Tag: southshore orthodontics

Cavities in Baby Teeth: Do You Feel Pushed to Pull?

June 6, 2022

You always want to see that little smile reemerge. After all, what better feeling is there as a parent than to know that your child is both happy and healthy?

That being said, when they do eventually pucker their lips in pain or discomfort, you’ll be left weighing the best options for their long-term well-being.

Thus, when it comes to cavities, you might ask yourself: Is it better to fill or to pull the baby tooth?

Why Primary Teeth Are A Priority

While many parents might think that pulling baby teeth because of a cavity is no big deal, the reality is that these little teeth play an important role despite their temporary nature.

“Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth growing in the jaw,” the Early Childhood Knowledge & Learning Center explains. “If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth that are already in the mouth will move into the space. It can block out the adult tooth trying to come in and cause crowding.”

What’s more, if a baby tooth comes out prematurely, the crooked teeth may also cause a misalignment of the child’s jaw as the adult teeth grow in.

Thus, we encourage you not to take these teeth too lightly.

To Fill Or To Pull

“Baby teeth (primary teeth) are meant to fall out on their own to make room for permanent adult teeth (secondary teeth),” according to Healthline. “This typically occurs when children are 6 or 7 years old.”

In other words, while you can pull a baby tooth, we generally do not recommend it unless the cavity is severe enough that immediate removal becomes necessary. Otherwise, simply filling the tooth should be adequate.

As reported by Hopkins Medicine, “in most cases, [tooth decay] treatment requires removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling.”

This solution is both simpler and more capable of mitigating further orthodontic complications down the line.

Calling The Cavalry On Cavities

If your child has lost a tooth prematurely — or even started to develop dental misalignment despite an ordinary process of losing their baby teeth — you always want to put their smiles into hands you can trust.

And that’s why, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we offer exceptional service in a relaxing environment!

No matter the age of our patient, we have a variety of solutions and advanced technology to treat their needs:

Additionally, we always want to provide your family with peace of mind. To learn more about how we can help you or your child develop a healthier, happier smile, contact our office today by calling 813-815-0080!

Custom-Designing Your Future, One Smile at a Time

May 21, 2022

You’re probably not new to the idea of orthodontic care, regardless of whether or not you’ve received it yourself in the past.

But just because the treatment itself doesn’t sound new, that doesn’t mean it will actually be the same this time around. But don’t worry — we actually mean this in a good way!

In other words, what we’re trying to say is that modern technology allows us to now customize smile treatments more than ever before. Here’s what this might mean for you:

Considerations Involved in Custom Smiles

A custom smile is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: dental and orthodontic care that is specially tailored to your unique smile!

In particular, customization may come into play when it comes to your tooth color. Porcelain crowns, for example, need to match the surrounding teeth in both shade and hue in order to not stand out.

Today, the continual rise of dental technology is largely to thank for such individualized care and solutions.

How Custom Smiles Align with Your Goals

One of the most important instances wherein a patient needs a custom smile design? When it comes to orthodontic realignment.

Particularly if the patient will be utilizing clear aligners to achieve a straighter smile, the trays themselves must be customized if they are to successfully guide the teeth into place without causing any harm to the jaw or other facial features.

And that’s where revolutionary digital technology comes in! By generating 3D scans of a patient’s dental landscape, the orthodontist may provide treatments that are increasingly…

  • Comfortable
  • Discreet
  • Efficient
  • And more

What’s more? Invisalign isn’t necessarily your only option for custom aligners.

State-of-the-Art Smiles with SouthShore Orthodontics

Here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we don’t just offer Invisalign — we also provide our own in-house manufactured aligners: Simply SouthShore!

Simply Southshore is doctor-designed and directed by our very own Dr. Matt Ahrens. Additionally, both the digital scanning and 3D printing processes are completed on-site, meaning you or your child will be able to undergo treatment sooner and for a more affordable price.

“This product is great for the individual who maybe previously had some orthodontic treatment and in the years since has had some shifting occur,” Dr. Ahrens explains.

And if clear aligners aren’t the best treatment for your smile, we can also provide other customized treatments using:

So, are you ready to receive exceptional orthodontic service in a relaxing environment? Then it’s time to reach out to SouthShore Orthodontics! Smile bigger, smile healthier, and smile longer. Call us today at 813-815-0080 today to schedule your appointment for customized care.

