Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Breaking Bad Habits

At Smile Solutions, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Christopher Chung.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Chung if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Smile Solutions or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Ask Dr. Chung: Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces at Smile Solutions and Dr. Christopher Chung has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

Our team at Smile Solutions found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Christopher Chung. Have a great week!


Friday, August 12, 2011

You're Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best with Smile Solutions!

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Dr. Christopher Chung. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give Smile Solutions a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

Friday, August 5, 2011

A Beautiful Smile is Fast and Easy with In-Ovation Braces!

At Smile Solutions, we are proud to offer our patients a variety of orthodontic treatments. Today, we’d like to discuss with you the advantages of treatment using In-Ovation System Braces.

What are In-Ovation system braces?

In-Ovation braces use free-sliding technology to provide a more comfortable braces experience while achieving that beautiful smile that you have always wanted faster than traditional braces.

What’s the difference between In-Ovation braces and traditional braces?

Traditional braces use elastics and ties to hold wires into place and need to be tightened periodically. This causes slower movement of the teeth and discomfort due to friction and pressure. In-Ovation braces do not use elastics or ties and do not require tightening. They instead use free-sliding technology which results in little or no pressure while your teeth are gently moved into place.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment in the Edison or Union area, give our office a call to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chung where he’ll be able to answer any questions you have about In-Ovation braces or any other orthodontic treatment we have available at Smiles Solutions.