Holiday Candy Caution

You don't often think of candy caution with this time of year. Please remember when you are looking at all the wonderful cookies with nuts, candy canes and other hard/sticky items to be careful. Breaking brackets, retainers or causing arch wires to shift can prolong treatment times and cause other opportunities for problems within your treatment. Have a wonderful holiday season. Have a wonderful holiday season from your friends at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics.

Crossbite, overbite, and underbite... What's the difference?

As you know, your overall health is connected to your oral health. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, your breathing, speech, and overall appearance could be affected. As a result of malocclusion, also commonly referred to as a "bad bite", your teeth may become worn, or have other effects of long term damage. The only way to properly address and correct your malocclusion is with orthodontic treatment, usually with braces.

A malocclusion may also be referred to as an underbite, crossbite or overbite. The difference in the 3 types of malocclusions are explained below:

• Crossbite: This could be one single tooth or an entire section of your mouth in which the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, usually causing one or more upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. Crossbites can happen on the front or along the sides of your mouth and are known to cause wear on the teeth, gum disease and/or bone loss.
• Overbite: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. Overbites can lead to gum issues or irritation and even wear on the lower teeth, and can potentially cause jaw pain or possible jaw joint problems. An overbite can be caused by oral habits, such as thumb sucking.
• Underbite: The lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. This can be caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination. Underbites can also be caused by missing upper teeth, which can prevent the normal function of the front teeth. This, in turn, leads to unfavorable wear on teeth, and possible TMJ issues.

Fortunately, we are able to treat these bite problems.  If you suspect you or your child has a bite misalignment, we encourage you to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs staff members to address your concerns. By initiating an orthodontic consultation at the ADA recommended age of 7, you can help your child avoid years of unnecessary problems and/or self-consciousness about their teeth. Our doctors will evaluate your child to determine whether treatment now or later is in their best interest.

Common Misconceptions....

 

There are several common misconceptions regarding the difference between the types of treatment handled by dentists and orthodontists. These misconceptions can create confusion about what the Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team will do for our patients and exactly how our team can help them. Therefore, we would like to explain a couple of myths and misconceptions about orthodontics.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs are just like your general dentist. The truth is that they are actually very different from your family dentist. It is true that both dentists and orthodontists care about helping you enjoy a lifetime of good dental and oral health, their methodology is very different.

While a dentist treats the overall health of the teeth, an orthodontist is seen due to very specific concerns regarding the positioning of the teeth. Most of the patients that we see are concerned with the alignment of their teeth/jaws. It is important for an orthodontist to see children as early as age 7. At that age, it is possible to detect problems that have not become too advanced to treat. Your family dentist may also refer your child when they feel appropriate.

Another common misconception about orthodontists, is that they only treat children. It is true that when you visit an orthodontic clinic, you will see a lot of young kids, but many teenagers and adults are in active treatment at any given time. Because the alignment of your teeth can change for several different reasons at any point in life, orthodontic treatment can be recommended at any age.

If you have any questions about what Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs can do for you, feel free to ask any one of our team members. Just one more reason Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest".

Flexible Health Spending Accounts

In the past, the IRS had always insisted that any money set aside in Flexible Health Spending Accounts would have to be spent within that calendar year.  This always created a challenge for families, because if they did not save enough, they lost some of the tax advantages, and if they saved too much, it would be confiscated by the government. 

Fortunately, the Treasury Department appears to have come to their senses, and has now allowed employers to make an exception to the 30 year old "use it or lose it" policy.  The employers now have the discretion to allow individuals to carry over $500 from one year to the next.  However, this is not a universal rule, and is subject to adoption by individual employers, so you will need to check with your employer, or the HR department.

Take advantage of your Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, and plan necessary orthodontic treatment accordingly. Please call any one of our team members at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics if you have any questions about your options!

