Dr. Marc S. Wright

November 15, 2018February 28, 2019

The 411 on Brushing with Braces in Marietta, GA

Brushing your teeth while wearing braces is just as important, if not more important, than brushing your teeth when you don’t have braces.

If you have braces, you cannot simply brush your teeth like you always have because even the best toothbrush will not be able to thoroughly clean around the brackets and wires. Also, if you have braces, you have to be careful of your brackets and wires while brushing. If you’re not careful, you can actually dislodge a wire or damage a bracket.

Helpful Tips for Brushing Your Teeth While Wearing Braces

Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least every morning and night is the best way to prevent cavities and other complications while wearing braces. The American Dental Association advises brushing after every meal. Here are seven important tips to help make sure that you keep your teeth clean while wearing braces:

Find the right toothbrush – If you wear braces, a toothbrush with soft bristles is the better choice than stiffer bristles. The stiffer bristles are more likely to bend a wire or break a bracket off a tooth. A softer toothbrush is better at molding around your brackets for better cleaning.

Rinse first – Start by rinsing your mouth out with water. This will help to get some of the loose food particles out.

Start brushing without toothpaste – The foaming action of toothpaste can obscure your view of your teeth and the brackets, so it will be difficult to see if everything is clean. Start off without toothpaste and clean around the brackets. Then, add a bit of toothpaste and go over your teeth again.

Pick, don’t scrub – When removing debris or plaque from around a wire or bracket, it is important not to scrub. Picking is less likely to damage the bracket and is usually more effective when it comes to removing debris that can build up around our brackets and teeth. Picking is especially important when it comes to cleaning underwires.

Take enough time to brush thoroughly – You need to spend at least two minutes cleaning your teeth, especially when you have braces. Dedicate thirty seconds to each quarter of your mouth. If needed, set a timer to train yourself to brush a full two minutes.

Use the right toothpaste – The right brand of toothpaste for you is one that you’ll actually use. As long as the toothpaste has fluoride, it will work perfectly as long as you brush for a full two minutes.

Avoid using whitening products when you have braces – Do not use whitening toothpaste or whitening mouthwash when wearing braces. If you do, the whitening product will only work on the surfaces it touches (not under the brackets), so you’ll have uneven tooth color when your braces get removed.

To learn more about braces, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Wright Orthodontics has two convenient locations to serve you in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. As always, your initial consultation at Wright Orthodontics is offered free of charge with no hidden fees.

October 31, 2018February 28, 2019

Atlanta Residents Ask: Is Invisalign® Quicker Than Braces?

If you are considering treatment with Invisalign®, you may have wondered: Does Invisalign® work faster than braces?

Yes, Invisalign® treatment is significantly quicker than treatment with braces. With braces, the usual time frame for treatment is about two years. With adults who get braces, the treatment time can be even longer. But with Invisalign®, the average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months for both adults and children.

In general, Invisalign® takes less time than braces to move teeth into the proper position due to the type of force this process uses to move the teeth. The one-piece aligners in Invisalign® treatments are able to provide force to the teeth as a whole whereas braces move each tooth individually.

How Invisalign® Works

The first step is to take digital photos or impressions of the patient’s teeth. The aligner trays that you will wear are formed based upon that digital impression. The aligners are BPA-free clear plastic, which means that they are both safe and comfortable to wear.

To gradually move the teeth, new aligners are received every two weeks or so. Once the patient begins treatment, it quickly becomes obvious how fast the teeth are actually moving. For some, the movement may be so fast that they will need new aligner trays in less than two weeks. A dental appointment is necessary every four to six weeks so that the dentist can ensure that everything is on track as it should be.

Less Pain Than Braces

Most patients who are using braces will experience pain with each new set of wires. And the braces may get in the way of some activities or cause lip lacerations. Invisalign® aligner trays have no wires or brackets, and the smooth plastic trays will not lacerate the mouth.

Even though Invisalign® is a much faster teeth straightening method than braces, it is not painful. Invisalign® is designed for a much more natural movement of the teeth, resulting in vastly decreased pain levels.

To learn more about Invisalign® treatments, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Wright Orthodontics has two convenient locations to serve you in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. As always, your initial consultation at Wright Orthodontics is offered free of charge with no hidden fees.

October 15, 2018February 28, 2019

What Is the Ideal Age Range for Invisalign® Patients in Marietta, GA?

Invisalign® is a convenient, effective and virtually invisible treatment for straightening teeth that appeals to both adults and children. While people of all ages have been treated with Invisalign®, many people wonder at what age a child should start Invisalign® treatment.

Requirements for Starting Invisalign® Treatments

With Invisalign® treatment, it’s more about meeting certain conditions than being a certain age.

