What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid During Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Typically, the first thing I am asked after placing braces, an appliance, or aligners is: "What foods should I not eat?" The best response I can give is, "Stay away from anything hard, sticky, or chewy." Now, of course there are plenty of exceptions to the rule but, for the most part, if something you are about to eat falls into one of those three categories, it is best to stay away from them.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your braces and appliances in-tacked, while keeping your teeth and aligners nice and bright:

•   Gum - some orthodontists allow you to chew sugar free gum but in our office we recommend staying away from gum all together - due to the style of brackets and appliances we use

•   Taffy/Caramel - obviously, these are extremely sticky and can many times pull your brackets off of your teeth

•   Hard Candies - when biting into hard candies you can cause the bracket to loosen from your teeth

•   Corn on the Cob - biting into anything hard, such as corn on the cob, can cause a bracket to come off, if you really like corn you can always cut it off of the cob

•   Raw Carrot/Apples - just like corn on the cob, biting into anything hard can cause your brackets to come off, but cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces will help to keep your brackets in-tacked 

•   Doritos/Tortilla Chips - these chips are not only hard but also have pointed edges, so they can get stuck between your brackets and irritate your gums, as well as pop brackets off of your teeth

•   Hard Taco Shells - you can substitute a soft taco shell

•   Pizza Crust - most crust is fine to eat unless it is hard or the thin pizza crust. Either way, you should try to be careful

•   Ice - in your glass is fine but not to crunch on

•   Nuts

•   Coffee, Sodas, Dark Juices - these drinks can stain your teeth, so if you do drink any of these, it is best to minimize your intake as well as brushing your teeth right after. The dyes in these drinks can cause your teeth to stain, and if you are wearing Invisalign, it can stain the Invisalign Trays and in-turn make your teeth appear stained

-Chalice Fraser, RDA

www.smileteam4u.com

Church History – The Jesuits

August 15, 1534 marks the day when St. Ignatius of Loyola and six fellow classmates took vows to become Catholic priests. This led to the formation of a new order of priests, the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in September of 1534. The Jesuits are close to my heart because I had an excellent undergraduate education provided by a Jesuit institution, Regis University.  Regis is one of a few Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. It is a sister school to Boston College, Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, and Georgetown, to name a few. The Jesuits and the first Superior General of the order, St. Ignatius, led the way in establishing excellent educational institutes. They specifically established schools through mission work (predominately in South America and Asia) to give high quality educations in liberal arts, natural and social sciences, performing arts, and the various branches of knowledge, with an emphasis in Christian teaching and theology.

A second benefit we have received from the Jesuits and St. Ignatius in particular, is the writings of St. Ignatius, known as the Spiritual Exercises. This is a compilation of Christian prayers and meditations with a focus on becoming involved in the life of Christ and to live out a relationship with Christ.  These exercises are not meant for clergy alone; they are applicable to lay members of the church congregation for spiritual growth and discernment. The exercises allow one to become involved in the text of Scripture, to consider the perspectives of Jesus, his disciples, and those in the crowds who followed Jesus through his life, ministry, and passion on the cross. It allows us to focus on the intricacies of various passages of scripture in order to become sensitive to the culture, environment, and various opinions of that day and age.

St. Ignatius wrote from the point of view that humans are pulled in two different directions. One direction is toward the grace of God, the other toward the sinful nature. The more people can dedicate themselves to a life of prayer, mediation, and a relationship with Christ, the more spiritual discernment they will gain, which allows them to move in a direction towards God’s grace, rather than toward the sinful nature.  This is supported through Romans 8:5-8:

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”

This is not advocating any sort of works based relationship to earn God’s grace. However, if we dedicate our lives to knowing Christ, through his Word, we will gain wisdom and discernment about life, how to strengthen ourselves to avoid our temptations, and how to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Although I am not Catholic, I believe there are many beneficial ideas and teachings that stem from the Catholic Church, the early Church Fathers, and various church leaders throughout history. I consider the Jesuits to be kind and compassionate, mission driven men who work for the Lord in a lost and lonely world. They work to empower people to take charge of their futures by giving them educations and the tools they need to succeed. Not only do they offer a quality education, they offer spiritual education to reach their students’ hearts and spread the gospel around the world. I would encourage people to participate in the Spiritual Exercises, to consider sending their children to schools that offer classical educations, and to participate in mission work in our own communities and around the world.

