Category: Uncategorized

Bracing For Pain: What Type of Orthodontic Discomfort is Normal?

March 18, 2021

Perhaps your child has already undergone their pediatric orthodontic consultation and their braces will be officially going on in the coming weeks. Or perhaps your child has already had them fitted to their teeth, and you’re simply scouring for answers as to what, exactly, constitutes “normal pain” in this unfamiliar situation.

Regardless, we’re here to help provide you with both peace of mind and answers.

When it comes to discomfort, here’s what you need to know:

What To Expect…

Unfortunately, braces come with an inherent level of discomfort, no matter your child’s age. As the orthodontic appliances are manually placing pressure in order to slowly align both the jaw and teeth, some soreness and achiness are bound to occur every time your child comes in for an adjustment.

Specifically, mild discomfort and pain are perfectly normal. In particular, difficulty eating may come into play, although eating soft foods will help to alleviate the pain of chewing over time. Additionally, your child may experience slight irritation along the soft tissue of their inner mouth. After all, it will take some time for their mouths to adjust to the hard press of the metal wires and brackets.

Finally, jaw pain and headaches are also possible, especially if jaw realignment is part of your child’s orthodontic care plan. That being said, ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medications will often do the trick in these circumstances.

… And When To Take Action

While discomfort and/or pain is an expected factor in undergoing the installment of braces, pain that worsens with time is not normal. In fact, any pain your child feels following their orthodontic adjustment should subside within a couple of days to a week at most, meaning pain that gradually worsens merits a call to your orthodontist’s office.

Similarly, pain that does not worsen but also does not subside after a week may also require additional attention.

Additionally, should your child develop sores or begin bleeding as a result of their braces, you may need to make a call to receive emergency orthodontic care, as this indicates a potential malfunction of the braces themselves and should be handled immediately.

Finally, allergic reactions are not normal and may indicate your child is allergic to the latex rubber used in the braces.

Simple Solutions, Certified Care

If your child is experiencing normal braces-related pain at home, there are a few simple steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort.

For example, helping them to apply wax over the metal appliances can protect and soothe their soft tissue. Additionally, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and — as mentioned previously — eating soft foods or taking ibuprofen may also mitigate tenderness.

Otherwise, maintenance aside, the best way to ensure the most comfortable process possible is to work with a board-certified team of compassionate professionals! And here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional service in a relaxing environment for the whole family.

To learn more about how we can help your child achieve the healthiest and happiest smile possible, contact us today by calling (813) 815-0080. We look forward to providing you with the highest-quality orthodontic care in Tampa Bay!

How Do I Know If I/My Child Needs Emergency Orthodontics?

February 15, 2021

Your braces are designed to enhance your smile, thereby artistically crafting the healthiest orthodontic landscape possible.

But what if that orthodontic care is what has you frowning?

Should your braces or other dental appliances be causing more pain than is ordinary or expected, emergency orthodontic care may be in order. Here’s what you need to know:

What Is Emergency Orthodontics?

Emergency orthodontics constitutes immediate care to an orthodontic patient who is experiencing inordinate pain as a result of their braces and/or malfunctioning of their orthodontic appliances.

In some cases, emergency orthodontic care may be as simple as receiving guidance from an orthodontist over the phone. Otherwise, the patient may need to see their orthodontist during off-hours in order to achieve proper and immediate comfort.

To prevent such emergencies from happening, the best a patient, orthodontist, and/or parent can do is ensure the person receiving orthodontic care is educated regarding how best to protect and care for their braces.

How Do I Know If I/My Child Needs Emergency Orthodontics?

According to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), emergency care might be required for a variety of issues.

For example, lesser complications may include a fallen ligature or even a patient’s inability to remove stuck food particles or other objects from between their teeth and braces. As mentioned before, such issues might be resolved at home with the assistance of a professional over the phone.

Mouth sores or discomfort of the lips or cheeks may merit heightened attention depending on the cause.

Greater complications that require on-site orthodontic care, however, include:

  • A protruding wire
  • Loose brackets
  • Broken wires or bands
  • Facial or dental trauma resulting from injury

Who Can I Call for Emergency Orthodontics?

