Receding Gums: Causes, Dangers and Treatments

By Dr. Omar Aldaoudi, Specialist Prosthodontist

Gum recession or receding gums refers to the loss of gingival (gum) tissue causing the exposure of the roots of the teeth.

Receding gums is a common dental problem in adults over the age of 40, but it can occur in younger ages. It can be generalized or localized and it is progressive in most cases. Usually, the first sign is hypersensitivity to cold and hot drinks. Also, the affected teeth appear longer and the roots are visible, a notch could be felt near the gum line, and spaces between teeth seem larger.

CAUSES

Gum recession has many causes and risk factors:

• periodontal or gum disease
• poor oral hygiene
• aggressive brushing
• hormonal factors
• gingival trauma
• poorly-fitted restorations
• teeth grinding or clenching
• malposition of the teeth
• smoking and chewing tobacco
• genetic predisposition

DANGERS

When gums pull away from your teeth, the roots of your teeth are left exposed and this puts you at risk for tooth and root decay. Left untreated, receding gums can also lead to functional and aesthetic complications.

TREATMENTS

The treatment of the gum recession depends on the cause, your dentist can help you to identify the problem and determine the best treatment plan.

If the recession is caused by periodontal disease, scaling and roots planning, stabilization treatments and perfect oral hygiene are extremely important to avoid further gingival and bone loss.

When the condition is a result of overaggressive brushing, your dentist and hygienist can assist you by demonstrating the proper brushing technique and recommending the best oral hygiene tools adapted to your case.

Also, you can prevent gingival recession by eating healthy food, maintaining a balanced diet, smoking cessation and regular use of night guard if you grind your teeth.

In some advanced cases, gum tissue regeneration and gingival grafting could be performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly and inform them in case of family history of gum or periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing hypersensitivity, your dentist may apply desensitizing agents, varnishes and dentine bonding agents, he may also recommend specific toothpaste and mouthwash to reduce and treat the sensitivity.

About Dr. Omar Aldaoudi

Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 2003. He then completed advanced specializations and earned his certificate in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics from the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France in 2007. Dr. Omar comes to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with vast experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, esthetic, functional and prosthetic rehabilitation.

The Dangers of Early Loss of Baby Teeth

Written by: Dr. Mai Kamar, Specialist Orthodontist

Our dental arches have been created in a harmonious manner where the baby teeth (milk teeth or primary) pave the way through the dental bones for a smooth and aligned eruption of permanent teeth. Any disruption in this harmony can create several problems that are well avoided by preserving healthy primary teeth for as long as possible till their natural exfoliation dates.

Inside the mouth of a growing child both primary and permanent dentitions are present, where one dentition is actually functioning and the other is still undergoing growth and development. Each tooth in the dental arch is maintained and stabilized in its correct position in the dental arch by the action of a series of forces. These forces are either from the neighboring or opposing teeth which support each other in the dental arch, or by forces from the muscles of the cheeks, lips and tongue, all of which maintain the teeth in the position they are currently at inside the mouth.

If these harmonious forces are disrupted or altered, one force starts to predominate and cause unfavorable movements to the teeth such as tipping or drifting which causes major problems in the permanent occlusion in the future. The number one cause of such disharmony is the premature extraction of baby teeth. Such extractions are either planned by the dentist when a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved by a dental restoration or decided by the parent who doesn’t believe in treating a baby tooth that will eventually fall out!

As a general rule when a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the following consequences usually occur:

• The teeth both on the right and the left to the extracted tooth move to close the space, hence the space designated for the permanent tooth that will erupt after a few years is lost and the tooth is blocked inside the bones.
• Delayed eruption or premature eruption of the permanent tooth
• Loss of the dental arch length which leaves less space for the proper eruption of permanent teeth and consequently causes crowding
• Relationship between the molars and canines is usually disrupted which more than often calls for treatment with braces
• Midline of the teeth shifts towards the extraction side
• Tooth opposing the extraction side usually elongates and overerupts
• Alteration in the overbite and overjet of teeth
• Development of abnormal muscle activity and habits such as tongue thrust in the newly created space or digit sucking, which create further disruption in the bite.
• Speech defects
• Poor nutrition and feeding
• Aesthetic and emotional problems

How to avoid such detrimental problems?

1. Regular dental check-ups.

The most recent guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advocates that a child has his first dental visit as soon as the first tooth erupts or maximum at 12 months of age.

