Why Do I Need an Orthodontist?

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If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful smile, then you have your orthodontist to thank. Orthodontic treatment is a complicated process. It involves changing the facial, jawbones, and soft tissue as the teeth have to be moved into their new positions. Orthodontists go through several orthodontic programs and courses in a period of two to three years so that they can help they can create beautiful smiles for their patients. It is important that patients see their orthodontists regularly because the very foundations of their mouths are at stake.

About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment does not show instant results. The process starts with the examination of your teeth and mouth, and the study of dental records, like X-rays and photos of your teeth.

From the information gathered in these examinations, the orthodontist develops a custom treatment plan. The details of the plan will be shared with you, details will include how long it will last and steps to be taken as a patient, such as scheduling appointments with the orthodontist regularly to ensure the effectiveness of the process.

A Few Orthodontic Treatment Tips

Our friend, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in Sacramento, CA, emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular appointments. If regular visits are made, then the orthodontist will be able to identify and deal with possible complications that come with the treatment, if there are any. Appointments are usually scheduled every several weeks to access tooth movement and oral health.

By working together with your orthodontist, the treatment can promise life-changing results. Once you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, you will feel more confident showing off your smile.

To make sure you achieve your dental goals, you would need to take care of what you are eating and drinking. It is best to avoid sugary drinks like sodas, sweet tea, and energy drinks. It is also important to take care of the brushing and flossing of your teeth as instructed by your orthodontist. Once you start to see the results, you will realize that all the sacrifices and efforts were worth it.

Our team of orthodontists includes professionals who are one of the best in Sterling Heights, MI. When you decide to choose Dental One Care for your orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that your smile is safe with us.

National Orthodontic Month

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October is National Orthodontic Health Month! Dr. Fardi Farhat has been helping his patients for more than 15 years in Sterling, MI. He reminds his patients to approach Halloween treats with caution because they are harmful to your teeth.

Halloween Candy You Should Avoid

Dr. Fardi encourages patients to stay away from the types of foods that are sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy. Some examples of these are hard-shelled peanut candies, licorice sticks, gummy candies, caramel-filled candies, popcorn, peanuts, and hard candy. Whether you are undergoing dental treatment or not, Dr. Fardi always says no one should chew ice. 

However, it is still possible to enjoy some traditional Halloween candies without causing problems for your teeth. Since it is mostly children who enjoy Halloween candy, parents are asked to remind them of potential cavities. Be sure to check if they brushed and flossed their teeth. Otherwise, there will be consequences. If you have braces, you are allowed to consume soft, nut-free candies, soft candy bars, peppermint patties, or chocolates that dissolve in the mouth. 

Why Your Oral Health Care Routine Is Important

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, emphasizes the fact that dental patients should always brush their teeth after meals, snacks, and especially after consuming Halloween candies. The duration of the treatment for patients who are wearing braces or clear aligners can increase if they consume “off-limit” foods or snacks. Dental One Care observes National Orthodontic Health Month every October. Dentists throughout the country work to increase public awareness of the positive impact that dental care can have on both long-term dental health and self-esteem. Their efforts are intensified in this month because of its significance.

4 Ways To Close A Tooth Gap

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4 Ways To Close A Tooth Gap

Diastema, or a gap between two teeth, is a fairly common cosmetic dental issue. It can be caused by various factors such as a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, missing or undersized teeth, and certain habits such as thumb sucking. Should I leave my tooth gap alone or are there ways to close a tooth gap?

Although having gapped teeth is not a huge concern for many today, there are still a number of people who are not confident in their smiles and want to know how to close a tooth gap. The good news is that there are different solutions dentists offer which can fix this dental flaw.

If you want to get rid of your diastema, here are 4 ways to close a tooth gap:

Braces

This is the most popular way of closing a gap between teeth. Braces move teeth by forcing them into the desired positions and closing the gap with the help of controlled movement. Eventually, the braces will stabilize the teeth to prevent relapse or unwanted drifting.

