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Adults Getting Braces: It’s More Common Than You Think!

Mar 14th, 2023

When you think of braces, you probably think of pre-teens with a mouthful of metal, but, surprisingly, many adults get braces, too. Why?

There are a lot of people that did not get braces when they were young because either their parents couldn’t afford them, or their teeth could not be straightened out with the techniques of 40 years ago. Now they are having problems with their teeth and gums, get indigestion all the time or they are just unhappy with their smile.

There are others that had orthodontic treatment when they were young, but they did not wear their retainers until they stopped growing (little known fact: you should wear your retainer until you are 24). The result is that their teeth are now a little bit crooked. Now they are unhappy with their smile so they get adult braces too.

As much as 25 percent of the orthodontic treatment being done is being done on adult patients. Most adults get orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of your smile is part of taking care of yourself.

What do you think about someone who has an awful smile – does it make them look old and haggard? At the end of an orthodontic treatment, people’s smiles end up looking fabulous. Adult braces can do this very thing for you! When you hear the word “braces,” you might think of adolescents with mouths full of metal. However, did you know that an increasing number of adults are also getting orthodontic treatment? But why is that?

Many adults today never had the opportunity to have braces as kids due to financial constraints or limited orthodontic options available back then. As a result, they may experience problems with their teeth and gums, indigestion or simply feel unhappy with their smile.

Others may have had braces earlier in life but didn’t wear their retainers as recommended until they stopped growing (a lesser-known fact is that retainers should be worn until around the age of 24). Consequently, their teeth may have shifted slightly, leading to an uneven smile. As a result, these adults may also choose to undergo orthodontic treatment.

It may be hard to believe, but up to 25% of all orthodontic treatments are performed on adult patients. Many adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of their smile is an essential part of self-care.

Your smile is a crucial facial feature, and it’s worth taking care of. Are you satisfied with your smile right now? Does it look as good as it did when you were younger? Studies show that people with attractive smiles are more likely to be seen as attractive in general, and an unattractive smile can make people appear older and less attractive. With orthodontic treatment, however, you can transform your smile into something fabulous.

Getting braces as an adult is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you missed out on orthodontic treatment earlier in life or your teeth have shifted with age, there’s no need to live with a smile you’re not happy with. Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and boost your self-confidence.

Don’t be afraid to call The Dental Center @ Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio on advice on what you should do next!

Tags: braces, orthodontia, retainer

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Afraid Of Wearing Braces?

Oct 17th, 2019

When you were a pre-teen, probably one of the scariest things you could imagine was coming back from the dentist’s office with braces. Once you became an adult, you were probably relieved that you escaped your teens without having a mouthful of metal.

Surprisingly, many adults get braces, too. Why? Many people did not get braces when they were young because either their parents could not afford braces, or their teeth could not be straightened with the techniques of 40 years ago. Now they have problems with their teeth and gums, get indigestion all the time or they are just unhappy with their smile.

Other people did have orthodontic treatment when they were young, but they did not wear their retainers until they stopped growing (little known fact: you should wear your retainer until you are 24). The result is that their teeth are now a little bit crooked. Now they are unhappy with their smile so they get braces too.

Of course, the idea of revisiting the nightmare of your teen years is a bit intimidating—for example, in an episode of “Sex and the City,” Miranda briefly wore braces, only to have them removed because she was incredibly self-conscious about them.

Thankfully, many dentists (including us!) offer Invisalign, which is an alignment device that is clear, as well as much more comfortable than the traditional metal braces. Invisalign is removable, so you would take them out to eat, drink, and brush, greatly reducing the chance of decay that comes with metal braces. With Invisalign, you “graduate” to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. The aligners give less force per week and less pain than do fixed appliances.

Look at your smile – your smile is the most important feature on your face. Are you happy with your smile now? Does your smile look as good as it did when you were younger? What do you think about someone who has a pleasing smile – do you find them attractive? What do you think about someone who has an awful smile – do they look old and haggard? At the end of orthodontic treatment, people’s smiles end up looking fabulous.

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You Can Fix Your Smile With Invasilign!

Jul 26th, 2019

When you make the choice of using Invisalign to enhance your smile, learning all you can about the entire process will assist you in order to make the correct decision. Selecting the right dentist (such as Dr. Gilmer) is your first step. The dentist you are currently seeing may already be an Invisalign provider, and if not, he or she can recommend a dentist who can help you. It is imperative to find a dentist who has received specific Invisalign training.

