However, in some cases, people who already have dental veneers may need orthodontic
treatment. This could be because their teeth have shifted or they’ve neglected to wear their
retainer. Do you have the option of getting braces or Invisalign if you have dental veneers?

Getting Braces with Dental Veneers

Yes, you can still get braces if you have dental veneers. Most orthodontists will want to avoid
attaching a bracket directly to your veneer, as braces don’t adhere as well to porcelain as they
do to your regular tooth enamel.

However, you can still get braces either by attaching the bracket to the neighboring teeth, or, in
cases where necessary, attaching to your veneer. Your orthodontist can let you know if
traditional braces are an option for you when you come in for your consultation.

If your veneer is in good shape to begin with, braces shouldn’t damage it or require
replacement after your treatment. In the event that the adhesive does affect the finish of your
veneers, your dentist can normally polish this off so your veneers will be good as new.

Considering Invisalign with Dental Veneers

In fact, many orthodontists will prefer and recommend working with Invisalign when it comes
to patients who already have dental veneers. This is because Invisalign works by customizing a
series of clear trays designed to fit your smile, so there are no brackets or adhesive necessary,
and your dental veneers won’t be affected at all.

Many orthodontists consider Invisalign to be the best option for people who need orthodontic work but already have dental veneers. While Invisalign can treat a wide variety of cases, traditional braces may be needed for certain patients. Your orthodontist can let you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign based on your unique smile.

Making the Best Choice for You

Orthodontic work is still possible if you have dental veneers, but it’s important to make the best choice for you when it comes to your treatment options. Depending on what issues you’re having with the alignment of your smile, you can have either braces or Invisalign to get your teeth back to normal.

Scheduling a consultation with your orthodontist is the easiest way to evaluate all your options
by getting x-rays and determining the length of your treatment time based on the option you
choose. Together with your orthodontist, you can make the best treatment choice for you even
with your dental veneers!

While it’s usually best to get orthodontic work done before veneers are considered, for some
people, this isn’t an option. But don’t fret—you can still get the smile of your dreams even if
your teeth have shifted once your veneers are in place. Talk with your orthodontist or get a
referral from your dentist today to discover all your options for a beautiful smile!

The post Can I Have Braces or Invisalign if I Have Dental Veneers? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Frena are an essential part of our smiles and keep our mouths healthy and functional. However, there are certain cases where the frena are hindering to the mouth’s daily activities, such as speaking and eating. What is a frenectomy, and why is it necessary?

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is the removal or shortening of a frenum in the mouth. For some people, their frena may be elongated and cause problems, so a frenectomy will better shape the frenum and alleviate any discomfort or challenges.

A frenectomy could include the removal of one frenum or removal of several frena. Whichever frena are causing problems are the ones that will need attention to help your mouth be comfortable and functional again. Any frena have the potential to cause problems!

When Is a Frenectomy Necessary?

There are a few scenarios in which a frenum or frena would need to be removed. For example, if the lingual frenum (underneath the tongue) is too long, it can cause infants discomfort or difficulty when eating. This is what constitutes the phrase “tongue-tied”—having an elongated lingual frenum that essentially binds your tongue to the bottom of your mouth.

For labial frenum (which connect your lips to your mouth), there may be problems when getting orthodontic treatment as your child gets older. If the labial frena extend too far, they can actually cause a gap between the front teeth. In some cases, the gap goes away once the permanent teeth come in; however, if it doesn’t, a frenectomy may be necessary to fully address spacing issues when your child is receiving orthodontic treatment.

Who Performs the Procedure?

An oral surgeon will usually perform the frenectomy. The procedure is simple—usually lasting only about 15 minutes—and recovery time is relatively short, approximately two weeks. Unless the frena are causing a problem such as hindering your infant from feeding or causing speech problems as your child gets older, typically noninvasive treatments are considered first.

However, a frenectomy may be necessary under certain circumstances. Any dentist, especially a good pediatric dentist, can evaluate your child for problems with any of their frena to determine if they could be affecting your child’s ability to eat, speak, or will create problems with teeth spacing later in life.

If you notice your child is having issues, you may be able to gently check their frena for elongation. However, scheduling an appointment with your child-friendly dentist is important to have a professional evaluation. For some children, frena don’t need to be noticeably elongated to cause problems. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can help your child overcome these challenges and have a pain-free, functional smile for life!

