Month: October 2016

What Halloween Treats are Safe for Braces?

Dr. Kevin Horner

BracesPumpkinHalloween is almost here. Just in time for this spooky (and sweet) holiday, Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow, and the team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to remind all our orthodontic patients to use caution when indulging in those Halloween treats. While all those sweet, sour, and sticky candies may taste great, these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as break braces, and may also delay overall orthodontic treatment time.

Hard candies, chewy or sticky candies such as taffies and caramels, nutty goodies, jelly beans, licorice, bubble gum, lollipops, and sour candies are some of the Halloween goodies that can spell trouble for trick-or-treaters who are wearing braces or orthodontic appliances. Fruity and sour candies, like Starburst or Skittles, are terrible for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can erode the enamel that protects the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

So, what are the alternatives?
Dark chocolate, sugar-free gum, or anything that contains xylitol (a sugar substitute) is not as damaging to your teeth as hard, chewy, or sticky sweets. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends softer treats or melt-in-your-mouth foods, such as:

• Soft chocolates, such as Meltaways
• Peanut butter cups
• Gelatin (Jell-O) treats
• Apple cider
• Ice cream
• Smoothies
• Root beer floats

Still looking for other braces-friendly, and healthier alternatives? We recommend cutting up easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables such as an apple, banana or celery stalk filled with peanut butter. It might surprise you how much eating a banana or sipping a glass of water can help curb those sweet snack cravings!

We know that trick-or-treating is a fun tradition, and if you’re one of those folks who just can’t say no to Halloween sweets, we encourage our patients to brush and floss their teeth immediately after eating (including around the brackets and at the gum line) as well as swish water around in your mouth.

While sugar is known to sit on the teeth and in between and under brackets and wires after food consumption, it is important to know that sugar is not the only cavity-causing culprit. Carbohydrates, starches, acids, and any food that is chewy or sticky breaks down into sugar, and can cause tooth decay.

Remember, if you do damage your braces, please give our Sioux Falls, SD office a call as soon as possible. In most cases, small problems can be resolved with a quick trip to our office. If you have any questions about sugary foods or drinks, please give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment visit.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

Yes, Braces and Instruments Do Play Well Together

Dr. Keri Barrow

SaxPlayer

Quite a few of our patients here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics play musical instruments. Many times, we are asked by parents about the effect braces or orthodontic treatment will have on their childrens’ ability to play their wind instruments. This article will answer some of the common questions we hear in our Sioux Falls, SD office regarding this topic.

Braces and Wind Instruments

When you first get braces you may find that it affects your ability to play your instrument. No worries! With motivation and practice, you should be back to playing in no time.

Before you start orthodontic treatment, talk to Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow about what type of braces you will be getting, and the kind of wind instrument you play. Try to schedule your first appointment during a time when you don’t have any important performances to allow your mouth time to adjust.

Treatment with fixed braces can affect your ability to play a wind instrument, but it is very unlikely that this will last for more than a few months.

If you play a woodwind instrument, you will probably adjust to playing with your braces on very quickly. Your playing is likely to return to normal within a few weeks.

If you play a brass instrument, you may have problems playing high notes when your braces are placed. Your playing is likely to return to normal within a few months.

Some players may develop sores inside their mouth while playing. Check with your music teacher to see if your mouthpiece can be changed for a larger one. This may help to evenly spread the load over your lips. Some musicians use brace wax when playing to protect their lips and cheeks. Placing wax over your brackets when you first start playing your instrument may help you avoid pressure sores or possible discomfort.

Musicians often get a dry mouth when practicing or performing. If your mouth is feeling dry, it is best to drink water. Remember, sodas and sugary drinks can damage your teeth during your orthodontic treatment.

Once your braces are removed and treatment is complete, it will only be a short time until you are used to playing without your braces.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

 

Orthodontics for Adults—You CAN Have a Beautiful Smile!

Dr. Kevin Horner

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we treat a large number of adult patients. National studies of orthodontic patients reveals that one out of every five patients in braces or other orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21. The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that approximately 1,000,000 adults in the United States are currently receiving treatment from orthodontists. Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult.

Job SeekerAdult orthodontics can be especially helpful when looking for a new job. The job market is tight right now, especially for recent college graduates and young adults. First impressions are everything and serious job hunters are giving themselves the gift of an improved new smile to promote their success. Many hiring professionals say that a beautiful, healthy smile during the interview process, no matter what your age, makes a difference when interviewing for a new job. It also helps to boost your confidence when communicating with others on all levels, both professionally and personally, thereby helping you to perform better throughout your life and career.

 

Orthodontic treatment for adults has several benefits which might include:

• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence

• Improved health of your teeth and gums

• Reduction in unwanted wear of the teeth

• Decreased potential jaw joint problems or pain (TMJ/TMD)

• Development of the proper bite relationships for long-term function

Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow specialize in the latest in orthodontic care for patients of all ages. It’s never too late to have a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Call our Sioux Falls, SD office for your complimentary orthodontic examination.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

 

Will Using a Mouthwash Affect My Teeth While I’m In Braces?

Dr. Keri Barrow

WomanMouthwash

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, a question we often hear is “Should I use a mouthwash?” or “Will using a mouthwash affect my teeth while I’m in braces?” 

The answer actually depends on what result you are wanting to achieve. Although mouthwashes contain common inactive ingredients like water, cleansing and coloring agents, and flavoring ingredients, they tend to differ in their active ingredients.

People use mouthwash to:
• freshen breath
• help prevent tooth decay
• reduce the amount of plaque buildup
• prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease).

The 3 main categories of mouthwashes are:
• Antibacterial mouthwashes
• Fluoride mouthwashes
• Odor (or bad breath) neutralizers

Antibacterial mouthwashes
These mouthwashes work directly on the oral bacteria to help reduce the amount of plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath. They can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath all at the same time. They combat the bacteria present in plaque that creates toxins that can damage the gums and cause dental decay.

Fluoride mouthwashes
These mouthwashes help to reduce tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to decay. They contain fluoride which helps to strengthen the enamel on the teeth, making them more resistant to the acids produced by the bacteria in our mouths. This may be recommended when during orthodontic treatment, since braces do trap a lot of plaque and food which, if not removed, can lead to dental decay.
Fluoride mouthwashes are a good option to use when you’re in braces as it does give you that added protection.

Odor neutralizing mouthwashes
Odor neutralizing mouthwashes act by chemically deactivating odor-causing compounds. They may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste. But they don’t address the causes of bad breath. They don’t kill the bacteria that cause bad breath in the first place nor do they help to reduce plaque, gingivitis or cavities.

Alcohol in Mouthwashes
The one concern with mouthwashes is if you choose an mouthwash containing alcohol is that they do cause dryness of the mouth. This is a problem for those who suffer from dry mouth syndrome as it aggravates the condition. If you suffer from dry mouth syndrome, when purchasing a mouthwash, consider choosing the alcohol-free version.

Which mouthwash is right for you and your family? Not everyone needs a mouthwash, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask us the next time you’re in for an appointment at our Sioux Falls, SD office. Just remember, even though it can be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, using a mouthwash is NOT a substitute for brushing or flossing.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.