This allows a strong relation to be built between the Pediatric dentist, the parents and the child where healthy oral habits are established at an early age. Such relation, or as we call it a Dental Home, assures regular monitoring and close assessment of the child’s oral health and development, where cavities can be either prevented or detected at a very early stage. However, if parents fail to bring their children for dental check-ups, the child always ends up with unnoticed badly decayed teeth that often call for more comprehensive dental treatments such as root canals, crowns or even extraction of the tooth.

2. Better treat than sorry.

Always seek dental experts’ advice the soonest and when advised to restore a cavity, try to get it done the sooner the better. It is always best to have a simple restoration than a more extensive one! It will save your child the trouble of going through a more painful procedure and save you more money as well as have higher chances of saving the tooth itself!

3. Maintain the space.

If advised to remove a tooth always make sure that the dental specialist saves the space for the future permanent tooth by placing a custom made space maintainer in your child’s mouth in place of the extracted tooth.

4. Last but not least, maintain appropriate oral hygiene measures.

Brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste (indications differ by age of child), flossing daily and regular hygiene visits as well as low sugar diet are mandatory to keep dental decay at bay.

Stay healthy and have a lovely smile.

"Parents, don't let your children brush their teeth on their own"

Interview with Dr. Chantal Kengo, Specialist Pediatric Dentist

One of the main causes of tooth decay in children is poor oral hygiene, more specifically inefficient brushing of teeth. What happens when we let our children do the brushing on their own? Find out from Dr.  Chantal today.

You see a lot of children and parents every day. What do most parents say when it comes to brushing their children's teeth?

During consultation, parents would often say "My child knows how to do it", "My child does not want me to brush his/her teeth" or "I want my child to be independent." Most parents allow their children to brush their teeth by themselves. What happens then? The child does a very poor job of cleaning his teeth, and ultimately, the end result is cavities.

What do you recommend parents when it comes to their children's oral hygiene?

Every child is different but in general parents should brush their child's teeth until they are about 5 to 8 years old. Remember that it is very important that parents continue to supervise their children's brushing until the age 10 to 12. This is to make sure that they're doing it thoroughly. Brushing should be done for two minutes minimum twice a day.

What if the child insists on brushing on his own?

Brushing is a skill. Like many skills, it take years to learn it and be good at it. Young children usually do not have the manual dexterity to brush or floss properly. If your child wants to do it by himself, let him! It's a great way for him to practice but ALWAYS make sure that you brush his teeth before or after he's done it for himself. For older children aged 10 to 12 years, make sure that you supervise them. Be there when your child brushes his teeth and make sure that your child is doing it well. Reinforce whenever necessary.

Do you still see many cases of tooth decay in children?

I see a lot of cases. In fact, although tooth decay is preventable, the World Health Organization reports that around 60 – 90% of children around the world have tooth decay.

What other advice can you give parents?

Aside from proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, one other main thing that parents should focus on is their children's diet. I suggest a diet with very minimal intake of sugar to help protect your child from cavities. If you must give your child some sweets, give a small serving along with a main meal, or have a “Sweet Day”, one day in the week where your child can enjoy some sweets. Parents should also be wary about juices. Juices, even those labelled fresh or sugar-free, are loaded with sugar and acids. Limit juices and encourage your child to drink more water instead.

Ramadan and Oral Health: What You Need to Know

By Dr. Omar Aldaoudi

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the month of fasting for Muslims.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all throughout the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from early dawn to sunset. All physically, mentally healthy and mature Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and all other physical needs.

When it comes to oral hygiene and dental treatments, what should dental providers and fasting patients know about Ramadan?

Our specialist prosthodontist Dr. Omar Aldaoudi gives us insight on oral health and dental procedures during the Holy Month. In terms of dentistry, which acts are permissible and which ones would nullify the fast? Find out below.

What do people gain from fasting?

Fasting allows learning self-restraint from indulgence in everyday pleasures, developing self-control and self-discipline, purifying the mind and the body, and empathizing with the poor and hungry.

Health-wise, fasting involves powerful therapeutic processes that can help people recover from mild to severe health conditions. Fasting can lower blood sugar, cholesterol and (systolic) blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.

What are your advice on oral hygiene for people who are fasting? Can they still brush, floss and use mouthwash as usual?

Toothpastes are allowed during the holy month of Ramadan, although some scholars of Islam consider the use of toothpaste to be highly undesirable because deliberate or accidental swallowing of them will nullify the fast.

