(217) 546-3333Caring for Your Teeth After the Braces Come Off
November 25, 2013
Your treatment is over! Continue to take good care of your smile to make sure it lasts a lifetime!
When orthodontics are first removed, most people feel a sense of freedom and relief. However, it is very important to maintain your oral hygiene routine after the braces have been removed. To maintain your new smile, a lifetime of good, preventative oral care will be required. If you choose not to follow oral care recommendations provided by your dentist or orthodontist, or do not wear your retainer if applicable, your teeth can revert back to their original location. After having spent so much time, money and effort on straightening your teeth, why not maintain them for years to come?
Most importantly, maintaining a daily brushing and flossing routine is essential for a healthy mouth. Preventing tooth decay, bacteria and plaque buildup will reduce the chances that teeth will have issues in the future. A good oral hygiene routine will increase confidence and keep your smile beautiful. It is also important to schedule regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Your doctor may take digital X-rays as well to examine the teeth further and ensure they are maintaining their new positions.
In the past, retainers were worn for a short period of time after braces were removed. In recent years, dentists and orthodontists have realized that continuing to wear a retainer on a regular basis can make all the difference in keeping your straightened smile secure. If a retainer is recommended for you, be sure to follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions on how and when to wear it for the best result. It is also very important to keep your retainer clean. Plaque and bacteria can build up on the appliance causing oral problems such as bad breath. Some popular cleaning methods include vinegar washes, denture cleaner and a simple brushing with toothpaste.
For tender gums following braces removal, rinsing the oral cavity with warm or hot salt water can alleviate soreness and swelling. Sometimes the gums may be sensitive to flossing, as it is difficult to fully clean them with braces on, the salt water rinse should help firm the gums back up and have them healthy in no time.
Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield can assist you with any of your post-braces needs and create a customized plan for your oral care. Call to schedule your appointment today, at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Common Dental Health Issues for Teens
October 28, 2013
There are a number of common dental concerns that occur in teens. From oral hygiene issues to crooked and crowding teeth, from cavities to wisdom teeth pain, preventative care and early detection can make these common problems much easier to deal with and solutions faster for your teen.
Lacking the proper knowledge on preventative oral care is an issue many teens face. It is vital that they understand the importance of good oral health and how it is vital for their overall health. Developing good habits of brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis will greatly reduce the likelihood of cavities and plaque building up around teeth and gums. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases or more serious dental issues. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in America.
Cavities are one of the most common concerns among teens. The good news is that cavities can be prevented through good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing, and incorporating a healthy diet. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as candies or soda pop will also help with cavity prevention and can improve overall gum and tooth health.
Common orthodontic concerns that occur in teens such as teeth growing irregularly, crowding, crooked or gapped teeth are often treated with braces.
Some teens may be uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile if there are spaces, crowding, crooked or chipped teeth. This can affect their overall self-esteem. Additionally, misplaced teeth can make it more difficult to clean properly, which may result in problems later on. If the problem does not require orthodontic treatment, there are many cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers, bonding and crowns that can help your teen find their beautiful smile and the self confidence it brings.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems for teens as this is a common time for the wisdom teeth to begin to emerge. Wisdom teeth generally require being removed as they can cause pain and problems to molars. Wisdom teeth which are not removed can also contribute to diseases of the gums.
Regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups will help teens maintain a healthy, happy smile and will remind them of the importance of oral health. Call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment. Our friendly professional staff at Advanced Dental Care is ready to get your teen on the path to beautiful healthy teeth!
Tips for Keeping Your Teen’s Braces Clean
December 31, 2012
Tips for Helping Your Teenager Keep Their Braces Clean
It’s common for teens to sometimes be a little lax in their day-to-day dental care, but the negative effects of not keeping up on this regular cleaning can be exacerbated if braces or another orthodontics device is involved.
While orthodontics are used to help improve and perfect a smile, if not cleaned daily issues such as gum inflammation, discoloration of teeth, and halitosis may present themselves. A bit of preventative dentistry is all it takes to keep your teen’s mouth in a good state of health.
To assist your teen in preventing painful gum inflammation you should remind them to clean their 
teeth after eating and brush at least twice a day. If you’re family dentistry office hasn’t given them a few spiral dental brushes, pick some up for your teen. These special brushes work well to remove debris that has become lodged in and around the braces and teeth. They are also small enough that your teen can carry them around in their purse, wallet, or backpack inconspicuously and use whenever needed.
If your teen has bracket orthodontics, discoloration could be an issue. The enamel that is covered by the brackets will maintain the same color of the tooth as the day they were placed. If your child is consuming a lot of stain inducing drinks such as tea, coffee, and dark colored soda without brushing afterwards they may be at risk of discoloring their teeth to a degree that they will not match the enamel on the underside of the brackets when removed. Encouraging your teen to brush, or at the very least rinse, after each meal or drink is an easy solution.
Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, is a common aliment when the mouth not cleaned correctly or regularly. For a teen it can be mortifying to realize they have bad breath and aren’t able to remedy it, so buying individual use mouthwash packets is a great way to help your teen keep their breath fresh on the go. To keep halitosis from becoming a chronic problem you should remind your teen to brush and floss thoroughly in the morning and before bed.
At Advanced Dental Care, Dr. VanderMolen specializes in family dentistry and is available to help your teen and the rest of your family with their preventative dentistry needs. Call (217) 546-3333 to help your teen get closer to a confident smile.