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics Food Drive

From November 4th through December 23rd, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is having our annual non-perishable food drive. All donations will be made to Dayspring Center, which opened in 1981 to help families in Indianapolis during difficult times. You can help by bringing donations to our office. Items collected may include non-perishable foods such as jelly, peanut butter, canned fruits or vegetables, soups, crackers, beans, cereal, etc., as well as toiletry items (i.e. toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.). Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics will match all donations made to our office. We would like to thank you in advance for your support.

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics gives back!!

 

On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, Dr. Biggs, his wife Amy, and friends Phillip and Kristen Schaeffer attended the "SuperBOWL for Saturday's Kids" at Pinheads Entertainment Center.  This event was hosted by Jeff and Karen Saturday. The annual celebrity bowl helps to raise funds to benefit The People's Burn Foundation, which provides support for burn survivors and their families. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics proudly supports the Saturday's for their efforts.

Halloween is almost here....

 

With the approaching holiday we just want to pass on a friendly reminder.... Don't forget to stay away from the hard, sticky and chewy candy. Remember to be safe and watch for goblins and ghouls. 

It's FSA and HSA time

In the next few weeks, some families will need information for their 2014 Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). New legislation limits the amount to $2500.00 per year. Please feel free to contact our office at (317) 846-1455, if you need assistance with planning for you or your family for 2014.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

We love October around Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. Not only because it is time for our annual pumpkin decorating contest, but also because October is National Orthodontic Health Month.

Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment. The AAO has more than 16,000 members, and is the oldest professional association for orthodontist in North America.

October is a month full of hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy treats, and Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would like to encourage patients to be kind to their teeth during treatment. If you have braces, try to avoid carmel, taffy, bubble gum, and candy with nuts. If you can't keep yourself away from the sugar, opt for softer candy, such as peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth treats.

As always, remember to brush every time after you eat, especially after eating sugary snacks and treats. Exposing your teeth to sweets increases your risk of cavities by allowing the sugar to coat the teeth, and increases the possibility of decalcification (permanent white marks) on the teeth.

If you have any questions about what treats are acceptable while in orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Have You Ever Had a Broken Bracket?

In an effort to improve our instructions and quality of care provided to our patients, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recently did some internal research regarding the most common causes for broken brackets or wires during orthodontic treatment.  Of the patients poled over this period of time, 85% had broken brackets due to eating something hard or crunchy from the list on our GRISP card. 

This further confirms how important the patient's role is in contributing to a positive and damage-free process while wearing braces.  Broken brackets and wires can delay treatment, and cause unfavorable changes in the movement of teeth.   Other factor that contributed to broken brackets and wires were items such as traumas or injuries to the brackets, chewing on mouth guards during sporting activities, as well as chewing on pens and pencils. 

We hope this confirms the importance of following instructions to avoid certain foods listed on our GRISP card, as well as other foods that are similar in hardness or texture.  More information is available on our YouTube channel regarding foods to avoid, and our GRISP card can be reviewed with you or your child.  Please let us know how we can help.

We hope you recognize this as another opportunity for Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics to remain "Smiles Above the Rest".  As always, if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members.

Retainer Options

When it is time to remove your braces you are sure to  be very excited! Once the braces are removed it's time for retainers. It is important to know your new smile must be held in place, because the teeth naturally want to move back. You may have the option to choose between two kinds of retainers; removable or permanent. There are certain circumstances in which one is more beneficial than the other. It is always wise to know the options and benefits regarding your treatment.

Removable retainers offer the advantage of easy use. These are worn full time when the appliances are first removed. However, you will be able to enjoy some time with no appliances in your mouth. In some cases when there is a need to have the correction held constantly. A removable retainer must be worn responsibly, as instructed, to prevent relapse. Another major benefit to a removable retainer, is the ability to remove it to clean your teeth.


Permanent retainers work well for individuals who desire less maintenance. Once the permanent retainer is placed there is no need to worry about daily retainer schedules. Because teeth tend to shift as we age, a permanent retainer is typically a better long-term solution. One draw back for some patients is the extra effort of cleaning around a permanent retainer, which can sometimes become a "food trap" and does take a little more time to keep clean.