You can always brush and floss thoroughly before sleeping at night and I recommend brushing after Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Brushing twice daily is sufficient for oral disease prevention.

Mouthwashes are commonly prescribed by dentists as an adjunct to oral hygiene. Some patients may be reluctant to use mouth wash for fear of unintentionally swallowing some. If this is the case, you can use it outside fasting hours as advised by your dentist.

Will dental treatments/procedures and administration of an aesthetic (injections) nullify the fast?

Some patients think that actions that take place during dental procedures will nullify their fast but local anesthetics (injections) are permissible forms of treatments for those who are observing Ramadan. However, when patients are reluctant, it is best to re-schedule or delay treatments especially if there is no acute pain/discomfort.

Are there dental procedures that should be postponed by fasting patients if the treatment dates fall on Ramadan?

Dental treatments and preventative procedure (including restorations, scaling and extractions) do not invalidate the fast, but some patients are unwilling to have procedures done due to difference in their views.

Patients who require immediate or advanced treatment, like those who suffer from deteriorating chronic illness or those who face dental emergencies, could break the fast. If it is possible, the dentist can delay or re-schedule treatments for their patients.

What’s your advice on patients who are taking medications and who want to fast?

Oral medications are not permissible and invalidate the fast. If you fall ill and avoiding medication could result to harm and is life-threatening, it’s allowable to break the fast.

When a dental problem occur during the holy month of Ramadan and medications are needed, you can discuss with your dentist. He or she may be able to adapt your medications and/or the dosage.

What are your health tips for people who are fasting?

Don't skip Suhoor. Don't overeat during Iftar (dinner). Avoid eating fried foods, salty foods and high-sugar foods. Drink as much water as possible.

Keep your meals healthy. Whenever possible, opt for steaming, grilling or baking. If you use oil for cooking, settle for healthy options like canola oil.

Drink plenty of water (drink of choice), juices, milk and soups. Cut down on coffee, tea, soda and all other caffeinated drinks – they have diuretic effects and thus dehydrate the body.

   

3 Easy Tips to Turn Flossing Into a Habit

 By Hygienist Thana Al-Tahan

You just had your bi-annual dental cleaning with your hygienist, who thoroughly explained your case of gingivitis. “I swear I’ll floss every day,” you said and you meant it. You flossed your teeth every day for a week, and then like the diet you tried last summer, you gradually started to slack.

Most of us are aware just how essential flossing is in maintaining our oral health and preventing disease, we just have one problem – making a habit of it. We’re too busy. We’re too lazy. We forget. Six months later, we’re back in the hygienist’s chair being told we still have gingivitis. How do we overcome this obstacle and turn flossing into a daily habit?

Here are three tips to help you get started:

1. Set a visual reminder.

   Put your spool of floss on your nightstand. Next to your toothbrush. In the lunch bag you take to work. Heck, put it in the shower! Stick a red post-it note on your mirror. Seeing the floss or any type of visual cue will jolt a reminder for you.

2. Multitask.

   Among your busy work hours, your many social events, and your frequent travels… who has time to floss, right? Surely, you are doing something hands-free throughout your day however. Watching TV? Lying in bed? Stuck in terrible traffic? Multitask!

3. Attach the habit to an existing one.

   Convince yourself that you will absolutely not brush your teeth without flossing. They are not two activities, they are one. Eventually you will link the habits together and it will feel lacking to do one without the other.

Remember – it takes about three weeks to develop any habit so take the first step in this commitment and you will surely find the road towards becoming a habitual flosser with healthy gums.

5 Things You Should Know About Fluoride & Your Child’s Teeth

By  Dr. Carol Onyango, DMD, MPH

1. What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a compound that contains the natural element known as fluorine. Routinely using small amounts of fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that in places with community water fluoridation, decay rates have reduced by over 50 per cent and children grow up with fewer cavities. Where fluoride is not available in the community water, the use of toothpaste, mouth rinses and professionally applied gels and varnishes containing fluoride as the active ingredient is highly recommended to help reduce tooth decay.

Dr. Carol Onyango, DMD, MPH 
Specialist Pediatric Dentis

2. How does fluoride prevent cavities?

When sugar is broken down, it forms an acid which attacks and weakens the tooth enamel by causing the loss of minerals and creating cavities. Fluoride helps prevent this loss of minerals and encourages strengthening of the enamel in areas where cavities are just beginning to develop. Fluoride also affects the bacteria that help in causing the acid attacks on the teeth. When the use of fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene, the risk for decay is reduced even further.

