Category: Uncategorized

A Matter of the Mouth: Food, Pain, and What to Expect

December 17, 2021

As you and/or your child prepare for the coming appointment where your wires and brackets will be applied, it’s natural to feel on edge. Particularly for those who anticipate some level of pain, a fine thread of fear may even creep in, making it more difficult to feel excited for the orthodontic journey to come.

Thankfully, we can help to assuage those fears.

If you have questions about what discomfort you may experience, or how best to avoid future discomfort, simply read on below:

The Particular Pains of Orthodontics

When a patient first has their braces applied, they might not experience any immediate pain or discomfort.

“However, within a few hours, the gentle pressure that the braces put on the teeth will start to take effect,” as reported by Medical News Today. “The pressure of the braces slowly pulling the teeth into alignment can create pain and discomfort, which could last from a day or two to about a week.”

To put it simply, braces-related discomfort is perfectly normal.

That being said, if the pain is sharp, debilitating, or lasts more than a week, it is time to contact your orthodontist to determine what may be wrong.

The Challenge of Chewing

The consistency of some foods is liable to break, bend, or otherwise damage orthodontic appliances. Hard and/or sticky snacks, in particular, are the most likely to cause such difficulties.

“Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces,” according to the American Dental Association (ADA). “You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces.”

Otherwise, we recommend generally steering clear of some of the following foods:

  • Nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Gummies
  • Gum
  • Hardshell tacos
  • Pizza crust
  • Hard crackers
  • And more

Safe, Comfortable Smiles with SouthShore

Should food pull a wire or bracket out of place, don’t panic — you might be able to correct it at home.

Cleveland Clinic, for example, recommends using the eraser end of a pencil to try to gently push it back into position. However, “if you can’t reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to your orthodontist’s office.”

SouthShore Orthodontics, for example, will be there should you find yourself in need of emergency orthodontic care!

To learn more about what may constitute an orthodontic obstacle, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our skilled team, contact us today by calling 813-815-0080. We offer exceptional service in a relaxing environment, and we can’t wait to keep you smiling!

Perfecting Your Senior Pictures: When to Get Braces to Achieve a Picturesque Smile

November 18, 2021

The end of high school heralds the time wherein your child will officially embark upon adulthood, meaning you’ll want to immortalize every moment you can during those final years.

And their senior pictures are especially likely to hold the attention of the whole family.

Consequently, it makes sense that you and/or your child feel particularly motivated to undergo orthodontic treatment — and have it finished — by the time they step in front of the camera. And if that’s a priority, here’s what you need to keep in mind in terms of timing:

The Early Bird Gets… The Perfect Smile

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, it’s common for parents to wonder: How early is too early? Well, that depends.

“Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner,” according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). “[The AAO] recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.”

Of course, if your child receives orthodontic care earlier in life, they are more likely to have their bright smiles in correct alignment by the mid-teens. Thus, if your goal is to optimize their grin before it’s time for their senior photos, today is never a bad day to get the ball rolling!

Strategizing Pediatric Care

According to Nemours Kids Health, the length of time a child may spend with brackets and wires is dependent upon the specific types of misalignments the orthodontist is trying to fix. However,  “the average [length of time] is about two years.”

In many cases, young patients with Invisalign or other forms of clear aligners — like our own Simply SouthShore aligners — may also take up to 12 to 18 months to reach the completion of their treatment plan. That being said, in these cases, a student may require a smaller timeframe of treatment time, as aligners are typically used to correct less extensive abnormalities.

Simply put, if your child starts their orthodontic treatment in their teen years, we recommend that you begin the process between the ages of 14 and 16. This way, should they need up to two years of treatment, their braces should be off before the start of their senior year.

Timely Solutions With SouthShore

From the initial consultation where you’re brimming with questions to the final treatment day where you’re ready to see your child emerge from brackets and wires, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we’re ready to help your whole family achieve their picture-perfect smiles.

We offer traditional braces, ceramic braces, and various options for clear aligners to ensure you can undergo the most efficient and effective care possible.

So, are you ready to learn more or schedule an appointment? Then it’s time to contact the team here at SouthShore Orthodontics by calling (813) 815-0080! We offer exceptional results in a welcoming environment, and we can’t wait to both straighten and brighten your smile.

