Author: Dr. Kevin Horner

A Little Sunshine Benefits Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Dr. Kevin Horner

Sun smileWe all love sunshine! It feels wonderful to be out in the sun here in beautiful Sioux Falls, SD, plus it also has numerous health benefits. Sunshine elevates our mood, enhances our immune system functions, and aids in the vitamin D production in our bodies.

Vitamin D Is A Key Part Of A Healthy Smile
Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for good oral health?
When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, healthy teeth and gums are especially important. Vitamin D supports good oral health in two ways:

Vitamin D Aids Our Bodies In The Absorption And Utilization of Calcium
One of the major functions of vitamin D is moderating other vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Calcium fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. That’s why milk, a good source of calcium, is fortified with vitamin D.
Numerous studies have shown a greater cavity risk for people living in areas of the world with little sunlight…sometimes as much as double the risk for developing cavities.

Vitamin D May Help Fight Periodontal Disease
Vitamin D also acts in the body as an anti-inflammatory agent. Periodontal disease is the number 1 cause of tooth loss in adults, and it occurs as a result of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria.
Several studies have found that people who have high levels of vitamin D are less likely to have bleeding gums and gum detachment.

Getting Your Daily Dose Of Vitamin D
It doesn’t take long to get the vitamin D your body needs from the sun; as little as 15 minutes a day. But for those times when you can’t get your daily dose of sunlight, you can also get vitamin D from these foods:
• Vitamin D fortified milk, yogurt (whole, nonfat, or reduced fat), soy milk, or orange juice
• Vitamin D fortified cereals
• Egg yolks
• Fatty fish, such as tuna canned in water or sardines canned in oil.
• Beef or calf liver
• Cheese
• Vitamin D supplements

Get Yourself A Little Sunshine Today!
Just remember, you need to be careful about how much sun exposure you’re getting. You don’t need to sunbathe all day to get the vitamin D your body needs! Take this advice as a good reason to get outside today and soak up a few beneficial rays of that glorious sunshine!

Thank you for trusting Horner Barrow Orthodontics with your family’s oral health. We truly appreciate you!

Orthodontists and Dentists…There Is A Difference

Dr. Kevin Horner

It’s pretty safe to say that everyone knows a dentist takes care of teeth, but, not everyone is aware of what exactly an orthodontist does. This confusion can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about what Horner Barrow Orthodontics does for our patients and how exactly we can help them. Today, we’re going clear up a few of the common myths and misconceptions about orthodontists.

Perhaps the biggest myth or misconception about the orthodontist is that they’re just like your family dentist. The truth is, they’re actually quite different. It’s certainly true that both orthodontists and dentists care about helping you enjoy a lifetime of good dental and oral health, but orthodontists go about achieving this goal in different ways. As an example, if you need to have a cavity filled, you most likely wouldn’t make an appointment to see an orthodontist. Dentists are the health professionals to see if you’re concerned about a cavity or need a filling. A dentist can also treat periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, toothaches, and other common oral health problems.

People make an appointment with an orthodontist for very specific services. Most of the patients we see on a daily basis are here because they, a) have braces, or b) they need to be fitted with braces or another form of tooth-straightening device.  Simply stated, they consult an orthodontist when they are concerned about the alignment of their teeth. As a child begins to grow, his or her teeth may come in crooked. This can happen for any number of reasons, so it’s important for an orthodontist to take a look at a child’s teeth at about seven years of age. At that age, it’s possible to detect any issues that have not become too advanced to easily address and treat. Your family dentist may also refer your child to an orthodontist once their adult teeth have fully erupted.

Another common myth or misconception about orthodontists is that they only treat children. It’s true that when you visit an orthodontic practice, you’re more likely to see a lot of young children, but you’ll also see teens, college students, and adults. Because misaligned (or crooked) teeth can be caused by a number of different factors, it’s quite possible for someone to require orthodontic treatment at any age.

