What are you dreaming about?

Teeth provide an invaluable service; they are the start of the digestive cycle, and directly influence the efficiency of the body's absorption of nutrients. They can also make a smile more attractive, and they help us with communication! Try to make the "s" sound without your teeth! But most people take their teeth for granted. As long as they are clean and sparkling, can chew food and are pain free, teeth rarely get a second thought.
 But imagine that you are chewing something, and bits of your teeth start falling out. Or that you are choking, and cough up some of your teeth. This rarely happens in real life, but it is actually a very common theme among dreams.
Teeth are symbolic of the ability to make decisions, and problems with teeth can be related to indecisiveness.
If you are dreaming about losing your teeth, you may have "bitten off more than you can chew" in a particular situation, or relationship. Dreams of losing teeth could mean that you feel you have lost the ability to make decisions, and you may feel that some situation is out of your control, or you are headed in a direction you don't want to go in.
Dreaming that your teeth are falling out is one of the many common anxiety dreams. You may dream that your teeth are crumbling in your hands or that your teeth are falling out one by one with just a light tap. Such dreams are horrifying and shocking. So what does it mean?
One theory is that dreams about your teeth reflect your anxiety about your appearance and how others perceive you. Sadly, we live in a world where good looks are valued highly and your teeth are important in conveying that image. Teeth are used in the game of flirtations, whether it is a dazzling smile or affectionate necking. These dreams may be a fear of powerlessness or even getting old. Teeth are an important feature of our attractiveness and presentation to others. Everybody worries about how they appear to others. Caring about our appearance is natural and healthy.
Alternatively, you may fear being embarrassed in some specific situation. These dreams are an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxiety. Teeth are used to bite, tear, chew and gnaw. Symbolically, teeth therefore represent power. And losing your teeth may indicate that you are feeling disempowered. Are you lacking power in some current situation? Perhaps you are having difficulties expressing yourself or getting your point across. You feel frustrated that your voice is not being heard. You may be experiencing feelings of inferiority and have low self-confidence. This dream is an indication that you need to be more assertive and believe in the value of your own opinion.

Beware, not all tooth dreams are symbolic. Once in a while a tooth dream is telling you to get yourself to the dentist's chair.
Most of the research we have done tells us that to really get to the root (pun intended) of the dream you just need to pay attention to your feelings and ask yourself a few questions.
Are you happy? Are you losing teeth and then getting new ones? It may mean that you are growing and moving forward.
Are you embarrassed about losing teeth?This may indicate a fear of failure, or you are worried about making a bad choice.
Do you feel you need to keep your mouth closed so no one can see that you've lost teeth? It may be time to sit back and listen rather than always being the one to do the talking.
Are you anxious about losing the teeth? Any anxiety in dreams generally means there is something in real life that's also causing anxiety. Do you have anxiety about any changes coming up? Are you fearful about making a wrong decision?
Are you having teeth problems in real life? The dream could then be an indicator that it's time to get yourself to the dentist!
Every night our subconscious mind reaches out to us through dreams. Sometimes we don't heed the messages when they are pleasant, so it sends us a dream that really gets our attention. Just remember, the subconscious is sending us these messages with the intention that if we pay attention, we'll receive a healing benefit.
According to the Chinese, there is a saying that your teeth will fall out if your are telling lies. It has also been said that if you dream of your teeth falling out, then it symbolizes money. This is based on the old tooth fairy story. If you lose a tooth and leave it under the pillow, a tooth fairy would bring you money.
For more information on your dreams, this site was a great resource and has a lot of information on common dreams and their meanings.  Another site that gives some more possible meaning behind your tooth filled, or toothless dreams can be found here.

Wash'em!

