Braces 101. How Exactly Will Braces Straighten My Child’s Teeth?

May 20, 2016May 19, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Many parents and patients that come in to our Sioux Falls, SD office ask us, “How do braces work to straighten teeth?” Believe it or not, we get a lot of questions about how exactly those little metal bands and wires work together to create the desired end-result; a beautiful, healthy, straight smile. Many patients are also curious as to why their braces have to stay on for so long. (Some patients can be in braces for up to three years.)

So, to answer those questions you might have about how exactly braces work, here are the basics:

Horner Barrow Orthodontics’ Braces 101
• The braces installation process starts when Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow attaches a bracket to each tooth using a special bonding product. Each bracket is specifically-designed for the structure and needs of its corresponding tooth. Once the brackets are placed on each tooth, they are then connected to each other using arch wire.
• The connection process begins with very thin, round wire, which will be replaced repeatedly at regular intervals until thick, rectangular wire is in place. We use this process because moving teeth and their roots is best done at a slow, gradual pace. Starting the orthodontic treatment process with hard wires would cause the patient a considerable amount of discomfort and pain.
• A more flexible wire will be placed once the teeth are better positioned, so that we then can fine-tune the alignment by bending the wires. For our orthodontic patients with under- or overbites, rubber bands may be utilized to move the jaw into a straighter bite position.
• Throughout the orthodontic treatment process, the pressure placed on the periodontal membrane shifts. The bone structure of the tooth roots changes, allowing for the continued movement of each tooth. It can take up to a year for this bone-changing, or remodeling, process to be completed. That is the main reason why so many patients wear braces and/or retainers for what seems like a long time.

We know that your child’s desire for a straight, beautiful smile is counter-balanced with your concerns for their overall comfort and safety. Our orthodontic team strives to make certain that all of your questions and concerns are completely addressed before planning for your child’s orthodontic treatment.

If you have more questions about how braces work, check our patient education or our treatment page to see if the answers you seek are there. Then, call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

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

Correcting An Overbite. Don’t Wait!

May 13, 2016May 13, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

Do you think your child has an overbite issue? Don’t wait until he or she is older to have it corrected!

When a child has an overbite, it is usually because the upper jaw is deficient. This causes the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, beyond the normal alignment between the upper and lower teeth.

The most common treatment method for an overbite is orthodontics. After examining the mouth and jaw positioning, an orthodontist can determine the course of treatment that will be most effective for your child’s misalignment.

It is important for interceptive orthodontic treatment to begin as early as possible, while the jaw bones are still “soft” and malleable. The jaw is easier to manipulate in a younger patient. Once the jaw bones are solid, the treatment becomes more extensive (and more expensive), and the process is longer, usually requiring the need to break and re-align the jaw bones.

Most children aren’t referred to an orthodontist until they are between the ages of ten and twelve years old, but if suspect your child has overbite issues, they will need to be seen by an orthodontist much sooner.

An early interceptive treatment plan is crucial! The time, cost, and effectiveness of the treatment all become factors when dealing with an overbite issue.

Malocclusions.
The term “occlusion” refers to the alignment of the teeth. A malocclusion is a deviation or misalignment from a normal occlusion. Overbites, crossbites, underbites and open bites are all types of malocclusions. An overbite is when the upper teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth.

Malocculsions fall into one of three categories. Class One is when a normal bite is accompanied by a slight overlap of the upper teeth. This is the most common malocclusion. Class Two is when the overbite is severe, often known as a retrognathic. Class Three is a severe underbite; when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. It’s referred to as prognathic.

Overbite causes:
Although some overbites are hereditary, others are caused by a malformed jaw. Jaws can actually grow unevenly under the pressure of certain habits when a child is young, resulting in an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw. Habits formed during early childhood such as thumb-sucking, prolonged bottle-feeding or tongue-thrusting, can cause this overbite. And habits developed later in life, such as improper chewing, eraser head-chewing or nail-biting, can form an overbite as well.

