Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencingenamel erosion.    Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss.    What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion?    There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transforms starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.     Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or notflossingproperly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced.    Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check.    How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented?    In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.     Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white breads with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth.    Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.     To schedule your next visit to our office, pleasecontact our teamtoday.  Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 (205) 739-7773 http://hooverpediatric.dentist/ ...read more

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left unchecked. About half of all children suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.   There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, but diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can increase your child’s risk.    Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:  Sore  Swollen  Red  Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing    If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.    Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointmentswill help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun,our doctorcan help.Contact our officefor your child’s periodontal screening today.  Rosalynn Crawford-McKendall, DDS Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry 6496 Quail Run Drive Pelham, AL 35124 Phone: (205) 739-7773 Fax: (205) 637-3104     ...read more

X-rays, or radiographs, have long been used in dentistry. Traditional film x-rays are a safe and effective part of your dental care, but they do require a small amount of radiation. In our office, we utilize digital x-ray technology that provides the benefits of film imaging but uses up to 80% less radiation. With our advanced digital radiographs, we can view your teeth and surrounding structures with remarkable accuracy.    Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays require no wait time for film to develop. Instead, the images are available on the computer screen within seconds. These images can then be enhanced and enlarged for more accurate diagnosis. Digital x-rays can be stored, printed, or even transmitted electronically to a specialist or laboratory, if needed.    Intraoral x-rays create an image of the teeth, bone, and tissues inside the mouth. This image can be used for prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment planning, depending on the need. X-ray images can be used to identify or diagnose potential oral health issues that may not be fully visible to the naked eye. Some of these may include:    Tooth decay  Cracks or fractures  Impacted teeth  Tooth root infection  Bone loss  Cysts, tumors, or other abnormal growths    How often you need dental x-rays will change over your lifetime. Healthy adults may only need radiographs taken every 2-3 years. Children and teens often need more frequent imaging to monitor the growth and alignment of their teeth. However, there are several additional factors that can influence how often digital x-rays are recommended. Some of these include:    Multiple dental restorations  Periodontal disease  Dry mouth  Tobacco use  Orthodontics  Root canal therapy    Your safety is our primary concern. Before having a digital x-ray taken in our office, let us know if any of the following apply to you:    You have had a dental x-ray in another office within the past year  You are or may be pregnant  You have any questions or concerns about x-rays    For more information on how our digital x-rays benefit you, contact our office.    Resource: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/    ...read more

To properly prune a crepe myrtle, it’s a good idea to know what you’re trying to accomplish. Remember, you can always go back and cut more, but you can’t undo. A common objective is to create and maintain defined main trunks while thinning out out the smaller growth. WHAT YOU’LL NEED to get started: Hand pruners for growth and branches less than ½ inch thick. Loppers for branches ½ to 1 ½ inches thick Pole pruner or pruning saw for branches thicker than 1 ½ inches Ladder (if the tree is taller/mature) WHEN should you cut? The best time to prune a crepe myrtle is in the late winter time. During this time it will be leafless allowing you to easily see all of the branches. It’s also important to know that trimming at this time of year helps blooming on new growth, which will happen during the Spring. Pruning during late winter won’t reduce blooming, but increases it. WHAT should you cut? It is easiest to remove branches in the following order: Remove suckers – remove the sprouts that emerge come up from the base. Shape the Trunk – remove side branches that grow from the main trunks up to around 4-6 feet. Thin branches – trim the higher inner branches that grow toward the center. Remove excess – remove the crossing, rubbing, and dead growth. Shape – finish up by removing branches or growth that detract from the tree’s appearance. Additional tips Be sure to trim at an angle. For tall trees, trim high. For bushes, trim low. Trim at least 8 to 12 inches above the “knuckles” if present. VIEW VIDEO HERE ...read more

