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At What Age Do [Baby Teeth] Normally Fall Out? 1

At What Age Do [Baby Teeth] Normally Fall Out?

baby teethAt what Age do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

Also known as deciduous or primary teeth, these are the first set of teeth in the human development and that of other diphyodont mammals. In most cases, they develop in the embryonic stage but become visible during infancy. Each baby tooth normally appears at a specific time. For example, the first upper central incisor erupts between 8 and 12 months while the lower first molar erupts when an infant is between 14 and 18 months.

Baby teeth are functional for years, and a child can be able to chew just about anything. They, however, start to fall out when the permanent teeth are ready to sprout. Just like each baby tooth appears at its own time, the falling out is also systematic and gradual. The last one usually falls out when a child is between ten and twelve years. The timeline for sprouting and shedding can, however, be different for some kids.

When do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

The average age when a baby tooth starts becoming loose is five or six years. Some children begin shedding theirs as early as four years while others start late at seven years. It is quite normal, so no parent should be alarmed. If you need further affirmation of this, you can visit the nearest orthodontist. They can clarify the matter and make you feel at ease with your child’s teeth shedding situation. You can tell your child’s tooth is loose when you notice them touching it quite a lot. A kid is more likely to tell their parent as soon as they realize they have a wiggly tooth.

The first tooth to fall out, which is normally the first one to also appear, is the lower central incisor. This happens when a child is around six or seven years. It is closely followed by the upper central incisor. These two incisors can start getting loose at the same time. Your child will be tempted to touch them all the time, so it is essential to encourage them to wash their hands before doing so. Touching teeth with dirty hands can promote the spread of bacteria in the mouth and even cause infections.

The lateral incisors; both upper and lower, are usually the next teeth to fall out. These too can loosen at the same time, or one will do so slightly earlier than the other one. It usually happens between seven and eight yrs. Observe your child and know the right time to take them to a specialist like an orthodontist for removal.

The next fall out are the first molars. These might make it hard for your child to eat, so put them on foods that are easy to chew. Also, discourage them from trying to yank them out themselves as a broken tooth might result in more problems. If it, however, happens, make sure you take them to a specialist.

Second molars are usually the last ones to fall out just like they are the last ones to erupt. They too can make it painful for your child to eat, so make sure whatever they consume is soft enough. Observe the degree of looseness and when you are sure they are ready to be pulled out, take them to an orthodontist. If you do not know when the right time is, you can still take them to the specialist as soon as they become wiggly to get an estimated time of when the orthodontist can remove them.

Preparation for Baby Teeth Falling Out

  • Avoid giving your child drinks that are too cold or too hot. Their loose teeth are sensitive at this particular point, so drinks that are at extreme temperatures may cause irritation or pain.
  • Remind your child not to yank out any loose teeth. Explain to them that doing so will result in the broken root being more vulnerable to infection, thus causing pain. Once they understand, they will be more careful when touching the wiggly tooth.
  • Start giving your child soft foods as soon as you realize they have a wobbly tooth. They may find it hard to chew hard food, and if they try too hard, the wiggly tooth may be yanked out.
  • If your child gets to about eight years without any teeth falling out, take them to an orthodontist just to ensure all is well. X-rays will be used to assess such as situation.
  • If a loose tooth fails to come out, take your child to a specialist who will pull it out using specific tools.

How to Pull Out a Tooth

If you are going to pull out your kid’s baby tooth without the help of a specialist, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands with soap and rinse them well
  • Wiggle the loose tooth back and forth to make sure it is ready to come out
  • If it is ready, twist it slightly, and it will come out
  • Examine the gums to ensure no tooth remains are stuck in the area
  • If you notice any redness the following day or your child complains of pain, book an appointment with your orthodontist immediately

Conclusion

Do not ignore a loose tooth and also encourage your child to always speak up whenever they realize one is wobbly. If you notice your kid is scared about their teeth being pulled out, you will have to regularly check them until all of them are pulled out at the right time. Failure to remove wiggly baby teeth will result in the permanent teeth being crooked, a problem that your child may have to deal with even when they are adults.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006

 

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How Is [Invisalign] Different from Traditional Braces?

invisalign

How Is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Invisalign is a dental correction method that realigns teeth without the need for metal fixtures, brackets, or braces. The Invisalign system employs custom designed, transparent, and removable alignment fixtures. Traditional braces can be endearing, especially on children and teens. Most adults, however, don’t like the aesthetic of clunky metal fixtures attached to their mouths. Invisalign conversely is barely detectable and complements the smile while improving it. Invisalign offers additional benefits, which make this correction procedure a great option according to orthodontists.