If you’re confronting facial trauma as the result of an injury or sports accident, you may first want to visit the ER depending on the severity of the trauma. Otherwise, if you’re experiencing any of the above issues, you should always call your trusted orthodontist first, such as with SouthShore Orthodontics!

“If any orthodontic emergency instances do occur for our patients we are always on call and always available to take care of them and make them feel comfortable,” SouthShore founder and lead orthodontist Matt Ahrens explained. “Anytime a patient is uncomfortable we need to do whatever it takes to get them comfortable.”

To learn more or schedule an appointment with our team, contact our office today by calling (813) 815-0080! We are proud to provide exceptional results in a welcoming environment for the whole family, and we’re committed to your comfort.

Pediatric Orthodontics: How Early Is Too Early?

January 10, 2021

The older a patient is, the longer their treatment time might be once it’s time to adjust their teeth or jaw.

In that case, doesn’t it make sense to start treatment as early as possible?

In most cases, the answer is yes — the earlier a patient undergoes treatment, the faster and easier it will be to achieve the desired results. The only other question you may find yourself asking then, is how early is too early?

An Overview of Orthodontic Options

If your child has not yet begun to lose any of their baby teeth, it may be too early to bring them in to see the orthodontist. However, once their baby teeth begin to fall out, going in for their first check-up should be fine — even if they haven’t lost all of their teeth yet.

Thus, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit the orthodontist for the first time no later than the age of 7 or 8 years old.

“By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems (“malocclusions”) even in their earliest stages,” the AAO explains.

What Early Orthodontics Entails

Early orthodontics — sometimes referred to as “phase one” orthodontics — is designed to address and correct early signs of crooked teeth, crossbites, and other jaw or teeth-related complications.

Early orthodontics does not always include the use of braces. However, it can help to decrease the time a child spends in braces should they need phase two orthodontic treatment as they grow older, as well as mitigate the need for tooth extraction or other, more comprehensive treatments.

If early orthodontics is not yet warranted, your pediatric orthodontist may still continue to monitor your child’s oral landscape as they age in order to ensure everything grows in safely and correctly.

Safe Solutions with SouthShore

While it may be easy to brush off the idea of an orthodontic visit when your child is young, it’s better to start early and ensure you don’t unwittingly forego braces altogether. After all, by not undergoing treatment, your child may end up with a different set of orthodontic challenges in adulthood.

That’s why, if you’re ready to explore your pediatric options, we encourage you to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! 

Not only do we offer orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages, but we have a proven history of providing exceptional service in a welcoming environment. Find out for yourself just how successful our results can be when you call (813) 815-0080 to schedule an appointment with our team!

Only a Matter of Time: All About Aligners

December 18, 2020

As you glide into the new year, you may also find yourself wondering what the easiest and most efficient way to glide your teeth into alignment may be.

In particular, many patients may find themselves worrying over the specific amount of money that it takes to straighten their teeth: How long will they have to subject themselves to frequent orthodontic visits? How long will they have to strategize their food around their treatment? How long will it take until they achieve their dream smile?

If you’re one of the many patients to wonder these questions while researching invisible alignment options, allow us to put your mind at ease… 

Factors that Affect Treatment Time

To start, we should clarify that no two patients are likely to undergo the exact same treatment timeline when it comes to invisible aligners. Not only are aligners traded out every one to two weeks according to the patient’s progress, but the following factors also influence the alignment timetable:

  • Age: As a general rule of thumb, the younger a patient is, the faster their teeth are likely to move, particularly for children or teens whose teeth are still growing in. Thus, young patients are likely to — but not always — see faster results than their adult counterparts.
  • Spacing: The more a patient’s teeth are crowded or, conversely, the more their teeth have large gaps of space between, the longer it will take for the teeth to be safely and properly aligned.
  • Diligence: Invisible trays ought to be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours out of the day, typically removed only for eating, flossing, and brushing one’s teeth. However, if a patient does not remain diligent and consistent in wearing their aligners, their progress will slow down and their treatment time will increase.