Fairbanks orthodontist Dr.Henry wants all of her patients and their families to stay healthy this winter—and throughout the year. So he encourages all parents to be sure their children understand how important handwashing is to their health, as well as when (frequently!) and how to wash hands.
Amazing as it may seem, it’s been estimated that routine handwashing by people worldwide could prevent one million deaths a year. Keeping hands clean using soap and running water is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
If soap and water are unavailable, the next best thing is to clean hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t eliminate all types of germs, so they shouldn’t be used routinely in place of washing with soap and water.
It’s important to wash hands:

Before, during and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After touching an animal or animal waste
After touching garbage

Dr. Henry believes that teaching kids about handwashing—and reminding kids about frequent, proper handwashing at the start of every winter season—is one of the most important things parents can do for their kids’ long-term health. So he encourages all parents to set aside time soon for this important lesson (or refresher course), before cold and flu season.

Why an Orthodontist?

 Why would you select an Orthodontist to straighten your teeth?  Because they trained specifically for that purpose.

You can’t get a healthy, beautiful smile from just anyone. You need an expert. You need an orthodontist.
Orthodontists are highly trained specialists whose expertise is tooth alignment for children, teens and adults. But what exactly makes them the experts? Only orthodontists receive an extra 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.
That means to become an orthodontist, qualified dentists need even more training after graduating dental school. In fact, they need an additional full-time education at an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. This education lasts at least two years, often more.
During this time, orthodontists learn about tooth movement (orthodontics) and the guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). It’s this education and training in straightening teeth and aligning jaws that make orthodontists the straight-smile experts.
By selecting a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can feel confident knowing you’ve chosen an orthodontic specialist that is an expert in orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics and the treatment of improperly aligned teeth and jaws. It’s why only orthodontists can become members of the AAO. It’s also why our expertise will make you smile.

Types of orthodontic treatment

-Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to the front of teeth. Wires and elastics are attached to the brackets to straighten teeth.

- Invisalign®: Advanced 3D computer images of the patients’ mouth are used to create clear, custom aligners that slowly move teeth. They are nearly invisible and are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are also removable, which makes it possible to continue with normal brushing and flossing.

- Retainers: A retainer is a removable piece worn inside the mouth that uses pressure to force teeth to move into proper alignment. They are used after braces are removed.

Length of orthodontic treatment:
Treatment typically ranges from 12 – 36 months. Factors include the age, cooperation level, and growth occurrence of the patient. The complexity of the case also impacts the treatment time.

Elements of Braces :)

When coming to our office to have braces put on, you may find yourself feeling a bit intimated and nervous about the experience. We hope to help you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what the different parts of braces are, and what they do.
Parts of Braces
Elastic Tie — This is a very small rubber band, and it holds the archwire in place.
Archwire — This is the main part of the braces. It is a wire guide that tracks the teeth. The wire may be moved from time to time during treatment to continue straightening a patient’s teeth.
Loop in Archwire — This is not in all braces. If it is used, it is to close a gap left from a tooth extraction.
Bracket — This piece of equipment holds the archwire in place. Formerly, many patients used colored rubber bands to keep the brackets in place, but now since most brackets are cemented on, this is no longer necessary.
Headgear Tube — This is a hollow area near the back bands, which allows the headgear to fit into the braces. This is only used on patients who require headgear.
Coil Spring — If needed, this would fit between a bracket and the main archwire. Its purpose is to open up the space between the teeth. This is not necessarily used on all patients.
Tie Wire — This is another piece of equipment that is used to keep the archwire in place. It is a thin wire that wraps around the bracket.
Band — This is a metal band that fits completely around a tooth. It is used to help adhere brackets to the tooth.
Hook — This is the piece of equipment that is used to attach the elastics, also known as rubber bands, around the bracket.
Elastic — These elastics are used to connect one point of the appliance to another. The purpose is to apply pressure, and encourage the teeth to move into the proper positioning.
This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

By defining each appliance we hope you or your child will be less apprehensive about getting braces put on. At the end of your treatment, you will have a bright, straight smile to show off to all of your friends.

Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our office.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…
The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:
Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it’s worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days.

What are the Early Signs of Orthodontic Problems?

Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child’s development.
Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice.

