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Here are a couple shouts outs from recent brace removal reveals…enjoy!
Growing Up Cavity Free In many countries, tooth decay (and gum disease) is the second most common disease, with only the cold more common. Studies have linked poor oral health in children to poor performance in school, poor social relationships and less success in later life. But whether you’re six or sixty, with today’s technology and advances in dental medicine, it’s easier than ever before to prevent cavities and gum disease. To help your kids grow up cavity free, here are a few tips…
Perhaps most important of all…set an excellent example. Let your child see you taking excellent care of your teeth. Show your child how to have a healthy smile for life.
History of Orthodontics Oral hygiene and fixing teeth have been around for millennia. Researchers have found dental floss and toothpick grooves in the teeth of prehistoric humans, and archaeologists have discovered mummified remains with crude metal bands on individual teeth. They surmise that catgut was used on these ancient patients as brace “wires.” But today’s specialty of orthodontics is a recent invention. History credits two men with being the most influential in the understanding of malocclusions - Norman W. Kingsley, who wrote “Treatise on Oral Deformities” in 1880, and dentist J. N. Farrar, who wrote “A Treatise on the Irregularities of the Teeth and Their Corrections”. Dr. Farrar designed brace appliances, and he was the first to suggest the use of mild force at timed intervals to move teeth. However, it was not until the 1890s that orthodontics became the specialty that it is today. Dr. Edward Angle, called the “Father of Modern Orthodontics,” was the first to emphasize the importance of the way teeth fit and work together. He published a simple classification system that created a way for dentists to describe how crooked teeth are, what way teeth are pointing and how teeth fit together. In 1900, Angle and a few colleagues formed a group that was the basis of the American Association of Orthodontics. In 1901, he began the first school of orthodontics. Advancements began to rapidly advance the new science of orthodontics in the 1900s. In the 1940’s, radiographs were used so the orthodontist could see how the bones of the face contributed to malocclusion. This technology allowed orthodontists to begin using the redirection of the growth of bones to straighten teeth. In the 1970’s, surgical techniques were developed that allowed orthodontic corrections. But the advances of the space and computer age make the treatments of just a few decades ago seem primitive. The grandparents, or even the parents, of today’s patients wore braces so bulky and cumbersome that the term “tin grin” was used to describe them. The process of affixing these braces could take nearly a day, and the bands there were fitted around each tooth required forcing the teeth apart to put them in. Today, brackets are bonded directly to the teeth and nickel-titanium, heat-activated, memory wires are used. There are colored braces, tooth colored braces, clear braces, even braces that aren’t braces, but clear aligners. Today, orthodontic X-rays and photographs are digital and a computer helps to generate the treatment plan that will straighten a patient’s teeth. A computer can even generate a picture of how the patient will look once his/her teeth are correctly aligned. What would those ancient Egyptians, with their “wires” made of catgut have thought of today’s braces? And what will the archaeologists of tomorrow think of our “advancements” a thousand years from now?
(from ada.org)
What is plaque?Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Following a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to weaken, eventually causing tooth decay. Many of the foods we eat cause plaque bacteria to produce acids. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, periodontal (gum) disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults. One way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.
Here’s to our dog friends! The official Frost Orthodontics Dog Club.
DO YOU LOVE YOUR DOG? I don’t mean like your dog a little bit…but loooove your Beginning in July, we’re going to to have a Dog Show! You and your pet will win a Please send entry with photos to krystal@frostortho.com. For Details on how to vote, click here!
I have been in braces for a year now and no complaints. The workers are friendly and cheerful and make me feel like I am the only one there. When I was searching for an orthodontist for myself and 2 kids I visited 5 local orthodontists. Dr. Frost was the only one that didn’t want to remove permanent teeth from my sons mouth and made us feel so comfortable with the treatment he had in mind. His staff is the greatest and always make us feel comfortable at our appointments. I love how Dr. Frost knows us all by our first names and makes us feel so welcome - not like we are being shuffled thru the chute. Cindy at the front is FABULOUS in making sure we can get in for that quicky appointment when something is just not right. I recommend to EVERYONE to go and see Dr. Frost just for a consult - and tell them there is no better place in the east valley! We are almost at the end of our braces journey… Thank you so much for improving my smile and my kids! You have given us a gift of a LIFETIME!
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Judy’s Braces Story |
May 10, 2010 – 2:43 pm |
Frost Orthodontics iPad Contest |
May 5, 2010 – 8:23 pm |
Enter to win a new 16 GB Wi-Fi apple ipad
It’s what you think about Frost Orthodontics…Voice your opinions on Google, Facebook, refer a friend to our office - there are so many ways to enter. Get the word out! The more you do, the more chances you have to win. Entry rules below.
Google*: Write a review on Google. Search Frost Orthodontics. Click on reviews and submit your review. Send an e-mail to krystal@frostortho.com with name so we can count your entry. (1 entry per e-mail address).
Facebook*: Become a Fan of Frost Orthodontics. Tell everyone how much you love FO on your Facebook wall and make sure you tag us so we can count your entry. (1 entry per week)
YouTube/Vimeo*: Post a video about your love for FO and experiences and send us the link (1 entry per week)
Refer a Friend: Refer a friend who completes a complimentary consultation in our office. (2 entries per referral, unlimited)
You must be an active patient to win. A winner will be drawn every two months. Entries will begin again after each drawing.
*Requires registered account.
Bad breath? |
March 16, 2010 – 2:46 pm |
Bad Breath? - See Your Dentist
Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
Derived from the American Dental Association website.
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The time in my braces has gone by amazingly fast and I get them off in another two months. Their services are fantastic, and they give you a cookie after every appointment! 
Michael