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.

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.

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.

What is Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Multi-phase orthodontic treatment is a plan to maximize the opportunity to reach a totally healthy and functional smile that will last a lifetime. There are advantages to having your orthodontist examine your young child’s mouth when they still have baby teeth.  An evaluation will show how the teeth and mouth are growing and will give the opportunity for your orthodontist to provide treatment.

Certain issues can make a child more likely to need early treatment. If you notice your child has a misaligned bite, problems chewing, or sucks their thumb exceptionally long, these are signs they could benefit from early treatment.  When teeth and the jaw are still developing orthodontic treatment is more easily accomplished, and can often be less invasive than if left until the mouth is fully developed.  Phase two is the process of straightening all the adult teeth in their appropriate location in the mouth for ideal function and great aesthetics, and typically includes full upper and lower braces. 

To learn more about orthodontic treatment and all the services 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.

Mouth Protection for Sports

Children and adults who are active in sports should wear mouth protection during practice and games.  Mouth guards protect the teeth from any impact, but also protect the cheeks, tongue, and lips from various mishaps. Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in size and form.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to not wearing the protection at all.  Wearing a mouth guard that doesn’t fit can even interrupt breathing and speaking.  Come see us and have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting. 

To outfit you or your child with a custom mouth guard, the process will begin with an impression.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the final product will be fabricated.  The result is a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take for athletes, and you can go right back to playing your best!

To learn more about mouth guards and all the services 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.

Braces Removal

It’s time for your final orthodontic appointment as treatment comes to an end. Congratulations! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Perhaps your teeth have become so used to the wires that you can’t imagine living a life without braces. To give our patients insight as to how braces are removed, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS would like to explain what to expect.

Removal of traditional braces happens in the same order as they were applied. The brackets will be squeezed using a special tool and removed in unison with the wires. After this process is complete, Dr. Ross will remove the adhesive from each tooth. The process is relatively painless, but you may experience minor inflammation once the braces come off. It’s important to know that because your braces are being removed, this doesn’t mean you’re done with the orthodontist forever. You will need to discuss retainer options with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS to ensure that your orthodontic treatment doesn’t go to waste.

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.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

When you have braces, you can’t forget your overall oral health!  Brushing and flossing is always important, no matter what stage of orthodontic treatment you are in.  We recommend that patients with braces brush their teeth after every meal for two minutes.  Keep in mind that holding the head of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line will help the bristles clean around the brackets most effectively.

Floss threaders and orthodontic floss are available to help you thread floss underneath the wires of your braces.  Once you thread the floss underneath each wire, wrap your pointer fingers around each end of the floss.  Rub the side of each tooth up to the gum line, and once you’ve removed the plaque and food particles, remove the floss the thread it underneath the next wire.  If you feel flossing between your braces does not remove all the lingering food particles, you may be more effective with a water flosser.  Water flossers use a stream of water and a pulsing pressure to clean between your teeth and any brackets or appliances.

To learn more about oral hygiene and the services 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.