The most recent orthodontic development is the new Six Month Smile procedure. This is a similar to the Invisalign line except that it is made by the company Powerprox. The whole concept of “Six Month Smile” is to straighten your front teeth, your “smiling” teeth, in around six months. This procedure can only work if you just have crowding. If you have an overbite or anything more serious this will not work for you at all.
Now if getting your teeth straightened in six months isn’t enough, the makers of “Six Month Smile” have also made the brackets and wires tooth colored so they aren’t visible. This line is mainly targeted for teens, 15 years and older, and adults because it is thought that this age group is more concerned with the cosmetic part of having big bulky metal braces.
How it straightens your teeth in six months:
You will get your brackets and wires which are basically the same as normal ones, except they will be tooth colored and so mostly invisible. Then every month or so, you will go in to your orthodontist and they will tighten the wires. This is about a sixth of the time usually put between tightening so that is why it takes such a short amount of time. Because of these frequent tightenings, your teeth will probably be very sore. Also you will need to wear retainers after you are done with the six month procedure.
Cost of the procedure:
From what we have read, the cost of getting your front teeth straightened is around $2500 or more, which is very close to the cost of Invisalign. Also for the leveling of your arch which is something that adults whose mouths have formed and need to be straightened out might get, that cost is around $5000. Also you will be paying for retainers too so that is an added 90 to 120 dollars. So overall, it is not much cheaper then normal braces and you are paying for the “invisible” part of it. And although it is considered “cosmetic orthodontics”, it might be covered in your insurance so you should check if you plan on getting this.
Basically this will not necessarily fix your teeth. Since it is done so fast your teeth will more than likely migrate back to their original places after it is done. But if you are an adult and you really want a fast, unnoticeable procedure with practically immediate results and a beautiful smile sooner then this is a good option. Teens, we would recommend the tried and true metal braces. Even though they take longer and are noticeable, they will last until your adulthood!
-Amanda and Erik
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tooth Sensitivity after a Filling
After you get a filling, especially if you had really deep decay that needed to be drilled out, you may experience some major tooth sensitivity. Erik recently had a filling like this and his tooth was sensitive for a little bit over two weeks. He felt a sharp cold sensation running up through his jaw whenever he ate or drank something cold, which was often. Sound familiar? Read on!
We asked our dentist because neither of us has had this after a filling, and she said that this is normal for this sort of filling. This sort of filling is one that is really deep and filled with a type of resin. She said that because it was so deep it was close enough to the nerve endings in that tooth. She also explained that for the type of material used in this filling this sensitivity is normal and should go away after a couple of weeks. One thing she warned about is sensitivity to heat. It’s normal for your tooth to be sore and sensitive to cold, but there is a problem and you should have it checked out if you are sensitive to heat.
Hope this answered your questions regarding sensitivity after a filling, but if you are having these symptoms with a shallow filling then you should probably consult your dentist.
-Amanda and Erik
We asked our dentist because neither of us has had this after a filling, and she said that this is normal for this sort of filling. This sort of filling is one that is really deep and filled with a type of resin. She said that because it was so deep it was close enough to the nerve endings in that tooth. She also explained that for the type of material used in this filling this sensitivity is normal and should go away after a couple of weeks. One thing she warned about is sensitivity to heat. It’s normal for your tooth to be sore and sensitive to cold, but there is a problem and you should have it checked out if you are sensitive to heat.
Hope this answered your questions regarding sensitivity after a filling, but if you are having these symptoms with a shallow filling then you should probably consult your dentist.
-Amanda and Erik
Informative Filling Video
We found this video clearly explaining how a filling is done. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMR2GX1yRM
-Amanda and Erik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMR2GX1yRM
-Amanda and Erik
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
5 More Things Not to Do
We recently talked to a friend whose dad is an orthodontist and he had some new tips to keep your braces in good condition and avoid emergency appointments.
1. Do not chew on pencils, pens or anything hard like that it will put unnecessary strain on your enamel and brackets.
2. Same with nails and chewing your lip. If you are in that habit here’s a good time to stop!
3. Stay away from sucking on lemons or limes or anything with citric acid because it can eat away the glue and your enamel.
