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audrey invisalign child

Five Tips in Caring for Your Braces During Orthodontic Treatment

orthodontist

If you want your child/teen to have the perfect smile, getting braces on the teeth is not enough. While that is an important first step, you also need to make sure he/she cares for them properly. Fortunately, caring for them is easy when you know what to do.

Tip #1 Proper Brushing

If you want your child to have a beautiful smile, you have to make sure he brushes his teeth properly. Forget everything you know about brushing teeth. It is a different process when orthodontic devices are involved.  Make sure your child brushes both above and below they brackets, keeping the toothbrush in place for several seconds on each tooth. It is as if the braces are diving each tooth into a top and bottom half.

In addition, replace the toothbrush on a regular basis. Braces can cause toothbrushes to fray so you will need to give your child a new one more often than you did in the past. Otherwise, the toothbrush won’t be able to remove all of the bacteria on his teeth.
We also recommend patients use an interdental toothbrush in addition to a regular toothbrush. This toothbrush looks similar to a pipe cleaner and it fits underneath the brackets and wires. Make sure your child uses the toothbrush gently to avoid damaging the wires. If used gently, it is a great way to clean underneath the wires and remove any additional bacteria.  Finally, make sure your child brushes often enough. He should brush after each meal and before bedtime. If there is a situation where brushing isn’t possible, we recommend rinsing with water.

Tip #2 Flossing

Some people think that they don’t need to floss when they have braces, but that could not be further from the truth. Proper flossing is critical to have healthy teeth and gums when the braces come off. The way to get the floss under the wires is to use a “floss threader” or the floss that is stiff on 1 end and run the floss under the wire by the gums in order to get access in between the teeth. Once finished, unthread the floss and move down the line to the next two teeth. Preloaded floss such as Platypus that are mounted in a plastic holder and come down halfway between the teeth form the top and “water piks” are also great adjuncts.  Flossing should be done every night. If flossing has not been done regularly, the gums may bleed some in the beginning, but this should go away with a few flossing sessions.

Tip #3 Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, since it makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks and can even reverse some signs of beginning decay. This can be very helpful with when your child has orthodontic appliances. We recommend a stronger toothpaste during orthodontic treatment of 5000 ppm (instead of regular toothpaste which is only 1000 ppm). Consider putting a timer out so your child can get the most out of it, since brushing should take at least a minimum of 2 minutes. At night time, it is best to spit out the extra toothpaste when done instead of rinsing, so that the fluoride can stay in contact with the teeth overnight.

http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/toothpaste

Tip #4 Eating Right

Patients with braces need to be mindful of what is going in their mouth. Certain foods can break the wires/brackets, which is likely to push back the anticipated braces removal date.  Foods to avoid:

  • hard foods
  • sticky foods
  • chewy foods

Your child should also avoid sugary and starchy foods. These foods promote tooth decay and can bend or break appliances, causing teeth to move a direction different than what the doctors intended.

Tip #5 Habits to Avoid

Your child also needs to avoid some habits while he is under the care of an orthodontist. Habits like biting nails and chewing on pens can distort the wires and lead to longer treatment time.
When properly cared for, orthodontic appliances are the best way to get a great smile.

If you need additional help, Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for reliable orthodontic services.

Words of Wisdom No.4 - Eat cleansing foods 1

Words of Wisdom No.4 – Eat cleansing foods

foods

For the ultimate natural and long-term sustainability mouth care maintenance, eat cleansing foods. These are foods that will protect your teeth whether you currently have or have had braces or invisalign. Caring for your teeth should be a top priority because a beautiful smile can make your day and the day of everyone around you even brighter.

Drinks

Certain drinks can help to promote good health in your teeth. Green tea will help to fight against gum disease, plaque and cavities. Milk and yogurt are high in calcium and low in acidity making them dual protectors and enforcers of your smile. Water is also an important drink for your teeth care routine. It helps to rinse away food particles, and it also promotes saliva which is essential in preventing tooth decay.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables help your teeth both externally and internally. Apples and fruits with seed are excellent ways to clean and whiten your teeth naturally. The seeds and fibrous flesh act as abrasives that safely remove stains. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and celery can also help to clean your teeth and gums. Many orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes assist in creating tooth enamel.

