Electric toothbrushes – use and benefits

Electric toothbrushes can deliver up to 50,000 strokes per minute, which is much more effective than the average 300 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush. Studies indicate that people tend to apply more damaging pressure to their teeth and gums during manual brushing than when they use an electric toothbrush. Automatic toothbrushes really do remove debris better than the old-fashioned way.

You may have heard the term “biofilm.” Better known as plaque when it occurs in the mouth, biofilm is the debris and bacteria that can cause decay. It regenerates quickly, so healthy habits are the best defense for a healthier you! With a healthier mouth, you face a lower risk of gum disease and other conditions like heart disease: mouth health has been linked to heart health.

Regardless of what type of toothbrush you use, the most important thing is that you use it!  Have questions? Contact our office or go to our website at GlobalSmiles.us

Is your contact info updated?

Update your contact details

Our patients can always connect with us by calling our office. However, if you’ve recently moved or have a new phone number, we’ll need to update our records so we can easily connect with you!  This is extremely important in case there is a change in our schedule or if we have to follow up with an insurance matter.

If any of your contact information has changed, please let our team at Global Smiles Orthodontics know, just in case we need to reach you. While you’re at it, you can also schedule your next appointment if you do not have one! We look forward to hearing from you!

Taking care of your retainers

Retainers at Global Smiles Orthodontics

Congratulations!!  Now that you have your braces off you can show the world your new smile!  At Global Smiles Orthodontics we promote retention so the teeth do not shift.  Here are 7 Steps for taking care of your retainers!

1. Wear your retainers all of the time, except when eating or brushing.
2. When your retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case.
3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin; this is the easiest way to lose them.
4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them.
5. Keep your retainers away from pets, dogs LOVE them.
6. Clean your retainers by holding them carefully and brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
7. Do not place retainers in the microwave or in boiling water.
8. If you have a bonded retainer, make sure you floss underneath the wire

Brush your retainers with toothpaste and your toothbrush

 

Guide to Orthodontic Comfort

Most patients do not report sensitivity after they get their braces on at Global Smiles Orthodontics because we use gentle and slow movements to align teeth.  Despite this, many types of orthodontic treatment can come with some after-treatment pressure because of dynamic movement going on in the patient’s dentition.  Whether its Invisalign, braces, retainers, or palate expanders, it can be common for you or your child to feel some pressure after they leave the office. Here are some simple tips:

Use wax to cover the surfaces of braces to prevent sores. Some sores are caused from the inside of the mouth or lips coming into contact with orthodontic appliances.  It’s also possible to buy lip protectors for your child to wear at night, to help prevent any unconscious rubbing of the lip against the braces while sleeping.

After the visit, drinking cool beverages, or eating cold, soft food (such as yogurt or ice cream) can relieve any after-appointment sensitivity.

If your child is feeling some discomfort, find something to cause a distraction. Encourage them to watch a favorite TV show or film, read a book, play with their friends, or take a walk outside.

In most cases, the pain will subside after a few days.  But as a last resort taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen (if not allergic) about an hour or so before your scheduled visit can ease initial discomfort. This will help ensure the medication kicks in right around the time the work is being done.

Thanks for reading, let us know how Global Smiles Orthodontics can help!

Back to School is here!

Can you believe it’s time to head back to school already? The staff at Global Smiles Orthodontics hopes you have been enjoying a great summer, and are looking forward to the new school year.  We know you have a lot on your mind including new classes, new teachers and new academic challenges, but don’t forget to take great care of your teeth as well!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while wearing braces:

1. Leave your retainers in your locker at lunch.

2. Remember to wear your elastics; it can make a big difference in getting your braces off on time.

3. Don’t forget to brush and floss after lunch.

4. Stay away from hard candy and foods.

Brushing is important when you are back at school

Great smiles are a family affair at Global Smiles

 

Brushing + Braces= Beautiful Smiles

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When your orthodontist talks to you about oral hygiene he is not joking at all. Dr. Edgar Mendieta at Global Smiles Orthodontics is 100% serious about maintaining good oral hygiene! Not taking care of your teeth and mouth can cause a lot of problems for you alone, but with braces it’s a whole other level of responsibility. The brackets are glued to the teeth and not brushing your teeth could lead to corroding of the enamel and tooth itself.  It may also cause unsightly white spots that may be permanently left on your teeth.  Not brushing may also cause many problems with your gums. If you have any questions about improving your oral hygiene ask your Dentist or Orthodontist.

What does orthodontic “recall” mean for my kids?

It is perfectly okay to have kids put on recall. This means the patient is usually put on extended visits to the orthodontist.  A lot of orthodontists do this for young patients that come in for an evaluation for braces.  Here are some reasons why:

If your child still has baby teeth and the permanent teeth are erupting normally, the child may be put on recall until braces can be put on the permanent teeth.

Some patients may have gone through early orthodontic treatment called phase one.  The orthodontist could be checking on the patients status after phase one treatment but before the patient is ready for phase two treatment.

Your orthodontist may also want to track the growth of the jaws during recall to determine a more precise treatment plan once it is started.

If your child is placed on recall, Dr. Edgar Mendieta at Global Smiles Orthodontics will be happy to explain why.

Are dental x-rays safe for my child or me?

X-rays used in Orthodontic offices are used at a very low radiation levels.  If you are pregnant advise your Orthodontist or dental assistant so they can find other options to help you in your treatment.  When x-rays are taken, our dental assistants use lead aprons to protect our patients from scattered radiation.  You will be instructed on what to do when you come in for x-rays by the dental assistants.  They will be able to answer any problems or concerns you may have.  Our Global Smiles Orthodontics staff follows all safety precautions for taking x-rays to provide a safe environment for our patients.

Can locking lips lead to locking braces?

Is it true that kissing can lead to locking braces? NOT TRUE!

Our brackets at Global Smiles are small and sleek which means that you are in the clear to kiss your Valentine:)

What you should be aware of are the chocolates you may be eating. Remember, sugary sticky foods that stick to your braces cause bacteria to grow which lead to cavities and decay. The best thing to do is brush and floss around your braces after indulging.

Happy Valenines!

Thanksgiving & Your Braces

WHAT FOOD TO AVOID DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With the holidays just around the corner children and adults crave food that need to be avoided during their orthodontic treatment. Here is a list of what food to avoid during the holidays and an alternative list of food to indulge your cravings.

Bad snacks for the holidays

Hard candies with nuts are prone to break your brackets

• Sticky candy- Taffy, jolly rancher (fruit filling), gummy bears- Sticky candies take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.  Especially around the bracket area.

• Hard candy and Extremely hard-Jaw breakers, runts, shockers sweet tarts,  candy canes, peanut brittle- Hard candies are bad news because they break the brackets.

Good snacks for the holidays

• Soft fruits include grapes, bananas, kiwi, mango and strawberries.
• Pumpkin pies and Tina’s Yummies Cheese cakes:)
  

  Thanksgiving Cheesecake from Tina’s Yummies Bakery will not break your braces!

Always be sure to brush and floss every time you eat.  Thanks for visiting: Like us on our page:)