Problems a child with an overbite can face are:
• jaw pain
• excessive wear and tear on the teeth and the tooth enamel
• speech issues, which can then lead to self-esteem issues
• tooth decay
• gingivitis (gum disease)

How Do I Know If My Child Has an Overbite Issue?
Though most overbites are not considered serious, there are some that do need treatment. A severe overbite is noticeably visible and usually causes the problems listed above.

Here are some examples of malocclusions (bite problems):

Don’t Wait! The Time to Act is Now.
If you think your child has or may develop an overbite issue, don’t wait until it’s too late (and much more expensive) to have it corrected! Call our Sioux Falls, SD office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow as soon as possible for an orthodontic evaluation, and to discuss the possible treatment plan options.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient.

Happy Mother’s Day To Great Moms Everywhere!

May 6, 2016May 7, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we think it’s important to take some time to show your mom just how truly special she is. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we interact with our patients and their families every day, and we are very thankful to have the opportunity to meet and get to know all of you. So we thought it would be nice to celebrate all the amazing mothers out there, and all they do for our patients!

The History Of Mother’s Day
The origin of Mother’s Day goes back to the time of ancient Greeks and Romans. The roots of Mother’s Day history can also be traced to the United Kingdom where a “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated long before the holiday was observed in the United States. The modern Mother’s Day holiday is relatively recent; not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the efforts of the pioneering women of their times, today’s celebration of Mother’s Day spans 46 countries (on different dates) and is a very popular holiday.

Millions of people, globally, take the day to honor their mothers, and to say thanks for raising them and always being there to support and advocate for them. The earliest Mother’s Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival that the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses.

Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to recognize the hard work and sacrifices of mothers right here in Sioux Falls, SD. If it wasn’t for these moms, most of our young patients would have a difficult time keeping up with all of the care needed to achieve a great orthodontic result, and a healthy beautiful smile for a lifetime. Kids can’t wait to get their braces on, but, soon after, they can’t wait to get them removed. During orthodontic treatment, their moms are the ones who make sure the proper care is taken to achieve the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, sometimes mothers, and all they do for their children, are taken for granted.

What a Mother Does:
• Arranges and rearranges her schedule to accommodate her family’s appointments
• Runs the family “taxi service” to get to those appointments
• Encourages her child to brush and floss his or her teeth regularly
• Checks to make sure her child is wearing his or her orthodontic rubber bands (and picks them up from all over the house)
• Makes sure her child eats the right foods so his or her orthodontic appliances don’t get broken or damaged
• Teaches her child to be responsible for removable retainers that can easily get lost (or eaten by the family dog when left out within nose height)

Mother’s Day is the day once a year that we say thank you to great moms everywhere. Let’s all do something special to thank the mothers who have always been there for us, day in and day out. From Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team, happy Mother’s Day!

Tips To Avoid Bad Breath While Wearing Braces

April 29, 2016May 5, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

A beautiful, healthy smile is often the end result of wearing braces. The time you spend in orthodontic treatment is an investment in the good health and appearance of your smile. In Sioux Falls, SD, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team also know that having braces can pose some challenges. Many of these challenges are commonly faced by anyone who has braces, such as flossing, getting food stuck in your braces or orthodontic appliance, and bad breath.

Today, let’s talk about bad breath and what you can do to avoid it. You shouldn’t have to avoid a conversation with someone because you are afraid you have bad breath.

Fresh Breath Tips for Braces Wearers
• Choose to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Unhealthy, overly-processed foods that are full of sugar can contribute to bad breath. Choose to eat fresh produce, healthy proteins and grains, and dairy products.

• Drink healthy beverages. Stay away from sugary sodas, energy drinks and juices for the same reason – they also contribute to bad breath.

• Keep your body properly hydrated. A constantly dry mouth inhibits the production of saliva, which can lead to bad breath. Regular production of saliva removes bad bacteria and excess food from the mouth, which, in turn, will lead to fresher breath.

• Brush regularly and brush often. Brush your teeth (and your tongue) first thing each morning, after every meal and snack, and before you go to bed, to remove those food particles and bacteria that lead to bad breath.