4. Do not chew on ice either it is extremely hard and can rip your bracket right off.
5. Some orthodontists say stay away from sugary gum and candy. But we haven’t heard of any reasons why.
Here are just a couple more things to avoid while you have your braces!
-Amanda and Erik
1. Do not chew on pencils, pens or anything hard like that it will put unnecessary strain on your enamel and brackets.
2. Same with nails and chewing your lip. If you are in that habit here’s a good time to stop!
3. Stay away from sucking on lemons or limes or anything with citric acid because it can eat away the glue and your enamel.
4. Do not chew on ice either it is extremely hard and can rip your bracket right off.
5. Some orthodontists say stay away from sugary gum and candy. But we haven’t heard of any reasons why.
Here are just a couple more things to avoid while you have your braces!
-Amanda and Erik
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Filling Update : Erik
Yesterday, Erik went to the dentist to get two fillings. There are five basic steps that are taken when you get a filling (more information in our other posts on fillings).
1. The dentist will put on numbing gel on the surrounding gum around the tooth that is going to be filled. Then they will give you a shot of novacain.
2. Next they will use a grinder to grind away the decayed part of the tooth.
3. After they have gotten rid of all the rotten tooth, your dentist will fill it with white porcelain (usually).
4. Then to set the porcelain permanently, they will shine a black light on your filling.
5. After cleaning your mouth out, you are good to go.
Depending on how many shots of Novocain you receive depend on how long it will last afterwards. But usually fillings are not a very big intrusion on your normal routine. They can last for anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and half, depending on how many teeth you are getting filled. You might have to get two appointments if you have cavities on both sides of your mouth because your dentist probably won’t inject novacain into both sides of your mouth because that effects your tongue muscle and you basically can’t function your mouth properly.
Erik will have to get two more fillings soon, so look for another update with new facts on fillings!
-Erik and Amanda
1. The dentist will put on numbing gel on the surrounding gum around the tooth that is going to be filled. Then they will give you a shot of novacain.
2. Next they will use a grinder to grind away the decayed part of the tooth.
3. After they have gotten rid of all the rotten tooth, your dentist will fill it with white porcelain (usually).
4. Then to set the porcelain permanently, they will shine a black light on your filling.
5. After cleaning your mouth out, you are good to go.
Depending on how many shots of Novocain you receive depend on how long it will last afterwards. But usually fillings are not a very big intrusion on your normal routine. They can last for anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and half, depending on how many teeth you are getting filled. You might have to get two appointments if you have cavities on both sides of your mouth because your dentist probably won’t inject novacain into both sides of your mouth because that effects your tongue muscle and you basically can’t function your mouth properly.
Erik will have to get two more fillings soon, so look for another update with new facts on fillings!
-Erik and Amanda
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Makeup for Braces
Some of you might be wondering if you need to change your make up now that you have braces. Here are a couple tips regarding this topic. (I, Amanda, had braces for two years and wore makeup the entire time)
1. Wear a nude lipgloss or lipstick. Lining your lips or wearing dark lipgloss/stick will just outline your braces making them stand out.
2. If you wore bright color eye shadow before your braces, do not feel the need to change that now! Depending on how adventurous you are, you could color coordinate your make up to your braces. Bright makeup can take away attention from your braces up to your eyes.
3. If you want to take attention away from your braces without loud colors, just some neutral (browns, tans, creams, etc) eyeshadow and either black or brown eyeliner with mascara will subtly bring more attention to your eyes.
4. Always wear chapstick or lipgloss no matter what because braces tend to make your lips dry and chapped. And chapped lips always draw eyes to your mouth!
Over all you really don’t need to worry about your makeup looking any different now that you have braces. If you didn’t wear makeup before, there is really no reason to wear it now. And if you are in love with your current makeup look, definitely do not change it! Braces are really not as noticeable as we think they are when we have them. Please comment with any quesitons.
-Amanda (with some editing help from Erik)
1. Wear a nude lipgloss or lipstick. Lining your lips or wearing dark lipgloss/stick will just outline your braces making them stand out.
2. If you wore bright color eye shadow before your braces, do not feel the need to change that now! Depending on how adventurous you are, you could color coordinate your make up to your braces. Bright makeup can take away attention from your braces up to your eyes.
