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We all think we know what happens when we go out of our way to improve our smile at the dentist, but there are several things they don’t tell you when you try to do it. 

Let’s say that you want braces. Here’s everything you need to know about the experience: 

You don’t have to get a mould of your teeth done anymore

20 years ago, you didn’t really have any other options other than getting a mould of your teeth done if you wanted to wear some sort of orthodontics or prosthetics, like braces. Technology has moved on considerably since then. It’s now possible to scan your teeth using a minimally invasive wand.

The idea is to place a pen-shaped wand in your mouth and then scan all of the surfaces of your teeth and upload it to a computer. Many of these systems play relaxing music while they are operating and update the scan to a screen that the dentist can see in real time. They can view your teeth in all of their glory and see exactly the type of brace that you require to return them to their optimal positions.

You become a professional food checker

Another thing that happens when you start improving your smile is that you become a professional food checker. For example, let’s say that you’re using Invisalign or some sort of orthodontic braces setup. You need to avoid foods that are too hard and crunchy in order to avoid damaging the prosthetics. This means that you need to be careful when eating crusty bread, tortilla chips, and even apples.

When you’re also looking to improve your smile, you take extra care when consuming foods that are likely to stain your mouth. For example, you might sip your iced coffee out of a straw so that the liquid hits the back of your throat instead of drinking it through your front teeth, which could discolour them.

Your face shape can change

Another thing you might notice when you improve your smile is that your entire face shape can actually change. Modern orthodontics don’t just shift your teeth; they move the bone around in your mouth and change how your jaw falls when it closes. Your teeth subtly support the lower third of your face, so altering their alignment, length, or thickness can lead to substantial changes in things like your mouth position. This can sometimes create a more lifted and youthful appearance.

Maintenance takes a lifetime

Finally, if you’re using aligners or veneers to improve your smile, the maintenance can take a lifetime. These systems can be highly effective and permanent, but they also require you to take care and pay extra attention, similar to looking after your biological teeth.

For example, let’s say that you get through a set of aligner trays and you think you’re done. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You’ll need to wear a nighttime retainer indefinitely if you want them to stay in place. The same is true for veneers and bonding. Even though these don’t get cavities, the natural teeth underneath them can. For this reason, you need to be careful to maintain oral hygiene at all times to prevent any rot or decay from setting in.

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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

DR. JASON GAMBILL

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in the Bossier City area? Dr. Gambill is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as well as a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is passionate about kids’ dental health and provides the expertise and education needed to give your child a healthy smile for life.

WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTIST APPOINTMENT?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit a dentist by his or her first birthday.

WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE LOCATED?

We have four offices located in Bossier City, Shreveport, Natchitoches, and Minden. We are always looking for opportunities to make quality care more accessible to our patients.

WHY SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST VS. A REGULAR DENTIST?

Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children. Dr. Gambill and his team have extensive experience working with children’s teeth and gums from infancy to their teenage years. We currently have four pediatric dental specialists serving our patients’ needs.

HOW CAN I DO MY PART TO TEACH MY CHILD GOOD DENTAL HABITS?

Proper care of baby teeth is important for the future health and development of your child’s smile. Introduce your baby to oral hygiene by laying them in your lap and wiping a soft damp cloth gently over their gums. By the time your child is 2 years old, you may begin helping them brush their teeth twice a day with a soft brush and teaching them to floss.

ANY OTHER TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE?

When possible, ensure your child has water to drink instead of sugary drinks or juices, and NEVER put your baby to bed with milk or juice. Avoid gummy vitamins, as they are full of sugar and stick to your baby’s teeth.

DENTAL CARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE IT IS OKAY TO BE A KID AND HAVING FUN IS ENCOURAGED!

The team at Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport Bossier encourages kids to have fun. We love to see them smile! One way we encourage excitement within the community is with regular visits from Twinkle, our very own Tooth Fairy! Twinkle loves to visit local schools and teach kids of all ages the importance of oral health and helping them learn to care for their smiles in a way that is informative and fun.

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FAMILY DENTISTRY

HOOPER FAMILY DENTISTRY

WHEN SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD TO START SEEING THE DENTIST?

A good rule of thumb is if you can see that their “baby” teeth are coming in, then it is probably a good time to go ahead and bring them in to see a dentist for a simple  exam. The dentist can not only check their new teeth coming in, but also, and often, more importantly, their tongue, tonsils, and their airway. They also can check to see if any tethered tissues may be causing problems with nursing, feeding, talking, and even proper breathing.

WHAT ARE TETHERED ORAL TISSUES?

Tethered oral tissues or “TOTS” for short are areas where there are restrictions in movement due to excessive tissue attachment. Everyone has probably heard the word “tongue-tied” at some point in their lives. Believe it or not, this is a real diagnosis and condition for lots of people! Along with tongue-ties, there are also lip ties on the top lip! Infants born with these ‘TOTS’ can struggle tremendously nursing due to the inability to get a good latch. They also may snore at night due to the tongue not moving freely, thereby creating an airway concern. When they get to the point of trying to talk, they may struggle to speak properly and enunciate certain words.

HOW CAN THESE “TIES” BE FIXED?

There are a couple of ways these problems can be revised in your child, and the sooner the revision, the better. One of the best options to “fix” these lip and tongue ties is with a medical laser. Similar to the way tattoos can be removed, we can use a special laser that can “cut” the tissues. It sounds like a terrible process, but actually, it is far easier than the traditional method of using either scissors or a scalpel. The process as a whole takes no longer than 30 seconds with a properly trained doctor who has the right equipment. Lasers not only cut and relieve the restrictions, but they also cauterize the wound as the cutting is done, creating almost little to no bleeding. There are other post-procedure exercises the parent needs to perform with the child to prevent any reattaching of the tissues, but the reattachment after having laser revision is much lower than in the traditional method of using scissors or scalpel. If you have questions, it’s always best to consult with your doctors before deciding which method best fits your baby’s needs!

5148 AIRLINE DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY • 318.742.2272 • 1613 JIMMIE DAVIS HWY SUITE 1, BOSSIER CITY • 318.752.3939 • WWW.HOOPERFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM

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