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.

Mouth Guards + Sports = Safety

April is National Facial Protection Month and every April, Dr. Theresa Skelton and her team would like to remind our athletes to wear a mouth guard during recreational and organized sports.

tlsorthodontics.com

A mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age when it comes to protecting your mouth. Mouth guards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. 

A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech. There are three types of mouth guards:

1. Stock mouth guards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky and may make breathing and talking difficult.
2. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be purchased at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth guards. The "boil and bite" mouth guard  is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger pressure. 
3. Custom-fitted mouth guards are individually designed and made in an orthodontic office. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, custom-made mouth guards are a little more expensive than the other types of mouth guards, but they provide the most comfort and protection.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Mouth guards should be used by anyone playing contact sports such as football, soccer, and basketball. However, even those participating in non-contact sports or any recreational activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.   

If you're an athlete and a patient of Dr. Theresa Skelton, talk to her and her team about selecting a mouth guard that will provide the right protection for you. For more information give us a call at our Greenville office at 662-332-4902. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are you ready to look into a custom-fitted mouth guard for you or your active child? Summertime is the perfect time! Contact Dr. Theresa Skelton  for more details and to schedule your next appointment.

Office Update: COVID-19

Effective March 23, 2020

Due to a Mandate by the State of Mississippi, our orthodontic office is officially closed until further notice.

For pain emergencies, please send a message to TLS orthodontics through Facebook, Instagram or email us info@tlsorthodontics.com.

 You may leave a message on our answer machine and we will contact you. Thank you for understanding, Dr. Skelton and staff

3 Facts about Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Located in Greenville, Mississippi, our practice's top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases, interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

1. Moving baby teeth is not done for the sake of their appearance. While baby teeth can move during Phase One orthodontic treatment, their movement is part of the process to ensure sufficient space for permanent teeth.
2. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is for kids, but it’s not for all kids. Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however, there are a few exceptions.
3. Two-phase orthodontic treatment can be used to help numerous things, including helping the jaws develop to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth, especially the permanent canines. It also normalizes the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw, especially in the case of an underbite.

We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment or oral health care routines, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation.

3 Easy Health Tips for the New Year

Happy New Year! It's a new year and that means new opportunities to restart our health routines if they may have fallen off a bit, or to pledge for a healthier year. Located in Greenville, Mississippi, our practice's top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. One of the easiest things we can do to improve our health in 2020 is to create a healthy oral hygiene routine.

Here are 3 health tips for the new year.

1. Change Your Toothbrush: An easily avoidable habit we can change is to switch out our toothbrush every 3-4 months. Take a look at the bristles. If they are frayed, they won't clean teeth as thoroughly. If you use an electric toothbrush, switch out the heads every 3-4 months as well.

2. Flossing: Flossing is an essential step in any oral hygiene routine. How often should you floss? Everyday. Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers.

3. Stop Snacking: Ideally, you want to avoid snacking. If snacking is a big issue, be sure to brush your teeth after because it can allow food particles and sugar to remain on your teeth for too long, providing fuel for bacteria that feed on it.

We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible and your smile is the best it can be. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment or oral health care routines, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation.