Celebrating with Braces

With the holidays behind us and New Year’s Eve tomorrow, we’re sure you’ve done a little bit of drinking to either enjoy or survive this time of year. However, now that you’ve got some new additions to your mouth, can you drink the same drinks that you’re use to? The answer is a little complicated…

In general, alcohol should have no direct effects on your braces. While you’re encouraged to stay away from alcohol free mouthwash because it might deteriorate the rubber bands in your mouth more quickly, your average everyday alcoholic beverage should be more than fine. However, while there are no direct effects from knocking a few back, there are some side effects you should watch out for that could cause damage to your braces and/or teeth.

Staining

If you are a connoisseur of red wine, then you likely know this already. However, if you’re just starting to gain a taste for this sometimes bitter beverage, then be aware. Red wine is a notorious tooth stainer. The intensity of the color in the drink contributes to its staining power. In order to prevent staining, some experts recommend getting a cheese plate with your wine to protect your teeth. However, a good, thorough brushing after a few glasses should do the trick.

Tooth Decay

The fact that sugar leads to tooth decay is well known. However, sometimes it’s hard to imagine the fact that some of the more tart alcoholic beverages contain a hefty amount of the sweet stuff, as well as the fact that they’re highly acidic. Both of these factor cause an increased possibility for tooth decay, especially with all of the nooks and crannies that braces create. Once again, the best solution to keep tooth decay at bay is brushing your teeth well after a night on the town.

Binge Eating

They don’t call them the drunk munchies for nothing! It’s important that regardless of what type of beer goggles you’re sporting that evening to remember that there are some foods to steer clear of with braces on. It’s also just as important for those with Invisalign to remember to quickly pop your retainers out before chowing down, and replacing them after you’ve finished and brushed.

Overall, popping a bottle or two in celebration of the New Year is more than fine. However, it’s important to remember to brush your teeth completely once you get home, and to drink in moderation. Have a safe and happy New Year Club Reed!

If you want to start 2016 with a stunning new smile, contact our office to set up your consultation today!

Kiss and Tell - The Ultimate Guide to Lip Locking with Braces

We’ve all heard the rumors, two people share an intimate moment when all of a sudden their braces get stuck together. Just thinking about the shame, the horror, and the embarrassment of having to call your orthodontist to help unstick you and your lover may be just enough to keep you away from kissing during your time with braces. Fortunately, you’ve got no need to worry! In the extensively long history that the world has had modern braces, there’s only been ONE case in the 1970’s of a kissing incident needing an orthodontic intervention.

However, if your love life is holding you back from straight teeth as an adult, it shouldn’t be! There are tons of ways to ensure that you make it through a make out without harming yourself or your partner with the metal in your mouth.

Start Slow

While kissing your partner might come naturally to you, it’s important to note that getting braces put on and minor adjustments can leave your mouth sensitive for a day or two. It might be uncomfortable to lock lips right away, so take it slow.

Experiment Gently

As we mentioned above, first time braces wearers might find kissing with them uncomfortable at first. However, as you get used to having braces in your mouth and they become second nature, so will kissing with them. Take the time to find out what works for you and your partner and what doesn’t. Ensure that you’re both comfortable and that whatever you’re each doing isn’t causing the other any pain. If it does, slow down, restart, and readjust to try something a bit different.

When in doubt, Invisalign!

If you’re really nervous about braces affecting your intimate life, ask Dr. Reed about your Invisalign options. Because Invisalign is made of clear plastic trays without the bumps, metal, or wires that traditional braces come with, your kissing comfort level should be immediately obvious. There is less of an adjustment and experimentation period with Invisalign, and, if it ever becomes uncomfortable while kissing, you have the option to remove the trays for that short period of time.

Getting braces as an adult is certainly nerve wracking. There are a lot of changes and adjustments you will need to make to the routines that have become well established in your life. However, rest assured that you’ll be able to continue kissing your partner.

If you have any other questions, or would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Reed to discuss adult braces options contact us here!

6 Myths About Teeth

Unless you’re a dentist or orthodontist, you probably know very little about your teeth besides what experts recommend and whatever’s in the new. However, how much of that is complete truth? We’re here to demystify some of these myths you’ve heard about your teeth!

