Reasons for Extractions

Tooth extractions are a common procedure and usually go quickly and comfortably. But removing a tooth is not recommended lightly. At Enid Dental Care, now under the operation of Dr. Stephanie Herbst, we believe that patients should be fully informed about their health options, which is why we want them to know what kinds of issues would lead to an extraction.

In most cases, extractions are done in response to dental overcrowding. Modern peoples’ jaws do not usually grow large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth (the backmost set of molars). As a result, the wisdom teeth commonly get stuck while erupting or force other teeth out of the way, ruining their alignment. Other teeth can be impacted, too, and although they wouldn’t usually be extracted, baby teeth might be removed if they don’t fall out and premolars are sometimes removed prior to orthodontic treatment.

There are a number of ways to save teeth that have been infected or injured, but sometimes they or the surrounding gum tissue are so compromised they need to be removed. This could happen if a tooth is cracked at the root. An implant that has become loose also needs to be removed, so patients with artificial teeth need to be especially vigilant about brushing.

Dr. Stephanie Herbst operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit Enid Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Causes of Gap Teeth

Are you tired of your gap-toothed grin? At Enid Dental Care, we provide orthodontic treatment for major as well as cosmetic tooth alignment issues. We can help close a diastema, or gap between teeth, but treatments may vary depending on other bite issues.

A small gap could be covered with veneers. These porcelain shells are cemented to the front of teeth and can be deliberately made somewhat larger than the natural tooth in order to cover gaps and chips. They also mask cracks and stains. When the teeth are slightly jumbled, the Invisalign brand of clear, removable aligners we offer can move them into positions that are healthier, as well as more aesthetically pleasing. Enid Dental Care also offers traditional braces for people with problems such as overbites which require more intensive orthodontic correction.

Sometimes, a diastema in the top front teeth is not just due to teeth coming in misaligned. There is a strand of tissue on the inside of the upper lip called the labial frenum which links it to the jaw bone, and when it is too thick, it can prevent the teeth from coming together. It must be thinned surgically. Tongue thrusting during swallowing and thumb-sucking can also result in an overbite and gap teeth. These may require coordination with other specialists, such as ear-nose-and-throat doctors, to fix.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit Enid Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Caring for Invisalign

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers Invisalign, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of traditional braces. Another perk of clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and don’t prevent you from eating any particular foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes to your diet, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and the straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Pain from Braces

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS loves to see smiles transformed with braces.  But we all know braces are a long process, and there is typically some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!   

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about orthodontic treatment and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Braces and Holiday Foods

We hope all our patients at Dr. Dennis Morehart’s Enid dental office enjoy the holiday season. This time of year can be challenging for people wearing braces, which is why we want to help guide them toward safe holiday foods they can enjoy comfortably.

There are two issues to keep in mind: which foods could damage the orthodontic wires, and which foods are safe but have high sugar contents and needs to be cleaned off the teeth quickly. With appetizer platters, it’s best to stay away from hard vegetables as well as dried fruit, but olives, cheese cubes, and pepper slices are safe. Vegetables are generally safe when boiled or baked, and people with braces may be particularly grateful for seasonal treats such as potato pancakes and winter squash.

Main courses such as brisket, turkey, and ham can be made tender enough to not present an issue, but deserts such as pies leave sugary food debris caught in brackets and orthodontic wires. It’s important for people leaving home for feasts and parties to remember to bring their Christmas tree toothbrushes and floss threaders. Also keep in mind that alcoholic drinks and eggnog have high sugar contents and that champagne is acidic, making it wise to drink water while consuming them and to brush teeth soon afterward.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit Enid Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Diabetes and Orthodontics

Enid’s Dr. Dennis Morehart has kept up with the latest research during his long career as a dentist, earning him the Master in the Academy of General Dentistry distinction and making him proficient in orthodontic therapy. Among the many developments in dentistry during that time is better care for diabetic patients, including those needing orthodontic correction.

Anybody could develop misaligned teeth. People with diabetes are just at higher risk of developing gum disease, which in its most advanced form can erode jaw bone tissue, allowing tooth migration. At the same time, they are more in need of straight teeth, which are easier to clean and therefore less at risk. The problem in the past was determining whether a person with uncontrolled diabetes could manage the increased hygienic challenges of braces. If someone with braces develops periodontal disease, the braces may have to be removed. But with Invisalign, diabetic patients can brush and floss as normal. The system of invisible aligners also puts less pressure on the teeth, making correction an easier process for people who are prone to inflammation. People with diabetes may also be good candidates for normal braces if their blood sugar is controlled. During monthly tightenings, we can ensure that their teeth are still fit to continue correction.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Not to Do Your Own Orthoodontics

We at the practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart are proud of the work we’ve done to correct our patients’ misaligned teeth. Last year, the American Association of Orthodontists published a public service announcement warning about the dangers non-professionals attempting orthodontics on themselves, and earlier this year, they released a survey which found that 13% of its members had treated a patient who had done their own orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment does not take time because the doctor is gouging the patient for payments. It takes time because teeth are alive, and moving them through the jaw bone requires time to let the jaw bone rebuild. Moving teeth at whatever pace a person 3D-printing their own aligners decides suits themselves is likely to cause teeth to come loose or fall out.

Some DIY guides also advise people to make their own orthodontic wires out of household products such as hairbands or floss. This is a bad idea because it will likely put too much pressure on the teeth, risking that they will be cut off from their blood supply. Without brackets, the bands may also slide below the wearer’s gum line.

Our office strives to make our service affordable. Please come to us with your concerns instead of doing something which will hurt you and cost much more.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to orthodontic options, Invisalign has several clear advantages over braces. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK offers Invisalign here in our office. Keep reading to learn why patients love Invisalign over traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is a teeth aligning system made of a series of clear, smooth, BPA-free plastic trays. The trays are completely customized to fit your teeth. Using a computer system, each tray will be created with minor adjustments so your teeth gradually shift into place.

The length of each patient’s treatment will vary depending on the complexity of their case. The trays are switched out every two weeks and you will visit with us every four to five weeks to pick up your new trays and to make sure the process is going as planned. The Invisalign trays are to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss, unlike with braces.

This also means that there are no restrictions on what you can eat with Invisalign, so you do not have to avoid crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Since you can brush and floss normally, there are no special supplies you need to purchase like interdental cleaners or floss threaders.

The smooth plastic is also more comfortable than metal braces, so it is easier on the gums and cheeks. The biggest reason patients like Invisalign over braces is the appearance. No more metallic smile; Invisalign is nearly invisible. Plus, you can take them out for important moments like graduation photos or family photos.

Straightening your teeth leads to great oral health and a boost in confidence. To learn more about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK. Call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.