Some offices use a combination of the two; for example a removable retainer on the top, and a permanent one for the lower teeth. The lower teeth have a higher rate of relapse, so it is pertinent that they be held in place at all times. The most important thing to remember is that wearing your retainer as directed, is extremely important. Our doctors will recommend the retainers that are best for your situation. If you have any questions about retainers or the options that may be available to you, please contact anyone of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Colts Fever

This Sunday is the last preseason game for the Indianapolis Colts. The balloons are up, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members are all in blue, and the banner is on the wall! Next Sunday is the first game of a new season, we would like for everyone to join us in supporting the Colts.

What Are Supernumerary Teeth?

 

During our lifetime, we generally have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. Sometimes, kids are born with additional teeth, and our team at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics calls them "supernumerary" teeth. Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that normally begin erupting around the age of 3-6 months, and are normally lost (or exfoliated) by approximately age 12. Permanent teeth take the place of primary teeth and are usually fully erupted (excluding wisdom teeth), by about age 13. Those with more than 20 primary teeth or 32 permanent teeth have supernumerary teeth.

What is the best way to deal with supernumerary teeth? Each case is different, and treatment depends on the potential problem(s) posed by the supernumerary tooth/teeth, as well as their type. We concur with the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by no later than age 7. Supernumerary teeth can often be identified as early as this age.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.  We are happy to assist you!

Sondhi-Biggs Tips While in Orthodontic Treatment

After getting braces, it is important to know how to take care of your teeth in order for your braces stay intact and do their job.  This helps to ensure that your teeth are in top-notch condition after completing orthodontic treatment. Our team at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recommends the following tips to ensure successful cleaning of your braces.

Flossing
Flossing every day can help clean areas the between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. We recommend using a floss threader, which is used to help navigate the floss under the wire and between your teeth. It is vital to floss every day to help decrease the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing
Teeth and appliances should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime. If you need a reminder on how to angle the toothbrush around your braces, feel free to check out the video on our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics YouTube channel.

Elastics
This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and consistency on your part. If Dr. Sondhi or Dr. Biggs have recommended that you wear elastics, compliance with their specific instructions is crucial to completing your treatment on time. In fact, if elastics are not worn as instructed, often the desired outcome cannot be reached, and a compromise will have to be accepted.

GRISP
While in treatment with braces, remember the GRISP guidelines of foods to avoid or be careful with. Granola bars that are sticky and chewy; Raw fruits and vegetables, unless sliced into small pieces; Ice, rock candy; Sticky foods, gum, caramel, taffy; Popcorn, Peanuts and Pencils. Failure to follow the GRISP guidelines could add time to your treatment plan due to broken or damaged appliances which disrupts the movement of your teeth into their desired positions.

We hope all this helps! If you have any questions, please feel free call any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Considering Invisalign?

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following is a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 6-9Drs. Sondhi and Biggs will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.
weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly.

Mouth Guard Check!

School football programs, and other school sports are gearing up for practice, so before a referee calls a time out because you've had your bell rung, ensure that your mouth guard fits properly. Wearing a proper-fitting mouth guard is imperative while playing football, and could prevent:

• Chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Lip and cheek injuries
• Jaw fractures
• Joint injuries
• Concussions
• Tooth root damage
• Mouth lacerations (particularly for players who have braces)

It is important that people with braces on their teeth use mouth guards designed to protect the teeth and braces. Never use the form-fitting mouth guards with braces, because that could loosen or break brackets. Also, the continual tooth movement, from the braces, would cause it to no longer fit properly.

The American Dental Association estimates that a third of all dental injuries are sports related. Fifty-eight percent of game injuries are the result of player-to-player contact. If you have any questions about a mouth guard you are currently using, or are in need of a mouth guard, please contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members, who will assist you with the proper type of mouth guard.

TIME FLIES

 

Is your summer break almost over? Remember, with the start of school just around the corner, there are many changes about to happen to your schedule. If your appointment is sometime after the beginning of school, confirm it is at a time that coordinates with your schedule. Summer schedules are often hectic and appointments can be forgotten in the chaos. If you are needing to make or reschedule an appointment, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members. Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!