35124 Dentist Our expert dentist is please to announce that we have equipped our practice with soft tissue lasers for use in a variety of dental treatments. We are committed to providing comfortable, comprehensive dentistry to every patient. We believe that the soft tissue laser is a valuable addition to our state-of-the-art facility. With the soft tissue laser, we can provide precise high-quality treatments that are relatively pain-free, non-invasive, and useful for a wide variety of dental treatments. A laser is essentially a tiny beam of highly concentrated light. This beam can be used to provide pinpoint accuracy in treatments. Because the laser sterilizes the tissues and seals off blood vessels as it is used, the chance of infection or bleeding following laser treatment is minimal. The soft tissue laser is minimally-invasive, but highly effective. With the highly versatile soft tissue laser, our dentist is able to seal nerve endings and blood vessels and treat soft tissues simultaneously. This creates less stress on the gums, which significantly reduces both swelling and bleeding. Moreover, by using the soft tissue laser, we minimize our patients' discomfort both during and after the treatment and even lessens their recovery time. Treatment of periodontal disease is a common use for soft tissue lasers. Conventional treatment cuts into the soft tissues, requiring suturing, and often leading to swelling and risk of infection. However, the soft tissue laser does not cut into the soft tissues of the mouth. Instead, this sophisticated tool uses a micro-pulsed diode laser to stimulate growth of new healthy tissues and to eliminate bacteria within the mouth. By using soft tissue lasers, our dentist provides safe, effective treatment for periodontal disease, crown lengthening, teeth bleaching, laser-assisted flap surgery, and other forms of dental care. Some additional benefits of the soft tissue laser include: ·        Relatively pain-free treatments ·        Reduced healing time ·        Anesthesia may not be required ·        Healthy gum tissue growth ·        Reduced chance of scarring ·        Lowered risk of infection Our dentist uses soft tissue laser technology to provide our patients with precise dental care with a comfortable dental experience. Contact our dental office today for more information about soft tissue laser technology or toschedule a consultation. 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

35124 Pediatric Dentist Your baby’s first teeth developing can be a difficult experience for both you and your child. Most teeth begin to appear as early as 3 moths to 1 year old. This process can be uncomfortable and cause sleepless nights. However, there are things you can do to keep your toddler less irritable while they are teething. What to Expect Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your baby starts teething. Below are a few symptoms to look for: ·        Fussiness ·        Trouble Sleeping ·        Irritability ·        Loss of appetite ·        Drooling more than usual It has been thought that teething may cause fever and diarrhea, but research shows that this is not true. If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms or they worsen, call us for an appointment.   What You Can Do View the many different ways to safely soothe your teething baby below: ·        Rub your baby’s gums.Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can decrease any discomfort your baby might be feeling. ·        Keep their mouth cool.A cold washcloth, spoon, or teething ring can sooth your baby’s gums. However, make sure the object is not frozen because extreme cold can be harmful. Also monitor your baby so they do not swallow any small objects. ·        Introduce hard food.If your baby is already eating solid food, you might want to give them a chilled carrot or apple slice. This can ease their pain and make them less irritable.   Tip:Contact us before using any teething medications or numbing gels that may pose a risk to your baby. Teething is a difficult process for not only your baby, but also you. You can relax knowing your baby is more comfortable by using the tips above. Also, don’t forget to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth has fully emerged.Call us for an appointment today. 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124  ...read more

Dentist in 35124 Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment will involve the use of braces or aligners. In either case, your treatment involves minor movement of your teeth to correct misalignment. This ensures both a straight smile and an even bite. However, braces are not the only stage needed for a permanent orthodontic solution. Once your braces have been taken off, the retention phase begins. It is vitally important to follow through with retention to maintain your newly straight smile after treatment. Your final orthodontic results depend on your retainer, so be sure to keep your appointments with Dr. NAME even after your braces have been removed. There are a few different types of retainers that may be recommended to you: ·         Clear Retainers – A removable, clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth. ·         Traditional Retainers – A removable appliance made of acrylic and a wire that sits on the front side of your teeth. ·         Bonded Retainer – A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily bonded to the lingual (tongue) side of the anterior teeth. Dr. NAME will provide you with the retainer option that is best suited for your orthodontic treatment plan. Your retainer should be worn as often as instructed. Your teeth have been in active treatment for months or even years. Wearing your retainer is crucial for ensuring that your teeth do not shift back out of their corrected positions. When it is not in your mouth, keep your retainer in its case. Bacteria can build up on your retainer, making it less hygienic and affecting the fit. Regular cleaning to remove these bacteria is a vital part of proper retainer care. To clean your retainer, brush it gently with a wet toothbrush. Disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a cleansing solution. Thoroughly rinse the appliance with cold or room temperature water before placing it back in your mouth. Hot water can cause the retainer to lose its proper shape, so should be avoided. For more information about proper care and use of your retainer,contact our office. 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

