Our 3D Printer Has Arrived

Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is proud to announce that our 3D Printer is running full speed. This new technology will allow us to provide improved quality control and more efficient turnaround on appliances used in our practice. The 3D technology lays down thin layers of medical grade FDA approved resin, which can be made directly from one of two 3D scanners we currently have in our office. This innovative technology helps us to eliminate goopy impressions and plaster models.  It also provides an amount of detail so precise that we are able to make appliances that fit more accurately than ever before! Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is proud to stay on the cutting edge of technology to provide you with the ultimate patient experience!!!

How are the Braces placed?

Many of our patients at Sondhi-Biggs -Hansen Orthodontics ask us about indirect bonding, a method of applying braces to the teeth in such a manner that an entire set of braces can be applied at once, usually in less than an hour. In many orthodontic offices, braces are placed on each tooth, one at a time. The procedure requires meticulous, long, painstaking sessions for both patient and doctor, to ensure each bracket is in the correct position, especially in the back of the mouth. Indirect bonding helps provide more accurate placement of braces, and therefore makes the process more precise, comfortable and efficient .

Indirect Bonding Process

Indirect bonding is a technique in which 3D scans are taken of the teeth. Then, 3D models can be printed from the scans. Most of the work for indirect bonding is done in the lab. It is a remarkable process that depends on our ability to make particularly accurate models of your teeth. Much detail goes into the accurate measurement and alignment of the model, since your mouth is naturally unique to you.

The braces are placed on the models of the teeth, exactly in the right place, fitted into the trays made on the model, and sealed and cured.

Setting the Braces

When you come to Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics to have your scan done, your braces are made from the 3D models of your own teeth. All that remains is a short appointment to fit the trays onto your teeth, align them, and separate the braces from the trays.

Your teeth will have to undergo some preparatory work in order to accept the braces. This involves preparing the surface of the teeth for the adhesive for the braces, as well as preparing the surfaces of any crowns. You will also have a short period to wait while the adhesive cures.

All the other work that would traditionally have been done while the patient is in the chair has been done on the models. By the time the orthodontist sees you for the appointment to place your braces, they are precisely aligned to your teeth, Visit our YouTube Channel on our website to view the basics of this process. Indirect Bonding is just another example of how Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest".

Happy Mother's Day

Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics would like to wish all the wonderful Mother's a great day! From our office to you, we appreciate all that you do, not only today, but everyday, for everyone. Happy Mother's Day!

Can I locate my receipts online?

Did you know that Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics provides online access so you can view or print any receipts you may need for personal or tax purposes? To access these receipts, simply access your account by logging onto our webpage at www.indyortho.com. Select “Patient Login” from our dashboard, enter your username and password (or click don’t have an account yet to set one up). Once you have logged in, select the “Financial Info” tab on your account dashboard, scroll down to payments and charges, and click the magnifying glass with the down arrow. From there you can select patient (if there are multiple children), date range and print. Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions!

Say "No" to Headgear!

Patients at Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics never have to wear headgear! Not many offices can say they NEVER use headgear.  A headgear slides into tubes on the braces, and is kept in place using a neck strap that wraps around and hooks to the other side--very uncomfortable.
 There are several types of headgears, but Early treatment, using a new generation of appliances, is a much more comfortable alternative to wearing a headger, and provides a superior final result. This is just one more reason why Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest".

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 from your friends at Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics.

There are several different types of "Growth Appliances" that can be used in young children. The Twin Block has separate upper and lower bite block components that work together as one. These two appliances interlock together to set the bite at an angle which postures the lower jaw forward into the ideal bite position. This enhances the growth of the lower jaw. For further information about the different types of growth appliances please feel free to contact a Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team member.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

We love October around Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics. Not only because it is almost 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-Hansen 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-Hansen Orthodontics team members.

Myths about Orthodontics

The stereotypical braces wearer is normally thought of as a middle schooler with a mouth full of metal brackets, which leads to numerous myths about orthodontics and discourages many people from getting the orthodontic care they need.


