Dental Clinic Patient. Portrait Of Smiling Arab Male Posing In Dentist Chair

Your orthodontist isn’t just someone who helps you get a picture-perfect smile. He or she should be someone you trust, recommend, and respect. This means doing more than just Googling “best orthodontists near me” and randomly picking the practice closest to your home or office is important. Rather than leaving your patient experience and outcome to chance, take the time to evaluate all the top orthodontists. That way, you can feel more confident moving forward with your or your child’s smile improvements.

How can you determine the best orthodontist for your family’s current and anticipated needs? Keep the following considerations in mind as you’re conducting your initial search. Each one will help narrow the field and allow you to pinpoint exactly the right orthodontist or team of orthodontists to serve you.

1. Choose An Experienced Orthodontist.

All orthodontists go through years of schooling. However, education is only part of the equation. Having real-world expertise matters, especially with pediatric or adult patients with complicated smile issues.

To ensure that your orthodontist has the skills and know-how to bring customized solutions to every patient case, look for a team with decades of collective knowledge and practice. The more imperfect smiles they’ve successfully corrected, the better.

2. Opt For a Tech-Forward Practice.

Like all medical fields, orthodontics has advanced thanks to technology. Though technology includes software, it’s not limited to computer systems. Orthodontic technology can be anything from the materials used to make corrective orthodontic appliances to the equipment used to accurately scan patients’ teeth, jaws, and gums.

What are some pieces of tech to ask about when investigating orthodontists in your area? You can always ask about the in-house tools they use. For instance, are they equipped with a 3D printer to make habits and other appliances more efficient and cost-effectively? Do they offer the latest types of orthodontic solutions like SureSmile® braces? Their answers will indicate whether or not the practice has invested in future-forward technology.

3. Look For a Variety Of Treatment Options.

Maybe you have your heart set on visiting an Invisalign orthodontist because you want to get a straighter smile discreetly. That’s fine, but try not to limit yourself to an orthodontist who only offers Invisalign. Why? Invisalign is a phenomenal orthodontic treatment but may not be the ideal answer for you or your child. If you end up with an orthodontist who only offers Invisalign, you may have less-than-perfect results.

Unless you’re an orthodontist, you can’t be sure of the right orthodontic system for your circumstances, lifestyle, or health history. It only makes sense to go to an orthodontist who offers a range of orthodontic choices, including those that move the teeth gently with clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.

4. When To See an Orthodontist

Most orthodontists offer comprehensive consultations with first-time patients and, if applicable, the patient’s family members. During these consultations, the orthodontist should take diagnostics and an opportunity for the patient to talk in-depth because:

• This will allow you to ask questions and discuss your options
• Your teeth and gums will be examined to determine treatment options during a consultation
• You can also ask about the orthodontist’s experience, credentials, and approach to treatment.
• You can inquire about the cost, the length of treatment, and what to expect throughout the process.
• You will understand the practice and ensure you feel comfortable with them.

A naturally straight smile can make you or your child feel more confident and less self-conscious in social situations. But orthodontics does more than just improve your smile’s appearance. When your teeth and jaw are corrected and aligned, you won’t have as much trouble caring for your mouth. Plus, you’ll lower your chance of developing problems like TMJ.

It’s worth setting up an appointment with an orthodontist at your earliest convenience. Contact Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists’ caring team of orthodontic experts to begin your search.

That precious face – there’s no more beautiful site in the entire world. From a baby’s gummy smile to a graduation picture beaming with pride, our children’s smiles always warm our hearts like nothing else. So we pay close attention when something seems “off” about their developing teeth. One question we hear again and again at our orthodontic offices in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and College Park is, “Why does my child have white spots on her teeth?”