Keep us updated!

Please help us to stay in contact with you.  If you have moved, changed your email address, or have a new phone number, please let any one of our team members know.

Also, did you know that you can find us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter? We are always looking for ways to stay connected with our patients outside of the office, and social media is a wonderful tool for this. Feel free to "Like" us on Facebook or "Follow" us on Twitter. If you have not checked out all of our YouTube videos, please feel free to take a few minutes to view those as well. If you have any questions on how to "Find" us, please ask any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

What About Fast Braces and 6 Month Smiles?

 

You may have seen some of the newer information regarding a process called "6 Month Smiles", or another process called "Fast Braces".  They claim that the alignment of your front teeth can be completed very quickly, and people would certainly prefer to be in braces for 6 months, instead of 16 months! 

However, if you research these claims carefully, you will find that these techniques focus only on aligning the front teeth, and do nothing to correct any of the problems with your bite, which is a significant issue in terms of your long-term dental health. 

Thankfully, the newer treatment technology does not require us to accept these compromises.  The kind of corrections that can be made with "6 Month Smiles" in, well, 6 months, leave the patient with an incomplete and unstable correction.  However, because of the new technology with self-ligating braces, we can do a complete correction for similar cases in 11-12 months.  Hardly worth the difference to accept a compromise, or an unstable result. If you have a question, please contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

 

That is one of the most frequently asked questions for any orthodontist!  Now, thankfully, the answer is -- "much sooner than they used to".  That is because the newer technology with braces has eliminated the colored ties that used to slow down tooth movement, and therefore made the treatment process much more efficient.  Treatment that used to take at least 2 years can now easily be completed in 14 months.  The more complex treatments, that used to take 2-1/2 to 3 years, can now routinely be completed in 17-18 months.  Isn't progress a beautiful thing? If you have any questions about this technology please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontic team members.

Where Have All the Colors Gone?

 

You may have noticed that there is a change in the way braces look these days.  That is because, with the previous technology that was available, colored elastics were placed on the brackets to hold the wires in place.  Increasingly, you will notice that the colors are not being used any more.  That is for a very good reason.  The newer technology with braces allows us to move teeth more efficiently by eliminating the colored ties.  As much fun as it was to select the colors, the fact is that those elastic ties also retained a lot of plaque, and were difficult to keep clean.  The move from colors to clear braces is good for a lot of clinical reasons, and makes the treatment time much shorter.  Considering that the braces would have to stay on longer if we still used the previous technology with elastic ties, who wants the colors anyway? If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Summer Orthodontic Safety Tips

Summer vacation has finally arrived, which marks the beginning of fun activities, such as camp, sports and various other forms of excitement. Here are a few seasonal tips:

1. If you have braces, make sure that your mouthguard is not a custom fit mouthguard. Wearing a custom fit mouthguard could restrict the amount of tooth movement, and delay progress. We have mouthguards specific to orthodontic treatment for our patients.  Please call or stop in if you need one, and we would be happy to provide you with the correct size.
2. If you are in Invisalign treatment, you still need to wear a mouthguard as aligners are not meant to protect your teeth from injury.
3. Along with all the fun sports and other activities are the wonderful summer cookouts; and what is a cookout without delicious corn on the cob? You can still enjoy fresh, summer corn, just cut it off the cob first! With all the hot weather, ice cubes also become very tempting to crunch on. Please remember that the pressure created from biting into an ice cube is enough pressure to break a bracket right off of your tooth!
4. Finally, sports drinks are bad for your teeth due to the high sugar content. To make sure you stay hydrated this summer, drink plenty of cool, refreshing water.

Keep in mind that treatment and care for your braces is only temporary, but your beautiful smile will last a lifetime!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Near and Far

Just as sports fans arrive in Indianapolis to watch the Indianapolis 500 and the Indiana Pacers, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics has fans that come from all over the country.

