WHAT’S GOING ON THIS MONTH Q. What should I expect after jaw surgery? A. The benefits of orthognathic surgery are unlimited- both in terms of form and function. Patients will only need to experience this life-changing experience once, thankfully, as the recovery process is often relatively long-lived. In a study of 170 subjects, Phillips, et al found that discomfort following surgery that required the use of analgesics persisted approximately two weeks. In addition, oral function returned to maximal levels approximately 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. Whether you are considering surgical intervention for cosmetic reasons or to correct inherited jaw growth issues, the realization of this recovery process is paramount. For more resources on all types of retainers, visit BurlesonOrtho.com and search for the article “Braces and Jaw Surgery.” Ask One of the Specialists SMILEHEALTH SMILE HEALTH for Patients of Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry / May 2015 ® Patient & Parent Appreciation Event Join us for the up- coming Disney movie Cinderella with free tickets, snacks and fun prizes. Watch our Facebook Page for dates Summer Movie Nights Start Soon Starting at the end of May, the Summer Movie Night series starts again throughout the summer. Join us at Mulberry Lake, across from the Briarcliff office and bring a friend! Flex Spending Accounts & Taxes Did you know? Up to $2,500 can be dedicated to orthodontic treatment for you or your child. Talk with your company Flex Spending Account manager for details. A bad bite, or malocclusion leads to future problems in the health of your mouth. Mal (Latin: “bad”) occlusion (Latin: “bite”). But what is malocclusion, and what causes it? Commonly referred to as overbite or underbite, malocclusion is the condition of having poorly aligned teeth, in which the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. ere are a number of risk factors that can lead to malocclusion, and fortunately, some of them are preventable. Read on to find out what causes this condition: Family History – Most often malocclusion is hereditary problem. Jaw and tooth size are inherited traits that can produce a mismatched proportion, such as teeth too large for a small jaw or small teeth that don’t fill the space available in a larger jaw. Oral Habits – In children, habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting (placing the tongue against or between the teeth while swallowing), or the prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle may cause malocclusion. Dental Health –Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which in turn can lead to tooth loss or require extraction (removal by a dentist). e loss of a tooth may cause bordering teeth to drift out of place. What Causes a Bad Bite to Develop?
Transcript
WHAT’S GOING ON
THIS MONTH
Q. What should I expect
after jaw surgery?
A. The benefits of
orthognathic surgery are
unlimited- both in terms of
form and function. Patients
will only need to experience
this life-changing experience
once, thankfully, as the
recovery process is often
relatively long-lived. In a
study of 170 subjects, Phillips,
et al found that discomfort
following surgery that
required the use of analgesics
persisted approximately two
weeks. In addition, oral
function returned to maximal
levels approximately 6 to 8
weeks post-surgery. Whether
you are considering surgical
intervention for cosmetic
reasons or to correct inherited
jaw growth issues, the
realization of this recovery
process is paramount.
For more resources on all
types of retainers, visit
BurlesonOrtho.com and
search for the article
“Braces and Jaw Surgery.”
Ask One of the Specialists
SMILEHEALTH
SMILEHEALTHfor Patients of Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry / May 2015
®
Patient & Parent Appreciation EventJoin us for the up-coming Disney movie Cinderella with free tickets, snacks and fun prizes. Watch our Facebook Page for dates
Summer Movie Nights Start SoonStarting at the end of May, the Summer Movie Night series starts again throughout the summer. Join us at Mulberry Lake, across from the Briarcliff office and bring a friend!
Flex Spending Accounts & TaxesDid you know? Up to $2,500 can be dedicated to orthodontic treatment for you or your child. Talk with your company Flex Spending Account manager for details.
A bad bite, or malocclusion leads to future problems in the health of your mouth. Mal (Latin: “bad”) occlusion (Latin: “bite”).
But what is malocclusion, and what causes it? Commonly referred to as overbite or underbite, malocclusion is the condition of having poorly aligned teeth, in which the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. There are a number of risk factors that can lead to malocclusion, and fortunately, some of them are preventable. Read on to find out what causes this condition:
Family History – Most often malocclusion is hereditary problem. Jaw and tooth size are inherited traits that can produce a mismatched proportion, such as teeth too large for a small jaw or small teeth that don’t fill the space available in a larger jaw.
Oral Habits – In children, habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting (placing the tongue against or between the teeth while swallowing), or the prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle may cause malocclusion.