The post Ask the Dentist: What is a Frenectomy? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood? The following are some options to upgrade your smile to look just like your favorite people in Los Angeles!

Professional Teeth Whitening

Even those who are born with naturally straight teeth have had a little help. One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options is a professional teeth whitening, which enhances the beauty of an already straight and problem-free smile.

A professional teeth whitening procedure is available at most dental offices. You’re able to customize your level of whitening; from a subtle improvement to a dramatic dazzle, your dentist can help you choose the right shade for you. A teeth whitening typically only takes an hour and has no lasting side effects, leaving you with a camera-ready smile in just an hour!

Orthodontic Treatment

For the majority of us who weren’t blessed with naturally perfect teeth, there’s orthodontic treatment. Before they were stars, and even some while they were stars, many of Hollywood’s most famous people had some form of orthodontic treatment—including Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, and even Prince Harry.

From traditional braces to Invisalign, Hollywood knows the value of having straight teeth. Besides an aesthetic improvement, getting your smile properly aligned sets you up for a lifetime of oral health. Because crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and a misaligned bite can cause chronic pain, orthodontic treatment is well worth the investment.

Dental Veneers

Many celebrities have benefited from getting dental veneers to improve their smile. Dental veneers consist of a very thin yet strong porcelain shell that’s placed over your natural teeth. Veneers can correct a variety of dental issues, such as:

 Deep staining that won’t respond to a professional whitening
 Teeth that have been worn down from an improper bite or teeth grinding
 Mildly crooked teeth or teeth that are pointed or oddly shaped
 Gaps in the teeth

You can also customize the color and fit of your dental veneers, making them unique to your smile. Dental veneers are considered a permanent solution, so be sure to discuss all your options with your dentist to determine if veneers are the right fit for you. If your smile has more than one of the issues above, dental veneers may be the best choice to correct all these problems with just one treatment!

Are you ready to show your best and brightest smile? Consider these most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood to show the world what you’ve got. Your smile can benefit from a simple whitening, get straight with orthodontics, or see a total upgrade with dental veneers. Why wait? Discover your perfect smile today!

The post Hollywood’s Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what about orthodontic issues? When it comes to crooked teeth, you likely have mom and
dad to blame for that too. You inherited both of your parents’ genes, so you may have gotten
mom’s small jaw with dad’s large teeth! Here’s how genetics could influence your future
orthodontic problems.

What’s Hereditary and What’s Not

The size of your jaw as well as the shape and size of your teeth are probably inherited from
your parents. Even the spacing of your teeth may be hereditary, meaning that if one of your
parents has crowded teeth, you could have crowded teeth too. Of course, you’ll have your own
unique smile, but elements of it will have come from your parents. If one of your parents had to
have braces, you’ll probably need to have them too.

What’s not hereditary is the health of your smile. Although your oral health is certainly
influenced by that of your parents’, it’s not the sole defining factor. Just because your parents
have tooth decay or gum disease doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have it, although your
risk is heightened. You alone are responsible for your oral care, so do the best job possible
when cleaning your teeth!

Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Your Need for Braces

Other than inheriting bad mouth structure or crowded teeth from your parents, there are other
things that aren’t specifically related to genes that could affect your need for braces. These
include mouth breathing as a child, which may affect the development of the jaw. Another is
prolonged thumb sucking, which can affect the position of the teeth as they grow.

These behaviors can cause crowding of teeth, gaps, overbites, and underbites. Of course, your
parents are responsible for helping you curb these behaviors as a child, so it’s at least partially
up to them to help limit your need for braces in the future.

What You Can Do

Of course, you can’t change your genes, and the lifestyle factors that would have contributed to
your need for orthodontia are long since past. The most important thing you can do now is
monitor your smile. You can also schedule an appointment with an orthodontist if you haven’t
already done so to determine your need for braces.

Crowded, crooked teeth can impact your dental hygiene (it’s hard to clean those small spaces!)
so getting orthodontic issues addressed can help you take the best possible care of your smile
and prevent oral disease.

Did you inherit crooked teeth or bite issues from your parents? If so, don’t worry. Inheriting
these kinds of problems is normal, but it’s up to you to get the issue addressed if your parents
didn’t. Your smile is uniquely yours, so let it shine!