If you’re wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common warning signs of orthodontic issues:
• Difficulty when chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth-breathing
• Sucking the thumb, the fingers, or any other oral sucking habits that continue after the age of six
• Overbite – when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5mm
• Top front teeth that cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth while biting
• Underbite – when the top front teeth go behind the bottom row of teeth when biting
• Crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, misplaced teeth or extra teeth of any size
• Crossbite – when one or more teeth tilt toward the cheek or toward the tongue causing excessive stress on the jawbone
• The center of the top and bottom teeth don’t line up
• Uneven teeth-wearing
• Baby teeth coming out too early for the child’s age
• Pain in jaws
• Clicking in the jaw joints
• The jaw shifts off-center while chewing or biting
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much
• Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly
• Chronic biting of the inner cheek or roof of the mouth
• Asymmetrical facial structure
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
If you notice that either you or your child has one or more of these conditions, they could be signs that there is a risk of orthodontic or health problems. The sooner these problems are addressed, the wider and brighter you will be able to smile going forward!

Smile :)

Fairbanks AK, orthodontist Dr.Christophher Henry wants to clear up a widely held misconception: that straight teeth are purely a cosmetic benefit. In truth, the benefits of straight teeth go well beyond a more attractive smile and improved self-confidence.
Straight teeth are easier to clean, and cleaner, healthier teeth and gums ward off tooth decay as well as gum disease—both of which lead to tooth loss. People whose teeth don’t align properly don’t chew properly and therefore wear down their teeth at an accelerated rate. This rapid wear will lead to exponentially higher dental bills that will continue into retirement years. In extreme cases, chronic headaches or facial pain can be a very real result from an improper bite. Misaligned teeth also can affect a person’s speech, creating social and emotional challenges.
Poor oral health can threaten physical health. The same bacteria that forms between crooked teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease, also can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Although wanting a beautiful smile is certainly a great reason to get braces or Invisalign®, teeth straightening has many other very important, far-reaching payoffs.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, celebrated by Dr. Christopher Henry and Staff!

Halloween can be a scary time for teeth. Henry's Orthodontics offer these tips to keep teeth safe from decay, and protect braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” during the Halloween season:

Avoid sticky situations with your braces.
Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.
Also steer away from nuts, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).

Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat from the Halloween candy bowl, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to sweets that can cause cavities. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.

Brownie Recipe to try with your new braces :)

After all the work and expense of braces, the food cravings seem to kick in!  Fudge brownies are generally a big ‘no no’ for those with braces. Dr. Christopher Orthodontics, would like you to know that you don’t have to forgo those chocolate food cravings. This fudge brownie recipe is not only delicious but healthy to your new orthodontic work.
•             1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon stick margarine
•             1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
•             2/3 cup Dutch process or unsweetened cocoa
•             1 1/2 cups sugar
•             3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
•             I large egg, lightly beaten
•             I cup all-purpose flour
•             1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•             Vegetable cooking spray
Optional: Mini M&M’s; flavored baking chips; or coconut to mix in before Step #3.
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Melt margarine and chocolate in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa: cook 1 minute.  Stir in sugar, and cook 1 minute (mixture will almost form a ball and be difficult to stir).  Remove pan from heat; cool slightly.
Combine egg whites and egg. Gradually add warm chocolate mixture to egg mixture, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Combine flour and baking powder; add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring well.
3. Spoon batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.  Be careful to not over bake. Cool on a wire rack.

Grind Grind!

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:
• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit
If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 907-457-7878 and Dr.Christopher Henry can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Oh No! Cavity!

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but, what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.
So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.
Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between your teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up  

Back to School!

