Tag: orthodontics

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.