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Thursday, September 27, 2018

Floss Threader


Oral care is extra important when a person is going through orthodontic treatment. When plaque and bacteria sit on the brackets and wires, this will lead to bad breath, possible periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS wants his patients to know that flossing with traditional braces or ceramic braces is made possible with a  floss threader. Allow us to explain what this dental tool is and how it’s used.


 


Floss threaders are designed to floss with ease around orthodontic appliances, dental bridges, and/or dental implants. Cosmetically, they look like nylon loops and you use them by inserting an 18” strand of floss between this loop. After this step is complete, pass the floss threader under or over between the teeth. Remove the threader from the floss, and floss gently back and forth and up and down. Repeat this process and you’ll be left with a clean smile.



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


 

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Traditional Braces


Traditional braces are the old-fashioned method of straightening teeth. With advances in modern dental technology, today’s braces are more visually appealing than in past years, with a range of color options for both the brackets and the elastics. Traditional braces have many benefits. Because they are bonded to the teeth, you’ll never have to worry about misplacing your aligner trays. If you are interested in traditional braces, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS is here to discuss them further.




Traditional braces are most effective at treating extreme overcrowding and misaligned bites. They consist of brackets and archwires placed across the teeth, with elastic ties used to secure them. The brackets may be metal, ceramic, composite, or a hybrid combination of materials. Once the braces are applied, the patient will be able to select a variety of color options for their brackets. Once treatment is complete, you’ll be able to show off your brand new smile!



If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic options, 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.

 

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Orthodontics and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Orthodontic treatment doesn't just make people’s smiles beautiful; they also help provide relief from serious health conditions. At Ross Orthodontics, we are experienced providers of orthodontic treatment to people whose teeth have shifted as a result of diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.


When joint tissue comes under attack by the body’s own immune system, it swells and hardens, putting pressure on the joint. Sometimes, this is enough to cause joint deformities. The temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the head, is particularly complex and prone to damage. In children with arthritis, deformation of the temporomandibular joint can result in teeth grinding jaw deformities, leading to malocclusions such as an open bite.


An idiopathic disease is one without a known cause, and every case of juvenile arthritis is different. However, we can work with rheumatologists to devise treatment plans that will fix a child’s teeth with minimal discomfort. Children with arthritis are at greater risk for dental decay due to difficulty cleaning their teeth, but straightened teeth are much easier to care for. Caregivers should also keep in mind that oral liquid medications are commonly high in sugar and it’s a good idea to brush after consuming them, especially while wearing orthodontic brackets.


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...