If you would like to know more about the practice of orthodontics or what an orthodontist can do for you, then simply ask to speak with Dr. Kevin Horner. It’s best to get answers to your specific questions directly from the professional who will be treating you. There really is no substitute for the personal attention you’ll get during your appointment at our Sioux Falls, SD office.

Thank you for placing your trust and your smile in us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics. We truly appreciate it!

Summer Vacation Braces Care Tips

Dr. Kevin Horner

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Summer is (finally) here, and that means family fun, vacations, adventures and great memories are just around the corner!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we know our patients want to have a sparkling, radiant white smile. Here are a few easy tips for you to remember to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful not just this summer, but all year long!

Try to avoid drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark-colored fruit juices. Not only will drinks such as these soften your tooth enamel, but they will also darken that fabulous smile you’re working on!

Another tip is to continue to focus on brushing your teeth. Sometimes, when busy schedules start filling up, taking the time to brush your teeth really well tends to be less of a priority. A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from the staining we mentioned above, and from other possible pitfalls, is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal when you aren’t able to fully brush your teeth. It sounds like such a simple thing, but your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!

We encourage you and your parents to be more conscious of any possible plans coming up when making your summer appointments with us. If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we can schedule your summer appointments around your time away.

If you will be gone for an extended amount of time (six weeks or more), we recommend that you visit our office prior to leaving and schedule another appointment shortly after you return home.

One last important tip. Please remember not to eat any hard, sticky, or chewy treats while enjoying your vacation.

And remember, whether you are headed to a cookout or picnic, a camping trip, amusement park, or just having fun in your own backyard this summer, we want to hear about it. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about all your summer adventures!

Temporo-what? Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Dr. Kevin Horner

A brief overview of TMJ

  • The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the site where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet.
  • TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems with many possible causes.
  • Symptoms of TMJ disorders include dizziness, clicking or popping of the jaw joint, headache, ear pain, and fullness or ringing in the ear.
  • There are many treatment options for TMJ disorders.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. Within the TMJ, there are moving parts that allow the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. This joint is a typical sliding “ball and socket” that has a disc sandwiched between it. The TMJ is used throughout the day to move the jaw, especially when biting and chewing, talking, and yawning. It is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

The temporomandibular joints are complex and are composed of muscles, tendons, and bones. Each component contributes to the smooth operation of the TMJ. When the muscles are relaxed and balanced and both jaw joints open and close comfortably, we are able to talk, chew, or yawn without pain.

Locate the TMJ by putting a finger on the triangular structure in front of the ear. The finger is moved just slightly forward and pressed firmly while opening the jaw. The motion felt is from the TMJ. We can also feel the joint motion if we put a little finger against the inside front part of the ear canal. These maneuvers can cause considerable discomfort to a person who is experiencing TMJ difficulty, and doctors use them for making the diagnosis.

What are TMJ disorders, and what are causes of TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems of the jaw joint. TMJ disorders are also sometimes referred to as myofascial pain dysfunction and Costen’s syndrome. Because muscles and joints work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain, bite problems (malocclusion), clicking sounds, or locked jaws. The following are behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ disorders.

  • Teeth grinding and teeth clenching (bruxism) increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the TMJ. People who grind or clench their teeth may be unaware of this behavior unless they are told by someone observing this pattern while they are sleeping or by a dental professional noticing telltale signs of wear and tear on the teeth. Many patients awaken in the morning with jaw or ear pain, or, in some cases, a taste of blood in the mouth.
  • Habitual gum chewing or fingernail biting.
  • Dental problems and misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion). Patients may complain that it is difficult to find a comfortable bite or that the way their teeth fit together has changed. Chewing on only one side of the jaw can lead to or be a result of TMJ problems.
  • Trauma to the jaws: Previous fractures in the jaw or facial bones can lead to TMJ disorders.
  • Stress frequently leads to unreleased nervous energy. It is very common for people under stress to release this nervous energy by either consciously or unconsciously grinding and clenching their teeth.
  • Occupational tasks or habits such as holding the telephone between the head and shoulder may contribute to TMJ disorders.