All that being said, invisible aligners take, on average, approximately 12 to 18 months in total for completion.

Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

One of the most appealing features of using alignment trays as opposed to traditional braces — aside from the aesthetically pleasing option of foregoing metal bands and brackets altogether — is that invisible aligners can work just as fast as braces… if not faster!

This is because alignment trays encompass the entire surface of a patient’s teeth, thereby speeding up the time it takes to shift the orthodontic landscape. In short, aligners provide a cohesive force against all of the teeth, whereas braces straighten each tooth individually.

Additionally, most patients simply find invisible aligners to be more comfortable and convenient overall.

Simple Solutions, Simply SouthShore

For patients who have already undergone orthodontic treatment or otherwise have minimal adjustments to make, as opposed to more comprehensive corrections, they may find Simply SouthShore aligners to be well-suited to their needs.

Simply SouthShore is another orthodontic treatment system involving clear aligners and created by SouthShore’s own Dr. Matt Ahrens! Optimized for life’s little everyday shifts, Simply SouthShore is both doctor-designed and directed, providing even faster results than that of other clear aligners.

If you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options and what your individual treatment time may look like, it’s time to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! With an ongoing commitment to exceptional service in a relaxing environment, we guarantee to offer you solutions today that will have you smiling for years to come.

Call us today at (813) 815-0080!

Holiday Treats and Protecting Your Teeth

November 20, 2020

The table is set, the gifts are wrapped and bundled, and you’re awaiting your guests. All that’s left to do is enjoy an abundant meal and quiet evening together.

But perhaps this year, you’re ready to be more diligent when it comes to strategizing and indulging in accordance with your dental health. And, if that’s the case, we’re ready and waiting to help!

Here’s what you need to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your teeth from holiday treats:

This, Not That

It goes without saying that your plan for dental protection begins with being mindful of what, specifically, you and your family eat. For example, we recommend avoiding sticky treats, such as taffy, gummy bears, caramel, or other treats that would otherwise be difficult to clean out of your teeth — if not damage your or your child’s braces in the process.

Additionally, sugary treats that stay in your mouth for prolonged periods of time are more likely to promote tooth and gum decay. For example, mints, hard candies, jolly ranchers, and similar such candies enhance the acid and sugar level in your mouth for up to several minutes while you suck on them.

Instead, we recommend opting for soft treats and/or sugar-free products.

Snacking, Sipping, and Saliva

Did you know that your saliva helps your body to break down food faster? Additionally, it helps to cleanse your mouth of food particles more immediately, as well as cut down on the acid levels around your teeth. Thus, chewing sugar-free gum throughout the day enhances your overall saliva production, thereby aiding your body’s ability to cleanse decay-inducing foods at a faster rate later on.

Additionally, drinking water — especially fluoridated water — throughout and after your meals will help flush out any food particles your saliva missed. 

And while you may be tempted to snack throughout the day to keep that saliva production up, we recommend limiting the amount you eat, as munching throughout the day will only enhance plaque buildup in your mouth.

Don’t Forget Dental Hygiene

Finally, going back to basics on your oral hygiene is always a good idea. Don’t forget to floss, brush your teeth for two minutes, and use mouthwash following a meal.

That being said, don’t necessarily rush to pick up your brush immediately. Particularly if you’ve been eating or drinking products high in acid (think wine or citrus), you can unwittingly damage your enamel by brushing before making sure your mouth has been thoroughly rinsed out.

Of course, dental protection doesn’t start and end with the holiday season. If you have further questions about how best to approach your long-term dental health strategy, then it’s time to reach out to SouthShore Orthodontics!

Not only is our mission is to provide exceptional results in a welcoming environment for the whole family, but we’re here to empower you with the knowledge you need to protect your teeth and gums, no matter the time of year. To learn more or schedule your appointment today, call our office at (813) 815-0080!

