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.