Tooth whitening under braces

Did you know you can actually bleach your teeth with braces on!

Many Invisalign patients know that they can bleach with their aligners, but whitening gel can actually penetrate the tooth surface underneath your braces and bleach them from the inside out. Since tooth bleach gel is made out of hydrogen peroxide it also helps to bubble off any bacteria and food left on the teeth.

Many patients, when bleaching their teeth experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, so talk to Dr Adams or Gimlen before you whiten your teeth.

Can smiling make you live longer?

People with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. The team at Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Keep smiling and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

When should I bring my child to the orthodontist

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr Adams and Gimlen, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Most parents think that seven is too early, so why then. At age seven the average patient has enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind and the child will be monitored on a regular basis to watch their growth and dental development.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Braces By The Sea to schedule an appointment.

Burning questions about Invisalign® with Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

We've written about the advantage of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen when performed by Drs. Gimlen, Adams and Duffin, and today thought we'd answer some of the most frequently asked questions about 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! Here are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics.

At this point, you're probably wondering: 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 any pain during my 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!

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You may 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 after you're done eating.

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 or flossing.

Will my speech be altered by my 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 Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Drs. Duffin, Gimlen or Adams will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan. A complimentary consultation with Drs. Duffin, Adams & Gimlen can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

To learn more about Invisalign, please give Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics a call! Have a great week!

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment here at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Our doctors are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call!

Thanks and enjoy your weekend!