• Remember to floss. Flossing with braces might seem a bit tricky, but it is an absolute must. The team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics can demonstrate the most effective way to floss while wearing braces.

• Use a mouthwash. Use a mouthwash recommended by Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow. To achieve optimal results, swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.

• Continue to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Regular dental exams and cleanings are even more important when you are wearing braces. Having cavities can delay your orthodontic treatment progress, so be sure to visit your family dentist every six months.

Practice Good Hygiene Every Day
Good oral hygiene practices are important every day, whether or not you wear braces. However, they are even more important during the time you wear braces. In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups, see your general dentist for cleanings and exams.

Together, you and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team can help keep your mouth healthy and fresh during and after your orthodontic treatment.

Do you bite your nails? Here are 5 good reasons to stop.

April 15, 2016May 9, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

You know you should brush and floss twice a day, and visit your dentist twice a year, for optimal oral health.
Do you also know you should stop bad habits such as nail biting? Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a so-called nervous habit that can be triggered by boredom, stress, or excitement. Nail biting might seem like a harmless habit, but it can do more damage than you may think to your teeth.
It’s estimated that nearly half of all children between the ages of 10 and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another in their lives. Sixty percent of children and 45 percent of teenagers bite their nails, while 30 percent of adults do; however, most people stop chewing their nails by the time they reach the age of 30.
The main problem with nail biting is that it concentrates tremendous force in one particular location. This impact can cause damage, such as tooth fractures, chipped teeth and broken restorations. This force can also damage the jawbone, so it’s important for parents to help their children to stop their nail biting habit.
Here are 5 very good reasons to stop biting your nails (from an orthodontic and hygiene standpoint):
1. Nail biting wears down teeth. Over time, it can also erode enamel and cause uneven biting surfaces. Biting your nails, and chewing on thing like pens and pencils, means your teeth are constantly at work. These habits put added stress on them because they are being used all day.
2. Nail biting can lead to, or aggravate, temporomandibular disorder, causing jaw pain, headaches and locking of the jaw. Additionally, people who bite their nails are more likely to suffer from bruxism, or grinding of the teeth.
3. Nail biting can damage the roots of your teeth, making them weaker. This is especially true during orthodontic treatment, as nail biting while wearing braces can lead to root resorption. This is when the roots of the teeth get dissolved by the bone around it, causing the teeth to also weaken. That can significantly delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment.
4. Nail biting is unsanitary. No matter how often you wash your hands, your fingernails are still harboring germs. Biting your nails introduces new germs to your mouth, and can cause illness.
5. Nail biting can be an expensive habit. It can, literally, cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry in the United States estimates that up to $4,000 in extra dental bills can build up over a lifetime of nail biting.
Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and the team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics recommend the following tips to help you kick your nail biting habit:
• Trim your fingernails. Keep the nails short by filing them, and trim the cuticles as well. If your nails are short, there will be less nail to bite. If you do find yourself biting a nail, stop right away and file the nail to not only shorten it, but to also file away any ragged edges.
• If stress causes you to bite, try breathing exercises or another calming exercise to relieve stress.
• Paint your fingernails with a bitter-tasting nail polish to help you keep your fingers out of your mouth.
• Treat yourself to a manicure on a regular basis. The monetary investment in having a beautiful set of nails might discourage you from damaging them, making you less inclined to bite your nails.
• Ask us about getting fitted for a mouthguard, which can help prevent nail biting.
• Put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you get the urge to chew on your fingernails.
• Think about when and why you bite your fingernails. Whether you are nervous, anxious or just bored, understanding your triggers can help you find a solution to finally stop the habit once and for all.
• If all else fails, do an online search for photos of the bacteria that live under your fingernails. Thinking about the dirt and grime that you ingest when you bite your nails might be enough to make you quit.
It’s important for parents to find a way to help their child break the habit before real damage is done. For adults who bite their nails, it’s important to quit and be sure to visit a dentist regularly to catch and repair any damage before it becomes too serious.
Just remember that nail biting isn’t the only bad habit that can damage the teeth. If you stop nail biting, be sure not to replace it with something else, like chewing on the end of a pen or pencil, which still creates the same effect as biting your nails.
For strong, healthy teeth, avoiding chewing on ice, don’t brush your teeth too aggressively, and don’t consciously grind your teeth. Teeth should never be used as a tool; if you’re having problems opening a package, use a pair of scissors instead of ripping it open with your teeth.
During the course of a day, your teeth can take a beating. It’s important to remember that your teeth should be used only for chewing food, and during the rest of the day, they need to rest. If you are concerned about damage that may have been caused by nail biting, or another bad habit, call our Sioux Falls, SD office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow.
So, are you ready to kick that nail biting habit? You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be doing your teeth and your overall health a big favor!

