Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

What is The Best Age for Braces?

February 1, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

For many, braces are a necessary evil. You spend a year or two suffering with the nickname “metal mouth” in exchange for a beautiful, permanently straight smile! But braces have come a long way in the past few decades and now men and women of all ages are embracing teeth straighteners of all kinds. But what is the ideal age to start straightening your teeth for best results?

The purpose of braces is to improve a patient’s “orofacial” appearance (meaning the mouth and face) and treat issues like crooked teeth, overbites and underbites, and disorders of the jaw. Today, the average cost of braces is anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the type of braces and the patient’s insurance.

If left untreated, patients may begin to experience tooth decay, gum disease, bite problems, chewing problems, and even headaches and ear aches.

Patients with orthodontic needs will benefit from getting braces at almost any age. However, the most ideal time to get braces is between the ages of 10 and 14. This is because patients at this age are still growing and their teeth are more receptive to straightening. Children younger than 10 can still get started on braces, so long as they’ve lost all of their baby teeth and their permanent teeth have finished growing in.

If you’re not sure if you child needs braces, it’s recommended that you make an appointment with your dentist so he or she can perform an exam and look for signs, including late or early tooth loss, problems with their bite, issues chewing, or crowded teeth. Certain habits can also create the need for braces including finger or thumb sucking or poor nutrition.

There are many different types of dental appliances available and patients can generally choose between stainless steel braces, plastic braces, ceramic braces, or even invisible trays. Though pricier, invisible trays are a great option for adults who don’t want the appearance of metal braces.

If you’re an adult considering braces, it’s important to remember that even though braces provide the same benefits in adults as they do in children, the entire treatment process may take longer. Generally, adults will wear braces anywhere from 18 months to 3 years and will be required to wear a retainer to maintain results.

Interested in learning more? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Brushing Tips During the Holidays

January 2, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

We all know that the holidays are a joyous time of year filled with wonder, excitement, and love. We also know that behind the scenes, the holidays are chaotic and stressful. There are holiday parties, gift lists, traveling, and lots and lots of cooking.

But don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays prevent you from taking care of yourself. Be extra mindful to make the time to make sure your health and wellness are in order. After all, the health of your teeth and gums is especially important during the season of indulgence!

When should I brush?

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth in the morning to clean away the bacteria that formed in your mouth overnight and again before bedtime or meals. Brushing too soon after eating can actually damage the enamel of your teeth. However, it’s wise to brush your teeth before eating any acidic foods and recommended that you drink a glass of water when finished to help wash away the acids.

Flossing should also be done a minimum of once per day, too! Flossing helps remove plaque from areas between your teeth that you can’t reach with brushing alone.

How often should I brush?

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Frequent brushing helps remove food and plaque from your teeth. Not sure what plaque is? It’s that white sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains all kinds of bacteria.

There is definitely such a thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth. It is possible to over brush your teeth, and this can be damaging because most of us are brushing our teeth incorrectly. Your toothbrush should approach your gums at a 45-degree angle and move back and forth in small, gentle strokes. Be sure to brush the outside, inside, and chewing services of the teeth.

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth twice a day. If the bristles are your tooth brush are too stiff, you can cause damage to both your gums and enamel.

Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three or four months to prevent the build-up of bacteria. Plus, worn bristles are less effective at cleaning teeth since the fine tips can’t as easily reach the between your teeth and gums. You can replace your tooth brush more often if you notice the bristles are frayed (and that may mean you’re brushing too hard).

Follow these tips to ensure that you have a holiday smile that sparkles and shines!

Why Six-Month Check-Ups Are So Important

November 30, 2017 by Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

Most people don’t look under the hood of their car until they have a reason to, which usually means they can see smoke or hear a funny noise. Oftentimes, this results in a costly repair that could have been easily avoided if the vehicle was routinely checked and maintained. Much like your car, many people don’t consider the condition of their teeth and gums until they start to notice trouble.

Regular dental visits are an absolutely essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. They are especially important if you notice any changes the look or feel of your mouth. Are you seeing more red than usual in the sink after flossing? Do you suddenly have difficulty drinking hot or cold liquids? Do your gums looks puffy or swollen? Making your dentist aware of any changes at each check-up can help address minor issues before they become major problems.