Once you have selected a trained dentist, you should have a discussion addressing your specific concerns.. Some patients are terrific candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign can be utilized for both simple and more complex cases. Ask questions to your Invisalign provider about: costs, insurance coverage, treatment expectations, and length of treatment, which are all common concerns.

If you and your doctor determine that Invisalign is the solution for you, X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth are the obtained to create a digital model of your treatment. This allows you to view your treatment from start to finish in a virtual computer animated model. Next a series of clear custom-made aligners are created. With Invisalign- the aligners are made from smooth, clear, and comfortable BPA-free plastic. You will not experience the pain and irritation that are associated with traditional metal braces. You can even remove them when you eat, brush and floss. (It’s recommended to wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day.)

The on-going treatment involves replacing the aligners every 2 weeks, which will help your teeth gradually shift into place. Every case is unique – but you’ll be revealing your new smile before you know it.

Invisalign is a great solution for improving your smile without unsightly and painful braces and most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

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How Late In Life Can One Get Braces?

Nov 26th, 2018

Childhood is frequently viewed as the prime time to get braces. However, more adults of all ages are choosing orthodontic treatment to fix many of their oral health problems and opting for braces. According to The American Association of Orthodontists, one in five people who seek the treatment of braces is over age 18.

While the appearance of a beautiful, straight smile is a common motive for adults to get braces, there are many other reasons why someone might be interested in their later years of life. Whether it is the natural effects of aging, misalignment, or underlying health conditions, it is never too late to seek orthodontic care. In fact, proper teeth alignment becomes even more crucial as people grow older.

Braces are more than just creating attractive smiles.

Braces help correct improperly positioned teeth, which will also prevent common oral health issues. Crowding pressure, tooth decay, and the deterioration of enamel can cause a substantial amount of pain and discomfort without the proper treatment. Getting braces to fix the positioning of your teeth can end up saving a lot of distress and money in the long run, no matter the age.

Aging can cause the teeth to shift. As we age, it is not uncommon for our teeth to start moving. As the jawbone changes, the midline shifts from it’s ideal positioning. This can happen even if our teeth have been straight throughout our whole life. The continuous, yet slow shift of the midline can ultimately result in crowding and overlapping of the teeth. Braces can undoubtedly straighten age-related crooked teeth at any age.

Some health conditions contribute to misalignment. While aging is a large factor, sometimes health conditions and injuries can influence our teeth to move in an undesirable way. Periodontal disease, a condition caused by bacteria living under gum tissue, can also lead to the spreading of teeth. Stress is another common factor when it comes to teeth shifting and misalignment. Grinding, clenching, nail biting and tongue thrusting are all examples of unconscious habits that cause wear and tare on your teeth. If an adult is noticing that their teeth are changing their shape and size, they might seek the advice of an Orthodontist to see if braces are right for them.

Problems that were left untreated as a child can get worse with time. Common oral issues, such as a misaligned jaw or bite, can lead to further health complications that might urge a person to be interested in braces. Headaches, TMJ, and gum disease name a few conditions that a person might run into when misalignment is left untreated. As an adult, the getting braces can help correct these issues and improve your overall health and wellness.

Neglecting the use of retainers. Sometimes, adults who have had braces when they were younger may need to go through a second or third course of treatment. This is usually due to not wearing retainers as instructed by their orthodontist. The proper use of retainers long after wearing braces can prevent the teeth from shifting back to its original state. When a previous orthodontic patient neglects that responsibility, the chances are high that their teeth might become crooked again. It is not uncommon to see an adult get braces multiple times throughout their life.

Modern braces make a difference. Sometimes, children and adolescents choose not to wear braces for aesthetic reasons. Now, with more reliable options such as clear brackets and Invisalign, braces are more socially acceptable, even for adults. That is not to mention that braces today are more affordable than they have been in the past. Adults might decide on orthodontic treatment later in life due to financial reasons. Today, most orthodontic offices accept dental insurance and create reasonable payment plans for all patients.

With the right treatment, braces can be beneficial at any age. Braces used to be a type of dental care that was more commonly seen on children and teenagers. Now, statistics show that more than 20% of orthodontic patients are adults, including those in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. It’s never too late to make improvements to our health and wellbeing, which is why more adults are getting braces to straighten their smiles.

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Electrical or Manual Toothbrush: Which is Better?

Oct 26th, 2018

This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing.

Let’s break that down. The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.

For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces.
The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushers who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.

At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!

Posted in Bad Breath, Braces, Columbus Dentist, Dental Advances, Dental Care, Gum Disease, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

What Makes Invisalign Superior To Traditional Braces?