White spots on teeth are a common occurrence in childhood and are nothing to be alarmed about. White spots on a child’s teeth are not dangerous and generally aren’t a symptom of anything serious. There are five common cases of white spots on teeth:

1. Acidic diet

Consuming too many acidic foods, such as lemonade, citrus fruits, and sodas, can eat away at the tooth enamel and cause white spots on the teeth. A diet high in sugar can do the same, as sugar can cause acidic plaque that damages tooth enamel. If an acidic diet is to blame for white spots on your child’s teeth, your child may also notice an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold because the damaged enamel is no longer strong enough to protect the nerves of the teeth from these common irritants.

2. Fluorosis

Fluorosis is decay and discoloration of the teeth caused by developing teeth being exposed to too much fluoride. Most cases of fluorosis are brought on when a child swallows too much toothpaste while brushing or consumes too many fluoridated beverages. Always encourage your child to spit, not swallow, while brushing. Patients in our locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, College Park, and Buckhead almost always have fluoridated city water in their homes – and that’s OK! Drinking too much-fluoridated water is almost impossible to do. Fear of fluorosis is no reason to switch to bottled water.

3. Enamel hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is underdeveloped tooth enamel, which may manifest as white spots on the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia is caused by a number of factors, including premature birth, malnutrition, bacterial or viral infections, or trauma to a developing mouth. Enamel hypoplasia can also be genetic, with no other known cause.

4. Plaque buildup after braces

It can be difficult for your child to keep their teeth perfectly clean with braces in the way. For that reason, plaque can build up around the brackets and cause white spots that are only usually appear once the braces come off. These white spots of plaque buildup can be removed by your dentist.

5. Enamel dehydration

If you notice white spots on your child’s teeth that go away a few hours after waking, he or she may sleep with an open mouth. The front teeth of open-mouth sleepers dry out overnight, causing temporary white spots on the enamel that fade away once hydration from saliva is restored. You may notice this particularly when your child has a stuffy nose, which forces them to sleep with their mouth open.

Treatments for white spots on teeth

White spots on teeth are normally nothing to worry about. But if your child is self-conscious about their smile, there are several treatments for white spots.

Microabrasion – Microabrasion removes a thin layer of the tooth’s enamel to reduce the appearance of white spots.

Tooth whitening or bleaching – Whitening or bleaching the surface of the teeth can help mask the white spots by brightening the appearance of the teeth as a whole.

Fluoride treatments – If enamel hypoplasia is to blame for the white spots on your child’s teeth, fluoride treatments may be used to help strengthen the tooth enamel and get rid of the spots.

Composite resin – The same composite resin that dentists use to fill cavities can also be used to repair white spots on teeth. The section of the tooth that is discolored will be removed with a dental drill, and then a tooth-matching resin will be applied to the tooth.

Dental veneers – Dental veneers are tiny tooth “jackets” that slip over the surface of the tooth and mask any imperfections such as white spots. The most costly of the white spot treatments, veneers are often not recommended for pediatric patients.

Want to help your child have a great door-opening smile?

A great smile is a powerful asset. Help your child get the gorgeous smile they deserve by contacting Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists today. With locations all over Atlanta including College Park, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Howell Mill, we’re close by no matter where you are. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Your child can finally brush his or her teeth – congrats! All the hard work you put into teaching the proper brushing is finally paying off. Next up, it’s time to tackle teaching your child to floss. Though flossing can be tricky for little hands, it’s critical to teach your child to floss early so flossing becomes a regular part of their oral health routine – paving the way for a lifetime of healthy teeth!

If you’ve been wondering how to teach your child to floss, here are 5 tips that can help.

1. Start early!

   As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, they should start flossing. That means that you’ll be doing the flossing for the first couple years, but every time you do it, remember, you’re instilling the importance of flossing. Flossing should start between the ages of 2 and 3. By age 6 or 7, your child should be able to floss on their own.

2. Floss your teeth, too!

   Kids love to mimic every little thing they see their parents doing. Let your child see you floss your teeth every morning, after lunch, or before bedtime. Not only will they learn the skills of flossing from watching you, but they’ll see that flossing is a regular part of dental hygiene. Kids are the best copycats on Earth. Use that to your advantage!

