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11800 Aberdeen St NE Suite #110 Blaine, MN 55449(763) 786-4280
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Posts for: February, 2018

Retainers Help you Protect Your Newly Aligned Teeth

By Aberdeen Dental Associates
February 17, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontics   retainers  
RetainersHelpyouProtectYourNewlyAlignedTeeth

Orthodontics can produce an amazing smile transformation. With today’s advanced appliances and techniques even the most difficult malocclusions (bad bites) can be overcome. All of this innovation, however, depends on one basic anatomical fact: though firmly set in the mouth, our teeth can still move.

Teeth are actually held in place by the periodontal ligament, a strong, elastic tissue that attaches to them through tiny collagen fibers on one side of the ligament and to the jawbone with similar fibers on the other side. When pressure is placed against a tooth, the bone on the opposite side of the force begins to dissolve (resorb), allowing the tooth to move. As it moves, new bone is built up behind the tooth, to stabilize it. Orthodontists take advantage of this natural mechanism through orthodontic hardware like braces that applies pressure in the desired direction of movement, while the ligament and bone do the rest.

There is, though, a downside to this process. The teeth, bone and gum tissues can contain a kind of “memory” for the former natural position of the teeth. Over time, the lower front teeth tend to take a gradual migratory movement back towards their original position. Also, as we age the lower front teeth may crowd each other as there is a genetic influence for teeth to move to the midline of the face, causing a pressure that allows the skinny lower front teeth to slip behind each other. As a result of both of these tendencies, corrected teeth may retreat from their new positions.

To stop these tendencies, we use an appliance known as a retainer after braces or other hardware is removed. As the name implies, this appliance “retains” the teeth in their new position. For structural “memory,” the retainer will keep the teeth in their new position until the impulse to return to the old one has faded, about eighteen months. Retainers can also slow or stop the natural genetic influence of movement, but it may mean wearing a retainer for an indefinite period, especially individuals who’ve undergone orthodontic treatment later in life.

The length of time you’ll need to wear a retainer after braces — and what type, whether a removable appliance or one permanently attached — will depend on a number of factors including the type of malocclusion, your individual mouth structure and age. We’ll recommend the best option that ensures the best chance of keeping your teeth in their new position.

If you would like more information on retainers after orthodontic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Why Orthodontic Retainers?”


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February Focuses on Children's Dental Health

By Aberdeen Dental Associates
February 02, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: pediatric dentistry   oral health  
FebruaryFocusesonChildrensDentalHealth

The month of February gets its name from the ancient spring cleansing ritual called “Februa.” So perhaps it’s appropriate that February is now celebrated as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Having a healthy mouth starts with good oral hygiene—a practice that’s important for everyone, but especially for kids, because the healthy habits they develop in childhood can keep their teeth and gums in good condition for life. How can you help your kids achieve the best oral health? We’re glad you asked. Here are five tips:

Brush and floss daily
Sure, you knew that already. But did you know that for effective cleaning, your kids should brush for two full minutes, twice a day? And despite reports you may have heard, the American Dental Association maintains that using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is essential part of good oral hygiene: It’s the best way to clean decay-causing bacteria from tooth surfaces that your brush just can’t reach.

Limit snacking to around mealtimes
If you allow kids to have sugary snacks, limit them to around mealtimes. That way, the teeth aren’t constantly bathed in substances that can feed harmful bacteria. It also gives the healthful saliva a chance to neutralize acids that can attack the tooth’s protective enamel coating.

Avoid soda and other sugary, acidic drinks
That includes so-called “sports” and “energy” drinks, which often contain extremely high levels of sugar. These beverages, along with diet sodas and some fruit juices, may also be highly acidic, and can damage teeth. What’s the best drink for your kids’ health? Plain old refreshing water!

Pay attention to baby teeth
Sure, in a few years, those teeth will be gone. But in the mean time, they have an important job to do: They not only contribute to proper speech, eating and appearance, but also hold a space for the permanent teeth that will follow them. If they are lost too early, problems with permanent teeth may follow.

Get regular checkups
Routine office visits are the best way to monitor your child’s dental health and development, prevent disease, and solve minor problems before they get bigger.  Plus, we can address any questions you may have about oral hygiene and a range of other topics. So if we haven’t seen your child lately, maybe February is a good time for a visit.

If you have questions about your child’s oral health, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health” and “Importance of Baby Teeth.”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
        • A Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • January (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
      • November (3)
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
        • TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
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        • Is Traditional Flossing too Difficult? Consider Water Flossing
        • 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • September (3)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
      • August (3)
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
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        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
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        • Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
        • What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
      • May (4)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • April (2)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
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        • 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
        • 3 Things You May Not Know About Orthodontics
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • February (2)
        • Retainers Help you Protect Your Newly Aligned Teeth
        • February Focuses on Children's Dental Health
      • January (2)
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
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      • December (2)
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        • Gum Disease can Prevent Your Gums from Protecting Your Teeth
      • November (2)
        • 3 Ways You Can Help Your Child Feel at Home at the Dentist
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
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        • Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
        • Bad Breath in Children
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        • FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • August (3)
        • The Case for Moving Just a Few Teeth Orthodontically
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
      • July (2)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
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        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Tooth Troubles for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
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        • Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
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        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
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        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • February (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • January (2)
        • The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Those Red Patches on Your Tongue are Nothing to be Alarmed About
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • November (3)
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
      • October (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
      • September (2)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
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        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
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        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • June (2)
        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • May (2)
        • Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
        • A Royal Fix
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        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • March (2)
        • A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • February (2)
        • 3 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Improves Your Oral Health
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • January (3)
        • Crown Differences Could Ultimately Affect Your Cost
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
      • October (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Reduced with the Right Treatment Approach
      • September (2)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
      • August (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Easing the Pain and Discomfort of Canker Sores
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (2)
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • May (3)
        • Clicking Jaw: When Should You Be Concerned?
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
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11800 Aberdeen St NE Suite #110
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 786-4280

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