The post Are Orthodontic Issues Hereditary? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The main causes of gum disease are usually easy to control and you can minimize your risk for
gum disease simply by taking care of them. What are some of the main causes of gum disease
and how can you minimize your risk?

Plaque Is the Number One Cause

Plaque is that colorless sticky substance that forms on your teeth a few hours after brushing. It
can make teeth feel “fuzzy” and is easily removed through regular brushing. Plaque is the
number one cause of gum disease when it’s not properly removed.

Brushing is the best way to remove plaque; however, many people don’t brush all the possible
surface areas of their teeth. If you neglect to floss, you’re missing nearly 50% of your mouth: all
the spaces in between your teeth are still subject to damage from plaque. Plaque can eat away
at tooth enamel and cause decay. If not removed, it can harden into tartar which can only be
professionally removed by a dentist.

Plaque eventually irritates the gum tissue and can cause your immune system to respond. As a
result, an infection can form which can cause a bad smell, bleeding, and sensitivity in your
mouth. These are all signs of gum disease!

Crowded Teeth or Teeth Grinding

When you aren’t able to clean your teeth properly due to crowding, this increases your risk for
gum disease. Fortunately, crowded teeth can be fixed through orthodontic treatment, which
will make it easier for you to clean your smile and remove all the plaque. In the meantime, visit
your dentist for a professional cleaning to help.

If you grind your teeth, this can cause trauma to your gums. Teeth grinding can cause gums to
become irritated and inflamed. Eventually the amount of pressure put on your teeth can cause
damage to ligaments that help anchor your teeth, which will lead to loose teeth.

Smoking and Poor Nutrition

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have an increased risk of gum disease. Tobacco can cause
dry mouth and smokers have higher incidences of tartar. Patients who smoke also tend to have
gum disease that progresses faster and more severely than those who don’t smoke.

Poor nutrition also influences gum disease. Eating lots of processed foods as well as sugar can
cause bacteria to build up. This can lead to more plaque which will need to be removed through
careful brushing. Eating fresh, crunchy foods can actually help remove plaque and keep your
mouth moist, which cuts down on plaque growth.

Knowing the causes of gum disease can help you to avoid them. Always brush, floss, and visit
your dentist to cut down on plaque and keep your smile healthy. Seek orthodontic treatment if
you need it as well as treatment for teeth grinding. Quitting smoking and eating healthy can
help you avoid gum disease. You can have healthy gums to support your pearly whites for life!

The post What Are Some of the Main Causes of Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are your options for getting that straight smile incognito!

Damon Braces

Damon braces utilize clear brackets, but there’s more to these braces that sets them apart. They’re self-ligating, which means they move with your teeth as they adjust due to memory wire and sliding brackets. They slowly align your teeth while using less force than regular braces.

Damon braces are an attractive option for adults because of their clear brackets, faster treatment time, and less maintenance. Perfect for busy adults! You have the option of using clear wire instead of metal wire to make your treatment even more invisible to others.

Lingual braces

Have you heard of lingual braces? These braces come with twist—they’re on the other side of your teeth. They’re placed on the inner side of your tooth to move your teeth into position without ever being seen from the outside. They work just like traditional braces to move your teeth.

Lingual braces will need to be custom made for your smile and your teeth will need to be big enough to accommodate the brackets. Your orthodontist can evaluate your candidacy for lingual braces based on your unique smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is perhaps the option for invisible braces that most people have heard of. Invisalign will align your teeth but without metal brackets or wires. Instead, your orthodontist will use a set of clear trays that are custom-fitted for your smile. You’ll need to wear these trays over 20 hours a day but can take them out when you eat, an advantage braces can’t offer.

Invisalign is perfect for those who want a straight smile but want their treatment to be totally invisible to others. You can talk with your orthodontist about whether or not Invisalign would work for your smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are just like regular braces except they use clear brackets that allow their appearance to be minimized. Patients usually have the option of using a tooth-colored wire as well, which will help the braces blend in with your teeth even more.

Ceramic braces work as well as traditional braces to straighten teeth, so you don’t have to worry about correcting complex issues that Invisalign might not fix or not being able to qualify for lingual braces. Ask your orthodontist about ceramic braces for your treatment!

