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 behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Gregory Ross may suggest using a water flosser for those hard to reach places!

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water flossers are also an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. You should never get by on flossing alone. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth.

To learn more about orthodontics, 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.

Orthodontic Canine Exposure

Canine exposure has nothing to do with leaving your dog outside, exposed to elements. In humans, canine teeth are primarily used for biting and tearing up food. Any tooth may become impacted, but generally, the wisdom teeth and canine teeth are the predominant candidates. At the dental practice of Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, if it is necessary to remove a tooth by any means, plans will be made and the patient will be provided with personalized, gentle care.

Impacted teeth are sometimes obvious to the naked eye, but in some cases, an x-ray is necessary to identify the extent of the impaction. The older the patient, the more likely an impacted canine will not emerge by nature’s forces alone. It is important to determine whether all the adult teeth are present or are some adult teeth missing. Many times, there is an impacted canine tooth where the baby tooth remains in the mouth. Canine teeth are critical for function and early recognition of an impacted canine tooth is the key to a successful treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, 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.

Sleep Apnea and Smoking

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come see Dr. Gregory Ross and his staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments 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.

Adult Orthodontics

Dr. Gregory Ross provides orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile.  Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about the services we offer, 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.

Thank You for Your Continuous 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 Alyssa S. 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!  

"I just had my braces put on my upper teeth today and Nancy did a great job! I was a little nervous going in but right away everyone there made me feel welcome and comfortable. It didn't take very long at all and it didn't hurt. Nancy explained everything she was doing and was super nice. Everyone at Ross Orthodontics is VERY nice and friendly. I am very happy that we chose to go there." – Alyssa S.

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.

Removing Braces

Removing braces is an exciting step for anybody undergoing orthodontic treatment. At Ross Orthodontics, we can say that this is usually a smooth process without much potential for complications. However, since patients are more comfortable when they feel well-informed, we wanted to provide a more detailed explanation of how braces are removed.

Orthodontic brackets are held in place by dental cement. Since dentists are so worried about brackets coming loose if the patient eats something sticky or doesn’t wear a mouthguard, you can probably tell the cement is only as strong as it needs to be. After removing the wire and bands for the last time, we use another pair of reverse-action pliers to compress the brackets, causing the dental cement to snap away from them. This allows us to lift the brackets out without needing to exert force against the patient’s enamel, although the patient may feel mild pressure.

We’ll leave the cement on to ensure the teeth remain protected until all the brackets are removed. The metal bands surrounding the molars are leveraged out using pliers with flat tips. Once the cement is scraped away, we can examine the patient for signs of decay such as white spots and make an impression to use as the basis for a retainer. Patients may want to avoid eating anything sticky immediately after the brackets are removed, since their teeth may still be sensitive. But they should soon be able to resume normal eating habits when they aren’t wearing their retainer.

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

 

Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics

Do you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)? If so, you may be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is believed to be severely underdiagnosed, leaving many people untreated and at serious risk of sleep deprivation. However, Dr. Gregory Ross is an expert in orthodontics and dental sleep medicine, and since some people are unaware of the connection between those specialties, we want patients to know what we can do to help.

Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is often the result of the body’s air passages being blocked by the position of the tongue. As the body attempts to open a passage by moving the mandible, the teeth grind together, putting them at risk for tilting or cracking and causing pain to the temporomandibular joint. Sleep apnea also causes the patient to be taken out of deep sleep throughout the night, causing them to be fatigued the next day and increasing their long-term risk for heart disease and depression.

At Ross Orthodontics, we can provide patients with custom-fitted night guards. These oral appliances protect the teeth from being eroded or broken by night time jaw movement. Dr. Ross is also a long-time researcher of sleep apnea and can provide more complex oral appliances to better position the mandible to avoid airway obstruction. We also use orthodontic treatment to correct tilted teeth.

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

 

Clear Ceramic Braces

Another clear option for orthodontics that Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS offers aside from Invisalign, is ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are made to blend in with the teeth so they aren’t visible. Patients can choose between clear elastic ties or white metal ties to hold the braces in place. Ceramic braces are more sensitive and can easily break or chip. They require more maintenance and more time to install than metal braces, which increases overall treatment time and cost.

Often, adults who desire a straighter smile but want to avoid “metal mouth” will choose to go the clear route. Clear (ceramic) braces are less noticeable than metal braces and they move teeth faster than plastic aligners because they stay in place 24/7, unlike Invisalign, where the patient has to change aligner trays every two weeks. Ceramic braces are made of ceramic alloys. In addition to the clear ceramic brackets, there are two types of brace wires or ties that can make them more discreet.

If you have questions regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.comfor 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.

Dry Mouth and Braces

We want patients at Ross Orthodontics to be as comfortable as possible when undergoing orthodontic treatment, which is why we’re interested in preventing dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth not only puts braces patients at greater risk for irritation, it also increases the risk of gingivitis. However, it may be treatable with some simple lifestyle changes.

Saliva isn’t just a lubricant; it’s also a part of the immune system. It washes away food debris, denying food to decay-causing bacteria, and it regulates the mouth’s pH level to make it inhospitable to fungi. But when saliva production is inhibited or can’t keep up with dry conditions, the mouth is likelier to develop infections, which could be particularly troublesome to people with mouth lesions.

In the short term, patients with braces can use dental wax to prevent mouth injuries, but dry mouth deserves attention. Alcohol, sugar, and caffeine are all contributors to it, so patients should avoid drinks such as soda. They may also want to try throat moisturizers or stimulating saliva production by sucking sugar-free hard candy. Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, particularly those for ADHD, so patients may need to consult with other doctors about changing them.

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

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Eliminate Braces Pain with Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax is something you will get very familiar with throughout orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic wax is recommended by Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, for relief from the pain and irritation caused by wires and brackets. Orthodontic wax protects the gums and the linings of your cheeks, and lips, to provide a comfortable barrier when the sharp end of the wire begins to irritate these areas.

Orthodontic wax is designed to fit easily into your pocket, purse, or backpack, so you can use it wherever and whenever you may need it. Because this dental wax is non-toxic, it’s no big deal if you accidentally swallow a piece. You should apply the wax to the area of discomfort, and remove it before brushing and flossing your teeth. Be sure to reapply the wax regularly, especially after meals, to prevent irritation from getting worse.

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.

Caring For Your Retainer

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile.  Dr. Gregory Ross provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  The retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush. Use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris- never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Many retainers have disappeared while folded up in napkins!

To learn more about caring for your retainer, 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 Guards for Sports

If you and your family are getting active in sports this summer, you may be missing an important piece of safety equipment.  Athletes participating in any contact sport should wear some kind of mouth protection. A mouth guard helps prevent damage to the teeth and jaw, and also helps prevent injuries to the cheeks, tongue, and lips.

Sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in form and size.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all.  A very ill-fitting mouth guard can even interrupt breathing and speaking. Custom mouth guards can be fit over braces and won’t interrupt normal activity, so visit Dr. Gregory Ross for a custom mouth guard fitting.  Get a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take to protect your mouth, and you can go right back to playing your best!

To learn more about custom mouth guards and all 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.