How Long Will My Orthodontics Treatment Take for Braces and Invisalign?

October 17, 2021

From the fear of physical discomfort to the general sense of insecurity one feels when the metal brackets are applied, we understand that many orthodontic patients are crossing their fingers and hoping for a treatment option that concludes sooner rather than later.

Of course, that depends entirely on what your teeth currently look like and how, exactly, you’d prefer to undergo the alignment process.

But that being said, how often does treatment usually take? And how might that differ between Invisalign and braces?

Is It Possibly Time For Invisalign?

“The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners,” Invisalign explains. “On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.”

Specifically, clear aligners are designed to treat mildly crooked or misaligned teeth. Capable of eliminating gaps between teeth or eliminating overlapping of the teeth, it is not suited for patients with extremely crooked teeth or in cases where the jaw bone itself needs to be shifted in order to ensure a safe and proper treatment process.

Thus, as Invisalign is generally suited for less severe orthodontic complications, treatment may often take less time.

Counting Down To Basic Braces

Traditional braces are the recommended treatment for patients who:

  • Have a severe overbite
  • Have a severe underbite
  • Are likely to forget to wear their clear aligners
  • Are too young to keep up with cleaning their clear aligners
  • And more

“How long your child will need to wear braces depends on the problems the orthodontist is trying to fix, but the average is about two years,” according to Nemours Kids Health. “After that, your child might wear a specially molded retainer.”

Otherwise, for older teens and adults, the treatment process is again dependent upon multiple individual factors, particularly as the jaw bone is no longer growing for this age group.

“The entire process may take longer for you than for a child or adolescent,” Harvard Health clarifies. That being said, the average treatment for adults also lasts approximately two years.

Aligning With The Bottom Line

Regardless of whether your treatment entails clear aligners, traditional braces, ceramic braces, and another appliance, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we’re equipped to help you achieve a renewed, healthy smile in a warm and friendly office!

What’s more, we have our own in-house method of creating custom-fit clear aligners: Simply SouthShore. These aligners are designed to treat slightly misaligned smiles or individuals that have previously undergone orthodontic treatment.

So are you ready to learn more and embark on your journey to a brighter smile? Then contact our team today by calling (813) 815-0080! We look forward to providing you with exceptional results in a welcoming environment.

Sweet, Sour, and Spooky: 5 Hauntingly Good Halloween Treats For When You Have Braces

September 13, 2021

As Halloween night creeps closer and closer, you already know that anyone wearing braces would be wise to steer clear of monstrous hard candies and chocolate-covered nuts.

But what else might you accidentally overlook while you relish the spoils of a successful night of trick-or-treating?

Unfortunately, both gummies and caramel apples — two wickedly delicious staples of the season — should remain out of your candy bag, lest you face the fright of broken brackets and wires. Otherwise, anything that can be described as sticky, chewy, or crunchy is going to remain off-limits.

But don’t worry! If you’re wondering what treats you can sink your fangs into this year, here are our top five braces-friendly favorites:

  • Hershey’s Kisses & Bars

Soft, traditional chocolate is always a safe bet — both in terms of flavor and texture. Not only do they provide the sugar rush you’ve long craved, but the sheer variety of chocolate bars also bears the blessing of options… just be sure not to buy anything with nuts or toffee inside! Additionally, be mindful to break your bar into smaller, bite-sized pieces before enjoying it.

  • Pixie Sticks

For those looking to venture outside the world of chocolate, Pixie Sticks and other tubes of powdered sugar offer an ideally sweet alternative. As they melt in your mouth and require no chewing whatsoever, they won’t pose any immediate damage to your braces. Be careful to brush right after, however, as it may be easy to forget just how much sugar is now coating your teeth!

  • Peanut Butter Cups

Both sweet and savory, peanut butter cups offer the best of both worlds when it comes to Halloween candy. And the bonus? They’re soft enough to bow to the force of braces without consequence. Plus, if you’re looking to get creative, you could also dip your chocolates into melted peanut butter for better control of your chocolate-to-peanut-butter ratio.

  • Cupcakes

If you’re hosting an annual Halloween party featuring guests who favor all sorts of different flavors, cupcakes and other such baked goods offer the perfect dessert. Festive, fun, and flavorful, both the moist cake and rich frosting will be very easy to eat with braces on, no matter what stage of orthodontic treatment someone is in.