Aug 3rd, 2018

Traditional braces have been around since the early 1800’s. Of course, the technology used today to create straighter smiles is significantly more effective than those that were used back then. With the advancements that have been made to teeth correction, it’s no doubt that braces have come a long way. Now, with the option of Invisalign, it’s easy to get confused on which treatment is the right one for you. Invisalign is a custom-made alternative to braces. The aligners are made up of clear trays that are almost invisible. While both traditional braces and Invisalign have its perks and downfalls, Invisalign seems to take the cake in most cases.

Invisalign Require Less Treatment Time. Traditional braces involve a chain of metal brackets that are generally worn for 2-3 years depending on the patient. Because each treatment plan is unique to its own, some cases are more severe and can drag out even longer! Invisalign has a shorter treatment time with an average of 10-20 months.

Invisalign Require Less Adjustments. Braces are high maintenance. A long with the long list of directions that you’ll receive on the day of application, you’ll also realize that every 4-6 weeks require tightening and readjusting by your orthodontist. During these follow-up visits, your orthodontist will check for pokey wires and unwanted shifting to make sure that everything is moving the way it should be. This can get hard to manage with a busy schedule to coordinate with. Not only does Invisalign require less follow-up appointments, but the check-ups also last half as long as those with braces.

Invisalign is More Comfortable. Besides the slight discomfort after changing into a new set of trays, Invisalign is pain free throughout the entire treatment. Without the poking of wires and the feeling of scratchiness against your cheek, you won’t even realize they are there. That is not to mention that you won’t have to deal with the tugging and pulling of adjustments every six weeks.

Invisalign Boosts Self-Esteem. Invisalign is virtually invisible, hence why it got its name! This is great for those who don’t like the look of brackets or who are trying to avoid the extra attention to their teeth. The aligners are made with clear plastic that is custom fit, making it more appealing to its porcelain cousin.

Invisalign Is Great for Athletes. Playing contact sports can get tricky when you have a mouthful. Braces need a special kind of mouth guard that is often bulky and uncomfortable. Invisalign makes it easier to find a smaller guard to keep your teeth in tact so that you can enjoy all of your favorite activities!

Invisalign Is Easy To Maintain. Invisalign trays have very simple directions to help keep them bacteria-free. Instead of carefully brushing around each individual bracket, all you have to do is gently scrub your aligners with a toothbrush each night for easy maintenance. Consistent cleaning of your aligners, proper brushing and flossing is all you need to keep them fresh. It is also important to keep in mind the liquids that are consumed when trays are being worn. Juices and coffee can easily stain the plastic, making it much harder to clean.

Invisalign is Food Friendly. Who likes being told they can’t eat popcorn, pretzels, and all the other chewy, sticky, crunchy food? With Invisalign, you no longer have to worry about damaging your braces from eating your favorite snacks. Simply remove your trays prior to each meal and replace them after a good brushing. It is highly recommended that Invisalign trays are worn for at least 20 hours a day for the best results. As long as you don’t keep them out for too long during the day, removing them while eating is completely harmless.

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Saving Space for Permanent Teeth with a Space Maintainer

Nov 16th, 2016

If your little one’s teeth have begun to fall out, and their permanent replacements appear to be lagging far behind, you may wish to consider a space maintainer to minimize future orthodontic work. Believe it or not, the absence of your child’s teeth might seem cute now, but those tiny little gaps can cause deep gouges in your pocketbook as you watch them fill up with teeth that don’t belong there. Space maintainers are simple to use, kids get along fine with them, and they have become the de-facto standard for protecting the cosmetic and functional aspects of your growing child’s mouth.

Why Your Child Might Need a Space Maintainer

When a child’s tooth is lost early due to trauma, tooth decay, or nature’s insistence that it drop out before its permanent replacement is due, a space maintainer can be used to hold back the natural inclination of teeth to move forward. Without preventing this movement, teeth that should be in the rear of our mouths end up along the sides, and take up precious real estate destined for another tenant. The result is overcrowding, and in some cases impacted teeth. In the end, it’s always easier to save the space now, then create it later.

How They Work

Space maintainers are very similar in purpose and design to an adult “bridge,” but instead of placing artificial teeth over the gap, the space is kept open to accommodate its future resident. At The Dental Center, we make most space maintainers out of metal, (sometimes both metal and plastic), and custom-mold them to the shape of your child’s mouth. In most cases, the maintainer is made up of a metal band attached to a rectangular-shaped wire that butts up against the tooth across the gap. This acts to temporarily preserve the space where the baby tooth once was, so its replacement can erupt without obstruction. To some, the final product looks like an old Radio Flyer® snow sled, or a shoe horn you might use to maintain the shape of unworn shoes.