Counting Down to Orthodontic Care: All About Average Treatment Times

March 13, 2022

Patience may be a virtue, but let’s face it — we all want beautiful smiles sooner rather than later. And when you’re preparing to go undergo orthodontic care, it’s natural that you find yourself wondering…

Just how long will this take?

Don’t worry! If you’re in a rush for answers, we’ll get you up to speed in no time:

Filing Through the Factors and Variations

The amount of time one will undergo orthodontic treatment can vary widely based on their individual situation. For example, clear aligners and braces typically involve different timeframes.

“A comprehensive 2019 study found that people with clear aligners wore them for a shorter amount of time than those with traditional metal braces,” according to Healthline. “But those wearing clear aligners had less severe alignment issues than those wearing metal braces.”

Specifically, treatment involving clear aligners may take up to 12 to 18 months on average.

Other factors that may influence how long treatment will take include:

  • Age
  • Bone density
  • Jaw alignment
  • Overcrowding
  • Teeth gaps
  • Material preference
  • And more

Back to Braces Basics

Generally speaking, fixed braces — which may be traditional metal or ceramic — take a minimum of a year on average. In particular, the Oral Health Foundation specifies that it may take between 12 to 24 months overall, depending on the patient.

“Patients with braces typically visit the orthodontist every six to ten weeks, until teeth are aligned properly,” the American Association of Orthodontics explains (AAO).

Oftentimes, this is because patients who need fixed braces don’t just need an alignment of their teeth, but they may also need a correction of their jaw in the cases of an under- or over-bite. Such patients are not eligible for clear aligners.

Seamless Smiles with SouthShore Orthodontics

Overall, the good news is that “orthodontic treatment often is more comfortable and takes less time than it did years ago,” as reported by the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).

What’s more, when you choose to see the orthodontic experts at SouthShore Orthodontics, you’ll also get exceptional results in a welcoming environment!

Here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we offer a variety of braces for all ages as well as Simply SouthShore — custom-fit clear aligners made in-house just for you! Regardless of what you need, you’ll find a renewed smile and a relaxing team when you visit.

Learn more or schedule with us today by calling (813) 815-0080!

A Passion for Our Patients: All About Patient-Centric Technology

February 13, 2022

The point of a practice is to put the patients first — and there’s no such thing as being too focused on an individual’s care. Consequently, shouldn’t an orthodontist’s technology be just as patient-centric as the whole of the team?

We think so.

Thus, we’d like to take a moment to review the patient-centric technology that is changing the community’s overall experience while in the chair:

Talking About Teledentistry

Particularly following the COVID-19 related lockdowns in 2020, patients have needed the ability to contact their care providers safely and without the necessity of physical contact. Thus, teledentistry offers a patient-centric solution that also protects physicians from potential viral transmission.

What’s more, teledentistry saves patients money in that they no longer have to pay for the gas required in commuting to an in-person appointment.

And when it comes to pediatric patients? Well, teledentistry also offers a more comfortable alternative, as parents and young patients who might otherwise experience anxiety while in the chair can now make contact with their dentist from the safety of their own home.

The Innovation Of 3D Imaging

Many adults who underwent orthodontic treatment in their youth are familiar with the painstaking process of having a dental impression made in-office. Messy, time-consuming, and sometimes unpleasant in taste, it’s simple to say that the impression process was probably less than desirable.

Thankfully, 3D scans of the individual’s teeth are now available, rendering the entirety of the planning process more precise and patient-centric.

Not only can 3D digital scans provide accurate imaging of all measurements the orthodontic team might need, but it also makes it easier for them to generate a preview of the final results, thereby keeping the patient informed before treatment begins.

Why Be Patient When You Can Print?

One of the difficulties in straightening one’s teeth is remaining patient. Particularly for patients undergoing treatment via clear aligners, waiting for each custom tray to be completed adds another stretch of in-between time that can never seem to go fast enough.

Thankfully, in-house 3D printers are now changing the game.