Pediatric Dentist in Pelham “Tooth worms” are the cause of tooth decay.That was the headline of a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Fortunately, the dental industry has evolved since then and we know “tooth worms” don’t exist. Here’s how dentistry has evolved into the comfortable, safe, and beneficial science of today. In the Beginning Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had designated doctors for teeth? Evidence has been uncovered suggesting the Chinese used acupuncture to treat pain associated with tooth decay as early as 2700 B.C.E. Additionally, in 500 B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases by using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using these red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth. The Visionary Thoughts of the 1600s-1700s According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a gold mine of innovation in the dental world. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first ever English dental textbook entitledThe Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using a homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood” to keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog’s teeth for transplants and even references wisdom teeth in his book. In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard was well ahead of his time in the medical practice when his master workThe Surgeon Dentistwas published. For the first time, dentistry was described as a modern profession. Some notable highlights in the book include sugar being the cause of dental caries (cavities), braces being used to correct teeth position, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light. The Progressive 1800s The discoveries and inventions of the 1800s were significant. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the first form of dental fillings made out of silver coins and mercury. In 1840, Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide to sedate patients and Thomas Morton employed the use of ether anesthesia for surgery. That same year, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental school, inventing the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and starting the first dental society. By the end of the 1800’s, porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented. Scientific Advancement of the 1900s The scientific development of the 1900s gave birth to some amazing advancements in the dental industry. Electric drills became available due to the invention of electricity. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” casting machine was invented to fill cavities, and Novocain was introduced into US dental offices. In 1955, Michael Buonocore described the method of tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel on teeth. Years later, the first fully-reclining dental chair is introduced to put patients and dentists at ease.  By the 1990s, “invisible” braces were introduced, along with the first at-home tooth bleaching system. What Will the Future of Dentistry Hold? Today, dental professionals are investigating the links between oral health and overall health. The use of gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth to increase resistance to tooth decay is receiving attention. Some researchers believe that there may be a way to grow a new tooth structure around weakened enamel. Only time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but our office is dedicated to seeking the most effective modern technologies as they arise. Schedule your visitto our office and experience what modern dentistry can do for you. Visit the Academy of General Dentistry for more information on the history of dentistry.http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=a&iid=305&aid=1255 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

35124 Pediatric Dentist In addition to brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once, it is also important to take good care of your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue throughout the day. For some patients, using a tongue scraper can be the best solution for a cleaner, healthier tongue. Should You Be Using One? The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) found scraping your tongue results in a noticeable decrease in the sulfur compounds which can lead to bad breath. According to a study in theJournal of Periodontology, tongue scrapers reduced these compounds by 75%, while using a standard toothbrush only reduced 45% of sulfur compounds. Choose a method that works best for your mouth, but make sure you are taking care of your tongue. What Do They Do? While they may help alleviate bad breath, scraper̢۪s main function is to clean off debris and bacteria from your tongue. Your toothbrush is designed to effectively clean teeth, but the surface of your tongue is very different from that of your teeth. A tongue scraper may provide a more thorough cleaning for your tongue. How Do I Use One? Start by washing out your mouth. When you are ready clean your tongue, place the scraper in the back of your mouth, and gently pull it forward. Make sure you are scraping all areas of your tongue, but do not push so far back that you gag. You will want to rinse your mouth after you are done. Be sure to clean the scraper when you are finished. While you might not be used to cleaning your tongue, it can be an effective solution for bad breath and bacteria caused by food. At your next appointment, ask about other ways of keeping your tongue clean and your mouth healthy. Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining your oral health and preventing unhealthy bacteria. For more tips on a healthy mouth or to schedule your next visit to our office,please contact us.We look forward to seeing you. Resources: Academy of General Dentistry http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=T&iid=306&aid=3192 Journal of Periodontology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15341360?_ga=1.35377893.577180490.1479232766 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

