SmileOdontics – “a great smile is a good investment”

We get asked a lot about our recommendation for toothbrushs…so here’s a few things to consider:

Doctor definately likes the power toothbrush that helps patients get the job done better!  Sonicare is a great toothbrush and the technology of “sonic” brushing has really advanced the industry and the public’s understanding of what their process involves. (Better health of teeth and gums!)  Here are a few website links you can click for product information and possible discounts that are currently available.

• Sonicare website
• Oral B
• Crest website

So, while there are LOTS of choices out there – all ranging in “features” and price – just be sure that the brushing is getting done after eating and you’ll increase the health and well being of your teeth!

In addition to your brushing – Doctor DOES recommend the Waterpik.  This is an additional tool that helps patients to get between the teeth, under the braces and into the gumline for improved cleanliness.  (This is an especially good product if you dislike the idea of “flossing” or have excessive bleeding when you floss.)

• Waterpik

As a patient getting started with our Orthodontic Office – you will want to refer to this handy information throughout the course of your treatment.  We have now created a PDF version of our Welcome Brochure and invite you to browse through and “remember” some of the many things we have discussed prior to and throughout your treatment.  As always, if you have any questions – give us a call!

SmileOdontics Welcome Brochure

When you are ready to begin your orthodontic treatment with our office, we will have a series of documents necessary to have reviewed and signed for our files before we can begin.  Specific Financial Agreements will be prepared and presented in the office; however, you may wish to review the following Consent and HIPPA documents so that any questions can be answered.  Please be sure to bring your SIGNED PAGES to the next appointment so that we can scan for our files.

• Consent with Acknowledgement for Orthodontic Treatment

• Full HIPPA Policy

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to save a tree and keep our office “paperless!”

All necessary dentistry must be completed prior to starting orthodontic therapy. It is essential that the patient maintain regular six-month appointments with their general dentist for exam and cleanings during the orthodontic treatment period.

Some possible but unusual occurrences can include: swallowing an appliance, chipping tooth, dislodging a restoration, a tooth becoming fused to the jawbone (ankylosed), an abscess or cyst may occur but are rare occurrences.

Swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums can usually be prevented by proper and regular flossing and brushing. Periodontal (gum) disease can be caused by accumulation of plaque and debris around the teeth and gums. But there are also several unknown causes that can lead to progressive loss of supporting bone around the teeth and recession of the gums. Should the condition become uncontrollable, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued before completion. This would be rare. Monthly orthodontic visits are not a substitute for a regular six month dental exams. A Waterpik / Sonicare product must be used during treatment.

Uncorrected fingers, thumb, tongue or similar pressure habits; unusual hereditary skeletal patterns; and insufficient or undesirable growth can all influence our results, affect facial changes and cause shifting of teeth during or following retention. Surgical procedures are sometimes necessary to correct these problems. On rare occasions it may be necessary to recommend a change in our original treatment plan.

In some instances, problems may exist before, during or following orthodontic treatment with the “sliding hinge” connecting the upper and lower jaws. Tooth positions and bite can be a factor in this condition. Tooth equilibration (selective tooth grinding) by your dentist may be recommended after appliances are removed to improve the occlusal relationship. TMJ problems are not all bite related. Most individuals that have a TMJ problem have never had orthodontic treatment. However, despite our best efforts, some patients have developed permanent jaw problems that require surgical or other additional treatment.

When a tooth or teeth are unable to erupt “normally” they are called impacted. In attempting to move the impacted tooth / teeth, especially canines, various problems are sometimes encountered that may lead to loss of the tooth or periodontal (gum) problems. The length of time required to move such a tooth can vary considerably. Occasionally the permanent second molars (aka 12-year molars) may be trapped under the crowns of the permanent first molars (aka 6-year molars.) Consequently, the removal of the third molars (aka wisdom teeth) may prove necessary. Sometimes impacted molars may cause relapse to otherwise successful orthodontic treatment.