Dental checkups are important, says Dr. White!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s terrific! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day (and coming in to see Dr. White, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your dentist can also:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam Dr. White will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Have a great weekend!

Dr. White wants to know: What are you doing in January?

BRRRR! It may still be chilly here in Ohio (30 degrees today!), but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Dr. John C. White and the team at Braces by White want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Enjoy your weekend!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up, from Dr. John C. White

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. White, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Braces by White to schedule an appointment.

Ask Dr. White: What's the advantage of Invisalign Teen™?

Dr. White knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Braces by White thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.