How Much Toothbrush Are You Using?

When brushing your teeth many people are using way too much...

For years on commercials we all see the toothpaste companies swirling on a large dollop of toothpaste filling the whole toothbrush bristles from end to end.  

We suggest using a pea size amount of paste so that not only you can see where you are brushing but also minty fresh breath.  It is more important to get all of the food and plaque off of all of the teeth and gums.  For patients that are having a hard time removing this we tell our patients to brush for one minute with just wet toothbrush so that you can easily rid the teeth of debris and then use a small pea sized amount to freshen breath and add a shield for the teeth to help keep them clean and healthy throughout the day.

Some toothpaste have a 12 hour "shield" to help protect the teeth from the sugars and acids we put on our teeth when eating and drinking. 

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends  brushing twice a day, with a soft bristled toothbrush.  It should fit in your mouth easily so that you can make sure you can use all the proper angles to get all the debris  off of every tooth and gums.

They also recommend switching your brush 3-4 times a year so that the bristles don't fray or flatten.  

The ADA also states people should see a dentist or dental hygienist at least every 6 months for a regular dental cleaning and exam.

Getting Braces Off! -TIME LAPSE

Sydney gets her braces off!!

How Much Do You Wear Your Rubberbands???

Everyday our patients come in, we ask, "How are your rubberbands doing?"  "Great"our patients respond.

If we ask, so how much are you wearing your elastics? Then we start getting some crazy answers that we aren't always sure how much that actually is.

It is really hard to get a straight answer.  This is how we judge the amount of time our patients are wearing them.

When patients say they are "trying" to wear them, Dr. Waxler response with a phrase from Yoda, "there is no try, there is do and not do"

The best way to figure out how much time they are wearing them is to ask when do they take the elastics out. That's the best way so far.

Century Orthodontics Wildwood

Century Orthodontics Interviews

Staff Photos 2015

Here are the Beginning to our Century Staff Photo shoot we are missing a few staff members but that's ok they had other fun things going on today.  Shannon had her baby April 30th. Vicky is on Vacation so we will just have to take pictures of them when they get back!  I included photos of the 3 new babies that made it into the world this year from our office! 

Angi, Heather, and Shannon all had babies in 2015!

Angi

Heather

Jane

Kimberly

Michelle

Sandy

Tara 

Teri

Xavier

Preston

Zoey



What is an Expander?

What is an Expander?

Expanders are used for certain conditions when the upper jaw or palate is narrow. Expandtion can be done before adulthood, the palate is actually two seprate bones connected down the middle by a non-bony suture.

Fixed Rapid Palatal Expander

Advantages of this technique include more room to align the teeth, a broader more esthetic smile, a more stable final result and sometimes even easier to breathing through your nose!
Relatively heavy forces applied quickly (to minimize orthodontic tooth movement) will cause the two palatal bones to separate.  After a period of time new bone fills in and preserves the increased width of upper jaw.

A typical expansion procedure involoves activation of the appliance once a day for about 3-4 weeks.  This is followed by 3-4 months of stabilization before the appliance is removed.

For most patients it is the size and bulkiness of the expander that make it the most uncomfortable. Soreness of teeth can be expected and, as the appliance expands the mid facial bones, some discomfort under the eyes and around the nose may occur.  A large space can be expected to open between the front, center teeth.  This is because one tooth goes with the right side the other goes with the left side, each is a seprate bone.  This movement stretches the gum tissue between the incisors; and over a period of a few months they will be pulled back together.  Fixed (glued in) appliances are almost always necessary to acheive an ideal alignment.

When expanding:

If you experience a GREAT deal of pain activating the appliance, you are unable to turn the screw, or if the appliance becomes loose we ask our patients to call our office and make an appointment IMMEDIATLEY!

If you are unable to make the observation appointment during the expansion phase DO NOT continue to expand past your appointment date.

The most important part: Might not be fun, but it is FAST!

Do you recycle braces?

Do you recycle braces?

 

Patients sometimes ask this question when they are getting ready to get their braces on.  The answer is NO.  When would NEVER put your braces/appliances on someone else.  Braces and appliances are unique to each patient and would not work on another patient.  The other reason we Never recycle braces and appliances is because it is unsanitary and we wouldn't want someone elses braces and neither would you.

 

We don't, however, throw them away.  We reuse them in the form of a mini sclupture that we give to our patients so they have a souveiner of their orthodontic experience.

Souveiner Appliance

When should I see an Orthodontist?

What age should you first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have an orthodontic check up before the age of 7.

The reason for this examination are to check the position of molars when they first erupt.  At this time the orthodontist can evaluate the position of the molars and the relationship of the biting surfaces.  This allows the doctor to discover any functional shifts or cross-bite as well.

At this time incisors (front teeth) have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, biting issues, habits with tongue or fingers and also any jaw problems.

For some patients this allows the doctor to start early treatment. This early treatment can be beneficial when the patient is growing and significantly reduce later treatment time.

Resources:

www.braces.org

Why does it matter if my bite is off?

Why does it matter if my bite is off?  My teeth are straight isn't that enough?

The way that your teeth fit together and bite down on one in other is very important to keeping your teeth straight and keeping the aesthetics of your teeth.

Many people think that braces only straighten teeth.  Orthodontists not only straighten your teeth but they correct your bite and can help change your profile and facial structure. They help adjust the teeth so that your teeth are in the most perfect position  for chewing, speaking, make it easier to keep your teeth clean and also to allow you to smile your best smile.  

What do they mean my bite?


The orthodontist evaluate the bite by looking at the placement between the upper and lower teeth when you open and close your mouth naturally.  What this allows him to diagnose what treatment will be best for your teeth.

If your bite is corrected it allows all of your teeth to be in the most stable position as possible.  It is important for patients to have their bite corrected as well to help keep the teeth straight.

Teeth are supposed to fit together like a zipper.  As they become straight, they don't always fit together this way.  It takes rubber bands, appliances and cooperation to adjust the bite.  When moving teeth cooperation is the key to keeping your perfect bite the way that it is supposed to be. 

What happens if I'm doing everything right and it still isn't changing?

Bite problems can be some of the most hard to change.  Patients are responsible for most of the changes that happen to the bite.  Some of these problems the patient has control of some of them are unconscious problems like tongue or lip habits.

If these problem bites are taking too long to fix, and the patient is or isn't cooperating, sometimes a patient will settle for what we call a "Hollywood Smile," which is Straight teeth with a not so perfect bite.  Patients who settle for this type of bite we encourage them to wear a retainer nightly for as long as they would like to keep their teeth straight.  These bites just aren't as stable. 

What will I need after I get my Braces?

Care Package

              Patients who are receiving braces or orthodontic appliances for the first time are going through a lot of uneasy feelings. 

They are thinking:  Is this going to HURT tonight?
                               What am I going to LOOK like?
                               Will I TALK funny?
                               What am I going to EAT?
                               Do I have to wear a MOUTHGAURD?

To ease your transition into the whole orthodontic experience,  we tell our patients that it will be a little achey, or tight like a new pair or jeans, but to take Ibuprofen.  We tell them to improve their speech to read a book out loud or sing in the car ride home.  Soft foods are the best for the first few days and Milkshakes and smoothies are GREAT, and mouth guards are a must when it comes to Sports.


Here are  a few things that will help you on your journey to straight teeth:

• Ibuprofen
• Books or Magazines- to read out loud and keep their minds off the appliances in their mouth
• Smoothie King Gift Card
• Jump Rope- To keep their mind off of their teeth hurting
• Sugar-less Gum- For our braces patients that can not take medication to ease the pain
• Favorite soft foods
• Chap stick, Lip gloss or ESO - To prevent dry chapped lips
• Wax- for if you get bumped in the mouth or get a sore from the braces rubbing

These will make your loved one feel so much better and comfort them in their time of need.  Remind them to Smile it makes the whole process go faster!

Invisalign Teen

                                                                   Invisalign Teen
What is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign has a product that helps cater to our teens and young adults.  It is designed just like Invisalign but has some extra features that appeal to teens and their parents.

Teens love that they do not have to have metal braces on their teeth.

Parents love that typically they can be the same price as traditional braces and they have a happy teenager.

Patients love that they can keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Everyone loves that they can smile without metal.

Patients love that they can Eat whatever they want and still straighten their teeth.

Let the Games Begin

Century Orthodontics is starting some Social Media games

for our patients as well as a reason to read.

The first contest is a #hashtaggame to promote our Instagram and Twitter accounts.  This will help get our patients involved in what is going on in our office.  As well as a chance to win some great prizes.  Here is a picture of our #Hashtag Game:

 

The first #hashtag is #licensedtosmile.

Please follow us @centuryortho on your twitter and instagram accounts

 

 

 

 

The next contest is a Book Swap. 

We ask our patients to bring in unwanted books in good condition they will then receive a ticket.

They are then entered in a raffle to win a special summer prize.

(Barnes & Noble gift card & Panera Bread)

 

We give all of our patients the opportunity to take a book to read.

 

 

Our goal is for our patients to read so we say:

 

Please leave a book.

 

Take a book.

 

Read a book.

Candy is Bad for your Bite!

Halloween is one of the best times of the year but the worst time for your teeth and braces.  We ask our patients to refrain from eating sticky or chewy things when braces are on.  We encourage our patients to dress up go out and trick or treat.  We ask them to choose candy that will not break brackets, if they get a choice.  We ask that our patients eat a few pieces in at a time and then brush or rinse their teeth afterwards.  If patients receive candy that they can not eat or don't want to eat we allow our patients to bring in unwanted or hard & sticky candy.  We Swap them 1 coin per every pound that they bring in.  For every pound they get to fill out one raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three prizes.  We just ask our patients to bring candy in between November 4th and 7th.  (If you don't have an appointment please call first).  We will then use the candy to make gift bags for the military troops over seas.  Patients who bring in candy after November 7th may still get coins for turning in candy but won't be entered in the raffle.

Please Eat Responsible!

Camp Rainbow Walk- A -Thon

 Join Century Orthodontics in a Walk A Thon to support Camp Rainbow.

Location: Tilles Park Ladue, Missouri

 Registration: 8:00 am

Walk begins at 9am

 

Walk with us to celebrate Camp Rainbow & September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

 

1 -Mile Walk

2 -Mile Walk 

Saturday 

September 21st, 2013

Tilles Park

9551 Litzsinger Rd

Ladue, Missouri

The Camp Rainbow Foundation provides free camping experiences to children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood related diseases and disorders.  They provide a recreational and nurturing environment where children can create positive memories.

Century Orthodontics' Staff will be walking if you would like to join us or sponsor Camp Rainbow please make checks payable to: Camp Rainbow Foundation

 Mail checks to:

Camp Rainbow Foundation

ATTN: Walk A Thon

13990 Olive Blvd; Suite 203-3

Chesterfield, MO 63017

If you can't join us but would like to make a donation you may drop a check off at any of our offices during business hours.

 

 For More information please visit Camp Rainbow's Website:

www.camprainbow.com

email them at:

walkathon@camprainbow.com

or Call:

314-469-8035

 

Facebook Challenge

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Century Orthodontics Facebook Page 

How Long Does it Take to Straighten Teeth?

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

This question is easiest answered by saying everyone has different problems with their teeth so everyone is different.  The average patient who has a traditional set of braces will take anywhere from 18-24 months to get the best result.  Patients will begin to see changes in there teeth as early as the first week.  Typically the teeth only take a few months to just straighten them into an arch shape, but there are usually other things that need to be corrected.

Which way is the fastest to straighten my teeth?
           Each person is different and each problem is different.  The best way to find out is to have a consultation with your orthodontist.  He can check the way your teeth fit together and give you some different ideas to decide which way you should go with finding the best way to straighten your teeth.

How to get your teenager to brush their teeth.

As many parents know it can be a struggle to get their preteen and teenagers to brush their teeth.  Not only is it bad for their teeth but it is also bad for their health.  Many people don't realize how expensive dental work can be.  They don't realize the importance in going to the dentist bi yearly for a cleaning and a check up.

They just think that can't happen to me.





I'm invincible!










INFORM

They don't realize it only takes a few missed brushings to begin a mouth full of pain and put them on the path to gingivitis, cavities and loss of teeth.  People never think they are going to be the one with holes in their teeth or stains.

SHOW THEM HOW TO BRUSH

People don't realize that once you start to get cavities in your teeth,  the more likely you are to start getting more.  If you stay ahead of decay it will keep the cavities away!  People also don't realize that it doesn't matter how long you brush your teeth if you are doing it the wrong way.
Everyone needs to make sure to brush every part of the tooth and floss between the teeth and gums to remove all of the plaque and food particles.  The way a person angles their tooth brush is an important part of brushing.  It is also important to make sure you are brushing every tooth.  We find that people miss teeth without even realizing it.  They hold the toothbrush in a way were the bristles never hit the teeth.  

If all else fails you can always embaress them in front of their friends if they choose not to follow the rules.

St. Louis Home Opener 2013

All of our Century Orthodontic staff were excited today for our Cardinals!

We all dressed in red or Cardinals gear to show our support.  Pictures will follow later today as we take time from our busy work day to have a little fun and enjoy the Cardinals.  If any of our patients or friends are at the game today please share your photos by tagging us on your smile on facebook or sharing your photo on twitter using #centuryortho or @centuryortho!!  Can't wait to see your pictures!!!

Whats going on at Century

Century Orthodontics has some new things that we are offering and doing different in our office.

We are promoting our Facebook page.  Why? Well we love to stay in touch with our patients.  We like to see whats going on in their lives.  It helps show off the great smiles that the kids and adults are receiving.  As you know smiles are contagious we would love to help more people smile.  The more smiles we can bring to the world means a better place for all of us.  So if you are not a friend of our staff page yet or haven't liked our business page please do so.

We will be offering great prizes this summer. We are trying to get 1000 likes but the end of the summer.  We need your help. Please help us reach this goal by sharing our link with your friends and family.  Starting April first we are launching our 1st Facebook only contest. Our Fans will have to like our page then pick the Staff members T-shirt who they like the best.  The staff member with the most likes will receive a Special Prize to the spa or dinner and the movies.  Everyone who voted for our staff members T-shirt will be entered to win an ipad mini.  ONLY if we get a 1000 likes.  So we are asking everyone and everyone that we ask to ask someone.

What other fun things are we doing?

We are changing the way we do contests in our office too.  We going to have more guessing contests. We will also have two photo challenge contests.  This Summer we are going to ask all of our patients to make their Century Orthodontic T-shirt fun.  They can design it anyway they want to.  We will take a picture and share it with all of our offices and on Facebook. July 28th will be the last day to share them for the August contest. Then In the month of August our patients will pick their Favorite T-shirt, Most Creative and Most Crazy.  The T-shirts with the most votes will get a Special Summer Prize that will be announced in August.

Faces without Braces

We will be asking all of our bracket removal patients if they would like to share their new smile with Facebook   We then take a special picture that can be shared on Facebook for friends and family to see.  We just ask that patients and parents sign a release so that only the patients that would like to have their picture on Facebook have them on Facebook.

New Brace Face.

Patients with their new tooth jewelry will also be asked if they would like to share their smile on Facebook   This is such a great way to share with your friends and family your new smile.  Patients love the chance to show off their new bling!  Most people don't realize that braces are some of the most expensive jewelry that most people will wear.  These brackets are beautiful and you may make them as colorful or camouflaged as you like.

Mother & Father's Day

Patients who schedule their appointments the week before Mother or Father's Day will receive a special gift to give to their parent or Motherly or Fatherly figures in their life.  We will also be taking pictures to share on Facebook with Parents and friends.

Please ask if you have questions about any of the new things that are going on.  If you haven't read our blog before please look at past blogs.  There are many interesting articles not only about how to take care of your teeth but also fun things that we do.  Don't forget to visit our Webpage www.centuryorthodontics.com