Getting Back to Gum Care: Understanding How Gum Disease May Impact Your Child

October 10, 2020

Between braces, mouthguards, and reminding their young ones to brush for two minutes every morning and night, it is unsurprising that most parents are primarily concerned with their children’s teeth.

But one’s teeth are only one cog in the proverbial oral machine, and when one cog falls out of alignment, so too will the others.

At the end of the day, your child’s teeth are not the only factor deserving of care and attention, which is why we’d like to take a second to refocus on their gums.

How Early Can My Child Experience Gum Disease?

While unusual, it is not impossible for infants to contract gingivitis or mild gum disease. In these cases, however, they would have to come into contact with the saliva of another person who has already contracted gum disease. For instance, by sharing silverware with your baby, or letting them put their fingers in your mouth, they may unwittingly catch the bacteria that would otherwise not naturally occur in their mouths yet.

Otherwise, gum disease risk and complications can begin at any point during childhood, particularly if gum disease runs in your family or your child eats an abundance of sugar-heavy foods.

In short, no child is “too young” to be vulnerable to oral bacteria that erodes their gum health. Thus, we recommend you begin teaching your child oral hygiene habits as early as possible and use gauze or gentle washcloths to wipe your infant’s gums.

How Do I Know If My Child Has Gum Disease?

“Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth,” the American Academy of Periodontology explains. “It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus.”

In other words, redness and discomfort of your child’s gums are the two most common signs to look for. Particularly if their gums begin to bleed while flossing or brushing, they likely are dealing with inflammation that is indicative of the early stages of gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis.

Take note, however, that not all patients experience pain or discomfort as a result of bacteria on their gums. This is one of the reasons it is important for you to bring your child in for their regular oral screenings and cleanings, as their dentist and hygienist will be able to tell if their gums require further attention.

How Do I Help My Child Manage/Treat Gum Disease?

While gum disease may sound frightening, the good news is that it is generally easy to prevent and treat so long as it is caught early.

“Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning,” the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains. “More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment.”

In all, the best treatment method is prevention, and that starts with you: the parent! By teaching your child healthy habits and investing in proper dental and orthodontic care as early as possible, you’re setting your family up for a lifetime of wellness and healthy smiles.

And if your child needs further help or guidance in properly cleaning their teeth and gums — particularly if they’re struggling to work around their braces or other orthodontic appliances — then it’s time to reach out to SouthShore Orthodontics!

Our mission is to provide exceptional results in a welcoming environment for the whole family, and we guarantee you are in the best possible care while in our office. To learn more or schedule your appointment today, call our office at (813) 815-0080!

3 Challenges Your Child May Face Without Braces

September 1, 2020

It’s easy to think about braces as a mere tool for achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.

And while the self-esteem boost that comes as a result of braces is certainly one of the primary perks for teenagers and children who are learning to come into their own, what if we told you that braces were also a matter of long-term dental and financial health?

So if you find yourself asking whether or not your child really needs orthodontic care, we want to encourage you to consider the challenges your child may face if they forego braces until later in life.

Challenge #1: Dental Hygiene

If your child has overcrowding or unusual spacing of their teeth, they’ll need to be more diligent regarding their dental hygiene. Not only can overlapping teeth wear away at the surface and enamel of the teeth, but any kind of misalignment can result in a buildup of plaque and food particles that require more effort to scrub or floss away.

Thus, children who grow up without braces are more susceptible to developing gum diseases and cavities, as they may not realize they need to increase their oral efforts in comparison to that of their peers with straight teeth.

Challenge #2: Head and Jaw Complications

Misaligned bites, also known as malocclusions, can also cause a misalignment of the jaw, thereby creating a cascade of other problems. Chewing, for one, can be a common challenge for those whose jaws do not align properly, making it difficult to eat food normally, as well as clean it out later.

Additionally, TMJ and headaches often afflict those with poor jaw health, as poor alignment can place enhanced stress on the joints of the jaw, known as the temporomandibular joints.

Challenge #3: Dental Trauma

Children whose teeth stick out from abnormal alignment may also be more susceptible to dental trauma. For example, studies show that children with overjet (also known as “buck teeth”) were two or three times more likely to suffer dental trauma to their permanent adult teeth.