  • Peppermint Patties

Another classic treat for those seeking chocolate with a twist, peppermint patties are soft, rich, and leave your tongue buzzing and refreshed. That being said, while some people like to freeze these chilling treats before they bite in, we encourage you not to do so if you have braces. A frozen pattie might simply be too much for your braces, and you don’t want to end the night with a call for emergency orthodontic care.

Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the sweets you might enjoy after trick-or-treating, but we hope it gets you started!

If you have further questions about how to care for your braces, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, our team is here to offer you exceptional results in a welcoming environment. Learn more today by contacting SouthShore Orthodontics at 813-815-0080!

Filling You In On Fillings: Answering Your Top 3 Questions

July 15, 2021

The idea of needing a cavity filled is typically not a pleasant one for most patients.

The good news, however, is that modern technology has rendered the entire process nearly painless, and we even have a variety of material options for fillings depending on the patient’s unique circumstances and desires!

And don’t worry — getting a filling can be completed and will not impact your braces so long as it is taken care of in a timely manner. Here’s what you need to know:

What Are Fillings?

A filling is a dental solution, sometimes formulated using different composites or materials, designed to restore teeth.

Most commonly, patients will need a filling when their dentist has located a cavity. Otherwise, fillings are also used to repair and remedy teeth that have suffered damage, be it a crack from physical trauma or surface erosion from teeth grinding.

The only question, then, is which type of filling material you may need.

“Your dentist considers materials to use on an individualized basis, taking into account the size and location of your cavity,” the American Dental Association (ADA) explains. “Cosmetic considerations, how long the filling could last, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket costs are some other factors you might want to consider.”

What Are The Different Types Of Fillings?

If you’re looking for a brief overview of the pros and cons of different filling types, we’ve got you covered! Simply take a look below at the four primary filling materials:

  • Gold — The longest lasting of all filling materials, gold alloy fillings are strong and will easily withstand the forces applied against them while chewing. However, they do not match the color of the tooth and, according to Crest, they cost up to six (or even ten) times more than that of traditional amalgam fillings.
  • Glass Ionomer — Glass ionomer fillings match the appearance of the tooth more closely and even release fluoride once in place. They’re usually placed near to the gum line, such as when a patient has root caries. However, they do take longer to apply and are not as strong as other filling materials.
  • Amalgam — One of the most affordable and commonly used filling materials, amalgam is a metal composite that is durable and lasting. The major drawback for most patients, however, is that amalgam is silver and will be plainly visible against the color of the tooth. Amalgams also do not bond to the tooth itself.
  • Composite Resin — Composite resin fillings are popular in that, out of the different filling materials, this one will most closely match your tooth color, therefore being relatively hard to notice. Composite resin is strong and binds to the teeth, albeit it costs more than amalgam. This resin material may also require more time in the dentist’s chair to complete.

What If I Need A Filling?

As we said before, if you need a filling while your braces are still on, that’s okay! Keeping your dental health optimized while undergoing orthodontic care is of the utmost importance, so please don’t feel as though you have to put off a filling for the sake of your smile’s alignment.

In fact, many patients with overcrowded teeth need fillings precisely because of their misalignment! Therefore, fillings and braces are sometimes inevitable.

And if you have further questions on the matter, or if you’re ready to reimagine your smile, don’t hesitate to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! We can’t wait to offer you exceptional results in a welcoming environment. Call us today at 813-815-0080 to learn more!

Braces: What Constitutes Common Discomfort?

June 12, 2021

Nerves and trepidation are common when a patient walks in to either get their braces put on or have them adjusted.

After all, even once they’re back in the comfort of their own home, the discomfort of the braces themselves may last longer than the window of time they spend in the orthodontist’s chair.

But in that case, you may be wondering, what pain constitutes “normal”? And when should you take action?

Determining Daily Discomfort

Generally speaking, mild pain, discomfort, and soreness are all to be expected when one undergoes orthodontic treatment with braces.

As the braces and wires are periodically tightened to progress the treatment, the pressure placed upon the teeth may render them sensitive up through the gums, thereby causing:

  • Difficulty chewing
  • Irritation
  • Jaw pain
  • And more

That being said, the modern advancements of the orthodontics industry have enhanced an orthodontist’s ability to mitigate such pain, rendering the whole process less daunting to those who may still experience anxiety.

“Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, today’s braces are more comfortable than in the past,” according to the American Dental Association (ADA). “Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.”

Asking About Abnormal Pain

While mild discomfort and pain are to be expected of braces, there are times when the pain becomes abnormal and thus merits greater — if not immediate — professional attention.

For example, braces-related pain is not normal when:

  • It is prolonged
  • It is accompanied by mouth bleeding
  • It results in lasting mouth sores
  • It is caused by a malfunction of the orthodontic appliances themselves
  • It is caused by facial trauma or damage

If you are not sure whether your pain may be “abnormal,” however, the best course of action is simply to reach out to your orthodontist for guidance.

“While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, your orthodontist should always be notified,” the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explains. “Many times, they may be able to handle the issue over the phone or virtually through video communication.”

Reaching Out For Reliable Aid

If you have further questions about what to expect come time to equip yourself or your child with braces, or if you’re simply browsing around for a trusted orthodontic expert in your local area, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with SouthShore Orthodontics!

Not only do we offer braces for all ages, but we also provide compassionate emergency orthodontic services in the event that you need immediate assistance.

So, are you ready to schedule with a team that offers results you can trust in a welcoming environment? Then contact SouthShore Orthodontics today by calling 813-815-0080!

Crushing Cavities This Summer

May 7, 2021

Summer is approaching, and the only thing on your mind is uncovering those deflated beach balls for a relaxing beach vacation. During this time of no homework or school, it can be easy to let things fall through the cracks as your kids begin to focus on that glorious feeling of having absolutely nothing to worry about.

However, with that summer euphoria comes the potential for tooth decay and cavities, especially since the hotter weather permits sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles. Ensuring that your children keep their teeth clean is key to having a worry-free summer as planned.

Therefore, here are a few ways to keep their smiles healthy and bright this summer!

The Hard Truth About Summer Sweets

While summer can be the perfect time to make your way to the candy store or to see the newest blockbuster, hard or sticky foods such as licorice, taffy, nuts, and popcorn should be avoided, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Not only can these snacks potentially damage your braces, but sugary foods and drinks can also lead to tooth decay and the development of cavities.

What can you eat? We recommend sticking to healthy, easy-to-chew foods, such as soup, pasta, eggs, smoothies, and fresh fruits, as long as they are cut up into bite-sized pieces.

Of course, we know that sweet treats are bound to be around in the summer; however, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial with braces, considering that plaque can quickly build up around a child’s brackets, causing permanent damage to their teeth.

Plaque Build-Up Be Gone

You may know that brushing and flossing every day is another surefire way to get rid of plaque and prevent cavities, only with braces it can be a little more challenging to target areas where food has gotten stuck. Therefore, ensuring that your kids brush their teeth at least an hour after meals is essential.

If flossing is a struggle, using a water flosser to flush out plaque and food particles can help reduce or prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Also, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drinking fluoridated water can prevent cavities and reduce them by almost 25% in children and adults.

These tips, along with following the basics of oral hygiene, can ensure that your kid has a beautiful, pain-free smile so they can spend less time with a toothache and more time soaking up the summer rays.

Taking the Next Step to a Healthier Smile

Maybe you have more questions about caring for braces, or you’re looking to schedule your next appointment with an orthodontist who will make sure your children’s teeth are well taken care of.

Either way, SouthShore Orthodontics is the place to look. With state-of-the-art technology and board-certified specialists, we are here to help your child achieve healthy, lasting smiles they will want to show off all summer long.

Contact us at (813) 815-0080 to learn more or schedule an appointment today!

How to Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Outdoor Activities

April 23, 2021

“Watch out!”

Whether you’re intentionally holding your ground while a ball hurtles towards you or you just happen to get caught in the crossfire of a bad throw, one thing is for sure — the results can hurt.

That’s why, in honor of National Facial Protection Month, we want to take a moment to inform you about how best to protect your braces (and your smile) no matter what sport or outdoor activity you enjoy!

The Athlete’s Must-Have: A Mouthguard

While you may think of braces as too bulky to fit beneath a mouthguard, the truth is that, not only can braces absolutely fit, but mouthguards are actually essential for protecting your or your child’s braces!

