Summer Smiles!

Dr. Theresa Skelton

Summer time is the best time of year for most kids. Staying up late, playing video games, and visiting the orthodontist. Yes, you read that right…we did say visiting the orthodontist. 

Healthy teeth do more than provide your child with an opportunity to show off their smile. Healthy teeth enable your child to be more confident, allow for easier social development, and help to promote over-all good health. 

Just the Facts: In an independent study conducted on behalf of the AACD, it was discovered that...

• 99.7% of Americans believe that a smile is an important social asset. 
• 74% of Americans agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. 
• 96% of Americans believe that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing.

The rapid changes an adolescent experiences physically during puberty is a benefit when it comes to orthodontic treatments. By taking advantage of the pubertal growth spurts, Dr. Theresa L. Skelton is able to use growth to her advantage to help direct jaw growth, correcting even severe bite relationships.

The benefits of straight, well-aligned teeth include:

• Teeth that are less prone to wear, chipping, and tooth trauma. 
• Teeth that are easier to keep clean, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. 
• Less of a chance to develop gum (periodontal) disease. 
• The improvement of proper chewing and digestion of food. 
• Excellent esthetics and sometimes improvement in ones self-esteem.

The upcoming school year is like a clean slate just waiting to be filled with good memories and opportunities for growth and adventure. So…embrace the summer months and give your child a happy, healthy smile! Contact our office today!

Urgent, Urgent...Emergency!

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

OK...so you're home from your orthodontic adjustment appointment with Dr. Theresa L. Skelton. Your next appointment is scheduled for six weeks from now. Your mouth is sore, you feel a wire poking your cheek, your teeth are tender. You have an emergency and need these painful issues resolved right now!

Did you know that many things we consider an emergency are really things that are simply causing us temporary discomfort and can be resolved at home? It's true. Most orthodontic concerns, like, poking wires and mouth soreness can be fixed without scheduling an emergency appointment.

Here's How...

Poking Wire - Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, pencil eraser or Q-Tip. Orthodontic wax can always be used to cover any archwires that might be sticking out.

Loose Wire - Use Tweezers to re-insert archwire that may have slipped out of the molar bracket. Place wax over it if there is any remaining discomfort.

Soreness - Warm salt-water rinses are helpful in relieving soreness. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil as you would for a headache or similar discomfort.

Please Remember: 

Every day when you brush your teeth, check to make sure you do not have any loose braces by gently trying to slide each one. If a wire or band comes loose, do not be alarmed. If you have a broken or loose appliance, please call us to determine if your breakage is urgent and requires immediate repair. If a piece comes loose, save it and bring it with you to the office.