Using floss is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain good dental health. It is the process of cleaning between your teeth to remove debris and food from areas a toothbrush cannot normally reach and an important part of your daily routine to keep your pearly whites sparkling and healthy.
When wearing braces, it is even more important to floss regularly since food collects and sticks more easily around the brackets and wires. At Affiliated Orthodontics it is critical for our patients to know that when they do not floss, the result is a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria that can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, around the braces, and can cause puffiness and bleeding of gum tissue. Even if you are wearing Invisalign aligners that are removable when eating, it is still important to floss on a daily basis to maintain good oral hygiene.
What is most important is to make sure that you floss correctly and clean your teeth thoroughly. Watch this video on how to floss and the proper care of your teeth while wearing braces.
A child will normally start to lose their primary (baby) teeth, and gain their permanent set of teeth when approaching the age of 6. When this all goes according to plan, the front teeth will erupt in the correct position. Specifically, the top teeth will be slightly overlapping the lower teeth and will be coming in straight without crowding.
However, there are cases where this does not happen the way it’s supposed to. In these situations, a child can develop a bad bite (malocclusion). Don’t panic. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, all children should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7. Below are some of the issues that an orthodontist will check your children for during a standard evaluation.
Spacing Issues
Normal, healthy teeth should not have any noticeable gaps between them after all the four front teeth erupt, and should essentially be right next to each other. However, if there is noticeable space between the permanent teeth (particularly permanent front teeth), this could be a sign of impacted teeth or other bite problems. On the other hand, if there seems to be overlapping of teeth on the upper or lower, this could be an indication of crowding. This occurs in instances where there is insufficient space for the teeth to properly erupt.
Bad Bites
There are a number of different types of malocclusions. For example: in the case of an underbite, the front bottom teeth will typically bite in front of the upper teeth. Then there is what’s called an “open bite,” which involves the presence of a significant gap between the lower and upper teeth when the jaws are closed. A deep bite is defined by the sight of front teeth biting down too far over lower teeth and sometimes can result in biting into the upper palate’s soft tissue. Lastly, crossbites can be found in either the back teeth or the front. If they appear in the back, several of the lower teeth will bite outside the upper teeth, rather than biting inside the upper teeth. If they appear in the front, a number of the lower teeth will bite in front of the upper.
Atypical Growth Patterns and Tooth Eruptions
It’s also important to be on the lookout for poor jaw growth patterns. Protrusion of the upper jaw occurs when the upper jaw is too far forward in relation to the lower jaw. This often occurs as a result of thumb sucking and finger habits. Conversely, protrusion of the lower jaw can also be an issue. These are signified by the appearance of the lower teeth or jaw overlapping the upper jaw resulting in a very strong lower jaw appearance.
Lastly, it’s important to be sure that permanent teeth are erupting in the correct locations. If the primary teeth were not in the right order, in the incorrect position, or if they were lost prematurely, this can contribute to the likelihood of other permanent teeth erupting where they shouldn’t. If you have a child who is 7 or older, why not contact our office today for a complimentary screening with Affiliated Orthodontics today?
Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Our Team at Affiliated Orthodontics want you to join us in celebrating the power of a smile during October.
You only get one chance to make a first impression, no matter what your age 12, 16 or 60! A perfect smile is one of your best and lifelong assets. Whether you are meeting new friends or interviewing for a job, a smile is important to building both personal and business relationships. It is a well-known fact that straight teeth and a great smile build self-esteem, confidence, and influences how you present yourself to the world. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in the future.
Our goal this year is to spread the word in Peoria AZ that October is National Orthodontic Health Month and its purpose is to reinforce the need for an orthodontic evaluation. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction.
What is the Best Time to Evaluate Your Child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents have their kids evaluated for orthodontic treatment by age 7. Children undergo a major growth spurt during the ages of 7 – 10 that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws. Starting at the right time, based on your child’s individual growth pattern, can prevent more long-term or difficult treatment later on. Potential problems can be addressed if they are found at the appropriate time.
Adult Orthodontics Is On The Rise
We all know the job market is tight, especially for recent college graduates. First impressions are everything and serious job hunters are “Bracing Themselves for the Future” to promote their success. Your smile during the interview process, no matter what your age, makes a difference when landing a new job. It also helps you perform better throughout your life to boost your confidence when communicating with others on all levels, both professionally and personally. Currently, more than one million adults in North America are receiving orthodontic treatment from orthodontists.
Affiliated Orthodontics offers the latest in treatment options for adults orthodontics, including Invisalign, the “braceless alternative” to straight teeth. It is never too late to receive a beautiful healthy smile for a lifetime. Contact our office in Peoria AZ today to schedule a complimentary smile exam to find out how we can help you create a smile for the future.
It’s that time of year again! Labor Day is our last chance to celebrate the summer. But what actually is the meaning behind Labor Day?
Labor Day began in 1894. The US Congress decided that the first Monday of every September would honor the working men and women of our great country. This would include everyone from plumbers, carpenters, teachers, and yes, even the orthodontic team at Affiliated Orthodontics!Read More
Buck teeth, also known as a malocclusion or severe overbite, is much more common than we think. In many cases, buck teeth are a hereditary condition. But, it can also be worsened by prolonged thumb sucking, bottle feeding or the overuse of a pacifier. Throughout history, they have been the cause of bullying and embarrassment. Studies have shown that the most common cause of bullying is a person’s smile.Read More
A simple smile holds the key to many wonderful secrets. When you flash a wonderfully beautiful smile, you are sending a message not only to the world but subconsciously to yourself. You are telling the world that you are happy and confident but also telling yourself. We all smile when we are happy but did you know smiling can actually make you happy. It has been scientifically proven that a smile can literally change the world around you and change the way you feel. A smile is truly contagious.Read More