Ideas for Packing “soft” School Lunches August 21st, 2012

It’s that time of year again, while going over your checklist of school supplies don’t forget to include “tender treats” for your child wearing braces. Here are some food ideas that are easy to chew and won’t damage brackets:
* Banana slices, grape halves, or thinly cut apple slices (dip them all in lemon juice to keep from browning)
* Canned peaches or pears, fruit cocktail and orange slices
* Applesauce and pudding cups
* Thin carrot-curls made with a vegetable peeler, a cup of salad dressing for dipping.
* With a cold pack soft sandwiches can be sent such as egg salad or tuna salad.
* Soups are also good options when packed in a thermos, as well as ramen noodles or pasta.
Don’t forget to pack a toothbrush for brushing after lunch, and have your student drink plenty of water to help keep teeth clean!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Can you believe we’re halfway through summer? As the weather gets – and stays – hot here in Alaska, the chances for athletes to sustain a mouth injury get likelier and likelier because of all the sports they play over the summer. Dr Henry would like to remind you to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports.
That includes wearing a mouth guard at all times when you’re out on the field. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries.We hope you’re having a GREAT summer!

Sports Drinks, the New Cola?

Sports and energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular with teens, and dentists are becoming concerned about the lasting impact this trend may have on oral health. According to a study from the University of Iowa, sports drinks are even more corrosive to teeth than colas and energy drinks. Researchers found that the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel and the roots of teeth. With weakened enamel, the teeth are more susceptible to bacteria that can sneak into the cracks and crevices in the teeth. Sugar can intensify the situation and encourage the bacterial growth.

The good news is that if teens are only using sports drinks to stay hydrated during athletic events, they probably won't have much to worry about. Saliva, which protects teeth by rinsing away acids and debris, neutralizes the negative effects of sports drinks. But while the sports drinks hydrate and stimulate tooth-protecting saliva flow during athletics, teens should avoid sipping them throughout the day since this will prolong teeth's contact with harmful sugar and acid.

5 tips for avoiding plaque buildup

At Henry Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.
Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.
Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.
You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.
Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Henry. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

The benefits of a beautiful smile

Dr.Henry and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Henry Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

Ask Dr. Henry, Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Henry Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment with Dr.Henry can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr.Henry would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please visit our website to schedule your appointment!

A few patient reviews for Dr.Henry

At Henry Orthodontics we are dedicated to providing a friendly, comfortable atmosphere while creating simply spectacular smiles. And lately, our team has been receiving some great patient reviews! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr.Henry and team!


"Amazing doctor who goes the extra mile and really cares about his patients. Fantastic staff and beautiful facility. Thanks so very much!" - Sunji

"By far the best service of any office we have ever visited. Dr. Henry your staff is truly caring, and professional. Thank you for all that you do for your patients and our community". -Ashlynn, Kolt & Baylee

 

 

"The BEST orthodontist EVER!! Dr. Henry and his staff are WONDERFUL! So thankful not just for their orthodontic services but for ALL the wonderful things they do in the community!" -Jessica

 

 

"Awesome orthodontist, very involved and in touch with patients. Staff are awesome too, friendly, helpful." -Mike

Breaking bad habits

Dr. Henry knows that good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with your doctor.
Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr.Henry if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.
We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Henry or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit!

Thanks to Invisalign, you can have a perfect smile without metal wires or brackets!

At Henry Orthodontics, we know image is everything. For many people, the thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth for two or more years may be more than enough to delay orthodontic treatment.
If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but are apprehensive about metal wires and brackets getting in the way of your smile, Invisalign treatment at Henry Orthodontics may be a great solution. Invisalign, which straightens teeth through a series of clear, custom-fit removable aligners, does so in a way that is discreet and hardly noticeable.
If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at our office, please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Why wear rubber bands?

Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if  Dr. Henry has prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.
If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!
Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.

Tooth Erosion and Gastroesphageal reflux (GERD):
As an orthodontist and pediatric dentist, I recently encountered a situation in one of my patients that was unusual. This young patient presented with interesting erosion on multiple primary (baby). It was not the normal wear and tear that a tooth of this age should have. Based on a recent lecture, I decided to referral him to his pediatrician to evaluate for reflex disease. The picture below is an example of chemical erosion characteristic of GERD...

Have you ever wondered why primary teeth (baby teeth) turns pink before exfoliating (falls out)? This is due to the permanent teeth erupting underneath causing a hematoma between the two teeth. Kind of like a bruise... This is good indications to start wiggling the loose tooth.