There’s a breed of people who drive a stick shift, use a push mower and prefer sailboats to motorboats. When faced with the choice of a toothbrush, that purist will certainly choose the dependable, disposable, do-it-yourself toothbrush. But what about those of us who swear by their smartphones, DVRs, and tablet computers? We want the latest and greatest gadgets and tend to be adopters of new technologies.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you prefer, when used properly, both powered and manual toothbrushes are great options for removing plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy. So what variables should you consider when deciding on the best toothbrush for you? Here are a few factors to consider:

Your budget

Electric toothbrushes are pricier. However, while high-end options can cost upwards of $100, you can find some effective powered brushes in the $10 range. Remember that you need to add the cost of batteries and replacement brush heads to your toothbrush budget.

Your dexterity
People who have limited manual dexterity – including the very young, the elderly, or those suffering from injury or arthritis – may find it easier to reach and clean areas of their mouth with an electric toothbrush.

Your habits
If you have a hard time brushing regularly, and you find you enjoy the sensation of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then by all means use the brush that will encourage you to brush most often.

Your patience
Regardless of what type of toothbrush you choose, it’s important to use it correctly. While some brushes may require circular motions to be effective (for example manual brushs) others may require an angled glide over the teeth (for example power brushes). Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time. Cover the inner, outer and top surfaces of your teeth, and brush all the way down to the gum line. Don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. Please ask your hygienists to advise you on optimal brushing techniques considering your toothbrush selection.

Finally, remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are also vital to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape. If you do have questions about brushing habits, please feel free to give our office a call!

If Dr. Newton has prescribed elastics as part of your orthodontic treatment, it is important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We usually instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket, so the elastic goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another.

Elastic bands produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an over bite or underbite in the jaw.Failure to wear elastics full-time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result.

If elastic wearing is part of your treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind, you won't be able to open your mouth fully, so you will have to remove when eating and reapplied after meal time and also if you try to open your mouth too wide your elastic band might snap, so please be careful.

Your time with elastic will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.

We offer complimentary consultations for all patients.

At this appointment you or your child will explore all treatment options for orthodontic treatment. During your consultation time you’ll have time reserved with Dr. Newton, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment. Financial is also then discussed after your best treatment option is given to you. An Insurance estimate is also given to you at your consultation appointment for you to submit to your insurance provider.

Please give our office a call to set up your complimentary appointment today.

Yes retainers are important with Grin Orthodontics. If you have recently got your braces off or completed Invisalign at GriN Orthodontics congratulations once again. You are now in retention period. Retainers are used to provide stabilization for your teeth. Once the braces come off, teeth can shift out of position, if not stabilized. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in there corrected position until the bones and gums are adapted to treatment. Dr. Newton will provide or have provided you with retainers. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best way to insure that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

Here is some tips to remember on retainers, at GriN Orthodontics:

1. Wear retainers full time unless Dr. Newton instructs you otherwise.
2. Remove retainers to eat and put them in their case(appliances are usually lost at school and restaurants)
3. Keep retainers clean, by brushing once a day with small amount of tooth paste and toothbrush
4. Retainers are breakable , so please treat them with care. If broken or lost please call us immediately
5. Remember to bring retainers to your Retainer Check appointments with GriN Orthodontic
6. Remove retainers during any sporting activity as they may fall out or break.
7. Keep retainers away from pockets, hot water or other places where they may be damaged

We hope these tips help, and if you have any questions please contact GriN Orthodontics.