Myth 1:  Orthodontic treatment is for kids. Although teenagers often visit the orthodontist to get braces, adults represent a growing portion of orthodontic patients. Whether you're 7 or 70, a consultation with an orthodontist can identify problems with your teeth, jaws, or bite that can be corrected with orthodontic intervention.


Myth 2:  Traditional, metal braces are the only available option. Advances in orthodontic technology have rendered improved braces and other orthodontic  appliances that are much less noticeable than the typical metal brackets. Here at Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics we offer many options outside the traditional, such as: Invisalign, Incognito (braces attached to the inside of your teeth), and several types of ceramic (clear) brackets.


Myth 3:  Orthodontic treatment is only helpful for crooked teeth. Sure, a crooked smile is a common reason that patients seek orthodontic care. However, orthodontic treatment helps with a wide range of dental health problems. From missing teeth to overbite to jaw misalignment, orthodontic treatment can help with many problems associated with the teeth, gums, and jaws.


Myth 4:  Orthodontic treatment is costly, and varies by office.  Actually, orthodontic treatment is very affordable these days relative to  other increases in cost of living and material items.  Our office and our fees are extremely comparable to others in this area, and less than much of the United States.  In our practice, we offer internal financing, thus avoiding outside and third party financial institutions and costly interest and administrative fees. We essentially offer interest free loans to our patients. This is not common by most orthodontic practices and is another reason why Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest"!

If you have any questions about any of these myths, or would like any more information please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team members.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know February is National Children's Dental Health Month?  Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  Our doctors also follow the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists recommendations regarding orthodontic consultation, by age 7.

Good dental habits:

• Brushing for at least 2 minutes
• Brushing at least 2 times a day
• Floss teeth daily
• Limit the amount of sugary, sticky snacks
• Eat healthy meals
• See your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team members.

IMPRESSION-FREE ORTHODONTICS!

Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is proud to announce the integration of technology into our practice, allowing for us to avoid that sticky, gooey impression technique for most orthodontic procedures.  We have incorporated into our practice the 3M Unitek True Definition Scanner for improved accuracy, comfort and convenience of delivering orthodontic care for our patients.  This is just another example of how Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is “Smiles Above the Rest”. 

NEVER at our office!

Patients at Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics never have to wear headgear! Not many offices can say they NEVER use headgear. There are several types of headgears, but none of them are convenient, comfortable or inconspicuous. A headgear slides into tubes on the braces, and is kept in place using a neck strap that wraps around and hooks to the other side--very uncomfortable.

Early treatment, using a new generation of appliances, is a much more comfortable alternative to wearing a headgear, and provides a superior final result. This is just one more reason why Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest".

New Year's Resolution

The beginning of a new year is often a time to reflect on the year that was, and to set personal goals for the upcoming year. Do you have ideas on how you plan to improve your health and happiness in 2015? It's never too late to think about New Year's resolutions, and we recommend making a commitment that benefits your oral health!

It's important that New Year's resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life. For example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent gum disease during your orthodontic treatment? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities while you are wearing braces. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

If your resolution is to attain a great looking smile, Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics would love to help! Please feel free to contact any of our team members to schedule your appointment. Happy Holidays!

1st Annual SBH Winter Contest

We have decided that since the Pumpkin Contest is loved so much we are going to have our 1st annual winter contest! This year, each staff member will be building their own Snowman! Stay tuned to vote on Facebook or at your next visit. The competition is hot enough to melt a Snowman!!

Retainer Cleaning

After your treatment is completed and your braces are removed, you will be fitted for a retainer to keep your teeth in their corrected positions. There are several different types of retainers, and they all have one thing in common -- they need to be kept clean. Along with brushing and flossing, wearing your retainer is an important step in maintaining your new smile. Be sure to clean your retainer and your teeth, to help to prevent any tartar build-up on both.

Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your retainer clean:

• Always rinse your retainer in water after you have removed it, as drying saliva can cause tartar build-up.
• Remember to clean your retainer case periodically.
• Brush your retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste every night.
• Wash your hands before and after handling the retainer.
• Never use hot water to rinse or clean your retainer, as it will distort the retainer.

