Five Tips To Keep Your Braces Clean This Holiday Season

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Five Tips To Keep Your Braces Clean This Holiday Season

Halloween, Thanksgiving, and December holidays can make it difficult to keep your braces clean.  Yet, as your dentist has informed you, keeping your teeth clean when you have braces is doubly important.  Dirty braces can easily result in cavities, bad breath, irritated gums, and discolored teeth.  To avoid this Yuba City Orthodontics recommends the following tips to aid you in your endeavor to maintain healthy braces during the holidays.

  • Take Your Time. Trying to rush through the cleaning process is one the most common mistakes to make.  Instead, clean one tooth at a time.  10 to 15 seconds of individual brushing per tooth is recommended.  Also, pay close attention the connection sites of the braces.
  • Angle Correctly. Brush the top of braces with the bristles of your toothbrush angled down.  Do the opposite for the bottom of braces.  If you remember this simple technique, you’ll be able to clean your braces more effectively.
  • Clean Everything. Although it may seem logical to only give attention to the areas near your braces, this thinking is incorrect.  Plaque can travel, so it is best to clean the tongue, gum line, and all surface area of each teeth.
  • Eat Then Clean. Brushing after you eat as soon as possible is one of the best ways to keep you braces clean.  Food has the propensity to get stuck in braces and in between teeth.  When food rests for lengthy periods on teeth, more plaque forms.  If you find that you are somewhere where you cannot, rinse your mouth out with water thoroughly to minimize damage.
  • If you know that you will be away from home for some time, carry a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste with you.  Try to find a good case for all your tooth cleaning utensils.

Keeping your braces clean during the winter holidays can be challenging.  But remember if you take the challenge head on and stay consistent with your cleaning, you can be successful.  If you happen to need any adjustments or cleanings, feel free to call the team at Yuba City Orthodontics at (530) 674-5047.

Yuba City Orthodontics

1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500
Yuba City, CA 95991

(530) 674-5047

Protecting Your Smile During Sporting Activites

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Protecting Your Smile During Sporting Activites

Do you or your child engage in an active sport?  If so, you should recognize the inherent dangers of that are present in certain styles of sporting activities.  The team at Yuba City Orthodontics has seen the damage that can occur when patients have not used proper mouth protection. We have seen cases where the front teeth have been displaced in activities such as basketball, ice skating, and go-cart racing.

Hence, we always encourage athletes of all ages to protect their smile.  Perhaps the best ways to this is by using a mouth guard.  If you need a mouth guard, schedule an appointment with us by calling (530) 674-5047.  We can construct a custom fitted mouth guard that is congruent with your oral needs and sporting interest.  If you are skeptical about the need for a sports mouth guard, consider some of the facts and statistics below.

Why You Need a Mouth Guard

As aforementioned, we’ve seen the other side of the decision not to use a mouth guard.  However here are some interesting facts and stats that support the rationale for protecting your teeth while engaging in a sport.

  • Reports from the ADA (American Dental Association) and the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry show that approximately 30% percent of all sports injuries involve the mouth.
  • According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation young athletes are about 60 times more prone to incur injuries to their teeth when they do not wear a mouth guard.
  • Dental trauma resulting from sports is often painful, uncomfortable to fix, and typically cost thousands to rectify.
Mouth Guards

Hence, simply wearing a mouth guard can prevent a host of painful and expensive dental problems.  A mouth guard does not have to be a cumbersome piece that obstructs your breathing and speech.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a customized mouth guard.

Yuba City Orthodontics

1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500
Yuba City, CA 95991

(530) 674-5047

What To Expect At Your First Orthodontic Consultation

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What To Expect At Your First Orthodontic Consultation

When you think of investments, do you think of your smile?  Few people do.  Healthy teeth are an investment that continually pays dividends.  A healthy smile boosts confidence, improves relationships, and at times improves career opportunities.  Maintaining a great smile often begins with a visit with a dental professional.  During that initial visit, a consultation takes place so that your level of oral health can be assessed.  The dental team at Yuba City Orthodontics offers thorough orthodontic consultations.

What Is An Orthodontic Consultation?

General dentists provide oral exams.  However, orthodontic consultations specialize in the proper alignment of your teeth and jaw.  Understanding the above is critical if you have crowded teeth, gaps, an overbite or under-bite.  An orthodontic consultation will help you understand how your teeth are functioning.