Our office has made it a goal to provide wonderful orthodontic care not only through our knowledge of orthodontic treatment, but through establishing and building relationships with our patients. We can only strengthen our relationships with our patients and the community after growing in our relationships with Christ, who gave us the ultimate example of how to lead, serve, and love one another. We appreciate the opportunity to build Christ-centered relationships with our patients and will strive to continue that tradition 

-Stevie Lawrence, CDA
www.smileteam4u.com

What is a Jaw Corrector (Herbst Appliance) and Why Do I Need One?

Jaw Corrector/Herbst Appliance

At Smile Team Orthodontics, we use an appliance called a Herbst Appliance or Jaw Corrector. Maybe you have heard of them or maybe we even recommended one for you. So, what exactly is a Jaw Corrector and why might you need one?

Many times when a Jaw Corrector is recommended it is because the front teeth appear to be too far forward. In approximately 70% of these cases it is not the upper front teeth that are too far forward but, usually, the lower jaw is too far back. If the lower jaw is the problem, an orthopedic (ortho = straight, pedic = bones) appliance, in this case a Jaw Corrector, will help this specific problem.

Jaw Corrector Patient Before and After

 Jaw Corrector Before

Jaw Corrector After

The Jaw Corrector uses a tube and rod mechanism that is attached to the back molars and this places pressure on the lower jaw to help promote lower jaw growth. We also place braces on the front four teeth (top and bottom) to straighten the arches as well as to help the growth of the lower jaw. The Jaw Corrector is typically kept in place for twelve months and if you are in a full phase of treatment we will usually remove the Jaw Corrector and place the rest of your braces for the final portion of your treatment.

As with any appliance, the first couple of week are the "adjustment period". You should expect to have some difficulty speaking and eating. In most cases, patients quickly adjust to the appliance and can speak and eat very well. You should also expect your teeth to be sore but this soreness will diminish in just a few days. The main thing to remember is that the more closely you follow your usual, daily routine the faster you will adjust to your appliance. And remember Smile Team Orthodontics is only a phone call away and we are always available to help in any way that we can. 

-Chalice Fraser, RDA
www.smileteam4u.com

What is a Palatal Widening Device and Why Do I Need One?

Palatal Widening Device

One of the most commonly used appliances in our practice is a Palatal Widening Device (AKA: expander). This appliance is a thin bar with a small screw in the middle that can be turned in order to widen the arms of the appliance. We can connect this appliance to the upper first molars, and in some cases if a child needs treatment very early, we can connect this appliance to the upper primary second molars. We teach our patients to take ownership and personal responsibility of their appliance not only by keeping their expander clean, but by teaching them how to “turn” their appliance. Turning the expander moves the arms of the appliance apart to help widen the upper jaw.

This sounds dramatic, however, it is similar to disarticulating a joint.  The roof of our mouth or palate has a suture running up the middle where our jaws connect. Our upper jaw is really plural; we have two upper jaws that fuse together after puberty. Thus, we are able to separate the suture in young children in order to correct certain orthopedic problems.

The orthopedic conditions or problems we are able to correct with a Palatal Widening Device are crossbites of the right or left side, crossbites of both the right and left side, or anterior crossbites (underbites). We like to see the upper teeth on the outside of the lower teeth; when the upper teeth are on the inside of the lower teeth, that is a crossbite. We can also use an expander if a patient is severely crowded and we need to create more space in order to accommodate all of the permanent teeth in the dental arches. The Palatal Widening Device allows us to correct orthopedic conditions for children at early ages before they are finished growing and developing so that patients can avoid corrective jaw surgery to correct any orthopedic conditions as adults.

Not all of our patients need an expander. However, we can determine which patients need this appliance if they are seen at an early enough age (the American Dental Association recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at approximately age seven). If you believe your child may have a crossbite or severe crowding, bring them in to our office for a complimentary exam and allow our doctors to give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s orthodontic care.