1 Sugar Causes Cavities

While it’s true that sugar causes cavities, it’s not the only thing! Any kind of carb that you eat can cause your mouth to create the acidic environment necessary to grow a cavity. This means that chocolate bar is just as likely to cause a cavity as that stalk of celery.

2 Whitening Makes Teeth Brittle

Yes, whitening your teeth isn’t always the best idea - especially if you already have weak enamel or sensitive teeth and gums. However, it will not cause your teeth to weaken. If you whiten your teeth you have the same chance of cracking them as an obvious three cup a day coffee drinker.

3 Aging Causes Tooth Loss

Your Grandma may have a set of dentures, but that doesn’t mean you will! While seniors tend to have more special needs when it comes to their teeth, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to keep their full set well into their golden years. Proper dental health makes all the difference.

4 Brush Immediately After Eating

Yes, you do need to brush your teeth after eating a meal. However, brushing right away is likely not the best idea. Your tooth enamel softens after eating to allow your saliva to do it’s job, dissolving food particles. Waiting about an hour or so after a meal will ensure that you don’t brush away an enamel in the process.

5 Kids Are Cavity Prone

Actually, seniors are more cavity prone than kids! This typically has to do with various medications that cause dry mouth. Less saliva generally means more cavities. This is why good dental health practices throughout your lifetime are so important.

6 You’re Too Old For Braces

This is majorly false! While your teeth and gums may have changed over time, you’re never too old for braces! In fact, Dr. Reed would be more than happy to consult with you to figure out which orthodontic solution is best for you.

Get the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, and learn how to properly take care of your teeth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Reed today!

Turkey Day Teeth Tips

With the smell of turkey in the air, pies being baked, mashed potatoes on the stove, and green bean casserole just waiting to be served, it must be Thanksgiving. Soon, families will gather around a table and enjoy a meal giving thanks for all of the good things in their lives.

One thing you might be giving thanks for this year, especially if you’ve just completed treatment with Dr. Reed, is a beautiful, straight, pearly-white smile. Did you know that the Thanksgiving feast you’re about to consume is actually pretty good for your teeth? Yes, it’s true! Here’s why you shouldn’t skip out on the turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie this Turkey Day.

Turkey

Turkey is filled with an incredible amount of goodness! The most known component in turkey is tryptophan - the stuff that makes you sleepy. However, tryptophan also boosts your immune system. This is good for your teeth because a boosted immune system will help fight off any potential oral infections. Turkey is also filled with protein. Protein mixed with some other components in your Thanksgiving meal helps build strong teeth.

Cranberries

Whether it’s freshly prepared, canned, whole, or jellied, cranberry sauce is delicious no matter how you enjoy it. However, it’s also great at preventing tooth decay. Certain components in cranberries ensure that the sugary tooth decay causing substances cannot attach to your teeth during your meal. While you should definitely brush and floss after you finish eating, a healthy dose of cranberry sauce can be helpful in case the tryptophan causes you to take a nap before you get to your toothbrush.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin tastes pretty dang good in just about everything. How else would you end a scrumptious feast with anything but pumpkin pie?! While the sugars in the pie could easily cause tooth decay, the pumpkin itself will actually help your teeth! Pumpkin pulp is filled with Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and magnesium--all substances that promote strong tooth enamel and strong teeth.

So, go ahead, have another slice of pie, another cut of turkey, or another scoop of cranberry sauce. Dr. Reed would approve! Just make sure you brush and floss afterwards, and contact our office if you have any issues or questions about what you can and cannot eat for Turkey Day this year!

Brushing With Braces

By the time the braces discussion comes along, you’re probably a well practiced brusher. You’ve dealt with baby teeth, missing teeth, and now adult teeth. You definitely know your way around your mouth with a brush and string of floss. So, what happens when braces are thrown into the mix? Do you continue to brush for 2 minutes? How does flossing work? Do you need new toothpaste? What about mouthwash? Don’t worry! Reed Orthodontics is here to walk you through the next few months of brushing to ensure your teeth come out perfectly and clean once your braces are removed.

