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.