Aside from metal, you can also opt for ceramic braces which look better and are less of an inconvenience.

Although this is the most effective treatment, you have to be prepared to wear braces for quite a long time. Depending on the size of the gap and other orthodontic problems you may have, you might need to wear them for at least a year or two. You will also have to wear retainers once the braces have been removed.

Invisible aligners

Orthopedic treatments are the most recommended solutions for serious diastema. But if you don’t want to wear conventional braces, you can opt for Invisalign.

Invisalign are invisible aligners that are designed to move the teeth just like braces. However, they are “invisible” and are thus not easily seen like metal braces. They are also removable which means you can take them off when eating, speaking in public, or brushing and flossing. They are more comfortable to wear, too.

To allow the invisible aligners to do their magic, you have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day for at least 10 months or as recommended by your Sterling Heights dentist.

Dental Veneers

If you want a quick fix for your gapped teeth, you can choose veneers. Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin. They are custom-made based on the color, size, and shape of a patient’s natural teeth.

When ready, the veneers will be placed on the teeth with gaps and the diastema will be covered. With veneers, you will have more attractive gap-free pearly whites that function and look like natural teeth.

Bonding

In case you want something quicker since veneers can take several days to be made, you can opt for dental bonding.

Dental bonding is where tooth-colored composite resin is placed to the surface of the tooth, molded into the desired shape, and then hardened. It is highly effective in fixing small gaps. It is also an affordable solution and treatment can be done within one hour.  

When choosing the best treatment for your diastema, consider your Sterling Heights dentist’s recommendation. It is the only way you can be certain you will safely and effectively close unsightly and annoying gaps between your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

7 Reasons Why Adults Should Get Braces

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Bad bites, crowded teeth, gaps. You can correct whatever dental problems you might have, no matter your age. A Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, has fitted braces for patients who are well into their 60s, and his dental practice has helped countless adult patients straighten their teeth and boost their confidence. Dr. Farhat shares seven reasons why adults should get braces.

Age is merely a number when it comes to corrective treatment that allows you to improve your smile and oral health. If you still need some convincing, here are 7 reasons why adults should get braces:

1. Even people with a strict personal oral care routine can experience teeth movement.

Just because you’re an official adult, it doesn’t mean that you’re exempted from having dental issues, and shifting teeth is one example.

If you had braces as a child or teen, it’s no guarantee that you won’t be needing them again. Perhaps you neglected to wear a retainer for the prescribed period of time, which could cause teeth to move back out of place. It’s also possible that the structure of your mouth can change naturally over time and the teeth will need help getting back to where they should be.

2. It’s great to make it a goal to reach your golden years with your own teeth.

You might be thinking that losing your real teeth is inevitable and you should just resign yourself to the fact, but there’s no reason to subscribe to this way of thinking.

It’s perfectly possible for people in their advanced years to hold on to most of their original teeth with proper care and the right dental devices. Imagine how good that would feel — living to the age of 70 or 80 with your own teeth! And it’s all thanks to getting braces to keep your teeth in the proper alignment (among other things).

3. Dental problems may emerge in adulthood, but can still be prevented.

Allowing your teeth to become and stay misaligned in your adulthood can cause other dental issues to crop up. For example, the movement of the teeth could open up spaces where food debris and plaque can build up. From there, a host of other problems can emerge, like tooth decay, worn-out enamel, gum disease and bone loss.

So get braces from your Sterling Heights dentist them and discover how they can keep other potentially serious problems at bay.

4. There are better orthodontic solutions available today.

The traditional braces that you saw everywhere or used yourself when you were younger are still available today and are still effective. However, there are other solutions that you could consider too, such as the clear plastic aligners of Invisalign which are much less visible. These can make restoring the proper alignment of your teeth a much more comfortable and convenient experience.