3. Buy flossers.

   Getting floss into that adorable little mouth is gonna be a mouthful whether it’s you doing the flossing or your child. Flossers, also called dental floss picks, make it easy to reach teeth all the way in the back of your child’s mouth without over-stretching their lips or jaw. Yes, these are more expensive than regular floss, and not as environmentally friendly. However, in these precious early years of learning to floss, it is important to provide a pleasant flossing experience so that flossing ends up with a good connotation, not being associated with pain and discomfort.

4. Encourage the swerve.

   Many children hurt their gums when they start flossing because they jam the floss straight down into their gum line. Teach your child to hold the floss tight against the tooth and to gently “swerve” the floss all the way down the tooth and slightly under the gemlike. Straight lines are bad! Swerving the floss to the shape of the tooth is good!

5. Let your child choose their tools.

   Take your child shopping and let them pick out their own flossers, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and more. Treat it like a trip to get a toy – build the excitement and make it fun! Another good tip – don’t stock up too much in advance. Keep the excitement fresh by buying new flossers, brushes, and toothpaste often.

Want to set your child up for a lifetime of beautiful smiles?

Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists is the headquarters for beautiful smiles in and around Atlanta. Schedule your consultation today and find out why kids love AOS!

Flossing – Good for more than your teeth!

Flossing is the overachieving little brother of brushing that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. Not only is flossing good for preventing cavities, but it also has a long list of other benefits that many people don’t even know about!

If you skip flossing because you think it’s “not doing that much,” read on! There are a ton of benefits to flossing that you definitely want to cash in on.

• Flossing prevents bad breath

1. 1. • Ever had bad breath even right after brushing your teeth? If you didn’t floss, that’s probably why. The food particles that get stuck in between your teeth are a breeding ground for stink-causing bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. The less you floss, the longer the food particles in between your teeth have to “rot” in your mouth as the bacteria feed on them. Rot = bad breath.If you struggle with bad breath and always find yourself reaching for gum or a breath mint, try flossing every day. It may be the solution you’ve been hoping for!

• Flossing protects your heart

1. 1. • The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is undeniable, even though science still isn’t exactly sure how it works. One theory is that the overload of bacteria in the mouth works its way into the bloodstream and causes inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. Another is that periodontal disease sets off the body’s immune response, which causes inflammation in other parts of the body. Either way, what we do know for sure is that a healthy mouth is good for your overall health. So start flossing. Your heart will thank you.

• Flossing helps you avoid other health problems

1. 1. • Flossing, as part of a healthy dental hygiene regimen, helps prevent periodontal disease. Not only is this important for the health of your teeth and gums, but periodontal disease has been linked to a host of other inflammatory diseases as well, such as diabetes, stroke, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, and even dementia.

• Flossing helps you look younger

1. 1. • Ever heard the phrase “long in the tooth?” It comes from being able to tell a horse’s age by looking at its teeth – because as horses (and humans) age, gums tend to recede, leading to longer-looking teeth.Flossing can help prevent the gum recession that leads to an older-looking smile. And since flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease, flossing also protects your youthful smile from bone loss that can lead to the “shrunken jaw” look we tend to associate with the elderly.

• Flossing helps bleeding gums heal

1. • If your gums bleeds when you floss, you might think that flossing is the problem. It’s not. Most of the time, bleeding gums are caused by gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Along with bleeding gums, if you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gums are red, swollen, tender, and inflamed. Not a good look – and not a comfortable way to live, either.Flossing can help your inflamed gums heal and return to their normal strength, color, and sensitivity. By removing the plaque that harbors bacteria that causes gingivitis, flossing daily will help your gums return to normal. Don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed every time you floss at first. Stick with it and you will see results!

Want to protect your oral health?

Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists can help you protect and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. Schedule an appointment today at one of our many locations around Atlanta.