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Can your toothbrush make you sick? The myths and facts about braces

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before your orthodontic treatment began. The first few days in braces are going to be more difficult to eat than normal. There will be a slight discomfort when you first get your braces on, so the act of chewing will make it more painful.

Here are a few soft foods that do not require you to do much chewing and are easy to chew on when your teeth are sore.
Ice cream, yogurt, pudding, cool soups, Jell-O, scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, baked potatoes, soft cooked pasta, soup, bananas, cottage cheese, smoothies, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, soft cheeses, and milk are all foods you can eat safely without having to worry about pain or breaking your brackets.

Be sure to always check with us if you have questions about a particular food item by either giving us a call or asking us on Facebook!

Apps to help you achieve your 2013 New Year’s Resolutions! Patient Question: What Can I Eat With Braces?

The dreaded cold and flu season is here again! This raises a common question around our office: should your replace your toothbrush if you’ve been sick?

Since the flu is a viral infection, you develop antibodies once you’ve been infected. This helps prevent you from catching the same illness twice. Even for bacterial infections, the likelihood of becoming re-infected from your toothbrush is fairly slim for minor illnesses like the common cold. Also, toothpaste frequently contains antibacterial compounds, which further decreases your chances of re-infection.

The American Dental Association recommends the following tips for toothbrush care:

• Do not share toothbrushes, especially if you are sick
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

Hygienist Event – November 12, 2012 Need a New Year’s Resolution? How about a healthier, more beautiful smile?

Dr. Neil and the rest of our orthodontic team here at Get It Straight are excited to announce our practice now offers the AcceleDent System! AcceleDent, the first and only orthodontic micropulse device of its kind, has the ability to help move our patients’ teeth 38%-50% faster than usual.

Orthopedic doctors have been using micropulse technology for years, but it just recently became available for orthodontic care. The AcceleDent System consists of a light, comfortable, hands-free appliance that patients use for 20 minutes per day. Its gentle microvibrations help stimulate bone movement.

Ask Dr. Neil or any of our staff if AcceleDent might be right for you!

For more information, check out www.acceledent.com.

Permanent or Removable Retainers: Which is Right for You? Happy Thanksgiving!

Braces are an investment in your smile. When your teeth reach a desired straightness, you’ll have a beautiful smile, but it’s important to keep it that way! You can accomplish this with a retainer.

A retainer is a small, custom-fit device that reinforces the new position of your teeth after your braces are removed. But for many patients, especially the youngest ones, wearing a retainer may seem like an annoyance. So exactly how long after your braces come off should you wear your retainer?

Graduation of Wear Time

When we remove your braces, we will evaluate the condition of the bone structure surrounding your teeth and determine how well it is adjusting to the new position of your teeth. For the first few months, we may require you to wear your retainer both day and night, except during meal times and for brushing and flossing.

As the bone and gum tissues adjust to your new smile, we may determine that you need to wear your retainer only at night. After about one year of wearing the retainer every night, you may be able to take a couple of nights off each week.
However, we do not recommend ever stopping permanently. To best secure the position of the teeth, especially through future extractions and oral health changes, wearing your retainer a few nights a week will be necessary for many years.

Considerations

If you are concerned about your appearance when you wear a retainer, there are many that can be worn discreetly. You could choose a clear plastic one that is less obvious during the months immediately following removal of your braces. When you change to night wear only, clear wire retainers are available for minimal visibility as well.

Remember, wearing your retainer is an investment in your smile. If you fail to wear it consistently, the tissues that support your teeth will be unsupported, and you may begin to experience noticeable shifting. You’ve worked hard to get that beautiful smile — your retainer will let you keep it!

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