You don’t have to suffer from TMJ disorders. If you have any of the symptoms outlined above, please contact us. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we can help!

All about palatal expanders

Dr. Kevin Horner

What is a palatal expander? A palatal expander is an orthodontic device that is either permanently or temporarily placed into the upper arch and will gradually widen it enough to make room for the teeth. Children who have crowded teeth and narrow dental arches may need  a palatal expander. Even though braces are usually placed on most children ages 12 to 13 or older, the palatal expander is often used on children as young as eight, before the upper jaw rigidly attaches to the rest of the skull. By the time most children reach their teen years, the palatal expander cannot be used as effectively.

palatal expander

A palatal expander is used for about four to six months on children whose upper arch is undesirably narrow, and does not allow enough room for their teeth to come in straight. After the device is inserted, either the parent or the orthodontist will expand the palate once or twice a day. To activate the expander, you will need to insert the metal, toothpick-shaped key into a keyhole located inside the expander. You then rotate the key towards the back of the child’s throat.

After about a week, gaps should be visible between the front teeth, which is a good sign that the jaw is expanding. The orthodontist will regularly check on the progress of the palatal expander, and will stop the expansion when there is enough space for the teeth to come in. At this point, the palatal expander will stay passively in the mouth for a few months to allow the jaw to heal in the new position. Any gap between the front teeth will now quickly close.

It is very important to keep the palatal expander clean by brushing it along with your teeth at night, and rinsing with water after drinking soda or juice.

If you have any questions about palatal expanders, or any other orthodontic topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we appreciate the trust you place in us!

Eating A Healthy Breakfast For A Healthy Smile!

Dr. Kevin Horner

We’ve all heard it many times, and health studies agree, that breakfast could very well be the most important meal of the day. And, believe it or not, breakfast affects your oral health, too!

(The Wrong) Breakfast Can Harm Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Because most of us are on the go from morning ’til night, breakfast can easily be an imbalanced, over-sugary meal! While we don’t usually eat candy for breakfast, we often opt for popular cereals or baked goodies that are loaded with sugar. These unhealthy breakfast choices can be harmful to your teeth and gums—and your orthodontic appliances—with multiplying effects if you’re not brushing and flossing after breakfast.

Healthy breakfast

A Healthy, Balanced Breakfast Can Protect Your Teeth

Just like your body, your mouth needs nutritious food to stay healthy. A balanced breakfast rich in healthful fruits and vegetables, fiber, and proteins can help prevent tooth decay, early tooth loss, bad breath, and gum disease.

Healthy teeth and gums respond better to orthodontic treatment—so eating a good breakfast may also help you attain your goal of a healthy, straight, beautiful smile!

The Right Choices For A Smile-Friendly Breakfast

  • Choose whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread) instead of refined, highly processed grains.
  • Choose high fiber cereals with less preservatives and added sugar.
  • Choose healthy fruits and vegetables (chopped into easy-to-chew, bite-sized pieces).
  • Drink water or unsweetened tea to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
  • Use moderation with fruit juices and smoothies, as they are typically high in sugar and can be quite acidic.
  • Consider dinner for breakfast. Choose high-quality protein such as eggs, chicken, fish, beans, cheese, etc.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your braces or orthodontic appliance.

A Healthy Breakfast Kickstarts Your Day And Your Healthy Smile

Studies have found that a healthy breakfast can positively affect your energy, mood and focus.So, start eating breakfasts that protect your smile AND make you feel good!

Thanks for trusting your smile to Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

Helpful Advice For Eating With New Or Just-Tightened Braces

Dr. Kevin Horner

On the way to your beautiful, straight new smile, you may experience some temporary soreness, especially with new or recently-adjusted braces. Here are some tips to help you manage any discomfort or soreness.

We’ve found that avoiding certain foods during your orthodontic treatment can help you be more comfortable.

7 Suggestions For Eating With Newly-Placed Or Recently-Tightened Braces

Eat soft foods. Liquid or broth-based foods, such as shakes, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, eggs, quinoa, oatmeal, applesauce, puddings, yogurt, or jello all require little chewing, and are less likely to irritate your teeth and gums. Remember to look for sugar-free soft food options.