Particularly if your child plays sports or is otherwise in a more active environment, their risk may increase. Additionally, dental misalignment that does not necessarily “stick out” out the mouth may also still result in such damage depending on how much the teeth are liable to scrape against one another.

In all, a lack of orthodontic care in your child’s life may save you money now, but cost you and/or your child both more time and money down the road. 

While adult braces are commonly seen today, we encourage that parents find proper orthodontic care for their children early on, so as to avoid the aforementioned challenges and other emergency occurrences.

If you have further questions about whether or not your child needs braces, or if you’re ready to schedule their next appointment with an orthodontist who offers results you can trust in a welcoming environment, it’s time to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! Be sure to call our team today at 813-815-0080 to schedule.

Signs Your Orthodontic Treatment May Not Have Been Done Right

August 20, 2020

You want the best for your child, and oftentimes that means getting the best the first time.

Sadly, not all professionals are capable of living up to their promises. Other times, you may have been on the mark with your orthodontist, but helping your child with the upkeep after the fact proved challenging.

In any case, sometimes a second treatment of orthodontic care is in order. And if you’re wondering whether you and your family may be in need of another round, here’s what to keep in mind:

Signs Your Orthodontic Treatment May Not Have Been Done Right

If you suspect your child’s initial braces or other orthodontic treatment may not have been completed adequately or safely the first time, you’ll want to take care to discuss their physical condition with them — to ask them if they are experiencing pain or discomfort — as well as bring them to a dentist to inspect the current state of their teeth.

That being said, some indications that their orthodontist may not have completed proper care
may include:

â—Ź Their gum line is receding.
â—Ź There appears to be tooth wear despite good hygiene.
● Their teeth don’t feel comfortable or don’t seem to “sit right” or “fit” in their mouth.
● Their jaw isn’t aligned correctly or there are problems with your child’s bite that were not there prior to receiving orthodontic work.

Maintaining & Preventing The Necessity For Future Work

In some cases, it is not that the first round of orthodontic care was performed incorrectly, so much as it is that following maintenance routines were not kept up with after the process was complete.

For example, if your child stopped wearing their retainer, their teeth may begin to shift back into a new crooked position, or otherwise gravitate back toward their pre-orthodontic positions.

Otherwise, poor oral hygiene or even the child’s general aging may cause new misalignments, such as when their wisdom teeth begin to grow in and cause new shifts that were not previously present.

Finally, bruxism — or the nightly grinding of one’s teeth in their sleep — can also cause damage, requiring your child to wear a nightguard to keep from hurting their teeth or their jaw.

Finding An Orthodontist You Can Trust

In any of the aforementioned cases, it’s imperative that you bring them to a clinically-certified orthodontic professional to assess how to correct the problems at hand.

Moreover, it’s important to find an orthodontist that you can trust with your child’s health and safety. That’s what SouthShore Orthodontics is here for — to provide excellent results and exceptional service in a welcoming environment!

Dr. Matt Ahrens isn’t only passionate about the impact a beautiful smile can have on someone’s life, but he has a rich and skilled history as a board-certified orthodontist, including even having designed his own Simply SouthShore aligners for patients who have already received orthodontic work in the past!

We’re here to help. Contact us by calling (813) 815-0080 to schedule an appointment today!

3 Easy Tips for Affordable Orthodontic Care

July 15, 2020

Braces mean a change in budgeting — that’s a fact that’s hardly in dispute. But as orthodontic care often equates to healthier teeth, easier cleaning routines down the road, and a more confident smile, it’s also well-known that orthodontic treatment is well worth the money.

That being said, finding an affordable treatment plan that works for you and your family might take a little more time and effort — but it doesn’t have to be a stressful process.

So, before you break open the piggy bank and start crunching numbers, we want to help get you started! That’s why we’re here with three basic tips for making your orthodontic care fit into your financial future …

#1: Know The Cost of Your Choices

Of the various orthodontic treatments one might seek, traditional braces are not only the most well-known, but the most affordable. Specifically, Colgate has reported that “traditional metal braces, which include orthodontic adjustments usually occurring every six weeks, will range in price from $3,000-$5,000.”