Does My Child Need One?

It’s important to note that dental space maintainers are not required for all childhood tooth loss, and that we’re not going to suggest you create a decade worth of space maintainers as each tooth falls out of your child’s mouth. Our bodies are quite effective at saving space for the loss of our front teeth as well as our incisors – it’s the teeth along the sides of our mouths that tend to cause the majority of complications. Of course, each mouth is different, so be sure to discuss with us the best course of action for you and your child. If your child has recently lost a tooth, or several teeth, and it’ll be awhile before they’re scheduled to see Dr. Gilmer, give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to see if you should come in a little earlier.

Using a space maintainer is an affordable and effective way to ensure your child’s teeth come in where they are supposed to, and when they’re ready. It can have a positive effect on your wallet, reduce the amount of time your child needs to wear braces, and control the cosmetic appearance of your child’s teeth and mouth.

Posted in Braces, Columbus Cosmetic Dentist, Dental Care, Pediatric Dentist Columbus Ohio, Pediatric Dentistry | No Comments »

The Perfect Road Map For Your Child’s Oral Health

Sep 15th, 2016

On July 3^rd, 1806, two years into their journey to chart the uncharted west of America, pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached a challenge of epic proportion – the Rocky Mountains. What next, they wondered? Without a map, they were forced to do what explorers do – explore, and hope for the best. So, that got us thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy map you could use to chart your own dental health? With that in mind, and in honor of our explorers, we at The Dental Center at Easton wanted to share with you a few mile markers you can use to stay on top of your child’s health today, next year, and for years to come!

6 to 24 months

When you’re a new parent, life is a whirlwind, and the dental care of your newborn may not be top of mind when you look in their mouths and see no teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Schedule your regular visit: As soon as that first tooth comes in, you’ll want to give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to schedule your regular visit so we can review your next steps and the steps for your child. Also, be aware the ADA recommends fluoridated toothpaste now for all children under the age of three. Don’t wait!

Ask us about:

Home hygiene basics: Things like, tips and tricks on brushing and other care. There’s nothing better than having our hygienists give brushing tutorials – they’re experts!
Preventative dentistry: The possible need for fluoride supplements
Dietary strategies: Achieving a balanced diet early in life for good oral health later
Feeding practice awareness: Bottle, breastfeeding, and no-spill training cups
Non-nutritive oral habits: Thumb sucking, pacifiers
Making Dental Visits Normal: Even from a young age, your child should be very comfortable visiting the dentists. He or she should build that regular habit while young to keep a strong sense of normalcy.

2 to 12 years old

Ah, the little ones are growing up. Teeth are coming in at all sorts of crazy angles, and you’re going crazy from the rise in obligations. Here’s a quick list of what to consider during this time frame:

Preventative dentistry: Pit and fissure sealants can do wonders for keeping your child’s dental bills down, and their teeth in their head until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Ask us about them. They’re affordable AND useful. And, super-fast, you’ll be in and out in no time.
Orthodontic Consultation: Visiting an orthodontist for an early consultation is best done around your child’s seventh birthday. With today’s technology, early intervention can reduce the cost and duration of braces when your child gets older.

The Teen Years

The years “everything” happens! As children start to come into their own, new habits and desires begin to unfold as well. You’ll have to address every imaginable concern during these years, from piercings, to calls for whitening, braces, and the need to refer yourself away from your pediatric dentist and to a general dentist for continuing oral care. So, speak with us about:

Cosmetic Dentistry: What solutions are advisable now, and what things should be avoided.
Teen social pressures: Smoking, alcohol, intraoral/perioral piercings and the like. Believe it or not, we can help a lot with this. Does your teen have a favorite Dental Center hygienist? We might be able to arrange for that person to help when your teen comes in so they can address these concerns with an intermediary they trust. Give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to see how we can help!
Orthodontics: Options for minimizing appearance and health problems later in life.
Home hygiene tips: Brushing, flossing, choosing the right mouthwash.
Craniofacial injury prevention: With your children’s possible participation in sports, you’ll want to get them a mouthguard. Hands down it’ll be one of your best investments in a healthy mouth. And we make great ones here at The Dental Center!
Positive Reinforcement: Your teen hears lots of feedback from every direction, but it can be very helpful to hear the benefits of good oral health from a different voice then they hear everything else. We will work hard to reinforce this necessary message with you to your teen!