If you want to eat meat, try cold cuts or seafood. Canned tuna fish is a good option.

If you are hungry for some fruits or vegetables, try boiling the veggies, and cutting them and the fruit into small pieces so they’re easier to chew.

Eat carefully. Remember to chew your foods slowly. Use the roof of your mouth and your tongue to “smash” softer foods. If possible, try to keep your upper and lower teeth from touching.

Putting dental wax over any brackets that are close to the sore spots in your mouth can prevent further pain and irritation.

An over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate the soreness and discomfort.

Modern Braces Are More Comfortable

With today’s modern orthodontic technology, it’s possible to go through braces or orthodontic treatment with very minimal discomfort. If you’re careful and follow the instructions we give you, you can have a great orthodontic experience until that day when your braces come off and your beautiful new smile is revealed!

If you have any questions about your braces, give us a call or ask us at your next appointment.

Do You Have Any Helpful Tips For Newer Patients?

If you have worn braces and have some helpful advice on what or how to eat with new or recently-tightened braces, please feel free to post them in the comments below.

Thank you for allowing Horner Barrow Orthodontics to take care of your smile!

Keep Your Smile Healthy…Pack a Healthy Lunch!

Dr. Kevin Horner

Eating on-the-run can be troublesome. In the morning, grabbing a bagel or a sugary donut is much easier than making an omelette. But taking the time to plan and prepare what you’re eating for lunch is very important for both your oral and overall health, especially if you’re wearing braces or an orthodontic appliance. Whether you’re planning your own lunch, or you’re making lunch for your kids to take to school, we here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like you to keep these three smile- and braces-friendly lunch tips in mind.

1. Ditch The Troublemakers

Chewy, sticky, sweet foods like gummy candies or dried fruits such as raisins (or Craisins) can be really bad for your teeth because they stick! To satisfy that sweet tooth, choose sliced fresh fruit or even a little bit of dark chocolate.

Processed, starchy crackers or chips can cause problems. Once chewed, they can stick to your teeth and convert into sugars very quickly. Pack healthy, whole-grain snack options instead—or even better, choose healthy nuts or seeds (just nothing too hard!).

2. Rethink What You Drink

Sodas and sports drinks are poor beverage options for healthy teeth, and they’re definitely NOT recommended while you’re wearing braces. Many fruit juices are loaded with sugar and acid, as well. Consider milk or water instead. Chocolate milk may be a good option, too. It offers protein and almost half of your daily calcium intake.

3. Choose Natural Tooth Scrubbers

There are certain foods that actually help your teeth. For example, cheese and yogurt can cut the acidity making something like fruit juice a little less harmful. Plus, there are great fruits and vegetables that scrub or clean your teeth when you eat them and help get rid of those built-up sugars and starches from your lunch. These foods include apples, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and pears.

Having a hard time eating these foods now that you’re wearing braces? Simply cut them up into small, bite-size pieces.

And, always remember to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste, and be sure to brush after you’re finished eating that healthy lunch!

3 Orthodontic Tips When You Have A Cold Or The Flu

Dr. Kevin Horner

When the cold and flu season hits, your teeth and braces are most likely the last things on your mind as you reach for another blanket or some tissues! But some things regarding that cold or flu that can adversely affect your oral health. Believe it or not, your teeth, your braces, and that nasty cold are connected.

Since tooth decay and gum disease can be especially risky during orthodontic treatment, you need to be aware of these three things:

Tip 1: Stay Hydrated To Avoid Dry Mouth
Dry mouth increases cavity risk. Most colds come with an annoying stuffed-up nose, causing us to breathe through our mouths. Mouth-breathing, combined with decreased saliva production during sleep, makes our mouths more vulnerable to harmful bacteria.

Tip 2: Keep That Icky Stuff Off Your Teeth
• Are you sucking on cough drops all day? Most are chock full of sugar. Choose sugar-free cough drops if possible, and, DON’T bite down on those super-hard drops.

