuring that your teeth maintain their alignment and that your smile remains stable for years to come.

After your Invisalign treatment, we recommend wearing retainers to preserve the results achieved. While Invisalign aligners have moved your teeth into their desired positions, retainers provide the necessary support to prevent them from reverting to their original misalignment.

Retainers come in various forms, including traditional removable retainers, as well as, bonded retainers affixed to the back of your teeth. Dr. Ahl and Dr. O’Connor will determine the most suitable type based on your individual needs and preferences.

Consistency is key when it comes to wearing retainers. Initially, you may be required to wear them for the majority of the day, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear only. Adhering to your prescribed instructions will help maintain the alignment of your teeth and prevent any unwanted shifting.

Regular maintenance and care are also essential for prolonging the lifespan of your retainers. Clean them daily using a soft toothbrush and mild soap to remove plaque and bacteria, preventing odors and potential oral health issues. Additionally, store them in their designated case when not in use to protect them from damage or loss.

Retainers serve as guardians of your investment in your smile and safeguard the progress achieved through Invisalign to ensure longevity.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Can I Start Orthodontic Treatment After Chemotherapy?

March 11th, 2024

Starting orthodontic treatment after chemotherapy is generally possible, but it's essential to consider the overall health of the patient and consult with both an orthodontist and the oncologist or medical team managing the chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can have systemic effects on the body, including the oral cavity, and it's crucial to ensure that the patient has recovered sufficiently before beginning orthodontic treatment.

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Consultation with your Oncologist: Before starting any orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to consult with the oncologist who managed the chemotherapy. They can provide insights into the patient's overall health, immune system status, and any specific considerations related to the chemotherapy.
  2. Oral Health Assessment: Chemotherapy can affect the oral cavity, leading to issues such as mucositis, xerostomia (dry mouth), and increased susceptibility to infections. An assessment of the patient's oral health is necessary to determine if they are ready for orthodontic treatment.
  3. Timing of Orthodontic Treatment: The timing of orthodontic treatment should be coordinated with the Oncologist to ensure that the patient is in a stable and healthy condition. Starting treatment too soon after chemotherapy may not be advisable if the patient is still dealing with side effects or complications.
  4. Orthodontic Treatment Planning: The orthodontist will need to carefully plan the treatment based on the individual's oral health, treatment goals, and any specific considerations related to their medical history.
  5. Communication Between Healthcare Providers: It's essential for the orthodontist and oncologist to communicate and coordinate care. This ensures that both aspects of the patient's health are considered in the treatment plan.

Always keep in mind that each individual's case is unique, and decisions about starting orthodontic treatment after chemotherapy should be made on a case-by-case basis. The health and well-being of the patient should be the top priority, and a collaborative approach involving both the orthodontic and medical teams is crucial.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

How Orthodontics and Oral Hygiene Impact Your Overall Health

September 27th, 2023

Orthodontic treatment can certainly improve the alignment and appearance of teeth, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. But it's not just about having a bright and beautiful smile; your oral health can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of your body. Here are three ways in which oral health might impact you:

  1. Heart Health and infections: Poor oral health, particularly gum disease (periodontitis), has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke. The mouth is a gateway for many infections. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of infections entering the bloodstream, which can affect various organs and systems in the body. Inflammation in the mouth may contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which can affect the heart. Chronic inflammation in the gums can contribute to systemic inflammation, which is associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Orthodontic treatment can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and health by aligning the teeth and jaws making it easier to clean between them.
  2. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with gum disease may be at a higher risk for complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. The inflammation from gum disease could potentially trigger an inflammatory response elsewhere in the body.
  3. Digestive Disorders: Oral health issues can affect your ability to chew food properly, leading to digestive problems. Properly aligned teeth are essential for effective biting and chewing. Orthodontic treatment can correct issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, which can affect a person's ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly.

It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings, to prevent oral health problems. The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body, and taking care of your oral health is an integral part of maintaining good overall health. So, while the cosmetic aspect of orthodontics is undoubtedly important and often the primary reason people seek treatment, it's important to recognize that orthodontics can have a broader impact on your health. Many orthodontic cases involve a combination of cosmetic and functional considerations. It's essential to consult with an orthodontist to determine the specific benefits and goals of treatment for your individual needs.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Early Orthodontic Intervention

August 31st, 2023

Picture someone with braces. Did you imagine a teenager with rows of colorful brackets? While it’s true that most orthodontic patients are teenagers, orthodontists also work with adults, as well as providing interceptive orthodontic treatment for younger children.

Interceptive orthodontics can reduce the need for jaw surgery or tooth extraction, it can correct certain problems as they appear (before they can get worse), shorten the length of later orthodontic treatment, encourage better facial development, and pave the way for a better final result.

We Head Off Problems Early With Interceptive Orthodontics
The conventional wisdom is that orthodontic treatment can’t start until all the adult teeth have emerged, but certain problems with alignment, bite, and facial development can appear long before the full set of adult teeth. An orthodontist can help a child’s jawbones grow properly so that there will be enough room for all the adult teeth and a better structure for a healthy bite. When we correct malocclusions (bad bites) as they appear, it makes future treatment faster, easier, and sometimes unnecessary!

What Causes a Malocclusion?
Harmful habits like thumb sucking, nail-biting, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can all contribute to a bad bite by leading to a narrow upper arch, an underdeveloped lower jaw, an open bite, a deep bite, or dental crowding. These can all make it more difficult to speak clearly or chew and swallow effectively. Genetics is also a factor in certain cases. The main goal of early orthodontic intervention is to repair the damage caused by these habits and stop the habits themselves so the adult teeth can grow in how they should.

How can bad habits affect oral health? Lots of ways:

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What Are Typical Interceptive Orthodontic Treatments?
The biggest difference between phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontics is that phase 1 treatments don’t involve a full set of braces. That can wait until later — if they’re still needed by then. Common treatments in interceptive orthodontics (phase 1):

Eliminating a crossbite with upper jaw expansion
Expansion to make more room for adult teeth
Early extraction of specific baby teeth to help the adult teeth come in
Holding space open for permanent teeth after the early loss of a baby tooth
Reducing the protrusion of upper teeth to protect them from trauma

What Makes a Child a Good Candidate for Interceptive Orthodontics?
Early orthodontic intervention won’t correct every type of orthodontic issue, so the best way to find out if it would benefit your child is to bring them in for a consultation around age 7, particularly if you’ve noticed any obvious problems with their bite or if they have one of the harmful oral health habits we mentioned. Until then (and always), look out for their oral health by encouraging good brushing and flossing!

Helping our patients achieve healthy smiles for life is always our top priority!

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

4 Myths About At Home Aligners

June 29th, 2023

#1 – ALL PLASTIC ALIGNER BRANDS ARE THE SAME

Although similar in appearance, there are major differences in design and overall function. Professionally fabricated Invisalign aligners fit into place on the teeth via attachments. These tooth attachments are small anchors directly affixed to the teeth by your dentist or orthodontist. Tooth attachments are an important part of Invisalign treatment because they secure aligners into place and aid in tooth movement. Without attachments unpredictable movement may occur causing harm. The combination of aligners and attachments allows for the best result not only in appearance, but with overall health of your teeth.

#2 – THEY’RE GOOD ENOUGH FOR “SIMPLE” CASES

Although some orthodontic cases are easier than others, there is nothing ever “simple” about moving teeth. Moving teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to move as well as the jaw and affect how the bite fits together. Unsupervised aligner wear can negatively affect the bite and result in long term discomfort which is why you should be closely monitored by your orthodontist or dentist to ensure the health of your teeth and gums throughout your treatment.

A board-certified orthodontist is focused on moving teeth in harmony with each other to get an overall result that is pleasing to the eye, but also acceptable to the bite. This requires close and detailed monitoring to ensure the treatment plan is safe and effective throughout the course of treatment.

#3– IT’S OVERSEEN BY A VIRTUAL DENTIST

Virtual consultations are wonderful in certain situations, however, without a direct physical exam of your teeth by a licensed professional, patients may not be aware of any underlying conditions that can impact your overall health. Tooth decay, abscessed teeth or bone and gum infections, which are diagnosed with xrays and in person exams, can worsen if left untreated. Be aware that these conditions may occur without symptoms initially so seeing your dentist or orthodontist prior to starting aligner wear and throughout treatment is very important to ensure your safety.

#4 – IT’S HASSLE FREE AND GUARENTEED

The convenience of mail order and guarantees sounds appealing because who doesn’t want things to be easier in their busy lives? After considering the aligner company you choose, that convenience may turn into a hassle due to the chain of commands throughout the process.

Divisions of patient care such as a shipping department, mailing service, virtual care providers and outsourced customer service representatives could lead to poor communication and service inconsistency when issues arise. It’s not uncommon for patients to receive the wrong aligners or experience long delivery delays, only to have their teeth shift out of alignment while waiting for their product to arrive in the mail.

Dr. Chung Kau, chairman and professor of orthodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said moving teeth without in-person supervision can lead to permanent hard. Problems with a person’s bite aren’t just cosmetic. “If you can't get a proper bite, that affects the entire function of your jaw,” Kau said. “You could get migraines, jaw joint problems, disintegration of your joints.”

-“‘Things Didn't Feel Right’: Smiledirectclub's

Dental Aligners Cause Problems.” NBCNews.com, Feb. 13, 2020 NBCUniversal News Group