Feeling a Little Sensitive?

Have you ever take a bite of something cold, salty, sweet or tart and experience a sharp pain in the teeth that bit down on the food? This can be a result of tooth sensitivity! Tooth sensitivity can be a cause of several different things, but the most common cause of sensitive teeth is large, or exposed, nerve fibers. There are many ways for nerve fibers in your teeth to be exposed. Exposed nerve fibers can be a result of a receding gum line and has started to reveal the surface of the tooth. Once the surface of the tooth is visible it’s no longer protected by the enamel (a hard, protective outer layer) which means the nerves become more susceptible to sensitivity caused by hot or cold foods.

Young people can also experience tooth sensitivity due to larger nerve fibers. The mouth produces bacteria that are both good and bad. Some bacteria help protect your mouth and body against illness; however, when food, for instance, is left on the teeth for long periods of time “bad” bacteria can build up on the tooth’s surface and cause cavities. Cavities are holes on the tooth’s surface that can often expose nerve fibers and increase tooth sensitivity. Another reason why brushing your teeth after each meal is so important!

Here are a few other causes of toot sensitivity:

Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is an illness where frequent vomiting can cause tooth sensitivity. Our stomachs have a higher acidity level than our mouths. When stomach acids are present in the mouth, the outer enamel on the tooth’s surface can deteriorate. Frequent exposure to stomach acid can result in erosion of the tooth’s enamel which exposes nerve fibers and causes tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Whitening: Whitening agents penetrate into the surface of the tooth so that over time the surface of the tooth will appear whiter. The bleaching agents used in tooth whitening delve into the porosities that normally exist in the teeth. These agents can also penetrate into the layers of the teeth containing nerve fibers, which can increase sensitivity. Laser whitening and Zoom! bleaching may also have the same effects.

Crooked Teeth: Teeth that are out of position can cause sensitivity due to pressure from chewing. Orthodontic treatment can help reposition teeth and improve tooth sensitivity.

Gingival Inflammation: Tooth discomfort can be “referred” to the adjacent tooth. Clearing the gingivitis and employing proper flossing and brushing techniques will help lessen tooth sensitivity.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, here are some helpful strategies to help you make your teeth stronger:

1. Next time you visit the dentist or orthodontist be sure to ask about any specialized periodontal procedures available that can provide root coverage. If you have cavities ask your dentist about fillings to block food and bacteria from getting inside the tooth.
2. Fluoride can help strengthen the outer layer of your teeth. Several over-the-counter rinses are available or your doctor can prescribe a fluoride rinse if necessary. Do you drink bottled water? Make the switch to tap water, which has plenty of fluoride.
3. Special toothpastes with fluoride are another over-the-counter option. Sensodyne is a recommended brand that will help with tooth sensitivity.
4. Remember – if you have sensitive teeth, avoid tooth whitening (unless recommended by your doctor)! Teeth whitening can make sensitive teeth even more sensitive.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment please contact our office!

Tune In to National Orthodontic Health Month

Dr. Lee Graber has recently been interviewed by several local radio stations representing the American Association of Orthodontics and discussing National Orthodontic Health Month. National Orthodontic Health Month goes throughout the month of October and celebrates awareness of oral health and hygiene. Patients, and prospective patients, interested in learning more about orthodontics and bright smiles can stay tuned to Lisa Kotsy on US 99.5 in the next couple weeks to hear Dr. Graber’s next interview.

Eating with Braces: Foods to Avoid

Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

Office Policies

Your First Visit

At the first visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
• For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA and MASTERCARD.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance

If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.