Stevie 

www.smileteam4u.com

What to Do in Case of an Emergency

What to Do if You Have an Emergency:

Having braces can sometimes be a stressful experience and even more stressful when something goes "wrong". Smile Team Orthodontics has (what we call) an Emergency Phone for just these situations. Now, what qualifies as an emergency and what can wait until the next office day?

Here are some tips to help you determine when you should call our emergency phone:

•   Wire is Poking - Although, we do all we can to ensure you are completely comfortable before you leave our office, sometimes we can't stop things from happening. As your teeth begin to shift (especially after changing to a new wire) your wire can also shift and stick out of the bracket. This can cause discomfort to your cheek, gums, or even lips.

•   Broken Bracket - When we say "broken bracket" we don't necessarily mean that the bracket is actually broken but that it is off of the tooth. This does not always qualify as an emergency, so don't feel pressured to call our emergency phone just because you have a bracket loose. Though, if it is causing you discomfort we want you to call us right away. If the bracket is not causing discomfort it is okay to call our office on the following business day, so that we may schedule an appointment to replace the bracket.

•   Loose/Broken Appliance - Sometimes, your appliance (such as a Jaw Corrector [Herbst] or Expander) can come loose from your teeth. If this happens you should call our emergency phone so that we can get you in as soon as possible to re-seat it.

•   Rubber Band Hook Has Come Off - Wearing your rubber bands is very important and if one of the hooks comes off it can make it extremely difficult to do so. This is one of the easiest things to fix that can have the most signifiant effect on your treatment. This, also, does not necessarily qualify as an emergency, but we do need you to come in as soon as possible so that we can keep your treatment on schedule.

•   Broken/Lost Retainer - After you get your braces off you are given retainers so that we can maintain the changes we have made. If you are not wearing your retainer your teeth will move and then your retainer will no longer fit. It is extremely important to try and wear your retainers every night as instructed. If you happened to lose or break your retainer call our office as soon as possible so that we may see you to replace the retainer. You definitely do not want to have worn braces for nearly 2 years just to have your teeth move back.

•   Sports/Trauma Related Injuries -  A major cause of tooth loss in people under the age of 35 are sports, accidents, and fights. Just like your skin and bones, teeth are at risk for injury. Any type of trauma to your teeth and jaws can be considered an emergency. If you are in doubt, please, call the emergency phone or our office so that we may look and see if there is any thing to be concerned about. And remember, just like when you wear shin guards, helmets, and other body padding it is extremely important to protect your teeth with the proper mouthguard and Smile Team Orthodontics just so happens to have plenty for you to choose from.

Hopefully, this has helped you understand our procedures for "emergencies" and if you are ever in doubt, just call! We are always happy to help you in any way we can.

Chalice Fraser, RDA
www.smileteam4u.com

Freedom in Christ

As the 4^th of July approaches this summer, most people in our communities will be reflecting on freedom in general, the Revolution that freed our people from foreign rule by Great Britain, and the freedom our military brings us each and every day. It is safe to say that many Americans are patriotic and become emotional when watching fireworks, singing our national anthem, and celebrating our blessed independence. The military has always been a great source of pride to many of us because we have served or have family members who have served or are currently serving. I am personally grateful to my parents, who are Air Force Veterans, and my grandfathers who valiantly served in World War II. I have a direct connection to two men who literally fought on a battlefield for my freedom. Just the thought of what my grandfathers faced in battle stirs emotions that bring such gratitude and humility because of my inability to return their service. How much more gratitude and humility should we feel about the Son of God who won the ultimate battle over sin and death and who intercedes for us even today? Nothing compares to the freedom we have in Christ; not even the freedom we enjoy in our country on a daily basis. We are so blessed and should indeed remember the sacrifices made by our military since the 1700s. However, we should also remember that many of those men and women fought believing this nation was great because of its’ reliance on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. My grandfather once wrote,

“May the soul of America never become insensitive to the sacrifices of men who without thought of monetary reward gave themselves unreservedly to the defense of their country in a war that was unquestionably the defining event of the 20th century. We're reaching the end of our expectancy. All will be gone in a few years. Will U.S. citizens know a war was fought? And why? As old vets depart, as we must, our concern is that of eyewitnesses to the sacrifices of war. May those who come after us realize that their freedoms are etched in blood. So soon comes the silence of old war veterans gathered in the bivouacs of the dead awaiting the Lord's trumpet call to the final muster. Such is the faith of those who fought and died in defense of a nation they held inseparable from God.”

