Dunn Orthodontics: Phoenix Orthodontists: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Am I too old for orthodontics?

Absolutely not! There is no age limit for orthodontics. In fact, almost 25% of current orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. There are so many benefits for an adult to get orthodontic treatment. A beautiful new smile is just the beginning. Straight teeth not only look great, they are easier to keep clean. This results in a healthier mouth overall. Having the correct bite will help with proper function and reduce excessive wear and stress on the teeth.

Adults have so many choices in how they want to improve their smile. Invisalign and clear braces have made those metal bands and brackets a thing of the past for the busy adult! In fact, Drs. Courtney and Matthew Dunn are Preferred Providers for Invisalign. This distinction means that they have a high level of experience and training with Invisalign. With that experience, they are able to handle more complex cases in the most esthetic way possible. Contact Dunn Orthodontics for more information on adult braces and Invisalign.

Friday, May 21, 2010

What kind of toothbrush should I use with braces?

Conventional wisdom says the best toothbrush is the one that gets used. But, is there one that is better than another for use with braces? An interesting study was recently published in the European Journal of Orthodontics that addressed this issue. Nine different toothbrushes were tested in their efficiency to remove debris around an orthodontic bracket. All of these toothbrushes were “manual”, which means they are not electric. The design of the toothbrush did seem to make a difference! Toothbrushes that were v-shaped or staged cleaned better than the brushes that had bristles that were all the same length. So, when shopping for a manual toothbrush to use with braces, make sure you choose one that has various lengths of bristles. And make sure to clean well between the bracket and your gums! All toothbrushes did poorly in this area, so we need to pay attention to keep optimal dental health during orthodontic treatment. For more information on how to take care of your braces, contact your Phoenix, Litchfield Park and Goodyear orthodontists at Dunn Orthodontics.