With this innovative technology at hand, orthodontic teams can both render and generate custom-designed trays for each patient while on-site. Thus, the total wait time is reduced and the overall treatment process can continue smoothly and as planned.

For example, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we offer Simply SouthShore aligners for life’s everyday shifts! Featuring in-house care and in-house innovation, Simply SouthShore is an affordable alternative to commercial aligners that is also ideal for retreatment.

But if you’re not a candidate for clear aligners, don’t worry — we also offer a variety of options for all ages.

So, are you ready to receive exceptionally patient-centric service in a welcoming environment? Then it’s time to schedule with SouthShore Orthodontics! To learn more about our team and services, reach out to us today by calling (813) 815-0080.

Your smile is our passion.

Hello, Halitosis: Why is My Child’s Breath So Bad?

January 13, 2022

A little bad breath here and there is normal. If we’ve eaten something particularly pungent or had to cut our two minutes’ worth of toothbrushing time short because we ran late before work, chances are we won’t spend the day smelling like cinnamon or mint.

But when your child has bad breath, you have to pay more attention. And if their bad breath persists for prolonged periods of time, then action becomes necessary.

The problem? You don’t know how to act until you know what, exactly, has caused it.

The Origins of Oral Odors

First and foremost, infections and disease may be the leading cause of your child’s bad breath, otherwise referred to as “halitosis.” Your child’s tonsils, for example, may be the culprit.

“Healthy tonsils should be pink and spot free, but infected ones are red, inflamed, can have white spots and smell terrible,” Colgate explains. “Bacteria can collect in the pits of swollen tonsils and, paired with the sour smell of infection, can cause bad breath.”

Similarly, diabetes, sinus infections, and even stomach infections can also cause unpleasant oral odors.

Otherwise, be on the lookout for mouth breathing. Mouth breathing and snoring at night — in dry mouth in general — can dissolve their saliva faster, thereby allowing odor-causing bacteria to remain in their mouths longer.

Solutions for the Sordid Smell

The first place to start in curing bad breath is, as always, helping your child remain diligent in their dental practices. Flossing, brushing for two minutes, and — if they’re old enough – using mouth wash twice a day can drastically improve the way their breath smells throughout the day.

Luckily, there are also a few other options you can try.

“To get more saliva moving in your mouth, try eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots or apples,” the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends. “You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies. Your dentist may also recommend artificial saliva.”

That being said, if your child’s bad breath persists despite implementing the aforementioned lifestyle changes, it’s time to see your dentist. If the cause is oral, their team will be able to help you make a plan of action. If not, they will know when to direct you to your primary care doctor for further answers.

A Breath of Fresh Air with SouthShore

If you’re planning to tackle the heavy burden of halitosis — and if you’re also ready to straighten your child’s smile — SouthShore Orthodontics can help!

Not only do we offer a variety of options for aligning your child’s teeth (including clear aligners, various braces, and more), but our team also offers exceptional services in a relaxing environment. In short, we can’t wait to keep your smile as healthy and happy as possible!

Ready to learn more? Then contact our team today to schedule your FREE consultation by calling (813) 815-0080! We welcome new patients of all ages.

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

December 17, 2021

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

Thankfully, we can help to assuage those fears.

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

The Particular Pains of Orthodontics

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

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

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

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

The Challenge of Chewing

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

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

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

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

Safe, Comfortable Smiles with SouthShore

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

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

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

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

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

November 18, 2021

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

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

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

The Early Bird Gets… The Perfect Smile

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

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

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

Strategizing Pediatric Care

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

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

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

Timely Solutions With SouthShore

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

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

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

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

October 17, 2021

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

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

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

Is It Possibly Time For Invisalign?

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

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

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

Counting Down To Basic Braces

Traditional braces are the recommended treatment for patients who:

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

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

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

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

Aligning With The Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

September 13, 2021

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

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

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

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

  • Hershey’s Kisses & Bars

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

  • Pixie Sticks

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

  • Peanut Butter Cups

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

  • Cupcakes

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

  • Peppermint Patties

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

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

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

Filling You In On Fillings: Answering Your Top 3 Questions

July 15, 2021

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

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

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

What Are Fillings?

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

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

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

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

What Are The Different Types Of Fillings?

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

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

What If I Need A Filling?

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

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

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