Waterford Family Dental Care

The Way To Fastbraces

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The Way To Fastbraces

Orthodontics have come a long way since you were a teen. Gone are the days of headgear that conjured images of Frankenstein’s monster, “silverware” that covered the entire tooth, and years upon years of treatment. These days, there are alternatives. One alternative that we are proud to offer at Waterford Family Dental Care is Fastbraces, a speedy solution for crooked teeth.

Traditional Braces

While traditional braces have been effectively used for decades, they weren’t without faults. Traditional braces move teeth in two stages: the exposed tooth in one and the tooth root in another. This can result in treatments lasting years and years. That means more trips to the dentist or orthodontist, more time away from school or work, and more money for all of those appointments.

The Fastbraces Difference

Fastbraces have been used to correct bite problems for over 20 years. What makes Fastbraces unique is their shape; instead of a square bracket, Fastbraces utilizes triangular brackets. Another perk of Fastbraces is that they only require a single flexible wire, making them more subtle than traditional. The combination of bracket shape and wire allow both exposed tooth surfaces and roots to be moved at the same time. What might take over two years with traditional braces could take as little as six months with Fastbraces.

The Perks Continue

The most obvious benefit of Fastbraces is that you can have the smile you want in a fraction of the time, but the list goes on. Fastbraces also cost less than traditional braces and cause less discomfort (despite moving teeth at such a rapid rate). You have nothing to lose!

If you’d like to learn more about Fastbraces or the other restorative and cosmetic dentistry services we offer, contact Waterford Family Dental Care today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in Waterford, Michigan and the surrounding areas.

Why Dentists Recommend Fluoride

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Why Dentists Recommend Fluoride

Despite years and years of research, fluoride has gotten a bit of a bad reputation from the natural health community. The truth is, this naturally occurring mineral is perfectly safe and has helped both children and adults maintain healthy teeth since it was first added to toothpaste in the 1890s. So how exactly does fluoride protect your teeth and why does the American Dental Association (and every dentist I know) recommend it?

How Fluoride Works

Even before your first baby tooth erupted, fluoride was strengthening your teeth. As a naturally occurring substance, fluoride is present in many foods and beverages (including water). The body absorbs the fluoride, providing what is known as a systemic benefit.

While you continue to enjoy systemic benefits of fluoride throughout your life, it’s using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses that provide topical benefits. When the fluoride comes in contact with your teeth, it fortifies weakened tooth enamel and protects your teeth from decay.

Fluoridated Water

Fluoride is found in most natural water sources, and for decades, it has been added to public water supplies. Before that, children had three times more cavities than they tend to these days. Because many people prefer the taste of filtered water, they may not be enjoying as many systemic benefits. That is why it is necessary for the health of your teeth to use a fluoride toothpaste and, if necessary, a fluoride mouth rinse, as well. If you’re genetically prone to decay, I can also provide you with a professional fluoride treatment to help keep cavities at bay.

Word of Caution

While fluoride is safe, if it ingested in large amounts, it can harm small children. It is recommended that children under six years old use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and avoid using fluoridated mouth rinses to prevent ingesting harmful amounts. As always, be sure to supervise your child or grandchild when they brush.

No matter how much fluoride you get, nothing prevents plaque, tartar, cavities, and gum disease like a professional cleaning. If it’s time for your semi-annual cleaning and exam, contact my office to schedule an appointment. I look forward to seeing you.

Best,

Dr. Shlom

Is Snoring Making You Gain Weight?

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Is Snoring Making You Fat?

If you think your snoring is harmless, think again. If your snores are loud enough to make the windows rattle in their frames, the people in your house are probably being kept awake. If you snore persistently, you’re probably breathing through your mouth, thereby increasing the likelihood of bad breath. If you snore all night long and feel tired all day, every day, your snoring could be making you gain weight. What do the sounds you make as you sleep have to do with your waistline?

