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Thursday, August 30, 2018

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. Gregory Ross, our staff appreciates feedback because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Matthew J.  for this 5-star review but would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  


"We recently started the braces process for Matthew - after searching for an orthodontist that would take our insurance, we found Ross Orthodontics. AMAZING! They have an amazing staff, friendly, efficient. We have yet to have to wait at our appointments. We show up and within minutes Matthew is in the chair and things are rolling. They make you feel welcome the moment you walk in their door. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them! And if you know me at all, you know I don't recommend any sort of dentist. Extremely pleased so far and think the long haul with braces for Matthew will only be easier because of this office and staff!" – Matthew J.


If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the 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, August 29, 2018

Where Do Cavities Come From?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Also known as tooth decay or caries, these cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. If you have tooth pain that you suspect may be a cavity, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS.


There are two main factors that contribute to cavities. One is bacteria in the mouth and the other is a diet that is high in sugar. It’s no surprise that cavities are common among children, but changes that occur with aging, make cavities an adult problem, too. To prevent cavities from developing you should brush and floss on a daily basis, in addition to scheduling professional cleanings with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, twice a year.


If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Signs of Gingitivits

People wearing traditional braces have some additional hygiene challenges. At Dr. Gregory Ross’s orthodontic office, we educate patients about how to brush and floss around their wires, but patients need to have the tools to recognize when something is wrong. That’s why this week, we want our patients to learn the signs of gum disease.


Gingivitis is the earlier and milder form of gum disease. It is caused by infections in the gum pockets. When food gets caught, it is consumed by bacteria. The bacteria produce acid, which sticks to the plaque that naturally covers teeth. The trapped acid damages the surrounding body tissues, and inflammation is the immune system’s response to damage.


One of the major warning signs of gingivitis is bleeding during teeth brushing. Other signs are gums that are puffy, red, or feel tender when touched or during consumption of hot or cold liquid. Although gingivitis is more common among people who are pregnant or diabetic, people with braces should always treat it as a reason to improve their brushing and flossing. Brushing near the gum line and flossing with a swinging motion will help keep food out of the gum pockets.


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


 

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Orthodontic Instruments

We understand at Ross Orthodontics that dental instruments are a source of curiosity or apprehension for a lot of people. Because orthodontic offices have specialized equipment, we wanted to explain to our braces patients how some of our tools work.


At a typical appointment, the instruments we use most frequently will be the handheld mirror and the explorer. Explorers have metal hooks at the ends which general dentists used to break tartar and probe gum pockets to check for infections. We also use them to apply elastic bands to orthodontic brackets.


Several kinds of pliers are used in orthodontics, almost all of which are reverse-action to prevent anything from accidentally falling into the patient’s mouth. A Howe plier is used to place wires into orthodontic brackets, and pliers with distal end cutters are used to trim and taper their ends once in place. Pliers with needle-nose tips are used to stretch elastics that are fitted in between the patient’s molars to make room for metal bands. The bands are pushed onto the teeth and shaped with burnishers, which are flat metal instruments also used by general dentists to sculpt fillings.


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


 

Saturday, August 4, 2018

The TMJ-Headache Connection

A misaligned bite can have consequences beyond the mouth. At the orthodontic offices of Dr. Gregory Ross, we also provide support for dental sleep medicine. By correcting bite problems, we can reduce the frequency with which patients get certain kinds of headaches.


Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJ) are dysfunctions of the hinges that connect the lower jaw to the head. They often develop as a result of bruxism, or night time teeth grinding. There are several reasons why people may grind or clench their teeth, including obstructive sleep apnea and mental stress, but discomfort from misaligned bites is a contributing factor. As people strain their jaw muscles and wear down the cartilage in their temporomandibular joints, pain may radiate or be deferred to their shoulders, necks, and the tops of their heads.


By correcting misaligned teeth, we enable them to rest comfortably together while the patient sleeps. However, bruxism caused by other factors may still damage them, which is why we also assist patients with custom-fitted night guards. These oral appliances prevent the teeth from rubbing together. The aligners used in Invisalign treatment are worn at night and achieve the same effect.


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


 

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...