• Cough syrup has lots of sugar too. If you take cough syrup, be sure rinse out your mouth before going back to bed.

• Stomach acid is hard on teeth. Sorry to mention this, but if you’re throwing up, be sure to keep your teeth rinsed and clean.

Tip 3: No Matter How Tired You Are
We know it’s hard when you’re sick, but don’t neglect your normal brushing/flossing routine just because you’re feeling lousy and really tired. Your oral health while you’re wearing braces is just too important to ignore.

Some More Tips For Staying Healthy
Stay healthy this flu season! Remember to sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often to keep viruses from spreading.

If you are sick, we hope you feel better soon! And thank you for placing your trust with Horner Barrow Orthodontics.

EARLY ORTHODONTICS (BRACES) MAY MEAN LESS TREATMENT LATER

Dr. Kevin Horner

Look at yearbook or prom pictures from the 1970s or ’80s and you’ll see lots of smiles sporting heavy metal braces. It’s a sight that’s less common in high schools today. That’s because children today tend to get braces at a much earlier age. Some patients with special problems begin orthodontic treatment at age 7 or younger.

“The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7,” says Dr. Horner. “Permanent teeth typically begin to emerge at age 6 or 7. It is at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent.

“Because bones are still growing, it’s an ideal time to evaluate a child,” Dr. Horner says. “Then we can determine what orthodontic intervention, if any, may be needed either now or in the future.”

 

Braces Can Be Fun
To make braces more acceptable and fun for young people, manufacturers have made brightly colored elastic bands. These are the small rubber bands that hold the wires to the braces. Children can choose elastics with their school colors or a holiday color scheme, such as orange and black for Halloween.

Choosing the color of the elastics allows patients to personalize their braces, making them more fun and stylish.

Getting Used To Braces
Braces today are less uncomfortable and less visible than they used to be. But they still take some getting used to. Food can get caught around brackets and in wires, and flossing and brushing can take more time. Sometimes the teeth may be a little sore, after an adjustment. Tooth discomfort can be alleviated with the use of a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Tylenol and others) or aspirin. The use of lighter and more flexible wires has greatly lessened the amount of soreness or discomfort during orthodontic treatment.

As more and more children get braces, nicknames such as “tin grin” and “metal mouth” are heard less often. Because treatment has become more socially acceptable, embarrassment may be less of a concern.

Braces (And More)
Orthodontic treatment in young children is known as interceptive orthodontics. Intervention may begin as early as age 6 or 7. At this age, the teeth are still developing. The jaw is still growing. That means certain conditions, such as crowding, may be easier to address.

Before permanent teeth come in, it may be possible to help teeth to erupt (emerge through the gums) into better positions. It’s common, for example, for the dental arch to be too small to fit all of the teeth. A few decades ago, the solution for crowding was almost always to extract some of the permanent teeth to make space. Then fixed braces were used to position the teeth properly.

Early intervention takes advantage of the fact that a child’s jaw is still growing. For example, a device called a palatal expander may be used to expand the child’s upper dental arch. Once the arch is the proper size, there’s a better chance that the adult teeth will emerge in better position. Sometimes teeth still may be crowded after all of them have erupted. In such cases, some permanent teeth may still have to be extracted to make room to properly align the teeth.

Early treatment also may be beneficial when the dental arches and jaws are not in the correct position. Functional appliances may fix or improve these problems. More treatment usually is needed later on, but it may be shorter and less involved.

It is important to note that early treatment does not apply to all orthodontic problems. However, it may help in certain cases.

Two conditions that require early intervention are crossbites and protruding front teeth. A crossbite can cause the jaws to grow unevenly. Front teeth that stick out may be fractured or injured in an accident, such as a fall.

“One thing to be aware of is that children who receive interceptive orthodontics generally still need braces or other orthodontic appliances later,” Dr. Horner says. “However, this early treatment may help shorten, and simplify, future treatment in some cases.” This is commonly known as two-phase treatment.