Flossing with Bridges

At Advantage Dentistry, Dr. Seier has successfully carried out dental restorations for over thirty years. But in order to get the most out of their new teeth, patients need to know how to adjust their oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, caring for fixed bridges is easy once patients know what tools are available to them.

Flossing is an important part of keeping the area around a fixed bridge healthy. But with no gap between the prosthetic teeth, an alternative means of getting floss over or under the bridge is necessary. Some floss manufacturers make this easy by providing floss with stiffened tips, but regular floss can be looped around a bridge with an instrument called a threader. Similar to a big, floppy sewing needle, threaders are familiar tools to anyone who has ever worn braces.

Another hygienic tool used with both bridges and orthodontics is the proxy brush, also known as a Christmas tree brush. When bridges are supported by implants instead of by pontic teeth, there may be room to use a proxy brush to dislodge debris. Other specialized tips for use on implants can also be attached to toothbrush handles and water picks.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Last February, the American Association of Orthodontists released a survey which found that 13% of their members have treated someone who attempted to use homemade corrective devices on themselves. This was a follow-up to a public service announcement last year warning people of the dangers of this, and we at Advantage Dentistry want our patients to understand why DIY orthodontics are a bad idea, as well.

Orthodontics is basically the practice of shifting living bones through each other. This is not a process which should be rushed, as the jaw bones need to rebuild themselves after the teeth have moved position. If the teeth are pushed too quickly in an attempt to reduce costs or treatment time, it is likely the jaw will be so compromised that the teeth will fall out or shift back.

Many of the devices non-professionals suggest using as wires are also simply not safe to put inside the body. Fibrous ties can rot, and without brackets, they can slide into the gum pockets. Likewise, rubber bands placed directly on teeth instead of on brackets will choke off the teeth’s blood vessels.

We strive to keep prices low for our patients. Please see us if you are bothered by misaligned teeth instead of trying something on yourself which will end up costing you much more.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Caring for Dentures

At Advantage Dentistry, we work hard to provide patients with quality restorations including full-mouth dentures. As part of our commitment, we want to make sure our patients understand how to care for their dentures so that their new teeth will serve them for as long as possible.

Patients should always brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and that’s just as true for their dentures. Each night, dentures should be removed (this includes ones supported by implants), and patients should brush their gums and tongue before putting them back in each morning. However, the dentures themselves should not be brushed with the same kind of toothpaste as natural teeth. Lacking a naturally-produced film covering, dentures are easily scratched by minerals in normal toothpaste, and should only be scrubbed with toothpaste that is particularly made for them.

Dentures should never be allowed to dry out. They can be soaked overnight in room temperature or cooler water or in a cleaning solution as long as they do not have exposed metal parts which could rust. But they must never be placed in hot water—the material they are made of warps in high temperatures. Any deformity in a denture should only be repaired by a professional.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.