Category: Uncategorized

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!

Digitally Designing Your Dream Smile

March 10, 2020

As time progresses, the modern technology available to ensure both the comfort and success of orthodontic realignment processes only continues to get better.

From traditional braces to ceramic alternatives and the prominent rise of clear aligners, patients and dental specialists alike are finding new ways to further customize treatment plans. And today, that technology has expanded to include the age of digital impressions.

What Are Digital Impressions?

Generally speaking, dental impressions are used to replicate a patient’s mouth for dental and orthodontic purposes. Previously, traditional impressions involved a relatively messy process with “goopy” putty molds that were not always as precise as one would hope.

Now, digital impressions render more accurate replications using digital wands and computer software systems. This technology enables dental specialists to create 3D models of both the hard and soft tissues in the mouth, used for crowns, molds, aligners, and more.

What Are The Orthodontic Benefits of Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions not only capture accurate contours/grooves of the teeth and overall periodontal shapes, but they require less time in the chair, are less invasive, and provide multi-layered visualizations to the orthodontic specialist.

The specialist can also render various models of different timeframes as they pertain to the treatment. In other words, a patient can be provided with a clear image of what their teeth will look like before, during, and after the realignment treatment.

How Does This Translate To Clear Aligners?

If a mold is not precise, a patient’s clear aligners won’t fit perfectly. Thus, the treatment might be uncomfortable or, worse, not as effective as planned.

Therefore, digital impressions translate to the precise digital printing of aligners that are perfectly customized to fit a patient’s mouth. As the orthodontic specialist has greater control over the detailed results, the patient will be provided with a beautiful smile in less time and with little to no discomfort.

If you have further questions about digital impressions and whether or not you are a candidate for clear aligners, contact SouthShore Orthodontics today by calling (813) 815-0800!

Not only do we provide digital impressions, but we also do all of our digital printing in-house, meaning your result will always be in the hands you trust most: ours!

Brushing Up On Braces Care: Children’s Dental Health Month

February 10, 2020

While every opportunity is available for you to teach your young ones about proper dental hygiene, February itself is a special month wherein professional educators and dental providers alike come together to promote these lessons in both hygiene and care.

In fact, this year marks the 75th Children’s Dental Health Month, meaning it’s the perfect time to participate in a national campaign aimed at helping your child care for their smile!

And particularly where braces come into the picture, hygiene can become much more of a challenge. This is why, in support of Children’s Dental Month, we’re here to help you with some braces basics for your child:

How to Floss with Braces

Flossing with braces is challenging enough for adult patients, let alone for younger children who may not have the dexterity or willpower to truly clean between and around brackets. The good news is that there are a few methods and tools to help speed the process along!

For one, you can always let your child have a seat as you floss their teeth for them, especially if they are too young or are not yet accustomed to flossing with braces.

Otherwise, waxed floss, as well as floss threaders, help to get the job done! Waxed floss is less likely to catch and tear on the metal wires and brackets, whereas the floss threaders will help you to easily weave the strands up between the teeth and to the gum line. Oral irrigators, or devices that use a pressurized stream of water to blast food particles from between your teeth, may also be helpful.

How to Brush with Braces

Before layering on the fluoride toothpaste and setting a two-minute timer, remind your child to remove any rubber bands or other elastic materials from inside their mouth that would otherwise get in the way.

Then, once they go in with their brush, it’s important to clean around the brackets with a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Make sure they brush from the top of each wire down, and move the brush itself in firm but gentle circular motions.

Additionally, if your child is having trouble brushing in hard to reach areas due to the wires and brackets, it may help to have them go in with a single-tufted interdental toothbrush that can reach into tight spaces a normal toothbrush cannot.

Once your child has thoroughly brushed, make sure they rinse out any remaining particles and re-insert their rubber bands.

 

If you have further questions about how to help your child care for their braces, or if you’re ready to schedule their next appointment with an orthodontist your whole family can trust, it’s time to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! Be sure to call our team today at 813-815-0080 for results you can trust in a welcoming environment!

Self-Improvement Month: Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted!

September 17, 2019

The month of September ushers in all manner of renewal. As the fall season approaches, the world seems to reimagine itself in cooler air, breezing gently by and perhaps wafting with it the scent of pumpkin spice.

