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OrthOdOntists bridging the generatiOn gap

New technology continues to streamline the once arduous experience of aligning teeth, both for doctors and their patients. Frequently, when parents of teenagers learn how much less onerous braces have become, they find themselves thinking about enhancing their own smiles.

Dr. Greg Greenberg and his associate Dr. Benito Benitez have seen families go through the process time and again. “Parents put their kids through treatment first, then they go into treatment,” Dr. Greenberg says. “With the advent of Invisalign, the clear liner, it’s more popular now than it ever has been for parents to enter into treatment.” In fact, it’s hard to imagine anything more streamlined than the clear plastic aligners (Invisalign) that a patient can remove for eating and brushing.

Clear aligners are not the only example of how old-fashioned hardware has become more like software. “The days of taking a plaster model and sending it to the laboratory are gone,” says Dr. Greenberg. “Now we take a digital im- age we can attach to an e-mail, and it’s sent immediately. There’s no mail time.” In fact, the “goop” once used for impressions is close to becoming obsolete. The digital scan is taken with a wand that does not even touch the teeth. “It’s almost like taking a toothbrush head and waving it over the tooth,” says Dr. Greenberg. “As you wave it, the image begins to form on the screen, and the patient can see it.”

Dr. Michael Ragan has also treated entire families. “We had a family of six kids, and both parents went into treatment at the same time,” he says. He’s excited to treat his patients with today’s new digital equipment and 3D x-ray capabilities.

“One big deal for the next generation is not having to use head gear,” Dr. Ragan says. Instead, he uses a new product called the Carrière Distalizer. “It’s small, it’s easy, and it’s a big improvement over head gear. For people that need it, it’s absolutely awesome.” The device, which was developed by a Spanish orthodontist, is not an exterior accessory. It accomplishes the work of head gear much more simply and elegantly, with small brackets that fit inside the mouth. Adults who remember the old head gear are especially impressed when they learn it is no longer needed.

Dr. Ragan’s practice truly spans all generations. His youngest patient is five years old. And the oldest? “My oldest patient is seventy-eight,” Dr. Ragan says.■

Sources:

Dentalcare.com (sequential aligners)

Orthoorganizers.com (pdf of Carriere Distalizer Workbook) Bracesorthodontist.com (digital imaging)

If you’re an adult who is considering orthodontics, you are not alone. Today, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. Many adults prefer the lnvisalign® system which eliminates unsightly metal braces. Awarded to the top 1% of lnvisalign providers nationwide, Dr. Greenberg is an “Elite Preferred Provider” because of his significant level of experience and education with the lnvisalign system.

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It’s never too late to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.

Family values are key in dental health

Of course genetics determine basics like the size and shape of teeth, durability of tooth enamel and even the chemistry of saliva. Parents begin parenting as soon as they pass on their genes, but according to the latest research, when it comes to healthy teeth, nurture really does outrank nature.

Researchers learned that even when a mother’s attitude toward the dentist visit is positive, a father’s negative display of emotion can carry more weight with a child. The lesson is that fathers should realize how important it is to model healthy behavior and a positive attitude toward dental checkups.

Pediatric dentist Diane Colter says this parental influence extends to choice of snacks. “In our practice we see a strong connection between, parents, kids, and what they choose as snacks,” she says. “Even though a lot of parents pick healthy snacks for the kids, if they actually see their parents eat something different, they will want that snack. Children want to be like their parents.”

Dr. Colter says that in her practice, she takes time to educate parents on issues that are unique to each child. “We tailor each appointment to the individual child, and we want a caring, fun, relaxing environment here, where we can address the issues they came to us for, and touch on some other tips that might improve things.”

Families also share the oral microbiome, the accumulation of bacteria that begins to form as soon as a person is born. Not all bacteria are bad for teeth, but some are more harmful than others, especially when food is trapped between teeth.

“If we just kiss our babies we can pass on bad bacteria,” says Dr. Ashly Cothern of Dallas. But she isn’t recommending we keep our kisses to ourselves. “We want to keep our mouths clean and healthy for our own well-being, but also so we don’t pass it on to our children,” she says.

Dr. Cothern believes family values extend to her office as well. “We pride ourselves in being a small-town practice in a big city,” she says. “Relationships are important.”

The good news is, although we can’t control genetics, we can take positive action to fight harmful environmental factors. Minimizing sugary treats, brushing, flossing and even maintaining a positive

• attitude toward visits to the dentist all contribute to your own health and your family’s health. ■

Sources:

Medical News Today - medicalnewstoday.com

International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry Genome Research genome.cshlp.org

Make sure they notice how beautiful it is!

Even slight changes in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel. With new advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for chipped, stained or poorly aligned teeth. Our practice offers a variety of treatment options designed to deal with such problems.

Complimentary nitrous oxide & numbness reversal medication.

• Periodontal Therapy (bone/gum)

• Composite Fillings

• Crowns and Bridges

• Invisalign Braces

• Dental Implants

• Porcelain Veneers/Laminates

• Clenching/Grinding Appliances

214.696.9966 www.drcothern.com

Wallace’s got talent

Fifth grader Kameron Badgers emceed, along with classmate Haley Chronister , Wallace Elementary School’s spring talent show. Badgers (bottom right) also performed a circus-worthy spinning routine. Kay Meh and Angel Toto showed off hip-hop contortion prowess (below) and Elicia Govea impersonated Michael Jackson (right). See more photos and video from the show on Kameron’s blog (yep, the kid does it all) at kameronbadgers.com