“If the player is wearing braces, an incident may require expensive treatment to repair the braces and fix any damage done to the teeth or gums,” as explained by Colgate. “Luckily, you can lower the chances of harm or injury by wearing the right mouthguard with braces.”

There are three different types of mouthguard you can opt for:

  • Pre-Formed Mouth Guards: Also called stock mouthguards, these guards are readily available at your local sports store and are often designed as a one-size-fits-all model.
  • Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: These mouthguards are messier to make, but are more likely to fit well around your or your child’s braces. This is because they are first boiled and softened in water at home prior to being molded to the shape of the wearer’s teeth.
  • Custom-Fit Mouth Guards:  Also molded specifically to the wearer’s teeth, custom-fit guards are made by your orthodontist. These mouthguards provide the best overall, fit, protection, and comfort, as they are the highest quality mouthguards available.

When Emergency Orthodontics Are In Order

According to the Academy for Sports Dentistry, “an estimated 12 million people ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually, which leads to 20 million lost days of school.” And what’s more, research completed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) indicates that up to 61% of athletes had reported dental trauma as a result of their sports participation.

In other words, sports-related injuries are common. And even when one is wearing a mouthguard and helmet, sometimes it can be difficult to fully mitigate the damage.

Thus, we encourage you to be aware of when it is time to seek emergency orthodontic care. Specifically, loose brackets, broken or protruding wires, damaged bands, and point-blank facial trauma all merit emergency attention.

Sports Stress? Call SouthShore!

At the end of the day, orthodontic protection starts with one thing: Trust. When you find a trusted orthodontic practice, not only can you rest easy knowing you will be well taken care of through every stage of alignment, but you can also have someone to rely on should an emergency arise.

And that’s why SouthShore Orthodontics is here for you.

We don’t just aim to provide exceptional results in a welcoming environment for the whole family — we also strive to ensure you can continue to participate in the recreational activities you love while remaining safe!

To learn more about our team or schedule an appointment, contact our office today by calling (813) 815-0080!

The Pain of COVID-19 Concerns: The Prevalence of Stress Among Patients

April 16, 2021

As it is, many young patients find themselves off-put by the idea of visiting their dentists and orthodontists.

Be it because of braces-related pain or the general discomfort of having someone poke around in their mouth, we know — Such appointments are common stressors for young patients and adult patients alike.

But as COVID-19 vaccines become increasingly accessible and businesses open back up, we can’t help but look back and wonder: What role did the pandemic in and of itself play in patients’ experiences of such stress?

Increased Prevalence Among Patients

As mentioned previously, dental and orthodontic visits commonly trigger stress in patients. But what if we told you that, over the last year, stress was actually the catalyst for these visits?

In fact, a poll conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) revealed that certain stress-related conditions increased in prevalence over the course of the pandemic:

  • Teeth clenching and grinding has increased by 71%
  • Teeth chipping and cracking has increased by 63%
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TJD) symptoms have increased by 62%

Thus, between the stress of the pandemic and the stress caused by oral pain, it’s easy to imagine how many of these patients found themselves caught in an echo chamber of discomfort.

What Affects An Orthodontic Patient’s Stress?

So we know that the pandemic heightened patients’ overall experience of stress. The only question, then, is if we know what specific orthodontic factors played into these experiences.

Well, according to a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO), we do have an idea:

“Over one-third of orthodontic patients experienced mental distress during the pandemic,” the study explains. “Multiple factors affected the level of anxiety of orthodontic patients, such as the type of orthodontic appliance, time since last dental visit, manner of communication with the orthodontist, and the localities of the pandemic progression.”

In short, no two patients were likely to experience the same stress, as their unique orthodontic needs — in addition to their life circumstances — as a patient influenced their pandemic-related stress levels.

Say No To Stress With SouthShore

As we said earlier: We understand that many young patients are particularly vulnerable to stress right now, especially as they undergo the oral pains and changes involved in orthodontic care.

That’s why, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we aim to provide excellent results and exceptional service in a welcoming environment! We’re committed to our patients’ comfort, and we want to know if there’s anything we can do to help you feel more at ease while in our care.

Here at SouthShore, stress isn’t in our vocabulary! So, to learn more about how you achieve a healthy smile with a locally-trusted team, contact our office today to schedule an appointment!