Staying on top of your child’s oral health isn’t as hard as you think, and if you keep this schedule handy, you’ll be ahead of most of your neighbor’s kids when it comes to a healthy mouth and body. Come to think of it … why not share it with them as well? They’ll thank you for the help.

Tags: dental checkups, dental health, dentist columbus ohio, oral care, oral hygiene, pediatric dentistry

Posted in Braces, Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Dental Care, Dental Facts, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Pediatric Dentist Columbus Ohio, Pediatric Dentistry | No Comments »

Restorative Dentistry: Something to Smile About

Jul 30th, 2013

Without proper oral healthcare and proper attention, the overall health of your mouth can deteriorate over time. Without regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, all kinds of calamities can occur. It is important to seek the help of an experienced dentist before your oral health reaches a point where it necessitates intensive treatment. The Dental Center at Easton offers restorative dentistry, a process that restores the health of your mouth and returns your confidence. Restorative dentistry procedures can act to repair minor damage and they can correct major tooth loss.

How Can Poor Oral Health Affect Your Daily Life?

By complicating your daily activities: If you are missing teeth or have teeth that are not functioning properly, you may struggle when performing essential daily activities such as eating and speaking. Eating can become difficult or even painful if your mouth is missing essential teeth that are needed to chew food. Your speech may also suffer if your oral health problems cause your mouth to struggle to properly form words.
Mouth health: When teeth are missing or damaged, the overall health of your mouth suffers. If your are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, your gums are more prone to gum disease and remaining teeth are likely to succumb to illnesses. This can be very painful and can also lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
Physical Appearance: Damaged or missing teeth leave can distract from an otherwise beautiful smile. This can cause you to become self-conscious about the way you look and can negatively affect your social life, career, and personal confidence. A beautiful smile can send a positive message to others and can serve as an attractive means to communicate to the world. A mouth with damaged or missing teeth detracts from what you have to say and your appearance as a whole.

What Services Does The Dental Center at Easton offer to Restore Your Oral Health?

Dental Implants: Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that are set in the place of lost or damaged teeth. A dental implant is completely sturdy. It allows you to complete your daily activities with ease, just like a normal tooth! Those around you won’t even be able to tell the difference between the implant and your other natural teeth.
Invisalign: Invisalign is a nearly invisible substitute for traditional braces that is less abrasive than traditional metal wires, yet still restores your oral health by realigning your teeth. Invisalign is clear and can be taken out while eating. It allows you to carry out activities like eating, speaking, and drinking with ease!
Bonding and teeth whitening: During bonding, tooth-colored substances are fused onto teeth to correct stains or breakage. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the color of your teeth.

These are just a few of the procedures that we offer at The Dental Center at Easton that help restore your oral health. Contact us today to set up a consultation and give yourself something to smile about!

Posted in Braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign | No Comments »

3 Common Misconceptions about Invisalign

Jun 25th, 2013

Invisalign is a fantastic solution for many candidates of traditional braces. If you’re considering Invisalign, you’ve probably heard lots of different things about this relatively new alignment process. There are plenty of misconceptions floating around about it. Here today, we’re going to dispel some of those. These are some common myths about Invisalign.

The first misconception is that it is painless. Invisalign offers many things, but being pain-free is not one of them. There is currently no way to move teeth without the person feeling it, although Invisalign does involve less pain than traditional braces. With the plastic aligners, you are more likely to feel a deep soreness in your gums. That’s the effect of gently moving a tooth into place. There will be no metal wire that snaps and scrapes your mouth or irritate the gums. And Invisalign involves getting a new aligner every two to eight weeks. Because these will only be slightly different, there is less pain than if you were to use a single aligner.

Many people also have the idea that Invisalign works faster than braces. Moving teeth is a process. It can take weeks to move them even the smallest measurable amount. That is why you should wear your aligner at nearly all times. Of course it should be removed for meals and possibly special occasions, but the alignment should be occurring at least twenty-two hours each day to be effective.

Finally, many candidates think that Invisalign costs much less than braces. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor. Invisalign costs roughly as much as traditional braces. Because there are many aligners that you get every handful of weeks and each is highly customized to your mouth, the cost of alignment is about the same. However, the good news is that it is covered by insurance when recommended by a professional.

You may still have more questions about Invisalign. Consult a trained dentist at The Dental Center. Our office is conveniently located at Easton to serve the Central Ohio region, including Columbus.

Posted in Braces, Dental Procedures, Invisalign | No Comments »

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