 

Patients seek treatment at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics due to our doctors' unique treatment sequences, and appointment intervals that are beneficial to patients and parents. Our patients are also fans of the excellent orthodontic results that we create. Just one more reason that Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles above the rest."

PACER PRIDE!!

 Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is a proud supporter of our home town team, the Indiana Pacers, and would like to wish them GOOD LUCK tonight!!!

 

GO BLUE & GOLD

How can I help prevent white marks on my teeth around my brackets?

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recommends Colgate PreviDent 5000 Booster Plus to all our patients during orthodontic treatment. PreviDent 5000 is a gel formula toothpaste used 1 time a day. This gel formulas helps prevent the white lesions around the brackets. If you have any questions about PreviDent 5000, please contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Straightening Teeth Without Braces

Most people are now aware of the fact that some orthodontic treatment can be performed with clear aligners, instead of braces.  Invisalign, of course, is the brand name that most people are familiar with, because the company advertises in a wide variety of venues, including electronic and social media.  What most people don't know is that there are other types of aligners, as well, and some of those may be more cost effective than Invisalign.  Any decision about what type of aligners might be appropriate for a particular patient can be determined during a consultation, and Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs would be able to give you a preliminary idea about what your options with aligner therapy would be.

So, if you always wanted to know if any improvement in the alignment of your teeth might be possible without braces, please let any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members know, and they will schedule a consultation appointment for you.  At that time, we can also give you a preliminary estimate of what the cost of treatment might be, depending on which type of aligner system might be appropriate for your treatment.

Be Smart this Spring

Remember it is springtime again, which is the perfect time for a subtle reminder to protect your face and pearly whites while on the field playing sports. According to The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events annually.

 

If you are planning to participate in spring sports this year, remember it is important to have a mouthguard that fits properly. A mouthguard can help with preventing chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, mouth lacerations and even concussions. If you have braces, make sure to ask any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members for a mouthguard specific for your appliances. Remember, if you are in treatment and your teeth are moving, you are not going to be able to wear a "molded" or "fitted" mouthguard.

Because your jaw may still be growing, your mouth guard from last year may no longer fit as well as it should. If you are in need of a new mouthguard, please ask any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Did You Know..... April is Autism Awareness Month

 

 

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is a proud supporter of Autism Awareness Month. Dr. Sondhi, Dr. Biggs and their team are all trained to handle different types of special needs that children may have. If you would like to learn more about how we are able to handle individual needs, please contact any one of our team members.

How much sugar is in your drink?

Pop is no longer an occasional treat. It has become a daily habit for a growing number of people, especially kids, teens and young adults. A steady diet of soft drinks is the leading cause of tooth decay.

Following are a few tips on how to help reduce the possibility of decay:

• Drink soft drinks in moderation.
• Don't sip for extended periods of time. Ongoing sipping prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth.
• Use a straw to help keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the sugar.
• Never drink soda or juice before bed because the liquid pools in your mouth, coating your tongue and teeth with sugar and acid.
• Drink water instead of soft drinks. It has no sugar, no acid and no calories.
• Get regular check-ups and cleanings to remove bacteria build-up (plaque) and floss, too.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth.

Pop contains more sugar than you think. Listed below are a few common drinks and the amount of sugar they contain:

Barq's Root Beer 11 tsp        

Minute Maid Orange Juice 9 tsp

Sprite10 tsp    

Mtn Dew 12 tsp     

  SoBe Energy Citrus 12 tsp    

Minute Maid Lemonade 10 tsp  

Gatorade 5tsp

Coca-Cola Classic 10 tsp

 

The next time you go to take a drink, check the label; you may be surprised. If you have any further questions, please contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

"To be or not to be"

Should the consultation be or not be "Free"... that is the Question.

Some orthodontic practices advertise that their consultation is "free". As the old phrase goes, nothing is really free. It's likely that the cost of the consultation is added into the cost of the treatment fee.  Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs are specially trained Orthodontists, and their education and experience is valuable. Our consultation fee is minimal and worth every penny. Would you choose a neurologist or heart surgeon based on a "free" consultation? If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

What if my Child is older?