5. Adults are in a better financial position to get dental treatments and devices.

Dental treatments and devices naturally cost money, but being an adult who is now earning, you don’t need to rely on your parents’ capacity to pay for braces to get them.

What’s more, you can take advantage of various dental and medical insurance plans that can make the cost of getting orthodontic treatment easier on your pocket.

6. Oral health issues in adults can pave the way for other health risks, so it’s best to keep problems in check.

As you grow older, a dental health concern may not necessarily be just that. A dental problem such as having crooked teeth, for example, can prevent you from properly chewing and breaking down your food, which in turn can cause problems for your digestion. Likewise, an uneven bite could be causing frequent headaches or earaches.

You want to prevent as many health issues as you can as you age, and taking better care of your teeth and gums can help you have fewer concerns to worry about.

7. It’s good to care about your smile.

Finally, you may think that it doesn’t matter whether you have gorgeous teeth or not, but once you discover how beautiful your smile has become thanks to orthodontic treatment, you will discover that it can transform more aspects of your life.

With healthier, well-aligned teeth, you are inspired to smile more, approach other people with confidence, and socialize to your heart’s content without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. And that can improve the quality of your life in more ways than one.

Top 6 Tips: Making Flossing With Braces Easier

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Once dental braces have straightened the teeth, it can be a lot easier to reach plaque between your teeth. However, there are still places where food particles and plaque can accumulate and become trapped while wearing braces. Therefore, flossing with braces becomes a bit harder.

Be prepared to spend more time on your oral care if you have braces on your teeth. Don’t worry, though, because it is worth the time. Pay attention to proper oral hygiene while your teeth are realigned to prevent gum disease. This will also help your teeth look prettier once it’s time to remove those braces.

6 Flossing Tips When Wearing Braces

1. Use a threader

Flossing teeth with braces is frustrating and difficult. Sliding the floss in between the teeth above the wire is like threading a needle. A floss threader can make the process a lot easier. This is a flexible plastic tool that works by pushing dental floss between your teeth to reach the gum line.

2. Use waxed floss

When flossing with braces, use waxed floss with a floss threader since this is capable of slipping between each tooth without catching on braces. You just have to slide the floss up into the gum line gently before removing the floss and threader.

3. Use an interproximal brush

An interproximal brush is ideal for removing food particles that have been accumulated behind arch wires. All you have to do is to run the small bundle of bristles between your teeth and the arch wires. If you are away from home, always bring a travel-size interproximal brush and use this after eating lunch.

4. Give it a swish

Another excellent tip for keeping your mouth clean when wearing your braces is to start and finish your oral hygiene routine with a mouthwash. Apart from minty fresh breath, a mouthwash will also help loosen and flush away any food particles stuck on your teeth.

5. Add water

A water flosser will take the place of dental floss. Also, it can keep your gums clean and healthy between brushing and flossing times. It forces small streams of water between your teeth to remove debris.

6. Practice. Practice. Practice

Flossing on teeth with braces will be difficult at first. But the more practice you get, the quicker and easier you will be able to pull off flossing over the course of your dental treatment. Devote several minutes to the practice each day to make your teeth look better and to cut down on plaque buildup.

Good oral hygiene is crucial, most especially when you’re wearing braces. The wires and brackets will create more places for plaque and tartar to buildup. Therefore, flossing should be done on a daily basis. Consult a dentist in Sterling Heights, MIfor more dental care tips.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

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Do You Need Braces? Payment Plan Options To Suit Your Budget

The reasons for getting orthodontic treatment like braces can vary from patient to patient. Upon reaching the age of seven, children are recommended to go for their first orthodontic consultation. Although this age might seem very early to consider braces, this will give the orthodontist an opportunity to correct situations that might lead to braces later on.

Adults, on the other hand, can seek dental advice any time from their Sterling Heights dentist since it’s never too late to correct any dental problem. Parents will also be advised about the different braces payment plan options and future orthodontic treatment planning.