Better Looking Teeth and Faster Results

Invisalign replaces metal braces, retainers, and headgear, while also achieving results in a hurry. Invisalign can straighten teeth effectively up to 50% more quickly than braces. The Invisalign system works in succeeding rotations, meaning that each alignment fixture replaces the previous one on a week-to-week basis. Braces conversely require uncomfortable tightening and adjustment procedures. This means more trips to the orthodontist, more deductibles paid, and more time-spent fixing what Invisalign can accomplish through its built-in adjustment rotations. Using three-dimensional imaging technology, Invisalign fixtures are tailored specifically to your teeth, jaw alignment, and mouth size, so that corrective adjustments aren’t necessary. Invisalign is designed to fit perfectly and keeping fitting perfectly throughout the adjustment procedure.

With each successive week, the aligners adjust the teeth both horizontally and vertically. Invisalign can even rotate teeth if needed. This applies the correct pressure to the areas that require modification. As time progresses, the teeth shift into perfect place without the need for additional tinkering. Invisalign uses thin but layered materials, which are firm and strong, but not clunky or heavy, like metal braces.

Invisalign Continues to Evolve Orthodontics

Braces are braces. Orthodontists have become better over time, and the effects of the metal fixtures have therefore improved, but the design, function, and materials used in braces have generally remained the same over the years. Invisalign however, continuously improves on its design and application through ongoing developments in technology and available materials, which include the following:

  • SmartTrack. SmartTrack material helps increase the dexterity of movement between teeth with constant pressure, improved elasticity, and increased precision. This material also offers improved comfort.
  • Invisalign Outcome Simulator. This application creates visual models, which are displayed chairside so that orthodontists can walk through the custom features of Invisalign procedures with patients. Thanks to this application, which relies on scanning technology, patients can see the end-results first hand instead of just imagining them.
  • ClinCheck Software. This software is designed to aid in communication and reduce the need for procedural corrections and tweaks in the planning process. With this software in place, orthodontists can more easily design Invisalign fittings with the aid of three-dimensional animation and online tools.

Fully Customizable Orthodontic Solutions

Your Invisalign plan can be mapped out while consulting with an orthodontist that will carefully review your dental scenario and examine your needs. Your teeth will then be digitally scanned or replicated using physical impression systems. A plan will then be established for treatment, which predicts and plots your timeline to a new smile. After the aligners are produced, the correction treatment generally requires a full-day application to achieve optimal results. Invisalign can be removed for brief periods, however, such as while eating or brushing teeth.


Beyond that point, you will meet with your orthodontist bi-monthly to check in and make sure everything is going smoothly. Treatment plans range between 9-15 months to complete, and most processes involve upwards of 18 different alignment fittings. Invisalign procedures are generally less painful than braces, more visually appealing, and less time-consuming. After experiencing the advantages that Invisalign provides, your family will likely never want metal braces again.

The Right Orthodontist Makes a Difference

Invisalign is an excellent treatment option, and managing the procedures correctly and professionally can positively impact your experience with the Invisalign fixtures and accompanying technology and features. However, orthodontists, like teeth, are not all alike. A qualified, patient and friendly orthodontist’s office will not only apply the procedure using best practices but also keep you and your family members informed and comfortable throughout the process.

Invisalign is highly advanced, and the breadth of detail may be overwhelming for some. Your orthodontist should carefully and clearly explain the process to you in ways that you can understand. Dental jargon may sound good during the consultation, but once chairside, kids and parents want to fully understand what’s going on, and how to manage what comes next. Maintaining your teeth through the proper use of Invisalign throughout the procedure is just as important as deciding to fix them in the first place. Your orthodontist should keep your best interests in mind, and ensure that the procedure doesn’t call for additional modifications once your timeframe has been completed.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

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

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

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

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What Is [Invisalign] and How Does It Work?

invisalign

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Crooked teeth might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but if they go untreated, they can turn into a big problem in the future. For better or for worse, people judge others by their appearance, and crooked teeth can make it harder to land a job or get a date. Many people also feel self-conscious about their crooked smile and avoid laughing or talking for fear that others will judge them.

If you’re concerned about your child’s crooked teeth (or even your own), there are plenty of options available for straightening them. One popular option is Invisalign. Not sure what Invisalign is or how it works? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a tool for straightening teeth. In that regard, it’s similar to braces. However, there are a number of differences between Invisalign and braces.

Invisalign uses custom-made trays to straighten teeth a little at a time. These trays are made of clear plastic and are almost invisible. Chances are good that no one will even notice you’re wearing them. Many people opt for Invisalign over metal braces because they don’t want to have a “metal mouth” for months.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign straightens your teeth a little bit at a time. When you start your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will fit you for a custom set of aligner trays. Since these trays are made specifically for your mouth, they’ll fit perfectly over your teeth.