Even if your child is past the age of 7, it is important to have an orthodontic check-up as soon as possible. The fact is that most orthodontic patients begin active treatment between ages 9 and 14. Of course, every child is different and generally speaking, because children are still growing, this age range is optimal for achieving the best possible result from orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in five orthodontic patients today is over age 18. Thanks to today's smaller, less visible, more comfortable brackets, adults are finding braces more appealing. Healthy teeth, bones and gums respond well to orthodontic treatment at almost any age. It's never too late to get a healthy, beautiful smile.

It's not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem.  Even teeth that look straight might be hiding a dysfunctional bite, which is why it's important to take your child for that initial orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Here are some examples that may indicate orthodontic attention is necessary:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth.
• Difficulty with chewing or biting
• Breathing through the mouth
• Thumb-sucking
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that appear too far forward or back
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Upper and lower teeth that do not meet together, or meet in an abnormal way
• An unbalanced facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

If any of these issues sound familar regarding your own children, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members to discuss your concerns further.

They come from all over...

 

On March 15-16, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics will be hosting one of our in-office courses. Dr. Sondhi will be teaching other doctors from around the world what our office does on a daily basis that makes us "Smiles Above the Rest." For this course, 10 doctors and their staff members will travel a combined total approximately 13,000 miles in order to learn information and treatment mechanics for enhancing in their practices. This two-day course instructs doctors about many of the procedures and office protocols we use on a daily basis.

Is this space normal?

Over the past couple of decades there has been a shift in orthodontic treatment from extracting teeth to expanding the dental arches when crowding is present. Expanders work great, but there are some temporary side effects that can catch parents by surprise. One of those being the opening and eventual closing of a gap between the front teeth.

 

The palate, or roof of the mouth, is made up of two bones joined together in the center by what is called the suture. When a patient is young, this suture is made of stretchable cartilage, and is the area where growth takes place. Expanders take advantage of the still pliable growth plate if they are used before it becomes fused. One sign that the expander has actually moved the two halves of the palate apart is the appearance of a space between the front teeth. The central incisors (2 front teeth) are located on different sides of the growth plate and they spread apart as the palate is expanded. The result is a visible gap between the teeth. This gap is normal and a desired consequence of expansion.

Once the expander has provided the desired amount of expansion, the orthodontist will typically leave it in place for approximately 8-10 weeks, to hold the two halves of the palate apart while new bone develops between them.

During this stabilizing period, the gap created during the expansion tends to close on its own. This happens slowly over time, but it surprises many parents the first time they notice it is smaller or gone altogether. Understandably, many parents call our office worried that the expansion has slipped and that the benefits achieved during the activation have been lost, however, this is not the case.

During palatal expansion, two forces are present on the teeth. The force created by the expander pushes the palate apart and a gap appears between the teeth. At the same time, an opposite force produced by the gum tissues is active on the teeth. Just like other soft tissues in the body, the gums are elastic. As the expander pushes outward, the gum tissue pulls the teeth back together. This can be observed by comparing the size of the gap between the teeth with the amount of expansion visible on the expander. Rarely will the size of the gap between the teeth ever get as large as the distance between the two sides of the expander because the teeth start moving back together even before expansion is complete. In fact, it is not uncommon for the gap between the two front teeth to be completely closed by the time the expander is removed.

Knowing ahead of time that an expander could create a gap between the front teeth and that it will go away on its own is reassuring. If what you see in your mouth or in the mouth of your child does not seem to follow the pattern described above, give any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members a call and let us know.

What's on your mind?

 

By now, you're probably familiar with our blog writing process: Each week, we write about important orthodontic topics, including the treatment we proudly offer, and other miscellaneous subjects regarding dental and orthodontic well-being.

This week, though, we thought we'd step back and ask you, our amazing patients:what's on your mind? What would you like to know about the ever-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? Is there something you would like us to focus on in our blog? Perhaps you have wanted to ask us something for a while now? This is your opportunity! Let us know by emailing or posting on our Facebook page, or contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members, and we'll try to answer any questions you may have!