3. If you want to take attention away from your braces without loud colors, just some neutral (browns, tans, creams, etc) eyeshadow and either black or brown eyeliner with mascara will subtly bring more attention to your eyes.
4. Always wear chapstick or lipgloss no matter what because braces tend to make your lips dry and chapped. And chapped lips always draw eyes to your mouth!
Over all you really don’t need to worry about your makeup looking any different now that you have braces. If you didn’t wear makeup before, there is really no reason to wear it now. And if you are in love with your current makeup look, definitely do not change it! Braces are really not as noticeable as we think they are when we have them. Please comment with any quesitons.
-Amanda (with some editing help from Erik)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wisdom Teeth: Deciding to Take Them Out
Now although most teenagers know that around the ages of 15 to 16 they might get their wisdom teeth out. In fact most do. But here is why you, your parents, and your orthodontist would decide to take them out. You should probably ask some questions if your orthodontist/dentist are just telling you to take your wisdom teeth out without any reason.
Reason 1: Your wisdom teeth grow in between the ages 14 – 17 (approximately) and when they do, they can grow in perpendicular, sideways and every which way (described in post Wisdom Teeth Part 1 in more detail). This is especially true if you have had orthodontic work done. After braces, headgear, bands and the whole shebang, your teeth are probably in totally different places then their “natural” places. Since your wisdom teeth don't know that the rest of your teeth moved, they start coming into the place they would have fit into. Usually right into their neighbor teeth.
Reason 2: Sometimes even if your wisdom teeth are coming in straight or only a little bit crooked, they can hurt excruciatingly. This is caused by the fact that when the top of the wisdom tooth comes in it exposes sensitive nerves in your mouth. These are very sensitive. This is a big reason why kids get their wisdom teeth out.
Reason 3: Another issue for wisdom teeth is having them grow in infected. This is caused by unhealthy gums that lift away from the tooth enough to let bacteria in and thus you get decay on your new teeth. This is called pericorontis. See this link for more information http://www.animated-teeth.com/wisdom_teeth/t2-wisdom-tooth-infections.htm.
This can also cause reason 2.
Well hopefully this helps you and clues you in on some reasons you could be getting your wisdom teeth removed. This came up because one of our friends got her wisdom teeth out and the orthodontist looked at her x-rays after wards and pointed out it wasn’t really necessary.
-Amanda and Erik
Reason 1: Your wisdom teeth grow in between the ages 14 – 17 (approximately) and when they do, they can grow in perpendicular, sideways and every which way (described in post Wisdom Teeth Part 1 in more detail). This is especially true if you have had orthodontic work done. After braces, headgear, bands and the whole shebang, your teeth are probably in totally different places then their “natural” places. Since your wisdom teeth don't know that the rest of your teeth moved, they start coming into the place they would have fit into. Usually right into their neighbor teeth.
Reason 2: Sometimes even if your wisdom teeth are coming in straight or only a little bit crooked, they can hurt excruciatingly. This is caused by the fact that when the top of the wisdom tooth comes in it exposes sensitive nerves in your mouth. These are very sensitive. This is a big reason why kids get their wisdom teeth out.
Reason 3: Another issue for wisdom teeth is having them grow in infected. This is caused by unhealthy gums that lift away from the tooth enough to let bacteria in and thus you get decay on your new teeth. This is called pericorontis. See this link for more information http://www.animated-teeth.com/wisdom_teeth/t2-wisdom-tooth-infections.htm.
This can also cause reason 2.
Well hopefully this helps you and clues you in on some reasons you could be getting your wisdom teeth removed. This came up because one of our friends got her wisdom teeth out and the orthodontist looked at her x-rays after wards and pointed out it wasn’t really necessary.
-Amanda and Erik
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Grinding Your Teeth
A common habit among kids, teens and even adults is to grind your teeth at night or during the day when they get nervous/stressed (Take a moment to think of whether or not you do this, and if you do, pay attention to this post!). This is definitely not something you want to do! The consequences for grinding include: a sore jaw in the morning, lack of decent sleep as this action will often wake you up, potentially sensitive teeth, and the worst part, the wearing away of the enamel on the top of your teeth. This is especially bad. Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. When you grind this layer down it can, first off, make you way more prone to cavities, and second, grinding it down too far will expose the cluster of sensitive nerves in your teeth and you will be in a world of hurt!
