Author: kidodent

If your permanent retainer is broken or the glue came off, don’t worry as this is something that can happen. But keep in mind that you need to reach out to your orthodontist without delay within days. Permanent retainers have an important job of keeping the teeth aligned after braces or Invisalign. So, you sure don’t want your beautiful smile and straight teeth to be affected by a broken retainer. This article will help you know what causes permanent retainer breaking, what you can do about it, and how is it repaired or replaced by your orthodontist. Why do permanent…

Flossing with a permanent retainer needs a habit and some extra effort. To maintain a clean beautiful smile, flossing is just as important for your oral health as it was during braces. So, you need to keep up with that for your permanent retainer. This article will quickly introduce you to the flossing tips, techniques, and best tools you can use to floss with a permanent retainer. What is a permanent retainer? A permanent retainer keeps your teeth aligned after your braces or Invisalign is removed. It is just a small wire that is glued behind the front teeth, either…

Wearing retainers whether removable or permanent retainers (bonded retainer) is an important part of orthodontic treatment. After your teeth have moved and aligned in their new positions with braces, it is time to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back. This article will help you understand permanent retainers and learn both the advantages and disadvantages and caring tips of this orthodontic device. What are permanent retainers? A permanent retainer also called a fixed or bonded retainer, is made of a thin piece of metal wire that is glued to the back of your teeth. It maintains the…

A palatal expander is an orthodontic device designed to widen the narrow upper jaw. It helps create space and treat dental problems like overcrowded teeth or bite issues. Palatal expanders are mainly used during the growing stages in children or adolescents to get back to normal jaw occlusion. Two common goals of this appliance as the name suggests are expanding the palate and treating crossbite as a common problem in orthodontics. Widening the upper jaw A smaller jaw means a loss of space for permanent teeth to erupt normally. As a result, overcrowded and protruding teeth can occur, which leads…

Once tooth roots are exposed, we most likely feel sensitivity and pain. Teeth are susceptible to bacteria attacks and are more prone to decay. The most common causes are periodontal and gum diseases. It causes gums to recede and leave gum line a gap for plaque buildup on teeth and bacterial activity. However, other factors can contribute to exposing the tooth roots like long-time aggressive brushing and wear and tear. What is an exposed tooth root? Every tooth in our mouth consists of a crown (the upper part) and roots. The upper part of a tooth or crown is covered…

After your orthodontics with braces is over, now comes the time for wearing retainers to complete your treatment. After all the months or maybe years of straightening stage with aligners or braces, your teeth have moved to the perfect positions. So, you must wear a retainer for a recommended period of time to prevent teeth from shifting back. Retainers are custom-made like other appliances in orthodontics and are worn to stabilize your newly aligned teeth. How long should you wear a retainer? The truth is you have to wear retainers for as long as your orthodontist has recommended. Sometimes it…

Thumb sucking is a common oral habit that young children experience. Many children quit sucking their thumb or pacifiers on their own, and as they age. However, some children may continue the habit for more years. This can lead to teeth irregularities and changes in the appearance of our child’s smile in the future. This is why parents need to know more about harmful impacts and find ways to get their child quit sucking their thumb or pacifiers. Is thumb sucking a normal behavior? Thumb sucking or finger sucking is normal in babies and young children. It is an innate…

Fluoride is an essential element for dental health. This naturally occurring mineral helps prevent tooth decay and fights cavities. There are many ways to get its benefits. Ways like professional fluoride treatment, pit and fissure sealant, daily teeth brushing, or even drinking fluoridated water all help us achieve healthier teeth and mouth and prevent tooth decay with fluoride in various ways. What does fluoride do to protect our teeth? Fluoride prevents the demineralization of teeth and helps remineralize teeth instead. So, it strengthens tooth enamel and protects teeth from tooth decay and the risk of cavities development. The process of…

If you are looking for fluorosis treatment options, this article will explain the common cosmetic procedures that help you or your child regain the smile. Dental fluorosis, a tooth enamel condition, is caused by long-term fluoride ingestion and happens while teeth develop under the gum (children under 8). It usually shows up as white spots on teeth, but the impacts are permanent and don’t go away. Some cases appear as unsightly discoloration to superficial abnormalities, which need treatment. Dental fluorosis symptoms If your child has developed dental fluorosis, once teeth erupt, some changes appear on the tooth enamel. The effects…

When too much of a good thing becomes a problem. Fluoride is a very important mineral not only for your child’s dental health but also for adults’. It strengthens tooth enamel, helps prevent cavities, and reverses the early stages of tooth decay. But too much fluoride when consumed by children during their teeth development years runs the risk of fluorosis. This is why we are going to discuss the prevention ways so that parents and caregivers know what they can do to prevent this condition. How can children get fluorosis? Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by consuming too much…