While less visible options are also available — such as with Invisalign or ceramic braces — if your finances are currently in a tight spot, traditional braces still present you with equally effective results at a lower monthly and overall cost.

Of course, if you are still seeking something else, we suggest requesting a cost comparison of your choices from your orthodontist. You might be surprised by what you can actually afford!

#2: Know Where To Look For Help

If you have dental insurance, orthodontic care may already be included in your benefits. Humana, for example, specifies that their insurance coverage may render your bills more affordable for both adult and child orthodontic care.

“Depending on the plan you choose, you may have a range of discounts on the cost of braces and other devices,” according to Humana.

Additionally, if you don’t have insurance coverage, you can always discuss payment plans with your orthodontist’s office to ensure your monthly bills fit your budget. Often, these plans involve flexible payment options as well as little to no interest and online account management.

#3: Choose A Highly-Skilled Orthodontist

While conducting research on the premise of affordability, it can be easy to simply glance over the total overall cost of treatment and opt for the lowest number. The catch? That doesn’t always equate to long-term savings.

That is, with cheaper bills comes the possibility of lower quality care and, thus, more corrective and costly orthodontic procedures down the road. Therefore, so long as it is within your budget, a slightly higher price is worth the money if it means safe, proper, and effective care the first time around.

If you’re ready to find high-quality orthodontic care with a compassionate team who can help you navigate the financial aspects of your treatment, then it’s time to reach out to SouthShore Orthodontics!

We offer exceptional service in a relaxing environment, and we look forward to giving you the results you’ve dreamed of. Call us today at (813) 815-0080 to learn more or schedule a free consultation!

Benefits and Usage of a Water Flosser

June 10, 2020

Also referred to as oral irrigators, water flossers date back to 1962 when Colorado dentist Gerald Moyer was assisted by hydraulic engineer John Mattingly to design a water-based dental apparatus.

The resulting design embraced the power of pressurized water to clean and strengthen the gums, as well as remove surface-level plaque. Since then, water flossers have slowly and steadily risen in popularity, becoming a common household fixture used to amplify the effectiveness of standard brushing techniques.

But why? And how does it work?

Whether you’ve just bought your first water flosser or you’re simply curious as to how purchasing one may benefit you, we have all of the answers you’re seeking…

The Benefits of Using A Water Flosser

Capable of gently but effectively reaching dental crevices one might traditionally tackle with wax floss, the water flosser is excellent for cleaning between the teeth when one’s oral reach is impaired.

For example, patients who are wearing braces or have since been aided by the addition of a permanent crown might find that wax floss is more challenging to use now than in the past. A water flosser, however, allows them to clean their gums and teeth with enhanced mobility and without damaging their dental or orthodontic modifications.

A water flosser may also be beneficial for those living with arthritis or other physical conditions that render the flossing process more strenuous.

How to Use a Water Flosser

One of the best arguments one could have for using a water flosser is that it’s entirely user-friendly and easy to manage.

To use a water flosser properly, simply follow these steps:

  • Begin by applying the desired tip to your water flosser and checking to see that the water reservoir is both filled and clean.
  • Lean over your sink and allow your lips to remain slightly open so as to catch excess water and keep it from spilling onto yourself.
  • Angle the tip toward the gums and turn on the water flosser.
  • Follow the gum line around the entire mouth, moving the flosser in between the teeth as you move it around.

Finally, remember that a water flosser does not have to be a stand-alone device in your dental hygiene. It may also be used in conjunction with traditional floss to enhance its efficacy.

Next Steps

In all, a water flosser is one of many tools you may choose to keep in your dental arsenal at home, and it’s important to remember that whether or not it fits into your routine is dependent upon what you need,

If you have further questions about how water flossers work, or if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with an orthodontist your whole family can trust, it’s time to contact SouthShore Orthodontics!

We offer results you can trust in a welcoming environment. Contact our team today by calling 813-815-0080!