Dental Health –Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which in turn can lead to tooth loss or require extraction (removal by a dentist). The loss of a tooth may cause bordering teeth to drift out of place.
If you play a woodwind or brass instrument, there may be a short adjustment period after getting braces. The inner part of your lips or cheeks may get sore from the friction caused by the braces. Use relief wax on the areas that are uncomfortable to help with discomfort and for faster healing. Also, your embouchure (or facial muscle positioning) may change slightly during this time. As with anything new, “practice makes perfect”! Just keep at it, and soon enough you won’t remember what it was like to play before braces!
From the Doctor’s Desk
Tooth sensitivity is common in many of our patients, and can usually be identified by pain or discomfort when consuming foods or beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sensitivity can be felt when brushing or flossing, and can also be experienced after routine dental procedures such as the placement of a filling or crown, tooth restoration, or even teeth cleaning. Such sensitivity is usually temporary; if it does not cease after four to six weeks please consult with your dentist.
Tooth sensitivity is often due to the breakdown of tooth enamel or a receding gum line, which can occur from: Teeth grinding, Tooth Decay, Gum disease, Vigorous brushing, Cracked or chipped teeth
In most instances, tooth sensitivity is treatable. Here are a few remedies you can take advantage of at home: Try a desensitizing toothpaste which contains chemicals that block sensations like hot and cold from reaching the nerves in your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be gentler on both your teeth and gums. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice every day and flossing once daily. Switch to a fluoride mouthwash. When possible, avoid acidic foods such as tea, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
Depending on the cause and severity of your sensitivity, you may benefit from professional treatment. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please be sure to contact us. We can set up an appointment to discuss your unique situation and determine the best way to address the problem.
BRACES & INVISALIGN
One question that frequently comes up in our office is what to do if a part of your appliance or braces breaks or is uncomfortable and you are unavailable to come into the office.
The good news is there are a few easy ways to manage discomfort or broken appliances on the go. Many orthodontic discomforts can be relieved by the use of over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen or with the use of relief wax.
For minor tooth discomfort, use whatever pain reliever works best for you when you have a headache. If a wire or bracket is causing your cheeks or gums discomfort, relief wax can be found at our office or at major chains and just needs to be applied to the area to make the uncomfortable appliance smooth to the touch. If a wire is too long, you can often use new nail clippers to clip the wire until you can make it into our office.
Some patients who drive long distances have asked if we can provide an “Orthodontic Emergency Kit” so they can clip a wire that has become irritating or remove a damaged piece of the braces. These kits are available and have a pack of wax, a handy mouth mirror and simple wire cutter so that you don’t have to use finger-nail clippers in your mouth. If you drive a long distance and have an interest in this resource, just ask at your next appointment.
What Happens if My Child’s Braces Break?
Plaque-fighting foods that are healthy for your teeth:
Out with friends? On the road? Sometimes, carrying around a toothbrush to keep your pearly whites pearly white isn’t so easy. When brushing and flossing isn’t a convenient option, you can still keep your teeth and mouth clean and feeling fresh, simply by eating delicious, healthy food.
• Sugar-free gum after a meal
• Apples, carrots and celery
• Dairy products (cheese, milk)
• Green tea
• Lots of water (no sugary drinks)
• Strawberries
Home Care Tips for Healthy Smiles
SMILEHEALTH
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Smart Tips for Sensitive Teeth
SMILEHEALTH
Q. Can you explain why my child should have her wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are frequently impacted, which means they either do not fully come in, or they come in misaligned. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, the most common:
Infection: When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, it leaves an opening that bacteria can enter, leading to infection.
Tooth damage: If a wisdom tooth erupts at an odd angle, it can cause damage to nearby teeth. Some wisdom teeth erupt at angles toward or away from second molars, or toward the inside or the outside of the mouth.
Cyst formation: In some cases, a cyst, or fluid-filled sac, forms, and can cause pain as well as damage to the jawbone and tooth roots.
Popular Questions from Patients
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Our Favorite Books & Business Resources
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Expanding with More Hours
A few recent “Braces Off” photos with excited patients who have transformed their smiles with orthodontic treatment. More photos can be seen on our Facebook Fan Page.
Due to the number of patients and parents who have requested late appointments in our Briarcliff, Liberty and Raymore office locations, Kevin Choe (Director of Operations) and our specialists have agreed to expand more late hours leading up to the summer months.
“The most-popular requested appointment times are those right after school and we’re trying to accommodate with more appointment slots during those times,” said Choe. It’s especially hard for parents who have children in standardized testing during the end of the school year to find time to bring the kids to the orthodontist or pediatric dentist.