Here are a couple of things you can do if you already grind your teeth and know it:
1. Wear a mouth guard at night. This is sort of like a big rubber retainer. You can fit it over your braces if you have braces, but it just protects the top of your teeth when you sleep. They make special ones for this problem.
2. Buy toothpaste that has enamel boosting effects. The goal is to try to strengthen the enamel you still have left.
In fact those two things are a good idea to do even if you don’t think you grind your teeth because a lot of people do so without even realizing it!
-Amanda and Erik
Here are a couple of things you can do if you already grind your teeth and know it:
1. Wear a mouth guard at night. This is sort of like a big rubber retainer. You can fit it over your braces if you have braces, but it just protects the top of your teeth when you sleep. They make special ones for this problem.
2. Buy toothpaste that has enamel boosting effects. The goal is to try to strengthen the enamel you still have left.
In fact those two things are a good idea to do even if you don’t think you grind your teeth because a lot of people do so without even realizing it!
-Amanda and Erik
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes one or a couple teeth will become sensitive to heat or cold. It usually hurts and is very uncomfortable when you eat or drink when this happens. It can last for days or just hours.
Some causes of this are getting your braces on. Your teeth will be extremely sensitive when you get your braces on. Another is if you slack on wearing your retainer and then wear it one night this can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Also eating really hot then really cold foods in succession can also do this. Sometimes if a previous filling has eroded away or if the roots of your teeth are exposed from unhealthy teeth, this can also be a reason.
Here are a couple things to do to minimize the pain:
1. Do not grind your teeth!
2. Try using special toothpaste designed to desensitize your teeth.
3. Go to the dentist to have your old fillings checked and get new ones if necessary
Sensitive teeth are very painful and chances are you have had them at some point. Hopefully this helps to take away the confusion.
Some causes of this are getting your braces on. Your teeth will be extremely sensitive when you get your braces on. Another is if you slack on wearing your retainer and then wear it one night this can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Also eating really hot then really cold foods in succession can also do this. Sometimes if a previous filling has eroded away or if the roots of your teeth are exposed from unhealthy teeth, this can also be a reason.
Here are a couple things to do to minimize the pain:
1. Do not grind your teeth!
2. Try using special toothpaste designed to desensitize your teeth.
3. Go to the dentist to have your old fillings checked and get new ones if necessary
Sensitive teeth are very painful and chances are you have had them at some point. Hopefully this helps to take away the confusion.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Retainer Update: Erik
Since the last post, Erik has since had an orthodontist checkup. Here is how it went down.
First I went in for the first time in six months (I have had my braces off for around that time too). My orthodontist said to put my retainers in. Then, he wiggled them around and took them on and off my teeth just to make sure that they fit snug, but they weren’t tight enough to indicate that my teeth were migrating back. Then he gave me the ol’ cheek stretchers (you will become very familiar with these if you get braces and they take a lot of pictures of your mouth) and took some pictures from all the usual angles (see post http://youandyourbraces.blogspot.com/2010/03/classic-checkup.html ).
Then he told me that since my teeth were staying in the proper place, I could reduce my retainer wearing time to after school till the beginning of school the next morning. Then we scheduled another appointment for 6 months later and at that point he said that, if all went well, I would probably be able to just wear my retainers at night!
That is a usual post braces check up. Just remember to bring your retainers to the appointment…
-Amanda and Erik
First I went in for the first time in six months (I have had my braces off for around that time too). My orthodontist said to put my retainers in. Then, he wiggled them around and took them on and off my teeth just to make sure that they fit snug, but they weren’t tight enough to indicate that my teeth were migrating back. Then he gave me the ol’ cheek stretchers (you will become very familiar with these if you get braces and they take a lot of pictures of your mouth) and took some pictures from all the usual angles (see post http://youandyourbraces.blogspot.com/2010/03/classic-checkup.html ).
Then he told me that since my teeth were staying in the proper place, I could reduce my retainer wearing time to after school till the beginning of school the next morning. Then we scheduled another appointment for 6 months later and at that point he said that, if all went well, I would probably be able to just wear my retainers at night!
That is a usual post braces check up. Just remember to bring your retainers to the appointment…
-Amanda and Erik
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