You’ll have to switch aligner trays every so often as treatment progresses. Usually, you’ll wear each tray for one to two weeks at a time; your orthodontist will give you precise directions for when you should switch to the next one. Each tray is designed to straighten out just one or two teeth. There’s no universal order that determines which of your teeth will get straightened first – your orthodontist will evaluate you and then decide which order will work best for you. Invisalign requires a highly personalized approach.

For Invisalign to be effective, you’ll have to wear each tray for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day. In other words, you’ll quickly become used to wearing them. However, Invisalign does give you a little more flexibility than braces do. Braces aren’t removable, but you can take your Invisalign tray out of your mouth to eat and brush your teeth. This prevents food or harmful sugars from getting stuck in the tray and damaging your teeth.

On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 months. However, the length of treatment will vary depending on each patient’s needs. Some people finish Invisalign treatment in as little as six months, while others need 18 months to straighten out their smile.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

There are a lot of upsides to Invisalign. Here are some of the reasons many people prefer Invisalign to other treatments like braces.

Invisalign is nearly invisible. For many people, the biggest draw of Invisalign is that it’s hard to see. This is a major benefit for patients who are shy or self-conscious about their appearance. Unlike braces, Invisalign won’t draw attention to your smile while it’s straightening your teeth. In fact, many of the people you interact with won’t even notice you’re wearing it.

Invisalign is gradual. Braces can be painful when they’re first fitted. It’s true that Invisalign can cause some discomfort as well – it is changing the position of your teeth, after all. But Invisalign works on just one part of your mouth at a time, which can make the discomfort easier to deal with. The pain usually goes away a couple of days after switching aligner trays.

Invisalign doesn’t involve any metal or wires in your mouth. Some people with braces experience scratches or sores in their mouth from rough metal edges. Invisalign is made of plastic and is much gentler on your mouth.

Invisalign doesn’t limit what you can eat. People with braces need to be careful what they put in their mouths. Sticky and sugary foods tend to be no-gos until the braces come off. With Invisalign, on the other hand, you’ll take out your aligner tray every time you eat, so there are no limits to the foods you can consume. Just make sure to brush your teeth before you put your aligner tray back in.

Aligner trays are easy to take care of. Cleaning your aligner trays is simple – just brush them gently with water, toothpaste, or a denture cleaner.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is a practical solution for many people, but it isn’t for everyone. Here are some signs that Invisalign might be a good choice for you:

  • The mouth problems you want to fix aren’t severe. Invisalign is great for fixing mild to moderate cosmetic issues, but severe problems may require a different treatment, such as braces.
  • You’re done growing. If you’re thinking about Invisalign treatment for your child, take their age into consideration. An older teenager may be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment, but if your child is under the age of 14 or 15, they may need braces instead.
  • You’re willing to make a commitment. Aligner trays must be worn for at least 20 hours a day for good results. Without dedication and patience, Invisalign won’t work very well.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

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

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

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

Is Alcohol-free, Sugar-free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign? 2

Is Alcohol-free, Sugar-free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign?

breath spray

LAST UPDATED: MAY 23, 2017

Is Alcohol-free, Sugar-free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign?

Bad breath or “halitosis” can occur for a number of reasons, even when using successful oral health products like Invisalign. Many people have been amazed at the advantages associated with using these invisible aligners. The smooth, comfortable, almost unseeable plastic braces can be worn over the teeth, while slowly and mildly shifting them into place. The treatment is carried out by a qualified orthodontist who will diligently inform the patient about the importance of oral hygiene. Still, bad breath is a real possibility and must be dealt with in the most practical way possible.

Unfortunately, despite relentless brushing and adequate dental care, bad breath can persist. Still, the majority of people wearing aligners prefer not to take them out each time they go through their oral hygiene routine. As things go, some conventional methods of refreshing breath are deemed useless; therefore, it is vital to find the right approach to combat the off-putting smell of bad breath.

FAQ

Is Alcohol-Free, Sugar-Free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign?

This is a relevant question due to the association of bad breath and clear aligners. Common sense actions like frequently drinking water will certainly help; however, most people prefer something that feels more refreshing. Short of taking out the aligners each time, a simple solution is an alcohol and sugar free breath spray.

Why Use a Sugar-Free Breath Spray?

It’s common knowledge that sugar plays a huge role in the development of cavities. Although the saliva in the mouth breaks down the sugar and helps with digestion, sugar can still get trapped underneath braces. If saliva can’t reach those areas, problems can develop. Sugar-free breath sprays can halt this devastating process as sugar is not part of the product ingredients. The sugar is usually used to enhance the breath spray’s flavor; even so, it is worth the effort to search for a spray without it. Avoiding sugar in breath sprays is simply taking a necessary precaution to prevent additional issues.

