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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Orthodontics before Implants?

A common problem for adults considering orthodontic work is whether to get it ahead of their other treatments. While every case is different, it is generally better to get orthodontic work done before receiving implants.


Consider what an implant is: a titanium screw which fuses with the jaw bone over a period of several months. Orthodontics involves moving teeth through the jaw bone, but implants do not have living ligaments and will not respond to pressure as living teeth do. The probably will not move at all. If an implant does migrate, it has to be removed and discarded as a failure or treated with guided bone regeneration.


It is also likely that, before receiving orthodontic treatment, the patient will not even have room for an implant. But does all this mean that a person who already has implants has no hope for correcting a misaligned bite? Not necessarily; other teeth can still be moved, and an implant-supported tooth can be a useful anchor for wires. If the patient only needs cosmetic orthodontic work, the amount the living teeth need to be moved may be too negligible to be affected by the location of an implant-supported crown.


To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit SmilesbyRoss.com. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.


 

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Why Not to Do Your Own Orthodontics

One of the most dangerous trends in oral health over the past few years has been the rise of do-it-yourself orthodontics. While online sources are full of tips on how to save time and money with home remedies for malocclusions, most of this advice will actually cause extreme damage to the patient’s teeth and require much greater expense to fix.


Guiding the movement of teeth through the jawbone is a delicate art. It takes time for the bone to dissolve and rebuild itself, which is why dentists control the rate at which they dispense aligners to Invisalign patients. People who 3D-print their own aligners so they can move their teeth at what they think is a better pace risk permanently compromising the strength of their bone structure, resulting in teeth that are loose, migrate back to their original position, or fall out entirely.


People unsatisfied with their bites should also avoid using household objects as orthodontic wires. Teeth contain living tissue which can be killed if the teeth are bound tightly with a rubber band or strand of floss, for example. Without orthodontic brackets, such materials can also slide into the wearer’s gum pockets, where they will remain until they can be removed by a professional dentist. Orthodontics are complex medical treatments with lifelong benefits for the patient when done properly, but disastrous results when done without oversight.


To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit SmilesbyRoss.com. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Braces and Rubber Bands

Rubber bands, or elastics, are an important part of orthodontic treatment. There are several parts to braces, most of which we’re sure Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS has already explained, but rubber bands usually aren’t suggested until the final stages of orthodontic treatment. Not every patient who gets braces will need them, but if you do, here’s what to expect.


Interarch rubber bands are used to adjust bite and jaw position. The patient is in charge of placement; therefore a little self-discipline is necessary. There are many different types and sizes of elastics. The one you will need depends on the status of your malocclusion. Not every patient who receives braces will need rubber bands as it depends on your existing jaw alignment.


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.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Application of Traditional Braces

If you and Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS have decided that traditional braces are right for you, then we would like to discuss how they are applied. These days, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than “metal mouth” braces that your parents might’ve had. Though they require the same materials, new heat-activated arch wires help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past. Before you visit us for application, here’s what to expect.


First, the teeth are thoroughly clean and dried and a primer is painted onto the teeth. Bonding cement is placed onto the back sides of the braces, which are then placed onto the teeth.  After this, the brackets are then placed in a very precise position onto the teeth, and excess bonding cement is removed. The process is completed by removing the cheek retractor and placing the wires. Once the placement of the wires is complete, it’s time to pick your band colors! We have plenty of color options for patients to choose from so they can express themselves in full force.


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.

Water Flossing With Orthodontics

A little floss goes a long way when it comes to oral health. Flossing is an important step to remove food particles that have been left behi...