You’ll see more late night and Saturday appointments leading up until the summer time when parents can finally stop worrying about orthodontic and dental appointments during school hours. During summer, we will offer early hours for those families who have busy sports practice schedules and prefer to get an early jump start to their day.
Pictured here are several patients who have recently finished their orthodontic treatment and are now spending their days smiling at everyone they meet! Remember to brush and floss diligently after getting your braces removed and be certain to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam, then we will see you for regular retainer checks.
Pregnancy and Oral Health, What You Need to Know
Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, make a check-up appointment with your dentist, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with your physician. Here are a few oral health issues you should be aware of during pregnancy.
Gingivitis & Gum DiseaseThe primary issue to avoid during pregnancy is gum disease, due to its link to premature birth. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.
Tooth Decay - Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the stomach acids introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on the teeth.
Loose Teeth - Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an adverse affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.
Parenting Tips for Dental Health Many patients have new dental insurance
benefits that start this year. To help you maximize your benefits and reduce your stress, here are some helpful tips for you and your family.
Know Your Benefits and Options – most patients are unaware of their dental plan’s specific benefits and limitations. Knowing these important areas of your plan can help prevent unwanted insurance hassles after your treatment is started. It sounds simple, but when you take some time to read through your member benefit handbook, you can quickly discover your co-insurance amount, your annual deductible amount, the number of cleanings covered per year, how often X-rays are allowed and the annual maximum benefit. Other areas of importance are whether or not your dependents are covered and when their
benefits begin.
Circle any areas that are confusing to you and write down specific questions you have then call your dental benefits manager and get answers to your questions. When you take time on the front end, you won’t be surprised with a large dental insurance bill after your treatment.
Be clear on your expectations before starting dental treatment for yourself or your child. Most dental plans cover diagnostic and preventive care at 80-100%. As treatments increase in cost and complexity, your plan will typically pay a lower percentage of the total cost.
Work with Your Dentist or Orthodontic Specialist – when you have major dental work or orthodontic treatment planned, ask your doctor for a pre-treatment estimate. Many doctors are willing to work out a payment plan or offer third-party financing so that you can split the total cost into convenient monthly payments.
The Annual Maximum – most plans have an annual maximum that refreshes at the beginning of the new year. The new year might be an excellent time to schedule a dental procedure that you’ve been putting off or has been causing you problems with pain, sensitivity, discomfort or chewing function. Remember to avoid delaying any recommended treatment by your dentist or orthodontic specialist as the condition will likely worsen and become more expensive to treat later.
Dental Insurance Tips for Patients of All Ages
SMILEHEALTH
INSURANCE & FLEX SPENDING
When you attend one of the Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry patient appreciation events, you might notice one of our professional photographers or news stations covering the activities. If you want to download one of the photos from our events, simply visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BurlesonOrthodotics and be sure to tag yourself in our photos for a chance to win more fun prizes!
Practice Events and Raffles Photos
Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk and Chunky Vegetables
Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Two 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts One 2-pound squash seeded and cut into wedges 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), cut into chunks 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger One 1-inch strip lime zest, plus lime wedges for serving 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed (optional) One 14-ounce can coconut milk 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce Asian chili oil Fresh cilantro, for serving
Directions: Combine the broth, chicken, squash, sweet potato, ginger, lime zest, and lemongrass (if desired) in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest breast registers 165° F and the vegetables are tender, 18 to 22 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken into large pieces. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce, and shredded chicken to the pot. Cook until warm, 3 to 5 minutes. Discard the lemongrass. Serve topped with the chili oil and cilantro and with the lime wedges on the side.
Hunter Schmitt – Hunter is a champion swimmer who has been swimming for 11 years. He is a member of the Northland United Swim Team and recently qualified for sectionals in his division. He practices two hours per day and five days per week to hone his skill
When Hunter is not in the pool, he is an excellent student. He hopes to major in biology in chemistry in college and one day go to medical school. Hunter also spends time bettering his community. Most recently, he spent time volunteering for the Bob Hiatt Beautification Day in North Kansas City.
Do You Know Someone Accomplishing Amazing Things? Send Your Story to the Burleson Orthodontics Newsletter at: [email protected] or visit our website at BurlesonOrtho.com and click on Providers That Care to see what local charities and non-profit organizations are looking for volunteers in the Kansas City area. When you choose Burleson you’re choosing an office that makes a difference in our community.