Reasons for Getting Braces

Malocclusion – This refers to the misalignment of teeth between the lower and upper dental arches.

Crowding – This is a condition that causes the teeth to rotate, overlap, and grow into the wrong position in the mouth. In extreme cases, the tooth can be trapped in the bone. Crowding may be caused by a small dental arch or big adult teeth.

Other conditions that can be corrected by orthodontics include teeth grinding, speech impediments, jaw pain, difficulty eating and chewing, tooth decay, gum disease, and sleep apnea.

4 Ways to Pay for Your Braces

Insurance – Check your insurance policy if it covers braces. But when you are still looking for a new plan, consider focusing on the orthodontic coverage offered. Usually, the plans that cover braces will only pay 50% of the total cost. When dental insurance is not an option, you can still save up to 20% on your braces by opting for dental discount programs.

Credit Card – There are some orthodontic offices that offer discounts if you pay the total cost upfront. You can even save more by using a credit card that offers cash back or points for purchases.

Payment Plans – Most orthodontist offices today are already offering financing options. Make sure though to determine the interest rate. There are instances wherein this option helps you to save more money on interest as compared to using your credit card.

University’s Dental Program – If you are currently living near a university offering a dental program, check if they are accepting orthodontic patients. There are some academic institutions that offer orthodontic treatment at discounted rates in exchange for letting the students perform the necessary dental work. The students will be supervised by licensed orthodontists.

Caring for Your Braces

If you wear braces, brushing must be done after every meal. So even after indulging in late-night munchies or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack, you must brush your teeth. To loosen food particles stuck in and around your braces, you must first rinse your mouth with water.

When flossing, make sure to floss in between the braces and under the wires. Use a floss threader when flossing under the wires as this make flossing a lot easier.

Be aware of what you eat because eating too many starchy and sugary foods will lead to plaque buildup. Also, avoid those that can easily get stuck on your braces, such as chewing gum, dried fruits, caramel and corn on the cob.

Taking good care of your braces is very important to prevent any complications while wearing them. Regardless of how much money and time you have invested in your braces, a seasoned dentist in Sterling Heights will assure you that good dental hygiene is still the key to achieving a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Getting Rid Of A Gap In Your Front Teeth

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How To Get Rid Of Gap In Your Front Teeth Without The Pain

Although having gaps in your front teeth doesn’t cause you any discomfort, it can still be a pain to smile all the time. After all, it is normal to feel embarrassed about your smile if you have a gap between your front teeth; it is a dental flaw that can be easily seen by others.

Braces are the most well-known and recommended dental solution for fixing teeth gaps. However, in recent years, other treatments have come up and they have been proven effective in fixing this dental issue. Best of all, some of them are pain-free or come with minimal discomfort, at the very least.

If you want to know how to get rid of a gap in your front teeth painlessly, here are some of the recommended dental treatments:

Dental bonding.

Also known as tooth bonding, under this dental procedure, the front teeth which will be bonded will be roughened slightly, and then composite will be placed, shaped, and colored by the cosmetic dentist. This procedure can be typically completed within an hour or so and offers minimal discomfort to the patient since there is no need to shape or grind any natural teeth. When done and shaped properly, it will look natural and help maintain and improve your oral health.

Porcelain veneers.

When the gap is significant but cosmetic in nature (such as front teeth gaps), porcelain veneers are an ideal solution. These are thin tooth-colored shells made of porcelain that are applied to the front portions of a tooth. Once in place, the veneer will be able to build out a little tooth structure and effectively mask the aesthetic imperfection from view.

Retainers.

Retainers are often worn by patients after their braces have been removed. However, a dentist in Sterling Heights shares that there is a relatively new type of retainer which is clear or invisible, called Invisalign. Clear aligner-type trays are customized and made of thin, transparent plastic that fit over your teeth to slowly move or align them into their correct position. They are removable, which means you can take them off when eating. The clear retainer, though, will have to be replaced often as teeth are being corrected and, as such, can be a costly option.

Teeth gap bands.

If you need to have two small gaps fixed in front of your teeth, teeth band gaps can be a good option. You simply slip the teeth band gap around the tooth gap and wear it while you sleep. When you do this without fail, you will start to notice the gap close after several nights.  However, you will still have to keep wearing the bands as needed in order to keep the gap closed. The bands will work best if the gap in your teeth is not wider than 3.5 mm and the rest of your teeth are relatively straight. You also need to consult your dentist first and find out if the treatment will work and is safe for you.

There are several dental treatments you can choose from to get rid of a front teeth gap. Work with your dentist to find out which can be the best one that will fix the issue and, at the same time, suit your lifestyle and preference.

What to Expect After Braces

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A dentist will take an hour or two to properly put on or install your new braces. At that time, you may have felt like you had your mouth open for an eternity and you probably felt uncomfortable the whole time.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning. After all, wearing metal braces isn’t one of the most pleasing experiences you will have in your lifetime. But if you want to have a straighter and healthier set of teeth as well as a more beautiful smile, you will have to grin and bear it.

If you will be having your braces fitted soon, a Sterling Heights dentist shares an overview below of what to expect after braces:

  • Once your braces are set, your teeth will begin to move. Because of this, your bite will start feeling different. You might also get bite bumps due to the little braces or bonding buttons on the inside or on the biting surfaces of some teeth where your lower braces are. They help prevent you from biting hard against your braces and it may take you three to five days to adjust to them.
  • Since the braces apply a gentle, even pressure on the teeth, you will feel some discomfort and a dull aching sensation. After getting your braces, it is best to eat soft foods at first and take over-the-counter painkillers if you feel some pain. Mashed potatoes, Jell-O, soup, oatmeal, and smoothies should comprise your main diet for the first several days.
  • Your new braces can rub sore spots on the inside of the mouth. However, the skin will toughen up after a little while, but until then, you can ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontic wax that you can apply which will keep the rough brackets from poking your skin.
  • Once you stop feeling some discomfort, you can resume eating most of the foods you normally enjoy. However, with your braces on, you may want to change your eating habits. This is because the shape of your braces will prevent you from biting down firmly on hard or crunchy foods. You will also have to start tearing or cutting your food into smaller pieces so they will fit more easily into your mouth. In addition, you’ll have to start avoiding sticky, gooey foods such as gum, caramel and taffy because it will be very hard to remove them from the brackets.
  • Lastly, continue practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice every day, or if possible, after every meal to quickly remove bits of food that get trapped in your mouth and braces. If you don’t get rid of these bits, you might end up with little white spots (called decalcification) where the brackets used to be once they are removed. Floss properly using the right type of floss and technique daily as well.

It may take you a week or two to get used to the feeling of having braces in your mouth. However, after that, it should not feel too uncomfortable or unpleasant all the time. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist if you still feel some pain or discomfort days after your braces have been fitted.  Contact us today!

Should I Get Invisalign? Factors You Should Consider First

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Gapped and crooked teeth are one of the common dental issues that many people of different ages struggle with. Because of these dental flaws, affected individuals don’t feel confident about their smile and their self-esteem can take a nosedive.

The two most recommended dental solution to resolve these issues are braces and Invisalign. Traditional metal braces have helped thousands correct and improve the look of their smile; however, there are several negative issues associated with this dental solution such as pain, discomfort and a drastic change in diet. Invisalign, on the other hand, can offer the same amazing results as metal braces but without the different discomfort or aesthetic challenges.

Opting for Invisalign

A leading Sterling Heights dentist explains that Invisalign, also known as invisible braces, is a series of transparent, removable trays that are custom-made to fit over your upper and lower teeth. They work by slowly shifting or aligning your teeth into proper position.