A Few Surprises

Sesame seeds also help to promote tooth enamel. Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint and parsley can act as a natural breath freshener. Cheese fights against cavities. Raw onion will help to kill certain varieties of bacteria. And, whole grains are good for your gums.

As any good orthodontist will tell you, natural food sources are the perfect tooth care compliment to braces or invisalign. They are a spectacular way to protect your teeth and for the overall good health of your mouth. For more information pertaining to the treatment of teeth during and after your orthodontist treatments, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Words of Wisdom No.3 - Clean your tongue 2

Words of Wisdom No.3 – Clean your tongue

tongue

When you use Invisalign, it is important to keep your tongue as clean as possible. You can easily remove Invisalign when you need to so that you are able to care for your teeth and tongue properly. If you want to have good oral health, you can ask your orthodontist to help you figure out a cleaning regiment that will be right for you.

An Unclean Tongue Can Lead To:

  • Bacteria
  • Plaque in Your Mouth
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Disease

Bacteria

When you forget to brush your tongue, bacteria can start to form in your mouth. This bacteria can cause all sorts of problems. Whether you have braces or not, it is going to be necessary to keep your entire mouth clean. If you leave bacteria on your tongue, you could end up having to deal with more plaque in your mouth. This plaque can dull your beautiful smile, so you should be sure to brush your teeth up to the 3 times a day and make sure that your tongue is properly cleaned. You can enjoy the results of having a tongue and mouth that is well taken care of.

Bad Breath

If your tongue is not properly cleaned, you could develop a case of bad breath. By making sure that your tongue is cleaned correctly, your breath will be as fresh as possible. You can also avoid tooth decay if your tongue is cleaned on a regular basis and stop gum disease from starting too.

When you visit your orthodontist, be sure to ask him for tips on keeping your tongue clean. If you have braces, you should be sure to talk to a dental expert about the importance of properly caring for your teeth, tongue, and gums. You want to make sure that you have great overall dental health. Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for reliable orthodontic services.

Words of Wisdom No.2 - Chuck your toothbrush 3

Words of Wisdom No.2 – Chuck your toothbrush

toothbrush

We brush our teeth to keep them clean, but what we often don’t think about how many germs are lurking on our toothbrush. Our mouths are full of bacteria; any time a toothbrush is used, these microorganisms can contaminate the toothbrush.

Replace Your Toothbrush Often

A professional orthodontist, who is responsible for helping patients to straighten their teeth, recommends throwing away toothbrushes often. Because viruses and bacteria can linger on toothbrushes for months, you should replace your toothbrush at least every three months or more often if any of the following occur:

  • Anyone accidentally uses or borrows your toothbrush
  • After having the cold or flu
  • When bristles become frayed or worn out

Clean Your Toothbrush Often

In addition to replacing your toothbrush often, it needs to be kept clean. Many people mistake rinsing their toothbrush off after use as a means to properly clean it. Because of the viruses and bacteria that toothbrushes have, they should be deep cleaned at least once a week. To properly clean a toothbrush, simply:

  • Rinse it thoroughly after each use
  • Soak it in mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher
  • Store it upright in a cup or rack to allow it to aerate and dry properly

There are also toothbrush cleaners available for purchase that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria from the bristles of the toothbrush.

If you currently have braces or are using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, it is especially important to keep your toothbrush clean and to throw it away often. Food particles may get stuck in braces that can lead to tooth decay. These germs can easily be transferred to a toothbrush.

After you have finished treatment with your orthodontist, you will want to keep your new, straight smile clean and decay-free by brushing often and keeping germs away by cleaning your toothbrush and replacing it often.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions or concerns about your or your child’s teeth, or if you would like to get started on a plan for braces or Invisalign, call Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today so we can get started on your new smile.

Words of Wisdom No.1 “Go On a White-Teeth Diet” 4

Words of Wisdom No.1 “Go On a White-Teeth Diet”

diet

Are your teeth looking stained and discolored, even though you brush daily and see your orthodontist regularly? What you might not realize is that your diet could be playing a huge role in this problem. There are many foods that can contribute to stains on your pearly whites, which is why going on a “white-teeth diet” can be so beneficial. By utilizing the effective tips listed below, you may find that your teeth are much whiter in no time!