Equipment Necessary

While your regular, soft bristle toothbrush is definitely adequate to get a good clean, you’re probably going to want to up the rest of your oral health game to ensure you get into all of the cracks and crevices that braces create. Investing in a floss threader is going to be key to optimal flossing and food removal. It’s also important to use wax floss instead of a non-wax floss. This is because non-wax floss can easily tear into shreds and get caught in the many metal trappings of your braces. If your oral hygiene is slacking, your dentist or orthodontist may prescribe fluoride toothpaste. This toothpaste is the ultimate defense against tooth decay. Finally, while we mentioned above that your regular toothbrush will suffice, you will likely want to replace it sooner than the recommended 3 months. Keep an eye on bristle wear and tear to make sure you aren’t brushing with dirty, bent, ineffective bristles.

Technique, Technique, Technique

While Dr. Reed will walk you through how to brush your teeth after getting braces, a quick step by step reminder is always helpful.

• Prepare your teeth by taking off any removable parts to your orthodontia. This includes removing rubber bands, and taking your Invisalign aligners out.
• Start with the braces then move to the teeth. Take your time concentrating on cleaning the braces in your mouth and then moving onto the teeth. Doing these one step at a time will ensure you spend enough time thoroughly removing an built up plaque or food debris in your mouth.
• ProTip: You’ll want to continue to brush your teeth for two minutes total. So add some additional time to that for braces only brushing. Also, you’ll want to try to brush after every single meal or snack. This will ensure you get any food debris out in a timely manner before it has time to wreck havoc in your mouth.
• Floss, floss, floss. While you don’t need to floss after every single meal, you’ll want to ensure you do a major flossing once a day. We recommend at night, right before bed.
• Brush once more. Give your teeth a quick once over to get all of the loose food particles out.
• Rinse it out. Swish some fresh, clean, water around your mouth to get everything out.
• Smile! Admire your shiny smile in the mirror!

If you’ve got any questions about how to effectively brush your teeth, or about anything braces and orthodontics related, feel free to contact Dr. Reed to set up an appointment!

National Orthodontic Health Month

Keeping your teeth happy and healthy during any orthodontic treatment is important. Without healthy teeth, your orthodontic treatment time might need to be extended, or might fail entirely. Tooth health is also important when it comes to post orthodontia. Tooth stains acquired during braces may become permanent, or require costly whitening treatments to remove. With October being National Orthodontic Health Month, Reed Orthodontics wanted to take this time to refresh everyone on some braces basics.  

Brush, Brush, Brush!

We know, we know, you hear this from just about everyone, but we cannot overstate the importance of brushing your teeth on a regular basis when you have any type of orthodontia! This means taking a toothbrush and travel sized toothpaste with you wherever you go, and making a habit to brush as soon as possible after every meal. Food particles can easily get wedged in metal or plastic braces and trapped under Invisalign aligners. The longer these particles stay stuck, the more likely they are to lead to infection. And no one wants an infection!

Watch What You Eat

Caramel, peanut butter, hard candies, and all of the delicious sticky, ooey, gooey things are a big no-no when you’re receiving an orthodontic treatment. Just like not brushing your teeth, these yummy treats can easily get stuck in your braces and teeth leading to halitosis and infection. It’s better to stay away from these sweets and have a braces off party, than pay the price of tooth decay!

Follow Up with Your Follow Ups

Going to see your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks might seem like a pain, but it’s so important! Without frequent visits, something might be going awry in your mouth that could cause permanent damage. Your Orthodontist can spot a problem before it becomes a problem, which is essential to ensuring that your treatment is successful. Because, let’s be honest, there isn’t anything much worse than thinking your braces are coming off and being told that they need to be kept on longer because of an avoidable mistake.

So, if you’re considering braces, let us talk you through the process. We will ensure that you’re up-to-date on all of the new orthodontic tips and tricks to make your time with braces easier, and to make sure that your teeth come out better and healthier than before. Schedule an appointment today!

A Broad History of Orthodontics

Today, more than four million people in the U.S. wear braces. Straight teeth are desirable for both health and cosmetic reasons. In fact, 25% of the people who wear braces in the U.S. are actually adults. Orthodontics have come a long way over the years. In fact, the history of orthodontics dates back further than most people realize.