American Heart Month!

In the past couple of weeks, we have covered subjects pertaining to children's dental health because February is "National Children's Dental Health Month." It is also American Heart Month, which is a great time to take note of the health of your heart, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, so please be careful not to under estimate the importance of good oral health care, especially while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis during your orthodontic treatment not only ensures a successful outcome, but can also help prevent gum disease, or at the very least, catch it in early stages. In observation of American Hearth Month, it's also important to keep track of numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI, and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.


If you have any questions about heart health, the importance of visiting your dentist, or your orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Tips for Brushing and Flossing Children's Teeth

Brushing children's teeth is a habit that should start as soon as teeth begin to erupt. By starting early, you instill the routine of brushing daily. A soft washcloth wrapped around your finger is a good substitute for a brush as teeth first are coming through the gum tissue, and will acclimate your child to the idea of brushing.  Be sure to ask your dentist when to begin brushing with a toothbrush. Following are some tips for taking care of your child's teeth:

• Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water prior to brushing helps to soften the bristles even more.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day - in the morning and just prior to bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is often the area where cavities will first develop.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner, if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
• Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two erupted teeth touch together. The use of floss sticks or picks, instead of regular string floss, may be easier for both you and your child.
• Ask your dentist about whether your child needs fluoride treatment. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or treatment may be necessary.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surface of the back teeth, helping to protect from potential tooth decay.

Tooth brushing is a very important factor to one's overall health and well-being. If you have any questions or would like any tips, feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members.

National Children's Dental Health Month

For the past 63 years, the American Dental Association has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness and express the importance of oral health at a young age, especially during orthodontic treatment. Developing good habits, including regular visits with your dentist, even while under orthodontic care at an early age, helps patients get off to a good start for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing and flossing can be more difficult for children with braces, and removing accumulating food particles will require more effort and extra time. If oral health is not taken seriously, the treatment results can be significantly compromised or delayed. Any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members would be happy to explain why proper brushing and flossing are so important while in orthodontic treatment.

Myth/Fact...

 

There are several myths about braces, like... "will I get radio signals or be more likely to get struck by lightning with braces on?"  There are also myths regarding how braces will affect your lifestyle.  We would like to set the record straight about a few of them:

MYTH: Braces are only for kids.

FACT: One in five orthodontic patients are adults. 

MYTH: Going to an Orthodontist is only necessary for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.

FACT: Not true.  Orthodontists are trained for an additional 2 years in growth and development, which is important in the management of all orthodontic cases. 

MYTH: Braces are painful, and treatment takes two years or more for the desired result.

FACT: After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. At Sondhi-Biggs orthodontics, due to advanced brackets and wires, most patients can be finished wearing braces in 1-1/2 years, sometimes less. 

MYTH: Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.

FACT: Unfortunately, this is not possible. 

MYTH: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and are embarrassing in business settings.

FACT: Braces have evolved, and several options, such as Invisalign or clear, ceramic brackets, are available at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. 

MYTH: All dentists may join the American Association of Orthodontists.

FACT: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

 

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

The above information is provided by the American Association of Orthodontists.

What is an Observation Appointment?

 

We understand schedules are hectic and picking your children up from school and bringing them to an appointment at the orthodontist is sometimes no small task. Sometimes the appointment is very short and may seem meaningless. One such appointment is an observation visit, which is normally only about 15 minutes long. Here are a few reasons for observation visits...

Observation appointments are scheduled for orthodontic patients who are either not quite ready for treatment, are undergoing some type of interceptive treatment, or are waiting for their remaining permanent teeth to erupt. The orthodontist may take a progress x-ray at this appointment to help evaluate your child's dental development. Three things that are normally evaluated at this appointment are:

First, if the patient has had any type of interceptive treatment, the first order of business is checking the stability of the correction. It may be a retainer check, appliance check, or growth check.