When it comes to getting a straight smile, you don’t have to get braces that everyone will see. There are options for skipping the metal braces yet still getting the smile of your dreams. Don’t wait to get straight teeth—schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist to start your journey to a better smile today!

The post What Are Less Visible Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

See the Dentist by Age One

Your baby should see the dentist by their first birthday. Usually by this time, children have at least one tooth in. When your child’s first tooth comes in, this is a good opportunity to start thinking about visiting your local dentist. The dentist can tell you if your child’s mouth is healthy and ready for the other teeth. Your dentist can also advise you on best practices to take care of your child’s mouth. As soon as your child has that first tooth, you can begin gently brushing it. As soon as they have two teeth that touch, you can incorporate flossing!

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation by Age Seven

Yes, your child will probably still have baby teeth in at age seven. However, at this point, the orthodontist is able to see how your child’s teeth are coming in and if orthodontic intervention is needed. Crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, and jaw issues are all usually easily corrected with the right orthodontic treatment.

Your child may not need braces at all, or your orthodontist may advise you that treatment is needed in the near future. Sometimes beginning treatment before all the primary teeth are lost can help set your child’s mouth up for straighter adult teeth as they continue to grow! Although not every child will need orthodontic care, seeking a professional opinion sooner rather than later is ideal.

When to Receive Oral Health Care

After your child receives their initial dental visit, you should continue to visit your dentist at regular intervals as your child’s primary teeth come in. Since tooth decay can be common even among children, it’s important to ensure your child’s oral health is on par. Your dentist can talk with you about setting up a regular schedule during your initial visit.

For your orthodontic care, your orthodontist will advise you on what care—if any—is needed and when. Your child is unique and his or her treatment plan will be specific to them. The sooner you seek treatment, the more effective treatment will be! When preparing for your child’s first visit to the dentist and orthodontist, keep in mind that these professionals are here to help your child’s smile be the best it can be. From keeping tooth decay and gum disease away to ensuring your child’s teeth come in straight, don’t wait to seek care from your local professionals to create a beautiful smile for your little one!

The post When Should Your Child Begin Dental and Orthodontic Treatment? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Hard or sticky candies such as peppermints, caramels, gummy bears, or taffy are not safe for your braces! These destructive sweets not only increase your risk for cavities, but they can also get lodged in your braces and be difficult to remove. They can even cause brackets or rings to come loose! Hard candy can be replaced with soft, delicious ice cream! Ice cream also tends to be high in calcium, which can help strengthen your teeth. Look for ice creams with limited added sugar such as sorbet, fruit pops, or even dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk ice cream.

Crunchy Cereal: Replace with a Smoothie

Those crunchy breakfast cereals are a popular morning staple—but they’re also hard to chew with your tender teeth! You can replace morning cereal with a smoothie which will be gentle on your smile and full of nutrients! You can add vegetables, fruits, and milk or yogurt for a delicious and healthy alternative to that crunchy cereal.

Apples and Firm Fruits: Replace with Soft Fruits

Biting into an apple or another firm fruit can seem impossible with your braces, and should be avoided in order to prevent damage to your orthodontia. However, you have plenty of options when it comes to soft fruits! You can replace with melons, mangoes, bananas, kiwi, and even yogurt or applesauce. Fruit combined with yogurt makes a great snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat and can be soothing on your tender smile!

Raw Crunchy Vegetables: Replace with Soups

Raw veggies such as carrots and celery are great for you—but they can be difficult to crunch into with your braces! Try replacing raw vegetables with cooked ones, such as in a soup! Mashed potatoes also make a great meal addition and are super easy to eat with braces.

Hard Breads, Crackers, or Pretzels: Replace with Soft Breads or Pasta

Crunchy breads, hard pretzels, and crunchy crackers are a favorite among many people. These can be difficult to eat and can damage your braces, so try to stay away from them! You can replace them with softer breads, soft pretzels, and even pasta. Pasta is often easy to eat and can be versatile—macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, lasagna, even cold in pasta salads can be easy and tasty to consume with your braces.

Tough Meats: Replace with Tender Meats, Stews, or Eggs

Chewing on meat isn’t always easy on your teeth when you’re receiving orthodontic treatment. These tough meats are easily caught in your braces and can injure your smile! Instead of tough meats such as steak or even breaded meats like fried chicken, replace with tender meats: soft turkey, beef or ham stew, or baked chicken. You can also take advantage of hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried eggs—these are easy to eat with braces.