Why Use an Alcohol-Free Breath Spray?

Those who like to indulge in a glass of wine or spirits may find themselves with dreadful breath in the morning. The explanation is simple, alcohol induces bad breath. The effect alcohol has on the mouth is to make it dry and decrease the production of saliva. Saliva is crucial for maintaining or balancing the bacteria in the mouth. Sprays with alcohol in them will have the opposite effect. This is the primary reason why alcohol sprays lead to bad breath. When an individual is wearing aligners, trapped alcohol will become an issue allowing bacteria to build-up until the aligners are abstracted and cleaned.

A Sugar and Alcohol-Free Spray Is the Best Solution

When searching for a breath spray to deal with halitosis, a sugar and alcohol-free brand is the best solution. If there is nothing available at a nearby pharmacy, an online search or asking the practitioner who tailored the aligners should prove quite helpful as well. A handy size spray that can easily be carried around would be ideal.

Luckily, alcohol and sugar-free sprays are common today and should not be too difficult to find. Nonetheless, the sugar-free spray taste will not be as appealing as sprays made with sugar. This could be a problem for a small child who cannot fully comprehend the reason why they can’t have the better tasting spray. Older children or adults will more than likely be able to tolerate the taste of the few squirts it takes to keep bad breath at bay.

Possible Bad Breath Causes

If bad breath persists, there could be underlying causes. The problem could be tonsil stones, a condition where clusters of calcified matter forms in the fleshy cushioned section behind the throat or tonsils. Simply put, fragments of food become stuck in the back of the throat, and as the food substance disintegrates, it causes inexorable bad breath. The aligners themselves could also be a contributor to bad breath. Occasionally, the braces are not cleaned properly causing halitosis to develop.

In some cases, severe bad breath could be hiding a more serious condition. Therefore, it’s important to mention the condition to the right professional. In this case, it would be the orthodontist who fitted the aligners. They will be able to help determine if there is another underlying cause that might be contributing to the condition.

A Few More Words for Thought

A sugar and alcohol-free breath spray is one way to approach a bad breath problem while wearing Invisalign. However, one can never be too cautious. Proper oral hygiene is essential, as bad breath can wreck havoc on an individual’s personal and social life. A great smile can be a great boost to a person’s self-esteem and fresh smelling breath is an added bonus.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006

A Smile is a Powerful Weapon; You can Break Ice with it! 3

A Smile is a Powerful Weapon; You can Break Ice with it!

smiles

A Smile is a Powerful Weapon; You can Break Ice with it!

Have you ever seen one of those magicians that can tell if you are lying or not? They line up a bunch of people on stage and one of them is randomly selected to tell a lie. The magician then goes down the line asking very simple questions and he picks out the liar 100% of the time.

The magician can do this because he is trained in spotting “tells”. Everybody has tells and they can be so powerful that the FBI and border security agents are trained to spot them. But there is one social tell that is incredibly important, especially to a teenager’s confidence. And that tell is a genuine smile.

Everyone Can Tell The Difference Between A Real Smile And A Fake One

A long time ago, a French physician by the name of Guillaume Duchenne studied the smile. He found that a fake smile had a tell — the person did not smile with their eyes. A genuine smile is marked by the outside corners of the eyes raising along with the outside corners of the lips. And genuine smiles are only smiled by confident teenagers.

Genuine Smiles Make All The Difference

It’s no secret that a genuine smile is much more attractive than a fake one. In fact, a genuine smile can have an attractive power and even serve to as an icebreaker in making friends. But if a teenager is ashamed of his or her teeth, it’s going to be difficult to let out a real smile. And everyone can intrinsically spot a fake smile from across the room. This can have deleterious effects on a teenager’s social life.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointmentby calling 415-459-8006 today.

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

A smile is a light in the window of your face that lets people know you’re at home.

A smile can brighten the darkest day! 4

A smile can brighten the darkest day!

smile

A smile can brighten the darkest day!

A smile can be just what some people need to see to bring some happiness to their day. When people in helping professions such as medicine and teaching greet their patients and students with smiles, those people instantly feel more at ease. But studies also show that a good smile can lead to more success in life.

Smile Research

A 2012 study found that when more than 1,000 Americans were shown photos of people with straight and crooked teeth, the study participants perceived the people with straighter teeth to be wealthier and more successful. They also said they were more likely to go on a date with them. Almost 75 percent of the participants said that a good smile made them trust a person more than if that person were well-dressed or had a nice car.

Smiling is Contagious

A smile can make both the smile”r” and the people they are smiling at happier. Unfortunately, crooked teeth might make a person feel self-conscious about their smile. They might try to smile without showing their teeth or avoid smiling altogether.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

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

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

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

A smile can brighten the darkest day!