Foods to Eat:

Broccoli

Raw broccoli is a snack that you can feel good about eating. The texture of a floret will gently scrub the teeth as you chew, which can help reduce stains and keep teeth clean.

Strawberries

Most people think strawberries will stain their teeth because they’re bright red and sweet, but because they have malic acid in them, they can help remove discoloration from the surface of teeth. Just watch out for the seeds, especially if you have braces or use Invisalign.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses are generally colorless, so they won’t stain your teeth like most other foods would. In addition to this, the calcium in them can help build stronger teeth.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Foods like blackberries, tea, wine, blueberries and pomegranates will stain your teeth, so try to only enjoy these on an occasional basis with a large glass of water to wash away discoloration.

Nuts or Seeds

Walnuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts are all high in protein, but their abrasive texture is what makes them great for gently wiping stains from the surface of teeth.

Enjoying Your Smile

Ready for more expert tips on dental care, or do you just need a reliable orthodontist for things like braces and Invisalign? Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics would be glad to help!  Schedule an appointment today.

Smile and forgive; it's the only way to live 5

Smile and forgive; it’s the only way to live

quotes about smiles

If you want to forgive someone, then just begin to smile, and you will begin to live again. Smiling is easier when your teeth are perfectly straight and you have a firm bite to consume nutritious fresh vegetables and fruit. When your teeth are misaligned, you can visit an orthodontist to learn more about the different types of braces, headgear and retainers available to create a gorgeous smile. You might learn that the best type of orthodontia for your malocclusions is traditional wire and metal brackets or Invisalign aligners instead.

Invisalign Orthodontia

A parent should take a child to an orthodontist as they are getting their first permanent teeth, and an adult can also request an evaluation for their own teeth. A child can wear modern braces such as:

• WildSmiles
• Color wires and brackets
• Damon Clear

Alternatively, adults with mild malocclusions can wear clear Invisalign aligners that are easy to remove while they are eating meals or brushing their teeth. Imagine how much fun it is to wear aligners at the same time your children are wearing braces. You can help each other throughout the process with reminders about flossing your teeth each day to avoid cavities and bad breath.

Unique Smiles for Your Facial Structure

At Marin Ortho in Larkspur, Calif., you can schedule an appointment with two knowledgeable orthodontists:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

Certain guidelines are used by these professionals to create a WOW smile that shows off your new straight teeth from the front of your mouth to the back. With modern three-dimensional imaging techniques rather than old-fashioned impression molds, you can receive orthodontic appliances that are perfect for your facial structure to get a gorgeous smile. With a smile like that, there is no reason not to forgive someone and begin to live again.

Use your smile to change this world, but don't let the world change your smile. 6

Use your smile to change this world, but don’t let the world change your smile.

life quotes

There’s something about a smile that has the ability to turn someone’s entire day around. When you put a smile on your face, you can accomplish amazing changes. Not only does it turn your day around and keep your attitude bright no matter who you’re dealing with, it also makes other people more likely to go along with you. When you approach the world with kindness, you’re much more likely to receive kindness and understanding in return. Unfortunately, for many people, a world filled with judgment and unkindness has slowly started to make their smiles slip away. It’s a hard world to live in, and letting a smile shine bright is the last thing on their minds.

The Need to Fix Your Smile

For some people, it isn’t even current judgement and unkindness but the fear of what they’ll experience that has their smiles slipping away. Their teeth aren’t properly aligned, and they’re embarrassed by their smiles. The solution? A visit to an orthodontist to talk about invisalign.

The Perfect Solution for People Who Dread the Appearance of Braces

There’s no reason why braces have to be right out there in the open, where everyone can see them. Adults, in particular, often feel that they’re “too old” for braces, or that they don’t want to display how long it took them to take care of their orthodontic needs for the world to see. Invisalign realigns teeth and makes smiles shine bright once more without the inconvenience of everyone seeing a face full of metal every time they look at you. If you’re avoiding letting your smile shine because you’re ashamed of the appearance of your teeth, it’s time to make a change! If you’re in Larkspur, California, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today for an appointment. These talented orthodontist staff will give you back the smile that you’ve always dreamed of and help you use it to make a difference in the world again.