Second, the loss of primary teeth and the eruption of the permanent teeth is monitored. If the doctors notice that a primary tooth is not falling out on time, or identify in an x-ray that the permanent teeth are headed in the wrong direction, extraction of those primary teeth may be recommended. If so, we will refer that back to your family dentist. Evaluating the loss of primary teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth does not take much time, but is very important. Ignoring the development problems, however, could potentially add months of treatment time to a patients orthodontic care.

Third, to discuss with the family about the timing of the possible future treatment is necessary. We will never begin treatment before a patient is ready. This might mean staying under observation a few months, or possibly years. If treatment is started too early, your son or daughter may have the braces on too long. If we wait too long to begin treatment, the opportunity to keep treatment time short may be missed, which can extend treatment into the later high school years.

Following your children's development will help them receive the care they need at the appropriate time. Although these appointments are short and sometimes seem like a wasted trip, Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs know exactly what to look for at an observation appointment and will make sure that your child is progressing as expected.

If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask any one of the Sondhi-Biggs team members to explain your child's progress in the treatment process.

Can my toothbrush make me sick?

The dreaded cold and flu season is here again! This raises a common question around the office: Should we replace a toothbrush when we have been sick?

Since the flu is a viral infection, antibodies are developed once you have been infected, which helps prevent you from catching the same illness twice. Even for bacterial infections or minor illnesses like the common cold, the likelihood of becoming re-infected from your toothbrush is fairly slim. Also, toothpaste frequently contains antibacterial compounds, which further decrease the chances of becoming re-infected.

The American Dental Association recommends the following tips for toothbrush care:

• Do not share toothbrushes, especially if you are sick.
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use.
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to give any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members a call if you have any questions!

As a Follow Up...

With reference to last week's blog regarding the differences between crossbites, overbites and underbites, we hope the information was helpful, and wanted to expand just a little bit further.

Crossbite, overbites and underbites are only a few of the types of problems we look for and identify at an early age. Certain orthodontic problems benefit from early intervention and respond to treatment while a child is younger, and growing. Not all children require early intervention, but those that will benefit, need to be screened and evaluated early. Therefore, it is the American Dental Association's recommendation that children should be screened by an orthodontist as early as age 7. Because of this, our doctors are able to identify, diagnose, and treat some of these more severe types of issues, therefore avoiding the extraction of permanent teeth. Certain discrepancies, if caught early enough, can help to avoid further jaw surgeries. Finally, because of the techniques used by our doctors, we never use Herbst appliances or headgear in our practice. That is not true in all offices.

Through early intervention and proper screening, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics continues to provide "Smiles Above the Rest". If we can answer any questions for you, or be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office via e-mail or phone.

Crossbite, overbite, and underbite... What's the difference?

As you know, your overall health is connected to your oral health. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, your breathing, speech, and overall appearance could be affected. As a result of malocclusion, also commonly referred to as a "bad bite", your teeth may become worn, or have other effects of long term damage. The only way to properly address and correct your malocclusion is with orthodontic treatment, usually with braces.

A malocclusion may also be referred to as an underbite, crossbite or overbite. The difference in the 3 types of malocclusions are explained below:

• Crossbite: This could be one single tooth or an entire section of your mouth in which the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, usually causing one or more upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. Crossbites can happen on the front or along the sides of your mouth and are known to cause wear on the teeth, gum disease and/or bone loss.
• Overbite: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. Overbites can lead to gum issues or irritation and even wear on the lower teeth, and can potentially cause jaw pain or possible jaw joint problems. An overbite can be caused by oral habits, such as thumb sucking.
• Underbite: The lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. This can be caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination. Underbites can also be caused by missing upper teeth, which can prevent the normal function of the front teeth. This, in turn, leads to unfavorable wear on teeth, and possible TMJ issues.

Fortunately, we are able to treat these bite problems.  If you suspect you or your child has a bite misalignment, we encourage you to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs staff members to address your concerns. By initiating an orthodontic consultation at the ADA recommended age of 7, you can help your child avoid years of unnecessary problems and/or self-consciousness about their teeth. Our doctors will evaluate your child to determine whether treatment now or later is in their best interest.