At Yuba City Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary consultation which includes a tour of our facilities and a formal introduction to our team.  You can feel free to ask any questions about your oral health or our methods.  We take a considerable amount of pride in providing world-class orthodontic strategies, treatment options, and cutting-edge technologies.  At your complimentary consultation you can expect:

  • A complete assessment of your dental & medical records
  • X-rays (at no-charge)
  • A treatment plan customized to your needs
  • An open Q&A session about your treatment plan
  • Transparent quotes for the dental procedure and terms for payments or financing

Our consultations are non-committal, so you are not pressured to pursue treatment.  By the end of your consultation you will understand:

  • The specifics of your orthodontic issue (if one exists)
  • Your options to address the problem
  • The length of the proposed treatment
  • The total costs of the proposed treatment

This initial consultation will, at the very least, arm you with specific details about your oral health.  We feel that having a complete picture of how your teeth are functioning puts you in the best position to make informed decisions about treatment.  Having a complimentary orthodontic consultation at Yuba City Orthodontics is a win-win!

Yuba City Orthodontics

1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500
Yuba City, CA 95991

(530) 674-5047

Summer Foods That Are Braces Friendly

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As the seasons change so does your diet.  In fact, as the heat increases so does your appetite for certain foods.  However, when you have braces you have to choose your foods carefully.  Yet, being conscientious about caring for your braces does not mean that you do not have a variety of delicious meals that you can eat.  At Yuba City Orthodontics, we provide patients with highly effective braces but we also give them healthy (and flavorful) meal options.  Here are a few that are useful during the summer.

Breakfast

Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you should skip the most important meal of the day.  If you are thinking that your breakfast has to be bland, think again!  Check out this mouth-watering French toast recipe that will not damage your braces.

Lunch

Summer activities can drain your energy; especially if you lead an active lifestyle.  However, you’ll likely not want something that will weigh you down.  So why not try these pair of lunch recipes that are easy to fix, healthy and can be packed away if you are on the go.

Dinner

One meal that many of our braces patients say that they wish to have more variety with is dinner.  How about you?  If you are desiring a more fulfilling dinner that will not have you scheduling a dental cleaning, try this fish taco recipe.

Dessert

Who doesn’t like dessert?!  If you are in the mood for ice cream, try this homemade recipe that is so easy a child could make it.  Literally…it is that easy.

Snacks

How often do you crave something in between meals?  Yet, some candies, drinks and other quick snacks can and will make your braces a nightmare to clean.  Here is a smooth summer snack that can satisfy your mid-meal desires without giving you any uneasiness about damaging your teeth.

Eating braces friendly foods is a major aspect of keeping your teeth healthy during the process.  The Yuba City Orthodontics team can help you to identify a variety of foods that are not harmful to your braces.  Periodically we will post various seasonally recipes that are braces friendly. Enjoy your summer!

Yuba City Orthodontics

1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500
Yuba City, CA 95991

(530) 674-5047

Own Your Braces! Be Confident In Your Braces Journey

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Getting braces can be an exciting and challenging time. You may feel uncertain about your appearance or unsure about how braces will impact your life. While you may feel self-conscious about braces, you should think about what braces are actually doing for you. Braces will make your smile healthy and beautiful, which will garner many compliments in the years ahead.

Inspiration throughout your smile journey

When you are wearing braces, you should be confident and not avoid social situations. While you may be self-conscious, the truth is that very few people will even notice the difference. Here are some tips to help you stay optimistic and confident during your braces journey:

  • When you get braces accept them. They will be a part of your life for a while.
  • Feel confident. Own them and let your confidence shine through.
  • People of all ages wear braces. It doesn’t matter if you are in middle school, college or an adult, you are wearing them for the same purpose.
  • Braces are temporary. Before you know it they will be gone.
  • Always visual the end result and how they will help you.

Braces are designed to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile. The treatment plan depends on your situation’s complexity and severity. Therefore you may be wearing braces anywhere from a few months to two or three years.

If you are feeling anxious about getting braces, feel free to talk to Dr. Michael Larson or our team here at Yuba City Orthodontics. We realize children and adults have different needs, so as a provider of braces and treatment for patients of all ages, we work to address your personal orthodontic needs.
When it comes to questions or concerns regarding braces, call us at (530) 674-5047. We will gladly address your concerns and answer any questions that you may have regarding braces.