Pediatric Dentist in 35124 Your baby’s first teeth developing can be a difficult experience for both you and your child. Most teeth begin to appear as early as 3 moths to 1 year old. This process can be uncomfortable and cause sleepless nights. However, there are things you can do to keep your toddler less irritable while they are teething.   What to Expect Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your baby starts teething. Below are a few symptoms to look for: [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Fussiness [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Trouble Sleeping [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Irritability [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Loss of appetite [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Drooling more than usual   It has been thought that teething may cause fever and diarrhea, but research shows that this is not true. If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms or they worsen, call us for an appointment.   What You Can Do View the many different ways to safely soothe your teething baby below: [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Rub your baby’s gums.Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can decrease any discomfort your baby might be feeling. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Keep their mouth cool.A cold washcloth, spoon, or teething ring can sooth your baby’s gums. However, make sure the object is not frozen because extreme cold can be harmful. Also monitor your baby so they do not swallow any small objects. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Introduce hard food.If your baby is already eating solid food, you might want to give them a chilled carrot or apple slice. This can ease their pain and make them less irritable.   Tip:Contact us before using any teething medications or numbing gels that may pose a risk to your baby.   Teething is a difficult process for not only your baby, but also you. You can relax knowing your baby is more comfortable by using the tips above.   Also, don’t forget to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth has fully emerged.Call us for an appointment today.  6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

35124 Pediatric Dentist Children losing their first tooth is an exciting stage in life. They often run to you as soon as their tooth falls out asking if the Tooth Fairy will visit them at night. Most children know about the Tooth Fairy, but many people don’t know where or when this tradition started. The concept surrounding lost baby teeth has been around for centuries. Below we have shared common historical traditions that have helped evolve the Tooth Fairy into the tradition that it is today.  · A story, originating in Spain, is very similar to the modern Tooth Fairy. A mouse named Perez exchanged gifts for teeth, which were put under pillows of sleeping children.  · There’s a reason mice have a tradition with teeth. Rodents’ teeth grow for their entire lives.  · In France, there is a fairy tale about a queen who is imprisoned by a king. She receives assistance from a mouse who happens to be a fairy. The fairy knocks out the king’s teeth and hides them under a pillow.  · Teeth have been disposed of in ritualistic ways since ancient times: buried, burned, or even swallowed.  · The fairy has been depicted in a wide range of forms in popular culture. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a sports star who is turned into the fairy in the movie the Tooth Fairy. The mythos of the Tooth Fairy isn’t even safe from the horror genre. In 2003’s Darkness Falls the Tooth Fairy is depicted as a vengeful spirit.  · The Royal Canadian Mint sold quarters depicting the Tooth Fairy in the years 2011 and ’12.  · A survey completed by Visa showed children in the United States get an average of $3.70 per tooth.  · In the 1970s, a radio DJ based in Chicago mentioned the Tooth Fairy. The American Dental Association ended up receiving an enormous amount of calls regarding the figure and had no way to answer.  Did you know these facts about the Tooth Fairy? Now when your child asks where the tooth fairy came from, you have answers. Don’t forget to schedule a dental exam and cleaning as soon as your children’s teeth start developing.Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment!  6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

Pediatric Dentist 35124 These are some of the most common questions we hear from parents, and the answers we provide:   When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist? Our team recommends that you schedule an appointment for your child as soon as your baby’s first tooth develops. If your child does not have teeth by their first birthday, you should schedule an appointment so we can ensure their teeth are developing properly. You can help protect your child’s teeth by establishing a pattern of regular dental visits.   How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists? A pediatric dentist must complete additional education necessary to provide care to children. Pediatric dentists undergo two to three years of specialty training to treat the specific oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs.   What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist? At your child’s first visit, you should expect to: ·     Review your child’s history ·     Respond to questions and concerns ·     Bring any questions you would like answered ·     Have your child’s mouth examined and cleaned ·     Have our team help set your child at ease and make their visit fun   For other questions, please call our office. We’re here for you and your child. Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry 6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 (205) 739-7773 ...read more