Good things happen when you smile. 7

Good things happen when you smile.

smile

Feeling good about your smile is a great incentive for smiling more often. Smiling is a simple facial expression that brightens your face at least a few times a day. You may even smile without thinking about it when you have a happy thought or pass a heart-warming scene.

Crooked or badly spaced teeth may make you feel self-conscious. Instead of hiding your smile behind tightly closed lips or a shielding hand, consider orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontist offers braces and Invisalign, both great options that can straighten your teeth beautifully and give you a smile that you are proud to share.

The Power of a Smile

When you smile, your brain lights up with activity. Your body is flooded with a number of hormones and chemicals, including:

  • Neuropeptides, which allow neurons to communicate more effectively
  • Endorphins, which are natural pain relievers
  • Serotonin and dopamine, which are feel-good chemicals that combat bad moods

Within moments of smiling, your heart rate and blood pressure can slow, and your whole body will feel more relaxed.

People also see you differently when you smile, but attractiveness is just one part of the picture. One study found that looking at smiling faces activates the reward center in your brain. Smiling people are perceived as more reliable, sincere and approachable.

The Benefits of a Healthy Smile

Fixing your smile can give you even more reasons to smile. Braces are often used to manage complex bite and alignment problems. Invisalign can be used for most minor to moderate issues, and they use clear aligners for more discreet treatment. Along with all the benefits of smiling, orthodontic treatment can allow you to enjoy other benefits as well, including:

  • Less stress on the TMJ
  • Evenly distributed bite forces
  • Less risk of decay
  • Easier to clean teeth
  • Less risk of gum disease

Contact us today to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options or to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics.

Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time” 8

Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”

teeth

Ask any American orthodontist, and they will speculate that most people begin brushing their teeth in the same spot every time. If this brushing technique sounds familiar to you, then you could be doing your teeth a disservice. Starting in the same place each time prevents your teeth from getting the full range of attention that they need.

Why You Should Switch Up Your Brushing Routine

When you always start brushing in the same spot, you always end in the same spot. It is normal for people to get bored with brushing before they have finished cleaning every surface. Boredom usually leads to lazily brushing those last few teeth. This means that your typical end point always receives the same amount of attention — less than what the rest of your mouth gets.

Beginning to brush in a different place corrects this problem, even if you do get careless by the end of a brushing session. Over time, the superior focus that you begin with offsets any attempts on other areas of your mouth. Although rotating your starting point is beneficial, you should also try to remain aware of where you’ve brushed and where you want to brush next. Brushing this way ensures a better clean, which is especially important if you have braces or wear invisalign.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly” 9

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly”

tooth brushing mistake

Correct brushing technique is very important in keeping a healthy, clean smile. It also keeps dental disease away, ensuring that cavity-causing bacteria are removed from your teeth at least twice per day. It’s important to brush using the correct method, timing, frequency. because not brushing correctly can cause many problems. These problems include dental disease ranging from gingivitis to cavities, and even tooth loss.

The Right Amount of Brushing

Proper brushing involves brushing your teeth for two minutes per session. Many children and adults do not achieve this duration, which can explain the high prevalence of gingivitis, and tooth decay. If your child is not brushing properly, their teeth may become damaged, misaligned, and even need extraction. To correct this, braces are often needed. This will keep your child’s teeth in proper alignment which will give them a great looking smile, confidence, and guard against biting and chewing problems.

Having dental equipment can make proper brushing even more important. You must pay attention to brush around all surface areas, including the spaces between your teeth. Remove any bands prior to brushing, and check a mirror to make sure there’s no food residue left in the brace-wires. Flossing will help remove and excess residue.

For those who don’t like the appearance of braces, Invisalign is a great option. Your orthodontist will make a recommendation about which is best for you, Invisalign or traditional braces. With Invisalign, you must remove the product before brushing and replace it when your teeth have been properly cleaned.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly”