Orthodontist in 49024 | Living with Braces: Potential Issues to Consider

Orthodontist Portage

Braces are a common rite of passage for many people, and, thankfully, they have become more comfortable over the years. People generally have few problems with their braces outside of the expected minor discomfort. However, depending on your lifestyle, there are potential risks to consider. Below are some common issues that you might experience and tips on how to avoid them.

Mouth Injuries

Most people know the importance of wearing a mouth guard when participating in high impact sports such as football or hockey. However, when you have braces, even a fall from running can pose a threat to your lips. Ask our doctor about getting a mouthguard for all physical activity as it will act as a safeguard and protect your lips from potential damage.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

When you have braces, it’s important to still practice good oral hygiene. Since flossing and careful brushing require greater effort, it can be easy to slack off in these areas. However, doing so will only further complicate your treatment and damage your teeth. There are plenty of tools at your disposal designed to help you clean around braces, from pre-threaded floss to pressurized water tools. If you’re having difficulty adapting your regular routine, ask the orthodontist about different options that can help.

Activity-Related Issues

There are some inconveniences that can arise when trying to add braces into your day-to-day routine. Certain musicians for example might experience discomfort when getting used to playing with braces. People who sing or do extensive public speaking might have some minor issues with pronunciation or discomfort caused by your lips rubbing against the metal. Most of these issues will fix themselves as you get used to living with braces. However if the discomfort persists, ask your orthodontist about the different relief options you have.

Most individuals who have braces do not have any long-term complications throughout their treatment. However, there are smaller issues that can arise when you are first adjusting to your braces that can become a big annoyance if left unaddressed. By knowing what to expect and raising any concerns or issues you might have with your orthodontist, you will be much more prepared to tackle these small issues. Contact our office today to schedule your next visit.

3275 Cooley Court, Suite 155
Portage,MI49024

Orthodontist Portage | Flossing with Braces

Importance of Flossing

Flossing is very important for many reasons. There are many spots in your braces for food, plaque and bacteria to hide and wreak havoc on your teeth! Floss can reach the spaces in between your teeth that brushing cannot and it is important to do to keep your smile healthy and happy. Flossing doesn’t feel that important when I’m headed out to a friend’s house or late for work and school. Seriously, some days, it’s the last thing on my mind and there is little desire to actually put it on my to-do list….but I never regret it when I do! If you chose to skip flossing, you increase your risk of decay, calculus build up and bleeding gums….not to mention super bad breath that will make your friends cringe at your “Hello!”

How do I floss with braces?

Flossing with braces is very different from traditional flossing. Now that you have a full mouth of metal, it can be difficult to get around all of our brackets and wires to be able to get your floss between your teeth to scrub off the food and plaque from the tight spaces of your mouth. Keep in mind, younger patients may require help from a parent or older sibling as they may not have the dexterity quite yet to be able to effectively floss on their own.

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Uhhh, is this even right ?!?

Frankly, flossing with braces can feel like an eternity and eternity is a loooong time! Flossing can take almost twice as long with braces than flossing without, however, with a little patience and consistency, you will learn how to floss more quickly and thoroughly than you did when you first got all your brackets. There are also a few techniques that make flossing a much more pleasant and faster experience getting me back to my weekend Netflix binge in a jiffy! Remember, practice makes perfect!

Floss Threaders

Flossing with braces is very similar to threading a needle while sewing. You must guide the floss under the wire to be able to reach the spaces in between your teeth and remove food a plaque. A floss threader comes in very handy for many orthodontic patients. It is a soft piece of plastic shaped like a needle. You thread the floss through the loop on the threader and guide the pointed end under the wire. Pull the whole threader and some of the floss underneath the wire and floss that plaque away!

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Orthodontic Flossers

Orthodontic flossers are another great tool to help you get the junk out from between your teeth! These are similar to regular flossers you would see in the store, however, be sure to grab a bag of flossers that are specifically for braces, otherwise they won’t fit underneath your wire and it’s back to the store you go (because you know you really shouldn’t skip flossing tonight…again). To use an orthodontic flosser, simply glide the thin part of the flosser underneath your wire and go to town! Could flossing with braces get any easier?! Doubt it!

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Daily Routine

There are not many people who actually enjoy flossing but letting a hidden piece of yesterday’s chicken rot in your mouth between your teeth is an even less attractive idea! Adding flossing to your daily routine will enhance your overall orthodontic experience, improve your overall health, and you’re your breath “hello” friendly. Give it a try! Commit to flossing every night this week and see how your mouth feels. Chances are, you won’t regret the time you took to invest in yourself. Happy flossing!

3275 Cooley Court
Suite 155
Portage, MI 49024

Portage MI Orthodontist | Brushing Excuses

Brushing
We’ve all heard it a thousand times. Brush. Floss. Rinse. Repeat three times a day. Blah, blah, blah. While some of us are avid brushers, others of us tend to slack a little (or a lot) for various reasons. No doubt, it is important to brush your teeth but sometimes it can be extremely hard to do. However, with as many reasons we can use to get out of brushing, it is important to remember that taking care of yourself, including your mouth, must be done in order to maintain a high quality life.

Orthodontist in 49024

Too Busy!
For many of us, life is one never-ending list of things to get done. It can be hard to take the time, or even remember, to brush your teeth once a day, let alone three times a day. Taking the time to invest in yourself and your oral health now can save you a ton of time in appointments for crowns, fillings, and root canals down the road. If you are one with an overbooked calendar, try penciling in a date with your toothbrush each morning and night or set an alarm on your phone to remind you each day. While it is advised that you always brush after eating, keep in mind that there is no set rule as to when you must brush. If you find yourself with a few extra minutes in the middle of the day or even waking up in the middle of the night restless, hop over to the sink. It doesn’t matter when you brush, only that you do and do regularly. A few minutes today can save you major headaches, mouth pain, and hard earned cash tomorrow. And that’s enough to make anyone smile!

Bathroom Karaoke
Let’s face it, brushing is boring! Standing in front of the sink scrubbing plaque off my teeth and picking remnants of dinner from my braces does not for a fun Friday night make. It can be a tedious and monotonous experience…and I’m supposed to do it three times a day? I have discovered my own secret weapon over the years that makes brushing not seem so excruciatingly dull! When it’s time to brush my teeth, I grab my phone and crank up the metal. I love listening to music when I brush. Having braces, I shoot to brush for 3-4 minutes each brush sesh, just long enough to rock out to a favorite jam or two. Music helps take my mind off the mundaneness of brushing and makes time fly! Go ahead; give it a try….and if your toothbrush occasionally turns into a karaoke mic, rock on my friend!

Orthodontist in 49024

Seeing Red
In my years of dentistry, I have heard many people admit that they do not brush because their gums bleed. Seeing blood on your toothbrush can be scary…and gross! If your gums are bleeding when you brush, it can be a sign that you are, in fact, not brushing enough. Avoiding gum health can lead to major oral health issues down the road. Lightly massaging your gums with your bristles can be a lifesaver to add to your brushing routine. It does not take a lot of extra time, only intentional thought and easy effort. Massaging the gums daily with gentle, small circles helps stimulate the gums and increases blood flow. This, in turn, causes your gums to be healthier and in time, they will get stronger and become a healthy pink rather than a red gory mess of doom. Give your gums some love, they will thank you for it!

Rough Day, Rough life!
Life can be rough. Sometimes, after a long, hard day, I just want to plop my butt on the couch and play video games until my mind goes numb. The very last thing I want to do is pause mid-battle to brush my teeth, ultimately causing Princess Zelda to have to wait even longer to be rescued! Vegging after work or school is normal, but there are also some times in life when we veg out more than we usually would. We get depressed, lonely and all in all just down in the dumps for a multitude of reasons. During rough life experiences, the loss of a loved one, relationship breakups and drama with family or friends it is common to put oral hygiene, or even any hygiene, on the back burner until we are out of crisis mode. Sometimes you simply can’t make yourself do anything, and for those of you who can relate, you know exactly what I mean. I have seen it in many, many patients, and also within myself at times. I have discovered, however, that when I am at a low point, taking the time to enjoy investing in my health and beauty makes me feel a little better. It truly is the little things that count. Simple things like taking a walk, washing my face, painting my nails, and yes, even brushing my teeth can make me feel refreshed, clean and more put together than I sometimes secretly feel. You cannot control the curve balls your life throws you but you can manage them. Next time you have a rough day, try investing in your health in some way. In addition to keeping you healthy, investing time in your oral health may also give you that boost you need to face this crazy world with confidence and dazzling pearly whites!

Orthodontist in 49024

Challenge Yourself
There are a plethora of reasons to neglect your oral hygiene and many of us seem to be escape artists when it comes to getting out of brushing our teeth. No matter what our excuses for brushing are, the fact remains the same: if you neglect yourself, your health will decline. Cavities, gingivitis and even oral cancers are all consequences of oral health neglect. Investing in your oral health can be challenging sometimes but the rewards will enhance your quality of life. If you are struggling with brushing, make a commitment for a month to brush at least two times a day. Challenge your excuses and see what creative way you can find to battle them. At the end of a month, see how you feel. Chances are, you will be proud of the time, effort (and toothbrush karaoke) you put into having fresh breath and a fantastic smile!

Tried out some of our tips? Have a great idea of your own? We want to hear about it! Let us know what you think on Facebook to be entered to win a free scoop of Custard at Culvers!

Orthodontist in Portage MI | Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist

Orthodontist in Portage

Orthodontist in 49024

Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist

Don’t be fooled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” Drinks advertised in this way might seem like a healthy choice, but these drinks may be doing more harm than good. In fact, fruit juices contain sugar that can lead to tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reevaluated their recommendations for allowing small children to consume fruit juice. Here’s what you need to know about the new guidelines.

No Fruit Juice in First 12 Months

The AAP used to suggest that infants younger than 6 months old should not be given fruit juice to drink. This year, however, the AAP updated these recommendations to suggest refraining from fruit juice for any infant 12 months and younger.

A Good Source of Vitamins – And Sugar

Fruit juice can be an excellent source for vitamins and minerals. Many fruit juices contain vitamin C and potassium. However, fruit juices are often high in sugar content. According to a study summarized by Medical News Today, fruit juice may contain as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar for every 100-mililiters.

Fruit Juice May Be Harming Your Teeth

Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, especially in children. The AAP also advises that toddlers and young children should not be served fruit juice in a “sippy cup.” These cups provide greater exposure of decay-causing sugar to teeth, leading to an ideal environment for tooth decay.

According to the updated guidelines set by the AAP, moderation is key. While children under 12 months of age should not be provided fruit juice, small amounts may be permitted for older children. The AAP suggests a maximum of 4 ounces of fruit juice per day for children aged 1 to 3, 4 to 6 ounces per day for children aged 4 to 6, and 8 ounces per day for those between the ages of 7 and 18. You may also consider adding water to dilute the juice before giving it to your child, so they receive less sugar.

Children and adolescents aren’t the only group that can benefit from consuming fewer sugary drinks. Sugar still leads to decay in adults as well. Our team suggests trying to limit your own consumption of sugary drinks.

Maintaining regular visits to our office will allow our dental team to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy. We will provide a comprehensive screening to locate and treat decay. If your child drinks more than the suggested amount of sugary fruit drinks, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with our team. Together, we can work to promote a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.

