How to Floss with Braces

The Gass Orthodontics team knows that oral hygiene is important, whether you have braces on your teeth or not. But if you are a person who wears braces, caring for your teeth and gums can become somewhat challenging. Without daily oral hygiene practices, you may become prone to cavities and tooth decay during your time in braces. Naturally, you know …

Why is flossing so important when I have braces?

You’ve made an investment on spending money on getting braces, so why not keep your teeth in good health while undergoing orthodontic treatment?  Dr. Gass and our team at Gass Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you’re wearing braces as you did before proceeding with treatment. Flossing is essential to …

Should I use a water pick during my treatment?

Dr. Gass and our team at Gass Orthodontics know that for some of our patients wearing braces, it can be difficult to weave through those wires and brackets as you brush and floss during your treatment. Some of our patients use a water pick to flush out food and other particles and bacteria stuck between their teeth as the water …

Energy and Sports Drinks Eat Away at Teeth, Study Says

Sports and energy drinks cause irreversible damage to the teeth of teens and young adults. A recent study published in General Dentistry states that energy and sports drinks contain so much acid that they begin destroying teeth after only five days of consistent use. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of U.S. …

What is dentofacial orthopedics?

You may have noticed that we specialize in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. And while most people we talk to have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title. Today, Dr. Gass and our team thought we would explain the difference. While orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of …

Going on vacation? Remember these simple tips!

If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at Gass Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town. They include: Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners Travel toothbrush A water bottle or a …

Braces-Friendly Recipe: Lunch

Getting braces comes with a lot of rules. No sticky candies, watch out for popcorn, and steer clear of chips. These rules leave many braces-wearers wondering what they can still eat without hurting their teeth or their expensive orthodontic appliances. Fortunately, constructing a braces-friendly lunch is straightforward once you know which foods to avoid. Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces …

Your Five-Step Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces

If you’re wearing braces, then you know they are working hard to straighten your teeth. However, those hard-working braces are also preventing you from easily cleaning your teeth. It is essential that you put some extra attention into preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. When your braces are finally removed by Dr. Gass, you want a beautiful, white smile, …

Dreaming of a stunning smile without using braces?

Most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile. And if you’ve thought about straightening your teeth but are apprehensive about doing so with traditional orthodontic treatment, Dr. Gass and our team at Gass Orthodontics want you to know there is another option – Invisalign®! Invisalign, recently featured the NBC’s Today Show, is an ideal solution for most adults …

Healthy After School Snack Ideas for Patients with Braces

Fruit: Make it easy to grab and go, cut, chop or slice fresh fruit to prevent loosening any of the braces. Store them in the refrigerator in easily accessible containers; store grapes in a large, open bowl in the fridge; or store in a bowl on the counter. Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Consider serving low-fat refried or whole beans …