Breathing a little deeper, you can close your eyes and let the season weave itself into a cocoon of simultaneous comfort and change around you. Thus, what better month is there to celebrate self-improvement?

In fact, did you know that September is Self-Improvement Month? For the next 30 days, you have the opportunity to reflect on and implement any changes you wish to see in yourself and your life. And we want to help.

 

Get The Smile You’ve Always Wanted.

Here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we understand the impact your smile can have on your self-esteem. And while there are all sorts of ways you can honor this month, we believe that finally achieving that smile you’ve been yearning for is the perfect way to implement a long-lasting positive change in your life.

At our office, we don’t just offer another orthodontic appointment. We offer excellent results and exceptional service in a welcoming environment, as well as a variety of treatment options:

  • Traditional Braces that treat a wide array of cosmetic and functional teeth and jaw problems.
  • Ceramic Braces that offer a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
  • Invisalign clear aligners that provide enhanced comfort and near-invisible treatment.

And Your Age Doesn’t Matter.

Just as self-improvement is not a concept confined to those of a more youthful demographic, so, too, are braces both available and normal for patients of all ages.

In fact, did you know that a study by the American Association of Orthodontics has revealed that 27% of U.S. and Canadian orthodontic patients are adults? Plus, more adults are continuing to get braces now than ever before.

Whether you never had the opportunity to adjust your smile or your teeth have simply shifted again since childhood, we can help. From minor cosmetic adjustments to severe tooth realignments, we offer complete and comprehensive adult orthodontic services that are guaranteed to streamline your journey to self-improvement this month.

If you have any further questions on our treatments, or if you’re ready to set up an appointment, give us a call at (813) 291-2010 to set up your consultation! Here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we look forward to seeing you smile!

Braces: Basics for Back to School

August 13, 2019

It’s natural for a parent to worry about their student’s well-being once the summer starts to close out. As you help them hoist their backpack over their shoulders and meet the school bus on time, you may be crossing your fingers that they keep both their chins and grades up as the academic challenges are turned up a notch.

But wait — there’s one more thing you don’t want to forget! Your student’s braces!

So, before the bell rings and ushers your child back toward their seat in the classroom, make sure they’re equipped with the following orthodontic supplies and tips on top of their books:

Pack a Braces-Friendly Lunch and Water Bottle

Once your student is out of the house and back on campus, you don’t exactly have the luxury of monitoring their diet.

Without a parent glancing over their shoulder, your student might be more likely to try to get away with some of the foods and snacks that are not safe for brace-wearers, but packing them a lunch of soft, safe foods that are gentle to brackets will help to mitigate the likelihood they’ll do some damage while away.

Additionally, carrying a water bottle isn’t just crucial for their hydration (though that’s important, too!) — drinking regularly will help to clear out any remaining food or debris from their wires, helping their teeth stay cleaner throughout the school day.

Send Them Off With A Braces Care Kit

Ah, yes … The all-important care kit. While this little pack is liable to hang out in a bathroom drawer or your own bag during the summer, making sure your student clears a space for it in their backpack will help them maintain their oral hygiene or keep invisible aligners clean between bells.

There are some extra things you can throw in to make the process easier, as well, particularly if your student now has a locker of their own.

Installing a small shelf can create more manageable storage that makes it easier to grab their kit on the go, and adding a locker mirror will make passing glances at their teeth a breeze while they swap out their textbooks.

Don’t Forget the Mouth Guard

Does your student still have recess or participate in other physical extracurriculars? An orthodontic mouthguard isn’t just helpful for your child — it can keep their braces and face safe from injury.

Particularly in sports, it can be easy for your child to accidentally damage their braces or bend wires and brackets. And, even if the braces themselves retain their shape, the metal can still cut or harm the inside of their mouth.

Helping your student prepare for back to school can involve a variety of tasks and strategies, but making sure they’re able to take care of their braces doesn’t have to be difficult! If you have any further questions about how you can help them prepare their braces for back to school, or if they are in need of an adjustment, be sure to contact SouthShore Orthodontics. We provide exceptional service in a welcoming environment, so don’t forget to contact us today at (813) 815-0080 to schedule an appointment!