While most people are aware of good brushing and flossing habits, the care of removable appliances is often overlooked. Make it a priority to keep your retainer clean as a part of your daily routine. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics staff members.

Tips from Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics

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-Hansen Orthodontics recommends the following tips to ensure successful cleaning of your braces.

Flossing
Flossing every day can help clean areas 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-Hansen Orthodontics YouTube channel.

Elastics
This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and consistency on your part. If Dr. Sondhi, Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen 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-Hansen Orthodontics team members.

Permanent or Removable?

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 to their original position. The doctors will discuss and recommend the retainers that will work best for your situation.

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. 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 important 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. Again, 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.

FSA and HSA deadlines are approaching!

 

In the next few weeks, some families will need information for their 2015 Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). New legislation limits the amount to $2,500.00 - $2,600.00 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 2015.

Calling on the Tooth Fairy?!?!

Parents often want to know when their child's baby teeth should be falling out. Are they delayed? Is there something wrong? Should we be doing something about it? These are just a few of the hundreds of things we worry about as parents. Here is some general information to help determine if your child is on track:

Every child develops at a different rate. Although we have general age guidelines when baby teeth should be lost and replaced by an adult tooth (eruption), there is a broad spectrum of when this will actually occur. Generally, the first baby tooth falls out around the age of 6 years old. Some children may have the majority of their adult teeth by the age of 10 and others it may be the age of 15. This is one reason the American Association of Orthodontist recommend a child be screened by an Orthodontist around the age of 7.  It is the job of a dental professional to determine if your child is delayed in their dental development, and if so, is there a reason for it. Orthodontists are specifically trained to be aware of such problems. Aside from delayed development there are other reasons baby teeth do not fall out as expected. Some reasons for delayed eruption of adult teeth include extra teeth that may get in the way, inadequate space for the adult tooth to come in, or it may be that an adult tooth is missing. Some children would benefit from interceptive treatment to help create space to guide adult teeth into the proper path to enter the mouth.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontic team members!

Have you heard of "gap bands"?

The use of elastics in dentistry is not a new development. One of the earliest applications of elastics in dentistry was to extract teeth in patients with bleeding disorders. The practitioner simply placed a rubber band around the tooth to be extracted; because of the shape of the teeth, the rubber band slowly worked its way up or down the sides of the tooth roots, and the tooth just fell out in about 4-6 weeks. This use of elastics was intentional and considered a safe and effective procedure for extractions at that time.

For more than a century, similar examples of this type of elastics use have also appeared in the orthodontic literature, but in a negative sense. Such articles show the possible consequences of using these same principles to close a space ("gap") between the teeth. If placed around tooth by a patient without the supervision of an orthodontist, severe problems could result. The rubber band slides into the soft tissue, it is difficult if not impossible to retrieve it, and it continues along the distal surface of the roots, destroying the periodontal attachment and producing inflammation. As this happens, the teeth extrude, the crowns fan out as the roots are pulled together, the teeth become increasingly mobile, and could fall out.

This situation is made more difficult because elastics usually can not be seen on radiographs. As a result, consideration of the symptoms might not result in a definitive diagnosis. In the absence of the patient's or parent's acknowledgement of the use of rubber bands, trauma is usually suspected, and palliative periodontal therapy and splinting are usually performed. Alas, if the cause of the symptoms is a submerged rubber band, the teeth will continue to loosen and most likely be lost. Subsequent repair and replacement of the missing teeth and bone can require dental procedures that are complex and expensive.

Because of this known risk, orthodontists and other dentists generally consider the uncontrolled movement of the teeth using just elastics to be below the standard of care. Having attachments on the teeth with secured wire between them is the simple remedy.

A recent search using the words "gap bands" and related terms produced millions of hits. Although the term "gap bands" is newly minted, it is clearly commonly used around the world. Judging by the available videos, it is also clear that the topic is of considerable interest to many minors and adults. Please contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics team members to discuss appropriate approaches for treatment for a GAP between the teeth.