Toothbrushes!

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference?

There’s a breed of people who drive a stick shift, use a push mower and prefer sailboats to motorboats. When faced with the choice of a toothbrush, that purist will certainly choose the dependable, disposable, do-it-yourself toothbrush. But what about those of us who swear by their smartphones, DVRs, and tablet computers? We want the latest and greatest gadgets and tend to be adopters of new technologies.  Regardless of the type of toothbrush you prefer, when used properly, both powered and manual toothbrushes are great options for removing plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy. So what variables should you consider when deciding on the best toothbrush for you?  Here are a few factors to consider: Your budget Electric toothbrushes are pricier. However, while high-end options can cost upwards of $100, you can find some effective powered brushes in the $10 range. Remember that you need to add the cost of batteries and replacement brush heads to your toothbrush budget. Your dexterity People who have limited manual dexterity – including the very young, the elderly, or those suffering from injury or arthritis – may find it easier to reach and clean areas of their mouth with an electric toothbrush. Your habits If you have a hard time brushing regularly, and you find you enjoy the sensation of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then by all means use the brush that will encourage you to brush most often. Your patience Regardless of what type of toothbrush you choose, it’s important to use it correctly. While some brushes may require circular motions to be effective (for example manual brushes) others may require an angled glide over the teeth (for example power brushes). Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time. Cover the inner, outer and top surfaces of your teeth, and brush all the way down to the gum line. Don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. Please ask your hygienists to advise you on optimal brushing techniques considering your toothbrush selection. Finally, remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are also vital to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape. If you do have questions about brushing habits, please feel free to give our office a call!

Cut your treatment time in HALF

MIK ORTHO is now offering a new product that can cut your treatment time in half.  AcceleDent is a light, comfortable, hands-free appliance used 20 minutes per day as a complement to braces or Invisalign to accelerate tooth movement.  Gentle microvibrations stimulate local bone biology to increase remodeling.  This allows teeth to move 38% - 50% faster.  OrthoAccel has been selling the accelerant System outside the U.S.A. since October 2009.  AcceleDent received FDA clearance in November 2011 and is now available in the US.  Ask us about this exciting new technology the next time you are in the office!

Am I Too Old for Braces?

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile at any age! A well balanced mouth and a healthy bite prevent uneven wear to teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease. In addition to these important clinical benefits, in a society where appearance matters, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment. Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include: Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Technology has evolved to the point where adult orthodontic care may be rendered using different treatment modalities, from braces to clear aligners. If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit us for a consultation. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

Damon Clear Braces

The Damon Clear braces are now available for the lower teeth!  Ormco announced at the annual AAO meeting in May that they would be available soon.  Mik Ortho is NOW offering these great looking brackets for our patients who would prefer their braces to be a little more discreet.  Here is an excerpt from the Ormco website:

Virtually invisible, Damon Clear has clear advantages over traditional braces and aligners. Damon Clear is part of the innovative Damon System, which combines tieless braces with high technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results.

Happy Mother's Day

We hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!  The weather was perfect for any outdoor activities.  If we could all be as patient and loving as mothers, this world would be a better place.  Tell your mom how much you love them today, if you didn't get a chance yesterday!

Invisalign®

As Easy as 1, 2, 3! Looking to improve your smile, but eager to keep your treatment to yourself? Consider Invisalign, the invisible way to straighten teeth. The clear, custom aligners are removable, which makes for easy eating, brushing and flossing, and no disruption of your lifestyle. More significantly, you do not face the challenges of having brackets to contend with for the treatment period. More than 1.7 million people have chosen Invisalign in their quest for a healthy, appealing, and more confident smile. The process is simple: 1. We’ll Create a Custom Treatment Plan for You - First we’ll take impressions of your teeth. Based on their current position and their ideal end position, we’ll create a treatment plan that maps out the movement of your teeth with a series of Invisalign aligners. 2. Your Unique Set of Aligners Are Created - Using precision-computer mapping and design, a series of clear, removable aligners are custom-molded to fit your treatment plan. We’ll provide you with your aligners and precise instructions on how long each aligner is to be worn. 3. Wear Your Aligners to Guide Your Teeth into Place - Wear each set of aligners night and day for the prescribed time period, removing them only to eat, brush and floss. We’ll set regular check-ups to monitor your progress. While treatment duration varies, adult treatment typically takes a year, while for younger patients treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. Before you know it, you’ll see a straighter, healthier, and more confident smile in the mirror. To learn more about this exciting treatment at our practice, visit our website or give us a call and come in for a consultation!

Happy Valentine's Day

We hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day! We love our patients and we will post our monthly winners on Facebook soon. Have a great weekend!