3275 Cooley Court
Suite 155
Portage, MI 49024

49024 Orthodontist | 6 Harmful Habits that Affect your Teeth

Dentist in Portage

6 Harmful Habits That Affect Your Teeth

Nearly everyone has at least one habit that they wish they could break. Did you know that some of them can affect your oral health? Here are a few common habits and tips for how to break them.

Nail Biting

Why it’s harmful: Your dental health may suffer from nail biting by possibly chipping your teeth or impacting your tooth. You place pressure on your jaw when you leave it in a protruding position for long periods of time. You could also tear or damage your gums.

The solution: Some patients find it helpful to wear a mouth guard to deter form nail biting. Other ways to reduce nail biting include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter tasting nail polish.

Brushing Too Hard

Why it’s harmful: It’s best to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Make sure to not brush too hard since this can lead to damage to the teeth and gum irritation. When you brush too hard, you risk gum recession and not cleaning your teeth efficiently.

The solution: Instead of brushing hard, use a soft toothbrush and apply a proper pressure. Let your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45 degree angle and reduce the force of your brush on your gums.

Grinding and Clenching

Why it’s harmful: This can chip or crack your teeth as well as cause muscle tenderness and joint pain. You may also experience a painful sensation when chewing or inability to open your mouth wide.

The solution: Stay aware of your teeth grinding and clenching and use relaxation exercises to keep from doing both. A mouthguard can also help protect you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will reduce any tooth pain, or muscle soreness and give you a better sleep. Our dentist can provide recommendations for how to combat teeth grinding.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.

The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.

Constant Snacking

Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.

Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.

The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.

Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.

3275 Cooley Court
Suite 155
Portage, MI 49024

Portage MI Orthodontist | Your Guide to Eating with Braces

Orthodontist in Portage, MI

While undergoing orthodontic treatment, careful consideration should be taken when eating. It is possible to damage your braces from certain types of foods leading to a potentially painful and expensive experience. We’ve put together this short guide to help you decide which foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

Don’t Eat These Foods

Sticky, chewy, and gummy candies are the enemy of braces. Avoid any candy or food that could become stuck in your braces. This includes taffy and chewing gum. Stay away from popcorn, as the kernels can become lodged between your brackets. Hard, crunchy foods should also be avoided. This includes foods such as nuts.

Use Caution When Eating These

You don’t have to completely give up your favorite foods with braces, just use caution. For example, corn should be removed off the cob before eating. If you are a chicken wings or ribs lover, be sure the bones have been removed before digging in to eat. Don’t let your braces become an excuse for avoiding fruits. Never bite directly into apples and pears, but slice them into smaller pieces.

Add These to Your Diet

Most meats and grains are safe for braces, if you eat bite-sized pieces. Additionally, soft fruits such as bananas and peaches can be added to your diet. Soft, easy to chew foods are going to be your safest options. This includes meals such as mashed potatoes, soups and yogurts.

Eating with braces can be a challenge, but our team is here to help you determine the best food choices while undergoing orthodontic treatment. You should still eat a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Follow our team’s directions to ensure your braces achieve their desired results. What food do you think you will treat yourself to after your treatment is completed?

To schedule your orthodontic visit, please contact our team.

Portage Orthodontist | The One Piece of Gear Every Athlete Needs

Orthodontist in Portage, MI

Orthodontist in 49024 An injury to your mouth can be a painful, expensive experience. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries pose a very real risk. Mouthguards are an excellent tool for protecting your mouth from injury and harm. Our team can help you find a solution that protects your teeth.

Why Wear a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards protect your teeth. For athletes who play contact sports, injuries to the mouth can cause cracked teeth, or even worse, missing teeth. Mouthguards defend your teeth against such injuries. But mouthguards aren’t only for teeth. Your mouth is mostly made up of soft tissues, such as your tongue, inside cheeks, and lips. These areas can become injured or pierced when playing sports.

Do All Athletes Need a Mouthguard?

