What is Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Multi-phase orthodontic treatment is a plan to maximize the opportunity to reach a totally healthy and functional smile that will last a lifetime. There are advantages to having your orthodontist examine your young child’s mouth when they still have baby teeth.  An evaluation will show how the teeth and mouth are growing and will give the opportunity for your orthodontist to provide treatment.

Certain issues can make a child more likely to need early treatment. If you notice your child has a misaligned bite, problems chewing, or sucks their thumb exceptionally long, these are signs they could benefit from early treatment.  When teeth and the jaw are still developing orthodontic treatment is more easily accomplished, and can often be less invasive than if left until the mouth is fully developed.  Phase two is the process of straightening all the adult teeth in their appropriate location in the mouth for ideal function and great aesthetics, and typically includes full upper and lower braces. 

To learn more about orthodontic treatment and all the services we provide, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Mouth Protection for Sports

Children and adults who are active in sports should wear mouth protection during practice and games.  Mouth guards protect the teeth from any impact, but also protect the cheeks, tongue, and lips from various mishaps. Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in size and form.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to not wearing the protection at all.  Wearing a mouth guard that doesn’t fit can even interrupt breathing and speaking.  Come see us and have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting. 

To outfit you or your child with a custom mouth guard, the process will begin with an impression.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the final product will be fabricated.  The result is a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take for athletes, and you can go right back to playing your best!

To learn more about mouth guards and all the services we provide, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Braces Removal

It’s time for your final orthodontic appointment as treatment comes to an end. Congratulations! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Perhaps your teeth have become so used to the wires that you can’t imagine living a life without braces. To give our patients insight as to how braces are removed, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS would like to explain what to expect.

Removal of traditional braces happens in the same order as they were applied. The brackets will be squeezed using a special tool and removed in unison with the wires. After this process is complete, Dr. Ross will remove the adhesive from each tooth. The process is relatively painless, but you may experience minor inflammation once the braces come off. It’s important to know that because your braces are being removed, this doesn’t mean you’re done with the orthodontist forever. You will need to discuss retainer options with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS to ensure that your orthodontic treatment doesn’t go to waste.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

When you have braces, you can’t forget your overall oral health!  Brushing and flossing is always important, no matter what stage of orthodontic treatment you are in.  We recommend that patients with braces brush their teeth after every meal for two minutes.  Keep in mind that holding the head of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line will help the bristles clean around the brackets most effectively.

Floss threaders and orthodontic floss are available to help you thread floss underneath the wires of your braces.  Once you thread the floss underneath each wire, wrap your pointer fingers around each end of the floss.  Rub the side of each tooth up to the gum line, and once you’ve removed the plaque and food particles, remove the floss the thread it underneath the next wire.  If you feel flossing between your braces does not remove all the lingering food particles, you may be more effective with a water flosser.  Water flossers use a stream of water and a pulsing pressure to clean between your teeth and any brackets or appliances.

To learn more about oral hygiene and the services we provide, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.