When it comes to food, you can make smart choices and replace some of the tougher foods you used to eat with safe alternatives: so pick this, not that with your orthodontic treatment!

The post Eating with Braces: Pick This, Not That appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If Problems Need to Be Treated Before Braces—Phase One

Braces aren’t always used during Phase One. Phase One is typically the time to correct bites, make room for your child’s permanent teeth, and set up a healthy environment for the adult teeth to come in. Phase One treatment is used when your child still has most of his or her baby teeth. Phase One allows your orthodontist to maximize success for your child’s orthodontic treatment! This phase usually happens while your child is still young (around age 8 or 9) and will be followed by a “resting” period in which your child’s adult teeth will be allowed to come in.

Completing Treatment with Phase Two

Phase Two completes the treatment that was started in Phase One of your child’s orthodontic care. This treatment tends to be faster because much of the work will have already been completed in Phase One. Phase Two is usually competed using traditional braces on the top and bottom rows of teeth which help to guide the permanent adult teeth into their respected spaces and finish your child’s gorgeous smile. Treatment will vary for each child, but the average time is around two years to complete Phase Two.

Your Child May Need Two Phase Treatment

Each child is different and not every child will need Two Phase orthodontic treatment. It’s recommended that your child visit an orthodontist by age 7. This will allow your orthodontist to determine if Two Phase treatment is necessary. Two Phase treatment may be right for your child if you notice the following symptoms or signs:

– Complex bite issues, especially crossbite or a deep overbite

– Crowded teeth at an early age

– Protruding teeth

Depending on your child and their special smile, they may or may not need Two Phase orthodontic treatment. Phase One is intended to build a strong and successful foundation for your child’s adult teeth to come in, while Phase Two will provide the finishing touches and guide your child’s adult teeth into their permanent positions.

Two Phase orthodontic treatment won’t be necessary for every patient, however, it does have many advantages for patients for whom it is necessary. Your orthodontist can effectively prevent many problems from occurring, help boost your child’s self esteem, and complete Phase Two in a timely manner all by properly planning your child’s care. Seek a consultation for your child’s orthodontic treatment today!

The post Is Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment Right for My Child? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although every child is different in regards to losing baby teeth and getting their adult teeth in, the American Association of Orthodontists advises that your child be seen by an orthodontist around age 7. Although not every child will need braces this early (and some may not need braces at all), getting your child evaluated around this age allows your orthodontist to spot any big problems before your child’s mouth has time to mature and avoid more extensive treatment later.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

Good news—you’re never too old for braces! Although people typically have braces as children or teens, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment that they didn’t or couldn’t have as a child. As long as your mouth is healthy, orthodontic treatment is an option for you regardless of your age. It’s never too late to seek a consultation!

Should I Consider Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that can be removed and is custom-fit to your smile. You’ll need to talk with your orthodontist about whether or not you’re a candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign could be a good choice for you if you’re an adult who’s worried about your appearance with braces or not being able to eat some of your favorite foods. However, if you have complicated dental issues and want your orthodontic treatment to be as short as possible, traditional braces may be the better option!

Do Braces Hurt?

Like all new things, braces take some time to get used to. Your teeth may feel sore or mildly uncomfortable for a few days after you first get your braces or after your adjustments. Braces have come a long way since their first introduction in the 18 th century, and technology allows your orthodontist to keep your treatment as comfortable as possible. Be patient with your braces and ask your orthodontist what you can do to minimize any discomfort you’re feeling.

How Long Will My Child Need to Have Braces?

Every child is different! Your child may only need braces for a few months, others for a few years. It all depends on the severity of the problems and the earlier you seek treatment, the better!

What Problems Do Braces Correct?

Braces can correct a number of problems, including straightening crooked teeth, correcting bite problems, and fixing jaw issues. All of these could lead to bigger oral health problems later on—crooked teeth lead to tight spaces where bacteria and plaque form, leading to decay; bite problems and jaw problems lead to improper wearing of teeth and could even lead to TMJ.

Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist if you’re considering treatment for yourself or for your child. Your orthodontist can answer any more questions you may have and talk with you about your options for treatment, if needed!

The post Orthodontic Treatment: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.