Compared to braces, Invisalign are comfortable and convenient to wear. You can take them off before eating; hence, your diet won’t be limited. Maintaining them and sustaining good oral hygiene is also easy since they are removable. Lastly, since they are practically invisible, you don’t have to feel uncomfortable talking or opening your mouth while wearing them.

Is It the Ideal Aesthetic Dental Solution for You?

If you’re asking yourself, “should I get Invisalign,” you can answer this question correctly by considering these following important factors:

Your particular dental issue or requirement.

Invisalign is effective in fixing bite problems such as an overbite, underbite and crossbite that isn’t too severe. It can also fix spaces between teeth, crowded teeth and misaligned teeth. However, for large or severe dental issues such as large overbites, more advanced orthodontic procedures are necessary to shift the jaw and hence, Invisalign won’t be recommended.

Your age.

Invisible aligners are ideal for adults and teenagers. Since the aligners are transparent and removable, you won’t have to worry about something so chunky attached to their teeth or having something they ate stuck to the braces or brackets. This dental solution though is not recommended for kids and those in their early teens since they may have some teeth that are growing.

Your dedication to fixing your smile.

Lastly, wearing Invisalign is quite easy, simple, and straightforward. However, you have to remove them when eating and drinking (except for water) and make sure they are on your teeth for no less than 22 hours per day. For your smile to be corrected, you have to be committed to following the treatment guidelines given to you and with wearing the Invisalign trays as directed by your dentist.

If you’re still not sure if Invisalign is right for you, you can always consult your dentist to find out if this is the best treatment modality to help you have a better, healthier smile.

A Sterling Heights Dentist Shares Tips for Braces Care

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Tips for Braces Care

One of the disadvantages of wearing conventional braces is the difficulty involved in caring and maintaining these. This is one of the reasons why many patients opt for alternatives like clear aligners. However, not all cases can be treated using clear aligners.

If you do not have any other option apart from using conventional metal braces, you have to learn how to properly care for your braces. Proper care is important if you have not been taking good care of your teeth and gums prior to having braces installed.

Why?

With or without braces, good oral hygiene is essential to helping your teeth and gums stay good-looking. Good oral hygiene is also important in preventing dental problems like gum disease and cavities.

When you are wearing braces, good oral hygiene becomes even more important because you become more vulnerable to dental problems compared to people who do not wear them.

And when you do not properly care for your teeth and leave these dental problems untreated, you may face a few problems. For one, you may have to wear your braces longer than you really ought to. In some cases, when a patient has a severe case of gum disease, the dentist may have to remove the braces and wait until the gums fully heal before installing the braces again.

Indeed, cleaning braces can be a tough challenge to face, especially at the start. In order to overcome these challenges, a Sterling Heights dentist has listed some tips for braces care.

Brushing and flossing

For brushing your teeth, you can get better results from using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste with fluoride. Ideally, you should brush after each meal in order to remove food particles that have become stuck on the dental brackets. When these food particles are left on your teeth and braces, these can lead to the formation of plaque.

You should also floss after each meal in order to remove food particles stuck between your teeth and braces. However, be careful in flossing in order to prevent damage to the brackets.

Know which foods to avoid

After the installation of your braces, your dentist will provide you with a list of some types of food that you should avoid eating. These include sticky, chewy and hard foods which can get lodged in the braces or cause these to snap.

But apart from avoiding certain foods, you should also be mindful of the things that you put in your mouth. For example, if you bite on your nails or pens, you can unintentionally damage your braces.

Wear a mouth guard

If you play sports, you need to get and wear a mouth guard to protect both your teeth and braces. The best mouth guards are those custom-made by a dentist.

Troubleshooting

But no matter how well you take care of your braces, the brackets or wires may still snap or become loose. In these instances, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as you possibly can. In the meantime, you should make sure that broken wires or knocked-off brackets are stored safely. If the end of the wire is sticking out, you can use an orthodontic wax to cover that end.

Contact Dental1Care, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, to learn more tips for braces care.

 

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