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!