High-contact sports such as hockey, wrestling, football, and boxing pose the greatest risk for mouth injuries. But all athletes can benefit from being cautious. Gymnasts should consider wearing one to protect their mouth in the event of a fall. Baseball and basketball players should also wear one to protect themselves from being injured by a ball or collision with another player. Mouthguards should be treated as a necessary piece of your athletic gear.

Which Mouthguard Is the Most Effective?

Our team can help you find the best mouthguard during your next visit to our office. There are a number of options available ranging from store-bought ones to custom-fitted mouthguards. We will work with you to determine which type of mouthguard is best for you. It is important that any guard fits properly. We can also work with you if you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and are wearing braces. Braces can puncture your mouth if impacted, particularly during sports. Our team will help you find a solution that works.

Your mouth should be protected while participating in athletic activities. Oral injuries can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult. Protect yourself from an injury before one happens. Contact our office and ask about finding a mouthguard that is right for you.

Portage Orthodontist | Caring for Your Retainer: 5 Helpful Tips

Orthodontist in Portage

Orthodontist in Portage We understand how easy it can be to forget about your retainer. Once you get used to having one, it can become second nature to regularly care for it. For those who are new to retainers, however, it can be tricky to remember to take care of your new appliance. We’ve assembled a list of five tips to help you get started in the right direction.

Keep It In, Unless…

Your retainer should be worn for the entire day. Without it, your orthodontic treatment results will suffer. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. Do take out your retainer while you eat, clean it, during sports, and as directed by your dentist and our doctor. Otherwise, keep it in!

Use Your Case

Your retainer will come with a case to store it in. When it’s out of your mouth, use the case. We’ve heard many horror stories of patients putting their retainer in a napkin while they eat, only to throw it away by mistake. A replacement retainer can be costly, so treat yours with care.

Clean it Regularly

Your retainer needs to be kept clean. Like your teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up on it, which can be harmful to your teeth. We recommend cleaning your retainer every time you brush. Rinse your retainer with water, then use toothpaste and your toothbrush to give a gentle scrubbing. Rinse it off a final time before putting it back in your mouth.

Be Careful of Sports

Contact sports pose a risk of damaging your retainer. Even non-contact sports may cause you to experience some degree of facial trauma. While playing sports, your retainer should be removed and placed in its protective case. Ask about a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth during these activities.

Visit Us

While receiving orthodontic treatment, we will schedule a series of appointments with you to measure your progress. These visits are important for ensuring your results are maintained. They allow our team to make sure your retainer continues to fit properly, as well.

It may take some time to become comfortable with caring for your retainer. Follow our guide to stay on track. Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as keeping your teeth clean. Don’t forget to remove your retainer while eating, and always use the case to store it when it is not in your mouth.

For more retainer care tips or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team.

Portage Orthodontist | The One Piece of Gear Every Athlete Needs

Orthodontist in Portage

An injury to your mouth can be a painful, expensive experience. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries pose a very real risk. Mouthguards are an excellent tool for protecting your mouth from injury and harm. Our team can help you find a solution that protects your teeth.

Why Wear a Mouthguard?

Do All Athletes Need a Mouthguard?

Which Mouthguard Is the Most Effective?

Orthodontist in Portage | March Madness Is Here

Is your bracket filled out? We are hosting a competition to see whose bracket can rack up the most points. We are offering two $50 gift cards to our highest scoring competitors. This friendly competition is open to all Sage Orthodontics patients, families, and our referring dentists and their team members.

All you need to do is fill out your March Madness Bracket and send them to us by March 16th. We need them before the first round of play begins. You are welcome to send your bracket to us via email, fax, or Facebook.

Last year, Dominic was our highest scoring patient while Julie from Dr. Shockley’s office earned the highest overall score. We’re betting both champions are eager to defend their titles!

Who are you rooting for? We can’t wait to see your brackets, so be sure to enter by March 16th for your chance to win one of two $50 gift cards.