Playing it Safe this Spring Sports Season

April 8, 2016May 9, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

It’s spring! That means the start of a new sports season. It also means it’s once again time to remind our patients at Horner Barrow Orthodontics to protect their faces, and their precious smiles while out on the field playing sports. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, young children, middle school and high-school athletes and adults have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events annually. That’s a LOT of displaced teeth.
If you are going to be participating in any spring sports, it’s very important to have a properly fitting mouthguard as part of your essential equipment. Mouthguards can prevent cracked, chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, jawbone fractures, mouth lacerations, and sometimes, even concussions.
Just remember, the only way a mouthguard will work is if you actually wear it, during practice and during a game! Wearing a mouthguard can make the difference between losing your teeth or not. One thing for our patients who play high school sports to keep in mind is this: your mouthguard from last year may no longer fit as it should because your jawbone is still growing and changing. Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would be happy to fit you for a new mouthguard.
To learn more about mouthguards, or for any other questions you may have about your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at our Sioux Falls, SD office!

An apple a day for good oral health!

April 1, 2016April 1, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

If you want to maintain and/or improve your children’s oral and dental health, there are plenty of ways to do that with smart, healthy food selections, rather than the obvious avoidance of sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda. Did you know that apples are a healthy food for teeth?

An Apple A Day
Of course, we all know that apples are an all-around healthy food, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re good for your teeth, too. Apples are slightly acidic, which means they act as a gentle cleaning agent for your teeth. Although they’re certainly not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, apples can also help to whiten your smile when eaten, as long as you eat the skin, too.

Yes, even if your child is wearing braces or Invisalign®, they can still eat apples to help improve their smile, but will have to use more care in doing so. Don’t allow them to bite into the whole apple with braces on – instead, cut up (and if they’re old enough, teach them how to cut up) the apple into smaller, bite-sized slices or pieces. This will help to maintain the integrity of the brackets, and ensure they don’t have to have anything readjusted, and it saves you a trip to the orthodontist, as well!

Having braces or Invisalign® should not keep your child from eating healthy foods – in fact, choosing foods with an eye for good oral and dental health is even more important!

The staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics will be happy to help you and your children figure out the best way to make their smiles be as bright and healthy as possible. Call us at our Sioux Falls, SD office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow!

Your Braces Rubber Band Color…What It Says About You

March 25, 2016March 25, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Even if you’re not all that happy about having to wear braces, selecting the color of your rubber bands is sure to make you smile. Whether you want to coordinate your braces with your latest outfits, express your inner creative side, or show some serious school spirit, “decorating” your mouth with colorful rubber bands can take away some of the self-consciousness of wearing braces and replace that with some fun!
What do your rubber band color choices say about you? Check out this rubber band “horoscope.”

Red. You’re intense and forward-thinking. You don’t back down no matter how big the challenge that’s presented to you. Red is also the color of the heart, so red rubber bands indicate you’re a considerate, caring, loving person.

Orange. Orange may indicate you’re an artist or a drama student. You’re fearless, daring and wild, a little flamboyant and lots of fun. You have a big personality, and you’re not concerned what other people think about you. On the flip side, orange is also the color of balance and energy. And being flamboyant and fun definitely takes a lot of energy!