Pediatric Dentist Near Me A child’s first tooth growing in can be a bittersweet moment for parents. It can be frustrating when babies become irritable. It can also be exciting because this marks another stage in a child’s life. Understanding the stages of oral development can help you promote optimal oral health for your child. Birth to 3 Years Old The primary (baby) teeth that will appear in the first 3 years of your child’s life aid in development. Primary teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are extremely important. 3 to 6 Years Old By the time your child is 3 years old, they will most likely have all 20 primary teeth. Your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. 6 to 12 Years Old Between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, your child will gradually lose all of their primary teeth and their first permanent (adult) teeth will move into place. Permanent teeth affect the position and health of the other adult teeth that will grow in later. 12 to 17 Years Old After 12 years old, your child will likely have most of their adult teeth. Oral health becomes critical because these are their teeth for life. Avoid excessive sugar which can lead to tooth decay, wear mouth guards while playing sports, and visit us if your child appears to have crooked teeth. 17 to 21 Years Old The last teeth to appear are wisdom teeth. Often times, we recommend that these teeth be removed to prevent overcrowding which can lead to many oral health problems. This tends to occur between the ages of 17 to 30. Teeth are constantly changing throughout childhood. How you take care of your child’s teeth now, can impact their oral health in the future. Call us to schedule your child’s first appointment today.  6496 Quail Run Drive Pelham, AL 35124 Phone: (205) 739-7773 ...read more

Dentist 35124 A child’s first tooth growing in can be a bittersweet moment for parents. It can be frustrating when babies become irritable. It can also be exciting because this marks another stage in a child’s life. Understanding the stages of oral development can help you promote optimal oral health for your child. Birth to 3 Years Old The primary (baby) teeth that will appear in the first 3 years of your child’s life aid in development. Primary teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are extremely important. 3 to 6 Years Old By the time your child is 3 years old, they will most likely have all 20 primary teeth. Your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. 6 to 12 Years Old Between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, your child will gradually lose all of their primary teeth and their first permanent (adult) teeth will move into place. Permanent teeth affect the position and health of the other adult teeth that will grow in later. 12 to 17 Years Old After 12 years old, your child will likely have most of their adult teeth. Oral health becomes critical because these are their teeth for life. Avoid excessive sugar which can lead to tooth decay, wear mouth guards while playing sports, and visit us if your child appears to have crooked teeth. 17 to 21 Years Old The last teeth to appear are wisdom teeth. Often times, we recommend that these teeth be removed to prevent overcrowding which can lead to many oral health problems. This tends to occur between the ages of 17 to 30. Teeth are constantly changing throughout childhood. How you take care of your child’s teeth now, can impact their oral health in the future. Call us to schedule your child’s first appointment today.  6496 Quail Run Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more

Dentist 35124 Braces create a beautiful, straight smile, but how do you maintain these results after treatment? Your final orthodontic results depend on your retainer. Retainers help maintain the position of straighten teeth, so be sure to follow up with us for additional treatment after your braces have been removed. Read the information below to learn more about retainers and how to care for them at home. Types of Retainers There are a few different types of retainers that may be recommended to you: ·        Clear Retainers– A removable, clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth. ·        Traditional Retainers– A removable appliance made of acrylic and a wire that sits on the front side of your teeth. ·        Bonded Retainer– A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily bonded to the lingual (tongue) side of the anterior teeth. Other Ways Retainers Help Besides maintaining straight teeth, retainers have many other advantages. Straighter teeth are easier to clean which decreases plaque buildup and reduces the chance of developing tooth decay. Special types of retainers may help improve breathing and snoring at night. Retainers can also adjust the placement of your child’s tongue, which helps with speech impediments during vocabulary development.   Caring for Retainers Just like teeth, retainers should be brushed daily with toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush the entire area. Be extra careful around the wires so that they don’t bend out of place. Your retainer is an important part of completing your orthodontic treatment, so take care of it and it will take care of you. Once your braces have been taken off, the retention phase begins. It is vitally important to follow through with retention in order to maintain your newly straight smile. Retainers may also help with additional problems like speech impediments or trouble breathing. Call us to schedule an appointment todayto see if retainers are the right fit for you or your child.  6496 Quail Run Drive Pelham, AL 35124 ...read more