Early History

The first traces of orthodontics were in ancient Egypt. Archaeologists discovered that Egyptian mummies were so well preserved that some of them still had the catgut or other animal intestines wrapped around their teeth to induce movement. You’d have a hard time convincing someone to use that orthodontic tactic today!

Next, from 700 BC to 270 BC the Etruscans  were worried about having straight teeth in the afterlife. They were so worried that they utilized gold bridges to straighten their teeth after someone’s death.  Now that’s some expensive orthodontia.

The first big step toward modern orthodontia happened in 50 AD. Aulus Cornelius Celsus, an ancient Roman medical writer, transcribed his experimentation with straightening teeth. Though this was attempted by using finger pressure and not with the assistance of braces, his experimentation was the first documentation of attempts at practicing orthodontia.  

The Road to Modern Braces

In 1728 a French dentist named Pierre Fauchard designed the first set of contemporary braces. He used metal and threads as the materials. He also was the first to introduce the concept of examining the teeth and jaw before attempting to straighten the teeth. He referred to his work as “straightening” or “arranging” teeth. It wasn’t until the 1900s that the term “braces” actually came about.

One of the newest advancements in  orthodontics is Invisalign. In 1997, the clear, plastic trays were invented by two people who did not have any dental experience at all! Still, their efforts have been extremely successful and 2.5 million people around the world use Invisalign today.

Orthodontics have come a long way since its origin. Today, people have more options than ever to straighten their teeth. If you’re ready to take the next step to a straight smile, set up an appointment with Dr. Reed today to discuss your options!

Running Shadyside

Reed Orthodontics is very excited to be a part of another great opportunity to get fit and healthy in Pittsburgh while supporting a great cause. Supporting our community is something that we’re very passionate about and we are very proud to announce that we are a sponsor for this year’s Run Shadyside 5K Run and 1mile Family Fun Walk!

Run Shadyside 2015 will be taking place at 8am on Saturday, October 3rd at the intersections of Walnut and Ivy. You can register for the run here. Registration ends September 30th at 8pm. The run / walk has been described as a “fast-moving house tour” of Shadyside’s beautiful streets and architecture. After the event you are welcome to join the Boys and Girls Club and the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce for a celebratory pancake breakfast!

Speaking of the Boys and Girls Club, proceeds from Run Shadyside go to support the programs and efforts of the Boys and Girls Club in Shadyside. A huge part of the Shadyside community for over 100 years, the Boys and Girls Club enables over 900 boys and girls aged 6-17 to reach their full potential.

We are very proud to be a part of this run and are partnering with the PTO at Colfax Elementary School to make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club for every Colfax student who registers and runs. We are also adding a coupon for $400 off the price of Invisalign or Invisalign Teen to the race bag for those who register.

So, please come out for a morning jog while supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Shadyside, enjoying some pancakes, and touring the historically beautiful neighborhood of Shadyside!

We’ll see you there!

For more information about Reed Orthodonitics, please visit www.tinareedorthodontics.com

Choose Your Braces Colors Wisely!

What are the toughest choices you’ve ever made? Was it choosing an elective class? Choosing which sport you want to play? Deciding what to put on your Christmas list?

Nope! We’d argue that choosing the color of your braces is one of the hardest decisions in life! This is an opportunity to express yourself through your appearance, match your outfits with your braces, display school spirit, and generally make wearing braces a little more fun!

But what do different braces colors say about you as a person? Here are our ideas.

Blue

You’re relaxed and you keep your composure when under pressure. You are also reliable and trustworthy. You always think before you speak and act and take the time to process your thoughts before making any decisions.

Red

You are extroverted, optimistic, brave, and confident. You don’t mind being the center of attention and you find a sense of excitement in everyday situations. You have a passion and enthusiasm for life and are not afraid to pursue your dreams and goals.

Green

You’re the type of person who’s always on the move. You also have a keen sense of kindness and generosity. Green also represents Mother Earth, so you may be inclined to have an eco-friendly vibe about you. Green is also the color of good luck! When you outfit yourself with green braces, you are telling the world that you’re a practical, down-to-earth person with a love of nature.

