At Jacobson & Tsou Orthodontics, our mission is to help patients of all ages achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. We’re proud to offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options ranging from metal braces to Invisalign to help our patients achieve their dream smiles, but at our practice, we believe that patient education is just as important as the treatments we provide in our office. Unfortunately, there are many orthodontic myths that can leave people confused about orthodontic treatment – so today, we’d like to dispel some of those myths!
There’s a lot of misinformation out there in the world, and orthodontic treatment is no different. Here are some of the most common myths that people believe about orthodontic treatment, along with an explanation of the truth:
We hope this helps to clear up some of the myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment, as education is the first step to a healthy smile. And if you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthy new smile of your own, we’d love to help! Contact us today to learn more about how we can revitalize your smile through orthodontic treatment. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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At Jacobson & Tsou Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, and our mission is to help our patients achieve one through comprehensive orthodontic treatment. But in addition to the braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments we provide at our Vernon Hills and Chicago offices, the way you care for your teeth at home is vital to the outcome of your treatment. Flossing is a critical part of your oral hygiene regimen, but during treatment with braces, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your flossing routine. That’s why we’re here to help.
There are many changes you’ll need to get used to during treatment with braces, but one of the biggest differences is flossing. No longer can you simply glide the floss down between each tooth without extra effort: now there’s a pesky metal archwire in the way! Don’t worry, though, you can get past it – it’ll just take some extra effort.
To properly floss with braces, you’ll need a device called a floss threader. This essentially a thin plastic loop that’s elongated and straight at one end, almost like a needle. To use it, pull out a length of floss and run it through the ‘eye’ of the needle, then pass the pointed end underneath your archwire and pull it through so that your floss is threaded underneath the archwire. From here, you can floss these teeth normally – and all you have to do is repeat the process for the rest of your teeth.
Flossing with braces takes longer than normal, but it’s a critical step towards preventing dental decay and is well worth the effort. And if you’re ready to pursue braces or any other form of orthodontic treatment for yourself, we’re here to help you do it! Contact us today to learn more about our office and treatments or to schedule a consultation with us. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile!
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The effects of stress on our body are multifaceted. Stress not only affects your body, it impacts your oral health as well. One specific way is by clenching or grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism or bruxing. When we grind or clench, we damage our teeth and dental/orthodontic work by:
It is common to clench or grind your teeth without your knowledge, as it often occurs during sleep. If you suspect nocturnal bruxing, your orthodontists at Jacobson & Tsou Orthodontics in Vernon Hills and Chicago, IL are here to help you find relief.
Stress is the main reason for clenching and/or grinding our teeth, whether it happens nocturnally or during the day. Here are other common factors that can lead to bruxing:
As most bruxism is stress-related, the simplest way to reduce teeth-clenching and grinding, is by managing stress in positive ways. Relaxation techniques may help, but a custom occlusal guard may be the best long-term option. An occlusal guard is a custom-made mouthguard (similar to an athletic mouthguard) that is worn during at night. The occlusal guard keeps teeth from touching one another during sleep and also maintains proper jaw alignment during sleep to help reduce jaw pain.
If you experience any of the above symptoms related to clenching and grinding your teeth, please contact our Vernon Hills or Chicago, IL office to let us know. We don’t want anything bad to happen to your teeth or orthodontics that may affect treatment time and results, so full disclosure of any dental concerns or problems is always best!
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Many people who have braces or are considering getting braces have heard of the “forbidden foods” list that they will have to adhere to while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here at Jacobson & Tsou Orthodontics in Vernon Hills and Chicago, IL we have some recommendations when it comes to foods you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, while eating restrictions can be a little daunting, don’t worry—there are still many yummy options that you can partake in and we’re here to offer some suggestions!
Desserts must be included in this list as many people have a sweet tooth, however, please be attentive to your family orthodontist or dentist’s order and don’t intake too much sugar—this is bad for your teeth and your overall health. Sweets that are approved for those who wear braces are:
You see; there are plenty of delicious foods you can have at all times of day even while wearing braces. Though if you’re still unsure if braces are right for you, know that we also offer Invisalign as another form of orthodontic treatment, which involves using removable aligners vs. the placed metal wires and brackets of braces.
If you have any lingering questions about what we suggest you can or cannot eat, please contact our Vernon Hills or Chicago, IL office directly. And if you’re ready to learn more about our treatments and procedures and get started with braces, schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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