Caring For Your Retainer After Braces You worked hard for a result that should last you a lifetime. When we think about it, your oral health and smile are probably the most valuable asset we all have. The functionality of our bite and tooth alignment is far beyond the importance of a great smile. Our oral health can be considered …
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 …
No Wooden Teeth, Please! Why Oral Health is So Important
Your teeth are precious. Once your permanent teeth come in, they need to last you a lifetime. Extensive tooth decay can lead to dental caries and the need for fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. While these fixes can go a long way toward maintaining your quality of life, they cannot compare to your natural teeth. Getting braces is no excuse …
Fluoride and Your Orthodontic Treatment
Our team at Gass Orthodontics knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment. But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and …
Are you visiting the dentist during your orthodontic treatment?
If you’re brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Gass and our team think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every six months, or as recommended, in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing. (And visiting Gass Orthodontics for regular adjustments, of course.) Dental checkups are …
Besides straight teeth, what are the benefits of braces?
Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces from Gass Orthodontics can help deliver one. However, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the cosmetic ones. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each …
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 …
Which type of mouthwash is best?
Taking care of your oral health involves a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing to prevent tooth decay and bacterial infections. Though you may have asked us which toothbrush to use, few patients at Gass Orthodontics ask about mouthwash. However, different mouthwashes you might choose will have varying effects on your oral health. So which type is best for …
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 …