Before a child or adolescent can begin Invisalign® treatment, there are certain criteria that must be met. Here are the conditions that must occur before you can begin treatment with Invisalign®:

Loss of all first teeth (baby teeth)
Eruption of all permanent incisors and first molars
Wisdom teeth (second and third molars) do not need to have erupted yet – Invisalign® trays can allocate space for these teeth to come in
There should be no significant tooth decay or damage to the teeth
The patient must be mature enough to comply with treatment (aligning trays must be worn 24 hours per day, every day, or the treatment will not work)

Treatment with Invisalign® may be indicated for patients as young as eleven or twelve, depending upon whether or not the patient has met the criteria above. Each case is different. In general, girls will most likely be ready for Invisalign® treatment before boys because they typically mature faster than boys.

How to Know If You’re a Candidate for Invisalign®

To determine whether or not you are a candidate for Invisalign® treatment, the patient’s mouth will need to be x-rayed. This will determine the position of all teeth, and it will also determine how much space is needed for remaining teeth to erupt past the gum line.

Invisalign® Treatment for Adults

If you are an adult seeking Invisalign® treatment, you may worry that you have waited too long to seek treatment. If you are older, it is bone density, not age, that will determine whether or not you are a candidate for treatment. Since older people tend to have problems with bone density, some teeth may present problems while other teeth move very easily. Some older patients find that they may have to wear their trays for a longer period of time as an adult.

September 30, 2018February 28, 2019

Atlanta Residents Ask: Is Invisalign® a Permanent Fix?

When you remove your last set of Invisalign® aligners, you’ll see your beautiful new smile, but there is still a little bit of work to be done to make sure that new smile will last a lifetime.

The Two Phases of Invisalign® Treatment: Active and Retention

During the active stage of Invisalign® treatment, a series of clear, custom-made aligners will slowly move your teeth into the proper position. The aligner trays are made of clear, smooth plastic, and they fit comfortably over your teeth. Invisalign® can be used to treat a variety of dental issues including crooked teeth, gapped teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbite, underbite and crossbite.

During the active phase of Invisalign® treatment, your teeth will actually move. You’ll wear a set of aligners for two weeks; then you will switch them out for another set of aligners that continue to adjust your teeth. This process continues until the active phase of treatment is complete. The force caused by your aligners will cause changes in the teeth, the supporting tissues, the periodontal ligaments, the bone and the gums. New bone and tissue form around the space left behind and secure the teeth into their new positions.

When the active phase of treatment is complete, you’ll stop wearing the aligners. Once the force is gone (the aligners are no longer putting pressure on your teeth), the teeth have a tendency to want to shift back to their old places. So after the active phase of Invisalign® treatment, you’ll go into a retention phase of treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer. The retainer will hold the teeth in the desired position so there is less likelihood of drifting or reversion. Typically, you will wear your retainer for a short time and then transition to wearing it only at night when you go to sleep.

After putting the time, effort and expense into Invisalign® treatments, you’ll want to make sure your results are long lasting, so don’t skip the retainer step.

September 15, 2018December 10, 2018

iTero® Scanner and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

The iTero® Scanner is completely radiation-free, which makes it safe for pregnant women.

What is the iTero® Scanner?

The iTero® Scanner is a digital device that takes a 3D picture of your mouth, allowing orthodontists and dentists to get a full picture of your mouth and teeth. The iTero® Scanner has changed the face of dentistry to make treatments from orthodontics to restoration easier and faster. In addition to its safety, another advantage of the iTero® Scanner is that dental professionals can show patients the results of the planned treatments before they even begin.

The iTero® Scanner is an advanced optical impression system that records topographical images of teeth and oral tissue. It is an integral part of the Invisalign® orthodontic system and is being used with other types of braces and basic dental x-rays because of its ease and safety.

The iTero® Scanner combines the scanner with computer software to capture 3D images of a person’s teeth, soft tissue, and the structure of the mouth as well as the patient’s bite. As the images are taken the software processes the data so that it can help create the aligner trays for the orthodontic treatment. The process of taking the digital x-rays is much faster than using traditional impressions – even if repeat pictures are needed.

Why Use the iTero® Scanner?

In addition to the safety, there are many benefits to using the iTero® Scanner

No messy and yucky goop
Immediate images
Accurate results, better fitting treys
Pregnancy-safe

Let Your Orthodontist Know You are Pregnant

It is important to let your orthodontist know you are pregnant. Optimal oral health is vital for everyone, especially during pregnancy. Orthodontics not only offers cosmetic benefits, but it also brings teeth into alignment to ensure effective oral hygiene.

If you are considering orthodontics and are pregnant, there is no reason to put off treatment. The advances in today’s market make dental care safe for everyone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

August 30, 2018December 10, 2018

5 Things Adults with Braces are Sick of Hearing

We’ve outlined some of the most common questions and inquiries our adult patients with braces face as they return to their lives after having their braces put on (with some spot-on responses).

#1: “Did you not wear your retainer when you were younger?”

Our suggested response: “Of course, I wore my retainer. My teeth shifted, so I decided to invest in my smile again. Would you like my orthodontist’s contact information?”

#2: “How long do you have to wear them?”