Yuba City Orthodontics
1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500
Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 674-5047

Manual Vs. Electronic Toothbrushes, Which is Better?

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manual vs electronicWe love dental questions! In fact, all of our staff at Yuba City Orthodontics encourages patients to ask our staff any dental questions that come to mind. One question that we hear often is about the on-going debate between manual and electric toothbrushes. Which is better?

Before we go any further, we’ll openly admit that we do not take sides in the manual-electronic toothbrush battle (we’ve had too many casualties in the Android-iOS war). We’ll simply present the advantages and disadvantages of both and let you make an informed decision. Please note that there are a number of personal factors to consider when choosing a toothbrush.

MANUAL TOOTHBRUSHES

Before electric toothbrushes came into existence, the manual toothbrush enjoyed the title of undisputed champion of tooth cleaning products. It’s staying power remains firm to this because of the following:

Advantages

  • Easy leaning curve. Manual toothbrushes are plug and play. It only takes a few minutes of practice to understand how to apply.
  • Variety. There is no shortage of manual toothbrush colors, styles, bristles lengths, grips, and angles.
  • Travel friendly. A small case or a bag is all that is needed for a manual brush.
  • Very cheap & accessible. You can go to virtually any store and find a toothbrush for a few bucks. You can save even more if you clip a coupon!
  • Multi-functional- they are amazing at cleaning household items. These include faucets,kitchen sinks, hair dryers, and even your fingernails. (Just in case you wanted to know). Make sure you use a new toothbrush and dispose of it.

Disadvantages

  • Technique. Unfortunately, many people brush incorrectly because they were either taught the wrong way or not taught at all. Brushing too hard, too softly or for too briefly can result in problems.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES

Fast, spinning and thorough; electric toothbrushes are the favorite hygiene tool of many.

Advantages

  • Little effort required. The marvel of electricity! Just hold, angle and let the e-brush do its job. It’s electric!
  • Very effective. The consistent spinning motion of electric brushes creates a more thorough cleaning than manual brushes in most occasions. Hands and wrists tend to get fatigued after brushing for a bit; especially in certain angles. Additionally, circular brush heads commonly found on electric brushes conform to tooth surfaces better.
  • Fun factor. The thrill of having a spinning electrical object in your mouth doing something that many find boring is great. Young children often tire of manual brushes and fail to brush properly. E-brushes can make brushing fun.

Disadvantages

  • The expense. Good electric toothbrushes are not cheap.
  • Travel hassle. Electric toothbrushes are a lot bulkier than manual ones. If you are traveling, you’ll need a separate pouch for it and its charger.

Yuba City Orthodontics 1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500, Yuba City, CA 95991 Call (530) 674-5047

How To Wear Braces To Prom

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If you are nearing the end of your senior year of high school, you are probably excited at the thought of prom. Pictures of yourself in that tuxedo or dress flood your imagination. It is a once in a lifetime event where you get to celebrate with classmates and friends. But then your excitement suddenly turns to worry: you have braces! That’s bad enough to ruin your special day. Or is it?

Your braces might have been recently put on, or you might have had them for a while. Whatever the case, they don’t have to shatter your dream for a memorable prom.

For the ladies, here are the awaited beauty tips. Included in this video are some suggestions on makeup products to make you feel like a princess

Here Are 5 tips to help you go to prom with braces:

  • Embrace your braces. Smile as you normally would and don’t let them suck the joy from your night. You might feel a little self-conscious and that’s okay. But, the truth of the matter is that the people around you could care less about your braces. They are here to have a good time, and probably want you to do the same. Smile and laugh freely.
  • To give yourself some options, take two prom photos. In one pose, smile naturally with your teeth showing. In the other, keep your mouth closed. If you do not feel comfortable with your braces, you can just pick the one with your teeth hidden.
  • To lessen the appearance of  your braces, carefully select the color of your orthodontic ties. Try to match them with the color of your outfit. By so doing, you show that you’re not bothered by your braces and have accepted them. It makes you give off an aura of confidence, which is attractive.
  • It’s possible for food to lodge in your braces and this can be awkward. To avoid this, bring a travel toothbrush, mini dental floss, and compact mirror and clean your teeth after eating any appetizers or dinner.

With the right approach, braces can be the least of your worries on your prom night.