Beautiful Smiles To Last A Lifetime

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

It’s time to celebrate! You’ve just gotten your braces taken off and your smile looks amazing!

If you want to keep that beautiful smile for life, you're going to need to make sure you wear your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment does not end once Dr. Theresa L. Skelton remove your braces...wearing your retainer is the final step in keeping your smile perfect.

Here's something you may not know...your teeth aren't set rigidly into your jawbone. Your teeth are held in place by bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal position by your braces, it takes time for the periodontal ligaments to adjust. 

When you’re not wearing your retainer, pressure from your lips and tongue can cause your teeth to shift. Even if your teeth don’t look like they have moved, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. If you go without wearing your retainer for long periods of time, your teeth will continue to move until misalignment is visibly noticeable.

The retention phase of your treatment begins as soon as your braces are removed and lasts a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put and wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Skelton. 

If you have any questions about the retention phrase of your orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact our Greenville office. 
 

Remember: Remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

Protect Your Enamel

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Braces are a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. The wires and brackets used at TLS Orthodontics are fundamental to the treatment process, but it can be difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s enamel.

If you have braces, your smile can be prone to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. Pay special attention to cleaning your teeth every day. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

To prevent enamel erosion, Dr. Theresa L. Skelton encourages you to:

Keep Your Teeth Clean: Brush your teeth after every meal. Use an interdental brush, floss (and floss threaders) and possibly a water flosser to help rid your mouth of stuck debris.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. Use a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash whenever possible.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic foods can expose your smile to the acids that harm the teeth. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible. Certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. During orthodontic treatment, focus on eating foods that are both good for your body and your teeth.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth while wearing braces, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Thinking about what is coming in contact with your pearly whites can protect your teeth from erosion and decay.

Less tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, pickles, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

More tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: bananas, mangoes, melons, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, milk, water, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, and pasta.

If you like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, our friendly staff at TLS Orthodontics is available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong. 

 

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Theresa L. Skelton plans out for you.

One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out to eat and drink. But just because you can take them out, doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.

Follow these simple Do's and Don'ts when caring for your Invisalign aligners:

DO Rinse Every Time: Any time you take your aligners out of your mouth, rinse them thoroughly under running water. This will rinse away bacteria, saliva, and food particles.

DON’T Boil Your Aligners: Hot water will distort the trays. It is not safe to place your Invisalign aligners into the dishwasher or in boiling water.

DO Brush and Floss Your Teeth: Proper care isn't just about clean aligners; your teeth need to stay clean as well. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria under the aligners.

DON’T Use Toothpaste: Toothpaste is great for your teeth, but it can harm your aligners. When you brush your aligners, do so gently and without toothpaste.

DO Brush Carefully: Ideally, you want to brush your Invisalign aligners every time you take them out or before you put them back in. But be careful, as overzealous brushing can leave visible marks and scratches on your aligners.

If you have questions about how you can better care for your Invisalign aligners, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us  at our Greenville orthodontic office.

New Year New Toothbrush

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean. So...when is the last time you got a new toothbrush?

Replacing your toothbrush is essential since it is constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. Dr. Theresa L. Skelton and her team recommended that you switch out your old toothbrush for a new one every 3 to 4 months. People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes more frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush less effective. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn that's a clear sign you need a new toothbrush.

2 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush:

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stays on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. That build up of bacteria is going back into your mouth at least twice a day.

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Did you know that an old, worn out toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque?

3. Illness -Three months is longer than you may think. In that time, several sicknesses can come and go. While it is best to dispose of your toothbrush right after you recover from an illness, taking the extra precaution of disposing of your toothbrush every three months can help ensure you stay healthy.

A healthy mouth starts with having good a dental habits. Part of a good dental routine is making sure you change your toothbrush every three months. If you're wondering if your old toothbrush is having a negative affect on your oral health give TLS Orthodontics a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to answer any questions you may have.

What is an Orthodontist?

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

You see a dentist twice a year. They clean your teeth and help keep your mouth healthy. But what about orthodontists? What can they do for you? 

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw. While orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.

A question people often ask is, “Can my dentist give me braces?” The simple answer is no.

Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists complete further training after they graduate from dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, and fitting them for braces and other corrective devices. The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your smile goes beyond just having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew, and speak effectively.

Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:

Crossbites: When you have a narrow upper jaw or a wider lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a you to move the lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

Crowding: Crowding, typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Crowding can be the cause or result of other problems, such as impacted teeth, retained teeth, or teeth that have not naturally fallen out.

Spacing Issues: Spaces between teeth may be related to tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spacing issues.

Overbites: When you have excessive vertical overlapping of the front teeth, generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. 

Excessive Gingival Display: Also known as a gummy smile, excessive gingival display gives the appearance of exposed gums on the upper arch.   

If you have been wondering if you should see an Orthodontist to improve your smile...Give TLS Orthodontics a call today. Dr. Theresa L. Skelton and her friendly staff are here to answering any questions you may have.

More Than a Pretty Smile

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

At TLSOrthodontics, our goal is to provide you provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Whether it’s through Invisalign, traditional braces, or clear braces...orthodontics goes beyond just having a pretty smile.

Benefits of Having Straight Teeth

1. Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are a foundation to a healthy body. The health of your mouth and your body are connected. Your gums are essential  to your overall health. When your teeth are spaced out or crowded, it is possible for them to become inflamed, which can be a sign of periodontal disease.

2. Easier to Clean: A great benefit of straight teeth is the ease of keeping your teeth clean…which means healthier gums. Crowded teeth are difficult to brush and floss properly. Improper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and tooth decay.

3. Less Tooth Wear: The straighter your teeth are, the less wear and tear you place on them. Biting and chewing generate quite a bit of pressure. Properly aligned teeth can handle biting and chewing without any problems. However, those with bite problems end up putting an excessive amount of stress on their teeth. This excessive amount of stress can lead to fractures and even abnormal flattening of the biting surface. 

4. Clearer Speech: Your teeth plays an important role in your speech. If you have teeth that are crowded, spaced out, or protruding from your mouth, it can affect your speaking patterns negatively.  

5. Better Digestion: Straight teeth are better for chewing. Chewing is the beginning of the food digestion process. When you chew your food more thoroughly, it helps speed up the digestion process.

If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and braces, give Dr. Theresa L. Skelton a call in our Greenville, MS orthodontic office  at 662-332-4902.

 

 

Are You Too Old For Braces?

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.

Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with an age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Depending on your budget and the severity of your orthodontic problem, Dr. Theresa L. Skelton will discuss your options to ensure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re 7 or 70, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, as long as you are healthy...your teeth can be straightened at any age.

Not every type of appliance is suitable for correction of every kind of orthodontic problem. At TLS Orthodontics, we offer full range of appliances, and will help you choose the appliance is right for your orthodontic care.

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting our Greenville, MS office today.