Orange

Orange bands on your braces mean you have a bit of a fun (and sometimes wild!) side. It can also indicate an artistic sensibility. You also are independent and don’t care much about what people think about you. Finally, orange also communicates energy!

Purple

You like to march to the beat of your own drum. You also might have a mysterious side to you. Purple is also the color of royalty! Wearing purple bands on your braces might also tell people that you are sensitive, compassionate and supportive -- and you always put others before yourself.

Of course, you shouldn’t necessarily limit yourself to one braces color. You can get combinations, too! Black and yellow is a Pittsburgh classic, or choose your school colors to show your pride.

You can learn more about Reed Orthodontics at tinareedorthodontics.com. Call us today at 412.369.0600 to make an appointment.

Support Run Around the Square! (And a Special Invisalign Deal!)

If you know us at all, there are two things we’re really passionate about: health and the community. That’s why we’re super proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Run Around the Square charity run in Regent Square.

Run Around the Square is an annual event that raises money to improve the Regent Square community. All proceeds for the race will support the Wilkins School Community Center, the Frick Environmental Center, Regent Square Civic Association, and the Environmental Charter School.

You can register for one of the three race options here -- whether you want to do the full 5K, the 1.5-mile run/walk, or even the 1.5-mile run/walk with your family dog, you know you’ll be supporting a good cause. The race will meet at 8:15 am on Saturday, August 22 at the Environmental Charter School (7604 Charleston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA US 15218). If you plan on going, make sure you share the Facebook event with your friends as well! In addition to the race experience, participating humans will get t-shirts and participating dogs will get free scarves! And of course, if for any reason you can’t participate in the run, you can also contribute by volunteering (you’ll get a t-shirt for that as well!).

As a sponsor of Run Around the Square, we’re also offering a special deal for participants! When you register, you can access to the event’s Virtual Bag, which features lots of great deals from local businesses. We’ll be offering event participants a $400 discount off of Invisalign or Invisalign Teen treatment!

You’ve probably heard of Invisalign -- they’re those “invisible” braces made up of custom-molded aligners that gently move your teeth into place, with absolutely no metal! You can learn more about Invisalign on our blog.

So if you’re up for a run and available in the morning of August 22, we’d love to see you there! Have a great run, everybody!

You can learn more about Reed Orthodontics at tinareedorthodontics.com.

Eliminating Crowded Teeth with an Expander

If you have overcrowded teeth or a crossbite, which are common issues in teens and adolescents, an orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander. Often times, once a patient finds out what an expander is, they get a little scared. These appliances require the patient or a parent to turn the expander themselves, which can feel a little daunting at first.

When someone has a crossbite or overcrowded teeth, it’s necessary to expand the arch of the mouth. The expander is attached to the upper arch of the mouth using rubber bands that are placed around the teeth or bonded to them with plastic. (Although removable expanders do exist, the fixed ones tend to be more effective -- and much more difficult to lose!)

It’s Not So Bad!

Although any orthodontic treatment will have some initial discomfort (and expanders are no exception), the expansion of the upper arch is usually quite painless. You may experience some pressure in the roof of your mouth, behind the nose, or between your eyes while your expander activates. However, in a few minutes, you’ll feel back to normal!

For the first few days wearing your expander, you also might speak differently or “slurp” a bit due to some extra saliva that might be produced. You might also notice a space opening between your upper central incisors -- this is exactly what we want! When your treatment is over and the expander is removed, this space might close again on its own -- this is fine. As long as the underlying bone remains expanded, you’ll be fine. Finally, after treatment, you may experience a “loose” or “sore” sensation in your front teeth -- again, this is completely safe and normal.

Adjusting to...Well, Adjusting

When you first get an expander, taking some key preparation steps can go a long way. When you go grocery shopping, find some foods that don’t need to be chewed much: yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are all great options. After two or three days after installation of the expander, a normal diet should be fine. However, particularly hard or sticky foods should still probably be avoided -- they tend to get stuck in the expansion screw.

Finally, we’d also like to mention that each patient’s expansion treatment will be slightly different. Some palates need to be over-expanded -- that’s why the initial appointment is so important. After treatment is complete, you’ll have to wear a retainer to stabilize the results.

Learn more about orthodontic treatment options in North Hills and Greater Pittsburgh Area!