Apnea Again

I’ve mentioned the dangers of sleep apnea before, so you probably already know that those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to:

  • Have high blood pressure and strokes
  • Have diabetes
  • Have heart disease and heart attacks
  • Have accidents as a result of being over-tired

One thing you may not know is that OSA also causes weight gain. Here’s how:

  • When you’re sleep deprived, your body produces too much of the hormone ghrelin, which tells you that you’re hungry
  • Your body also produces too little of the hormone leptin, which sends a message that you’re full
  • When you’re constantly exhausted, you lack the energy your body needs to exercise
  • You also crave carbohydrates, which are processed by your body as sugar

It’s a Vicious Cycle

Being overweight is one of the risk factors of OSA, but it’s also a complication: Your apnea could improve if you lost weight, but you’re too tired to do anything that might help you do so. The only way to break the cycle is to seek treatment. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, I can help by providing a customized oral appliance that will properly position your oral structures, allowing you to get the sleep that you need to thrive. The benefits of an oral appliance is that it is comfortable, portable, makes no noise, and is effective regardless of your sleeping position.

There is no reason to suffer from OSA symptoms when treatment is available. Put an end to the constant exhaustion, health concerns, and weight gain and call my office today.

Yours in health,

Dr. Shlom

Are You Sure It’s Just a Snore?

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Are You Sure It’s Just a Snore?

Every night it’s the same: Your partner falls asleep immediately and begins to snore away. Despite your constant jabs and jostles, they persist, leaving you feeling exhausted. You’ve tried white noise machines and earplugs, but nothing can mask the sound of your loved one sawing logs. While it may be hard to think logically when you’re so sleep deprived, you should actually be concerned. Are you sure it’s just a snore or is there more to it than that? Sometimes, snoring is actually a symptom of a potentially dangerous condition. If you’re worried, you should be.

The Symptoms

While snoring is the most common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA), there are other tell-tale signs as well. These include:

  • Waking up gasping for air
  • Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime lethargy
  • Moodiness

The Dangers

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. During these moments, breathing temporarily stops, depleting the body of oxygen. This often happens for several seconds at a time, multiple times each night. Over time, these apneic events take their toll on the body, increasing the risk of:

  • Hypertension and stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Accidents at work or on the road
  • Depression and anxiety

The Solutions

At Waterford Family Dental Care, we take OSA seriously. I have extensive knowledge and experience with providing solutions that will allow your loved one (and you) to get a restful night’s sleep.

While some patients have success with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, others find it cumbersome. Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who toss and turn have better luck with a customized dental appliance. This small, portable, and lightweight device repositions your jaw and opens your airway — without tethering you to a machine.

If you or your partner have experienced any symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, don’t sit back and hope it will go away. Let me be part of your sleep solution. Contact my office today to schedule an appointment.

The Trouble With Teeth

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The Trouble With Teeth

At Waterford Family Dental Care, our jobs are never boring. With each patient comes a new challenge and a new learning experience. Still, there are a handful of dental concerns that we see each and every day. Here are some of the most common (and what you can do about them):

  • Gum Disease – Gum disease occurs when bacteria collects along and beneath the gumline. The first stage of gum disease – gingivitis – is reversible. Once it’s devolved to periodontitis, things are serious. The scary part? Gum disease may not be obvious to the untrained eye. To prevent gum disease, you must floss daily and visit your dentist at least every six months.
  • Missing Teeth – Unless we encounter a patient who has experienced a mouth or head trauma, most tooth loss can be directly attributed to gum disease. When gum disease goes untreated, the structures that support the teeth are compromised, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually fall out. If your missing teeth aren’t replaced, your jawbone can weaken and the remaining teeth can shift. All of this can be avoided by taking care of your teeth and seeing Dr. Shlom regularly.
  • Cavities – The same bacteria that contributes to gum disease also contributes to cavities. If you are not sufficiently brushing your teeth, plaque will sit on your teeth and wreak havoc on your enamel, resulting in cavities. Avoid the drill by brushing after every meal. Talk to your dentist about sealants, which are most often used on children, but can benefit cavity-prone adults, as well.
  • Tooth Sensitivity – If your teeth are sensitive to cold or heat, that may be a sign that something else is wrong. A number of things can cause tooth sensitivity, from benign whitening treatments to an infected tooth root. The only way to know for sure is to leave your dental care in the hands of experienced professionals. While desensitizing toothpastes can help temporarily, learning the underlying cause of the problem is critical.

If you are experiencing any of the above problems (or even those not listed), contact Waterford Family Dental Care today. Your dental health is our greatest concern.

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