Green. A green traffic light means go, right? So you’re a person who’s always on the move. Go, go, go! Nothing slows you down. It also means you’re generous, compassionate and kind. Green is the color of nature and spring, so it says you love our planet. Maybe you’re passionate about recycling. Green is also the color of good luck…think four-leaf clover!

Blue. You’re relaxed – cool as a cucumber. Nothing gets you upset. You stay calm, even when your mom says you can’t chew gum or eat popcorn because of your braces.

Purple. Purple says you’re the creative type, without a doubt. You march to the beat of a different drum, and you tend to think outside the box. It says you’re mysterious. Purple is also the color of royalty, and when you’re wearing your purple rubber bands, you are royally, creatively cool.

Color Combinations
With so many color options, it can be hard to pick just one color. Well, you don’t have to choose! You can decorate your teeth with several colors. Pick the colors of your school, your favorite sports team or go with holiday colors like red and green. If you’re still having a hard time deciding which colors to choose, ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow or one of the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team. We can let you know all of the trends our patients here in Sioux Falls, SD are sporting!

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning…for your Teeth!

March 19, 2016March 19, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

Many people here in Sioux Falls, SD, see March as the start of spring-cleaning season. It’s time to wash the curtains and windows, clean out the cabinets and closets, get your flower beds and gardens in order, and schedule your next dentist/orthodontist appointment. Say what? Yes, spring is the perfect time to re-think your oral care regimen. Why not, since you’re already in the swing of spring cleaning!
Here are six things you can do to include your oral health in your spring-cleaning routine:
1. Call now to schedule your next dentist or orthodontist appointment, or both. Having your 6-month teeth cleaning this spring will help you feel refreshed, and will get your smile ready for spring holidays, upcoming graduations, confirmations, weddings; every wonderful life event that is on your calendar. Tell your orthodontist if you’ve noticed a change in your bite or the alignment of your teeth. If you have children, this could be the right time to schedule their first orthodontic consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.
2. Replace that old toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so toss that old toothbrush and treat yourself to a fresh, new toothbrush for the fresh, new season!
3. Resolve to include a new habit in your daily oral care routine. Try to be more diligent about regular flossing, be sure to brush your teeth after every meal, or start using mouthwash on a regular basis. See our recipe for DIY mouthwash here.
4. Thoroughly clean your orthodontic appliances and equipment: your retainer, mouth guard, headgear, and don’t forget the cases that hold those items. Denture cleaning tablets, white vinegar, and baking soda can all help make the “spring” cleaning process easier, and all of them are very effective, and safe, cleaning agents.
5. Be sure to add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Adding healthy foods rich in these nutrients to your diet will help to strengthen your teeth, and are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Low-fat dairy products, spinach, and eggs are all great foods to include in your diet.
6. Drink more water. For overall better health, drink more water. Keeping your body properly hydrated will give you more energy and will help your whole body function better. Water also works as a mild mouthwash, and helps promote better digestion.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we want to help you (and your smile) be the best you can be. We thank you for trusting us with your orthodontic care.

It’s Almost Spring…Time For Your New Beautiful Smile!

March 8, 2016March 16, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Goodbye winter! Spring is just around the corner. We’re all ready for that wonderful seasonal change from cold, blustery, dreary days to blue skies, blooming flowers, singing birds, and warmer weather. This spring could also be the start of a straighter, healthier, more beautiful smile for you!

Have you ever thought about how your mouth would benefit from orthodontic treatment? With spring just days away, we here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics hope that you’ll see the new season as a fresh start for your dental health!

If you’ve been curious about how your smile could benefit from braces, wonder no more! Braces have the ability to positively impact all aspects of your life; your social life, your career, and your overall feeling of inner confidence. Spring is THE BEST TIME to take that first step towards feeling better about yourself!

If you’re interested in learning more about how your life will benefit from seeking orthodontic treatment, call today to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.

We are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient that comes to our Sioux Falls, SD office. We provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmostphere that will ensure you feel relaxed and confident about placing your orthodontic care in our hands.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we look forward to making your dreams of a beautiful new smile come true, starting this spring!