Tag: orthodontist

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!

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!

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!