Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun! Now that you have braces, it’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. McClellan and our team wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

How can I prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

While playing sports, a mouth guard should always be worn.

If I am hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

If you have milk nearby then put your tooth in a cup of milk as soon as possible. There are also solutions available at a pharmacy to keep the tooth in. If neither option is possible, then keep the tooth in your mouth, under your tongue to avoid swallowing it. Call your general dentist immediately, they will always have an emergency number available for their patients.

Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?

Yes, if a tooth is chipped or broken your dentist will be able to bond and repair the tooth. If the tooth has been knocked out completely at the gum line, your dentist will explain replacement options to you such as crowns, implants, veneers and other cosmetic options.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?

The best drink for hydration is water. It replenishes your body naturally and does not harm your teeth. Sports drinks have a large amount of added sugar, if possible, drink them with a straw. As soon as you are finished with the sport you are playing brush your teeth or at the very least rinse well with water.

If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

When playing sports, we recommend that patients wear their remove aligners and a mouth guard that is made to protect the teeth. Invisalign aligners are not mouth guards and will not protect your teeth from injury.

Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?

Remove your retainer while playing sports. Retainers are made to hold alignment not protect impact. Always wear a mouth guard!

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Yes, you need to wear a non fitted mouth guard while in braces. They sit loose in the mouth and are not fitted which would knock off brackets. While wearing braces your mouth is always changing. Do not wear the type of mouth guard that you need to boil and bite in to, they are too tight and will break the brackets off.

What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Dr. McClellan will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

In addition to visiting our website with any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

McClellan Orthodontics supports National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At McClellan Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

What Will YOUR Smile Look Like After Orthodontic Treatment?

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. McClellan Orthodontics loves to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McClellan, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call McClellan Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!