Much of your dental check-up will be spending time with a dental hygienist to get a thorough cleaning of your teeth. He or she will begin by gently scraping tarter from your teeth and finish with a deep polishing and flossing. As they scrape, they’ll also use special instruments to check the condition of each tooth. Your hygienist will also examine your mouth for any indication of oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. If needed, they may also perform an x-ray of your mouth to get a deep look at the tooth, bone, and supporting tissues of your mouth.

After your cleaning, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums, including identifying any areas of decay that could eventually lead to cavities and checking your bite. Some dentists will even check your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes for swelling or anything out of the ordinary, and they will be able to make the appropriate recommendations for a medical professional.

Regular dental check-ups are about more than maintain a white smile. By getting dental check-ups twice a year, you’re ensuring that your teeth and gums stay as health as possible, both inside and out!

Healthy Smile Equals Health Body

October 31, 2017 by Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

Did you know that your body actually benefits from keeping your smile healthy? Healthy teeth and gums not only keep your smile looking its best, best but it also helps your body feel its best. Because inflammation from tooth decay and gum disease can spread to other parts of your body and cause health problems, proper oral hygiene is a must

But what are some correlations from studies?

If you suffer from poor oral health, your body is also in harm’s way. Do you find yourself skipping your daily oral hygiene or foregoing recommended six-month dental cleanings? If so, you may be impacting more than just your smile. Keeping your teeth healthy is far more than keeping your teeth pearly white.

Oral pain

The most obvious symptoms of poor oral health are oral and facial pain. Tooth decay can be extremely painful, but periodontal disease is as well. If you have periodontal disease, the gum tissue around your teeth becomes inflamed and infected. The cause of tooth decay and gum disease is linked to buildup of plaque and tartar build-up when you fail to remove it from your teeth and gum line. Without proper dental hygiene, you will find yourself with loose teeth or tooth loss.

Digestive Issues

Since the digestive process begins in your mouth, you may find yourself unable to chew your food to break it down sufficiently. The inability to properly chew your food makes you susceptible to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome, or other serious digestive disorders. By working to keep your smile healthy and free from decay, your digestive tract will also function properly.

Organ Issues

The link between your oral health and the major organs in your body is well established. When you suffer from oral infections, the bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and impact your vital organs, such as your heart. As your internal organs become inflamed from this bacterial infection, you can incur serious complications such as endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart’s lining.

Thankfully, there is good news to be had! As you practice proper daily oral care, your body will thrive along with your smile! By taking the time each day to brush and floss, you give your body the boost it needs to keep you healthy and active. Rounding out your oral hygiene regimen with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings will keep you on the track to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Root Canal 101 – Dr. Writtig Family Dentistry

September 28, 2017 by Dr. Matthew Wittrig D.D.S.

You need a root canal,” is one of the most-feared statements your dentist can make. Root canals are often associated with excruciating pain, and you will do anything to avoid them.

How bad is getting a root canal—and how can you avoid it?

Root canals are the hollow spaces in the roots of your teeth. They contain pulpal tissues, which consist of blood vessels that nourish the tooth.

They also contain nerves that run through the root canal and send signals, including pain to the brain.

If there is irreversible damage or disease within the pulp, it causes pain and infection. The pain is relieved when the infection is treated with a root canal.

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, cleans out the infected pulp. The decontaminated area is replaced with a rubber like material along with a cement or sealer. In most cases, the tooth is capped with a crown.

The following are the most common factors contributing to a need for root canal treatment:

Infection caused by decay or a large filling
Severe gum disease
Physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw

It used to be that a tooth with a disease or infected nerve had to be removed. Now, in 95% of the cases, however, this is no longer true. A root canal treatment will remove your pain and save your tooth.

Here are some signs that you might need a root canal:

Serious tooth pain while eating
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
A pimple-like bump on the gum near the source of the tooth pain

How painful is a root canal treatment?

Root canals are one of the most feared dental procedures, but most of that perception comes from the pain someone experiences before the procedure. This pain is often because of a severe infection. Left untreated, infection an spread, so see your dentist immediately if symptoms arise.

Rather than causing more pain, a root canal treatment relieves pain. You receive a local anesthetic, which makes the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Avoiding Root Canals

Anything that helps prevent tooth decay and maintains healthy teeth will help you avoid getting a root canal. Brush twice a day, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist for regular dental cleanings to keep your smile healthy.