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What is Tooth Contouring and Reshaping?

What is tooth contouring and reshaping? Teeth reshaping is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for fixing chipped, uneven, or poorly aligned teeth to create a more attractive smile. Dentists may combine shaping or contouring teeth with a treatment called bonding. Bonding involves applying resin to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. The best teeth to perform this kind of procedure on are typically the front teeth. For more advice about tooth contouring and reshaping from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics, please keep reading.

Tooth reshaping removes small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the shape, length, or surface of one or more teeth. This cosmetic dentistry technique is usually used to correct crooked, chipped, cracked, or even overlapping teeth. Sometimes this procedure is even a substitute for braces.

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Easing Soreness After Braces Are Tightened

Your mouth is a very sensitive area. While braces are not painful, it is also not uncommon to feel a little discomfort after your braces have been tightened. Everyone is different, but most of the time the discomfort one will feel (if any) is a mild soreness that will go away in a day or two. However, no need to be concerned if you are experiencing any soreness, as fortunately there are many options to help ease discomfort while in braces. Here is some advice from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics that can help ease your discomfort:

Stick to Soft Foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great options when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day that you go in for a tightening, it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

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Dating with Braces – Dos and Don’ts

Date night should be a fun experience, don’t let your braces hold you back from making the most of it! Fortunately, your braces don’t have to be a source of worry. Instead, you can focus on what to wear, where to go, and what to talk about. With a few simple tips you can flash your beautiful smile at your date as many times as you want without being worried about leftovers being hidden in your brackets. Read on for some advice from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics.

At a Nice Restaurant – Stick to Soft Foods

While mood lighting can help hide a lot of things, it can’t get rid of food in your teeth. So you can smile with confidence all night long, stick to soft foods. Pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and other softer options are easy to eat and are less likely to have little bits that stick around in wires and brackets. Any crunchy fruits or veggies could prove difficult as well. Let’s just say corn should be a “no-go” whether you have braces or not! Also, any chewy bread or pizza should be cut up into small pieces before consuming.

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Isn’t a Dentist Enough? Why You Need to See an Orthodontist

Some people wonder why they need to see an orthodontist if they already see a dentist twice a year. What you may not know is that an orthodontist and a dentist have different training backgrounds that allow them to be specialized in different areas. Thus, not one of these doctors covers all of your oral hygiene bases. You need to see both to make sure you are taking the best care of your teeth possible. To learn more about why you need an orthodontist, keep reading for some advice from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics.

While a beautiful smile is the result of a good orthodontic treatment, there is a lot that goes into the process of getting there. Orthodontic treatment is an incredibly complex process that orthodontists have special training in. Treatment involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones, and soft tissue. After dental school, orthodontists must complete a two to three year residency in an accredited program to master the multi-faceted intricacies of orthodontics. This intensive training gives them the tools they need to create healthy, beautiful smiles.

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Daily Habits to Improve Your Oral Health

Your oral health is always extremely important, whether you’re in braces or not! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics.

Some of the easiest ways to keep your oral health in tip-top shape are to do the simple things you have been told to do your whole life, like brushing your teeth. 

  • Proper brushing is an essential part of dental hygiene. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too – plaque can build up on the surface of your tongue as well as your teeth! Also, be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

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Are Dental X-Rays Safe

It is quite common that when you go to the dentist, they will take X-rays of your teeth. Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist will use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as getting your teeth cleaned. Keep reading for more information about dental X-rays from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics.

You may be wondering if dental X-rays are safe. Fortunately, they are! This is because these X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. These X-rays are incredibly important because they can help your dentist to identify problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. Dental X-rays are typically performed yearly. However, they may happen more often if your dentist is monitoring a problem or performing dental treatment.

Dental X-rays do involve radiation; however, the exposed levels are so low that they’re considered safe for children and adults. If your dentist uses digital X-rays instead of developing them on film, your risks from radiation exposure are even lower. Additionally, your dentist will also place a lead “bib” over your chest, abdomen, and pelvic region to prevent any unnecessary radiation exposure to your vital organs.

Pregnancy is an exception to the rule. Women who are currently, or planning on becoming pregnant, should avoid all types of X-rays. Be sure to communicate this with your doctor because radiation is not considered safe for developing fetuses. If you have more questions about dental X-rays or if there is any way we can help answer more dental questions, please contact our office.