Jack Conn, 6^th Marine Division, Pacific Theatre, World War II

A nation inseparable from God! Our forefathers fought and died for a nation they held inseparable from the Living God. Our freedom is not the only thing our ancestors granted us; they passed down the Christian tradition that teaches it is for freedom that Christ set us free from the laws of sin and death! Not only is the freedom of a U.S. citizen etched in our soldier's blood, our freedom is etched in the blood of Christ Jesus. This 4^th of July we pray that you experience freedom in Christ, and of course, thank a veteran!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

“You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14 NIV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

Stevie 



www.smileteam4u.com

Snakes!

This is not a subject that I am especially fond of, but due to the recent events at my house, I thought I'd share some information.   My son and husband were in the yard throwing the baseball around and my son looked in our birdhouse to see if we had any baby birds.  Baby birds are not what he found!  We had a nice little snake.  After he and my husband got it out, they realized it was quite large ... about 4ft!  Being that it is illegal to kill snakes in Tennessee, they relocated it to a field near our house.  The next week, at the same tree, there was another one, this time not quite as big, only about 1 1/2ft.  He decided to shimmy up the tree to sun a little bit.  A few days later, there was a small one that had been hit in front of our house. Now, the most recent one was found in our garage.  YUCK!  Once again, my son and husband captured it, put it in a bucket and relocated it.  This one was about 4 ft, also.  It appeared that he had just had him a nice little snack, seeing how he had a lump about midway.  He was relocated as well.

My husband emailed Lisa Powers with Froghaven Farms (www.froghavenfarm.com). She is a Biologist/Herpetologist. She is a Biologist/Herpertologist. She identified the snake as Gray Ratsnake/Pantherophis Siploiddes. She said he is perfectly harmless.  We asked why we had seen so many recently.  Her response was the, due to the mild winter and all of the changes we had been experiencing with the weather the snakes are "out more".  We have seen several more in our neighborhood either dead in the road or slithering across the road.  Every time I see them slither, it gives me the shivers!

I posted the picture on my facebook page.  I have a friend that is very animal friendly.  She told me that if they had round eyes, they were good and if they had "cat eyes" they were NOT good.  I told her I was not going to look dreamily into the eyes to see if they were round or not.  Some other responses I received were: 

"Tastes like chicken."

"Looks like a mouse eater."

"Never coming to your house again, EVER!"

"In my book, a dead snake is a good snake."

"It's a snake, which means it is terrifying.  Period."

A friend of mine's husband teaches Science.  She told me that her husband did his Thesis on snakes and that if he sees one in the road, he will pull over and move it so it doesn't get hit.  

I know that snakes are one of God's creatures and they they have a purpose.  I don't have a problem with them if I don't see them and I do appreciate the job they do ... as long as I don't see them.  I looked up Tennessee snakes.  On the website, tennsnakes.org, they say that "Snakes are important to the environment and help to keep nature in balance."  While I know this is true, I still don't like them very much.   In Tennessee, there are 32 species of snakes.  Only 4 of these are venomous.

They also had a message posted from the TWRA:

In Tennessee, it is illegal to harm, kill, remove from the wild, or possess native snakes taken from the wild without the proper permits.

Please help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to protect our native snakes. Do not remove snakes from the wild or release snakes that have been captive into the wild.

Once-captive snakes often don't survive in the wild and can introduce harmful diseases and parasites into the wild.

So, while I hope we don't find any more snakes around our house, I do hope they keep doing their job of eating mice, bugs, and things of that nature.   

-Holly Hughes, RDA
www.smileteam4u.com