Faq - more faq's

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are mounted behind a patient's teeth. They were used many years ago, before the advent of Orthocosmetic™ braces. Lingual braces are rarely used anymore. Generally, lingual braces are more uncomfortable than standard braces. Orthodontic treatment takes twice as long and is more costly. In addition, some people have trouble talking with lingual braces. Presently, lingual braces are only used in special clinical cases.

Is orthodontic care expensive?

When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later.

Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. Financing is usually available and our office offers many payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are usually found on the movable parts of the mouth such as the tongue or the inside lining of the lips and cheeks. They begin as small oval or round reddish swellings, which usually burst within a day. Generally, they heal within 2 weeks. Approximately 20% of the general population is afflicted.

What causes Canker Sores?

It is not known exactly what causes canker sores. Current theories point to a faulty immune system. It is thought that the body’s own immune cells attack the cells lining the inside of the mouth. Other factors that may initiate the chain of events leading to canker sore formation are sensitivity to certain foods, ingredients in toothpaste, vitamins/minerals, stress, female hormones and trauma to the lining of the mouth.

THE FOODS WE EAT: It appears that the consumption of certain foods can lead to canker sores. Common culprits seem to be chocolate, oranges and other citrus fruits. Keeping a canker sore notebook in which you keep track of foods you eat and canker sore incidences can help you identify foods which may be contributing factors.

YOUR TOOTHPASTE COULD BE CAUSING YOUR CANKER SORES: An exciting recent finding has shown that SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), a common ingredient in toothpaste, may be responsible for canker sores in a large percentage of people. SLS is used as a detergent in toothpaste and creates the foam associated with tooth brushing. It is thought that the detergent may weaken the lining of the mouth making it susceptible to canker sore formation. Our recommendation is that you use a toothpaste without SLS such as Rembrandt’s Canker Sore SLS-free&Mac226; toothpaste.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS: The relationship between vitamin/mineral deficiencies and canker sores is less clear. Several studies have shown that deficiencies in B1, B2, B6, B12, iron, zinc and folic acid exist in a large percentage of canker sore sufferers. Other studies, however, show little to no correlation between vitamin/mineral deficiencies and canker sores.

STRESS: While stress is meant to be a protective mechanism, in today’s society, we often experience so much stress that it can become dangerous to our health. Not surprisingly, stress has been implicated as a factor contributing to canker sores.

FEMALE HORMONES: Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to have recurrent canker sores. Most women experience improvement or remission of their canker sores during pregnancy. Researchers have used hormone therapy successfully in clinical studies to treat some women.

TRAUMA: There is evidence that trauma to the inside of the mouth may initiate canker sores. The trauma may be caused by such simple things as biting the inside of the mouth or eating hard foods which scrape the inside of the mouth. Brushing too hard with a toothbrush can damage not only the teeth but also the oral tissue. Braces rubbing against the lips or cheeks can be a contributing factor.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES?

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)-free toothpaste: Studies have revealed up to a 60-70% reduction in

the number of sores.

• Rembrandt’s Canker Sore SLS-free toothpaste---approx. $8.00 at CVS
• Biotene SLS-free toothpaste
• Rembrandt’s Canker Sore Kit---approx. $8-11 at CVS

Be careful what you eat! Make sure you eat a well balanced diet and avoid certain foods such as chocolate, oranges, citrus foods, etc. which may lead to sores.

Vitamins/Minerals: Before taking vitamins or minerals, check with your doctor to determine if you have any deficiencies. Taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement once a day could be helpful in maintaining good general health.

Reduce stress: Eat, sleep and exercise properly. Keeping one’s body in a healthy condition helps to reduce stress which in turn increases one’s immune system to fight sickness.

TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Over-the-Counter (OTC):

Analgesic (pain relieving) Compounds: Several of these are available over the counter, and for many people these compounds are effective. In addition to providing pain relief, several of these analgesic compounds form an adhesive film over the lesion. This protects the sore from mouth acids and foods.

• Zilactin, Orabase and Orajel---approx. $6-7/tube

Anti-microbial mouthwashes: Although canker sores are not caused by a virus or bacteria, anti-microbial mouthwashes have been shown to be very beneficial in reducing pain.

Listerine—the only over the counter mouthwash which is beneficial for canker sores

Special Medicated—mouthwashes containing chlorhexadine gluconate (Peridex) should only be used in patients who normally experience moderate to severe cases of sores as this mouthwash can stain teeth.

Carrington Patch: contains the aloe vera derivative (acemannan hydrogel) which reduces healing time as well as pain associated with the sores. $12/12 patches

Prescriptions:

Corticosteroids: Act by treating the inflammation associated with canker sores.

• .05% Lidex(Fluocinonide) gel (15gm) $33—CVS

Aphthasol: One of the biggest advances in the treatment of canker Sores. Clinical trial have proven promising and it was shown to reduce pain and shorten healing time. Aphthasol is only intended for use by people with normal immune systems.

• Aphthasol (amlexanox oral paste, 5%) $27--CVS