Our suggested response: “I’m not sure, but if I follow the instructions and do what the orthodontist says, it shouldn’t be long. I’m looking forward to the results. I know I’ll smile all the time!”

#3: “Do you and your kids have the same orthodontist?”

Our suggested response: “Yes, as a matter of fact, we do. He’s great and does an amazing job. Let me know if you would like the phone number to make an appointment.”

#4: “How do you eat with those things in your mouth?”

Our suggested response: “One of the reasons I wanted Invisalign® was so I could remove the trays when I eat and brush my teeth. My kids have metal braces, so they must be careful with what they eat.”

#5: “You got braces? How old are you?”

Our suggested response: “Braces are not just for kids and teens. I want a confident smile so why shouldn’t I wear them as well?”

Braces are For Adults Too

At Wright Orthodontics we treat a lot of young children, but we also treat a lot of adults. Braces can be right for you regardless of your age. Contact our office to learn how braces might be right for you or someone in your family.

August 15, 2018December 10, 2018

Five Dental Trends to Avoid

It seems that there are a growing number of trends to adorn the body, especially the face. Dental trends continue to make their way onto the scene whether via adornments or unsafe dental care products. We’re all for being fashionable, but some dental trends should just be avoided…

#1: Bedazzled Teeth

Even though you may think it is a creative way to enhance your appearance, bedazzling your teeth can be very dangerous. The risks include slight discoloration that takes place when worn for a short amount of time to more detrimental issues like wearing the protective coating off your teeth. The results leave your teeth open to infections and even permanent damage. We recommend you leave the bedazzles to your clothing.

#2: Creating a Gap Between the Front Teeth

Georgia May Jagger and Vanessa Paradis are just some of the rich and famous who sport a gap in their front teeth. It is important to remember that their gaps are natural and forcing your mouth to create a gap in your teeth can be detrimental to your overall oral health.

#3: Tongue Piercings and Gauges

A tongue gauge is a piercing that is expanded to the size of a hole. Your tongue plays an important role in your ability to eat, chew, swallow, drink and speak. Piercings and gauges threaten the basic function of your tongue and create the possibility of infection and bacteria growth. In addition, the hardware living permanently in your mouth creates a choking hazard.

#4: Grills

Grills are decorative covers that people put over their teeth usually made of gold or another precious metal. Some are even encrusted with stones like diamonds. From Ryan Lochte to Rhianna and even Madonna, celebrities bling their teeth (or one tooth) trying to look cool and individual. However, whether they are permanent or temporary, grills can lead to tooth decay because they interfere with brushing and flossing best practices.

#5: Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal can be used to treat a lot of health issues, but we don’t recommend it for whitening your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste scraps away a layer of the tooth enamel making your teeth much more susceptible to future problems. If you want white, healthy teeth, practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist for professional cleanings and ask about whitening treatments if you think you need it. Leave the charcoal for your grill (the one outside, not the gems on your teeth).

The best way to have a great set of teeth and a healthy mouth is to see a dental professional on a regular basis. Dentists suggest two professional cleanings a year and treatments as needed to correct problems when they arise. Contact us to schedule a consultation and professional cleaning so you can achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

July 30, 2018January 22, 2019

iTero® Scanner vs. Impressions

Have you had to have impressions made of your teeth? It’s one of the first steps taken when getting braces or other restorative dental treatment. The impression is a negative imprint of hard teeth that gives an orthodontist a birds-eye view of the current position of your teeth, so he or she can determine the best treatment plan.

The problem is that the material used is universally understood to be “yucky.” In fact, impressions may be one of the worst parts of braces application… but not at Wright Orthodontics. At our practice we use the iTero® Scanner in place of traditional impressions.

More Accurate Picture

With the iTero® Scanner, not only does an orthodontist get a full picture of the patient’s mouth and teeth, but he or she sees a 3D picture of how the mouth and jaws fit with the entire facial structure.

Reduced Patient Stress

The process of taking traditional impressions is stressful to some patients. If the impression isn’t taken correctly, it must be repeated. With the iTero® Scanner, the digital impressions are taken quickly and accurately, which reduces the stress of being at the dentist or orthodontist.

Much Less Time to Complete

Digital impressions like those taken with the iTero® Scanner take much less time to complete than when using traditional dental impressions. In fact, most often the impressions are taken within about five minutes.

Immediate Results

Because the iTero® Scanner takes impressions digitally, the results are instant, which leads to faster treatment times during appointments.

Less Possibility for Errors

Traditional impressions leave more room for error than digital impressions. Small distortions from the impressions may cause the restoration or orthodontics to be poor fitting. With the iTero® Scanner, trained staff members can see the images immediately and retake them if they are not satisfied with what they see. Furthermore, they can enlarge the image on the screen to get an even better visual of what they want to see.

Dr. Marc S. Wright uses the iTero® Scanner on patients receiving orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® so that he can provide the most accurate images of teeth for the clear aligner trays. If you are interested in finding out more about orthodontics or Invisalign®, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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