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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Plaque Buildup around Braces

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth. Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease and if not eliminated with proper oral care, it can be detrimental to the metal in your mouth. Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, encourages patients to maintain a rigorous oral care routine before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.


By brushing twice a day for two minutes in a circular motion, you will eliminate the pesky plaque that food leaves behind. Don’t forget that plaque will linger between the teeth, so it’s important to floss at least once a day as well. You should visit your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and oral exams. If your oral care routine needs an adjustment, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS will give you a refresher.


If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic oral care, 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.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens, and Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS has seen Invisalign transform smiles for patients of all ages.  Invisalign is recommended to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Any severe misalignment may require another method, so always consult your dentist.  An Invisalign treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and a typical treatment plan can be completed in less than a year.


To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination. A dentist can determine if Invisalign will be effective in achieving the smile you want. Impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, depending on your individual treatment plan.  The aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day. You should remove the aligners to eat, and to brush and floss.


To learn more about Invisalign and all the services provided 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.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Night Guards for Bruxism

Bruxism is the term for any regular grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw.  Chronic teeth grinders often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.  Some teeth grinders only grind their teeth while they sleep at night and may not be aware of it.  Waking up with a stiff or sore jaw could be a sign you are grinding your teeth at night and shouldn’t be ignored.  Nocturnal bruxism can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea. For a proper diagnosis, visit Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS for a consultation.


A custom night guard is the best way to protect your teeth from the negative effects of teeth grinding.  We provide patients with custom night guards by first taking an impression of the mouth.  This impression is used to fit a custom product that protects the grinding surfaces of the teeth and aligns the jaw, which also helps improve sleep.  Night guards are durable and with proper care can last 10 years!


To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide at our 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...