3. Is fluoride safe?

There is confirmation from clinical studies that fluoride use in the appropriate quantities for the prevention and control of tooth decay is both safe and highly effective. However, products containing fluoride should be stored out of reach of young children.

4. What happens if my child swallows fluoridated toothpaste while brushing?

To avoid ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride, always monitor children to make sure that they are using the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste for their age. This should be a smear amount for children less than three years of age and a pea-size amount for children aged 3-8 twice daily.

5. My child’s dentist suggests fluoride varnish? What is it for?

Topical fluoride is used and applied by a dental professional to prevent tooth decay. It comes in the form of gels, foams and varnish. Gels or foams are placed in trays and held against the teeth for up to 4 minutes while fluoride varnish is “painted” on teeth.

Image: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Comparison of a smear (left) with a pea-sized (right) amount

World Oral Health Day 2016

It’s never too early or too late to start looking after your oral health. 

Sunday 20 March is World Oral Health Day. 

#WOHD16 #ItAllStartsHere

What Are the Potential Causes of Toothaches?

By Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi, Clinical Head at Dr, Michael's Dental Clinic

There are many causes for toothaches. Carries could be primary, where the tooth has never been filled before (new decay) or it could be secondary, where it occurs below the fillings. It could also be caused by fractures or cracks of the teeth (patients who are grinding). Pain could also come from an impacted tooth. There are some case where the pain does not come from the tooth itself but from the gums around the tooth. Sometimes even nerve pain can manifest itself as toothache. That's why the dental checkups and visits are very important.

What You Need to Know About White Spots and Braces

Written by: Dr. Argiro Kechagia, Specialist Orthodontist

A very common problem that can occur while a patient has braces is the formation of white spots during treatment and it is always a bit disappointing to find that your teeth are marked with chalky white patches after your braces are removed.

But why?

Many believe that braces can cause these spots to appear, but in reality they are the result of plaque build-up just like any other form of tooth decay. These chalky patches, or dental decalcification, affect 24% of all teenagers without braces. That number jumps up to 50% in teenagers with braces. Although braces are not directly responsible for causing these white spots to form on your teeth, they can complicate the process of plaque removal. The white, chalky marks on the teeth appear when acids created by the plaque, remove minerals from the tooth surface and change the way it reflects light. Decalcification, most commonly affects the region between the gums and the brackets where plaque is most difficult to remove. So, braces do not cause white spots, bad oral hygiene does!

Can I prevent it?

Of course you can; and it is very simple, brush your teeth. Keep the plaque to a minimum. When you brush, be sure to focus on the areas that are obstructed by your brackets and wires, place the bristles of your brush underneath the wire. Finally, try to avoid having sodas and other foods that are high in sugar and acid, as these build plaque fast.

What if I have them already? Can I make them disappear?

1. The first step is to improve your oral hygiene with meticulous brushing in order to give some time (around 6 months) to the enamel to re-mineralize the affected tooth surfaces. All white spots improve some with time and minor ones may disappear altogether.
2. After 6 months our dentist can give you low concentration fluoride rinses and remineralization pastes that can be used in order to improve further the appearance of white spots.
3. Alternatively, bleaching, as it lightens the enamel, can make white spots to blend in better and actually improve as the effects of the bleaching wear off.
4. A newer technique, known as “caries infiltration,” involves injecting a liquid tooth-colored resin, which has optical properties closer to natural enamel, beneath the surface enamel in the area of the white spot. This makes the spot less opaque and more translucent like normal enamel.
5. For more severe problems, your dentist may perform microabrasion (removing superficial white spots), cosmetic bonding (replacing damaged enamel), or place porcelain veneers (covering badly damaged surfaces).

 Always remember that the best treatment is prevention.

5 Most Common Questions on Brushing Kid's Teeth

Written by Dr. Carol Onyango, Specialist Pediatric Dentist

Moms and dads, here are five things you need to know about brushing your little one’s teeth.

1. When should I start brushing my child's teeth?

You should start brushing your child's teeth when the first baby tooth erupts (grows in the mouth).

2. What's the right way to brush my child's teeth?

The best way to brush your child's teeth is in a circular motion with a soft toothbrush of age-appropriate size. All surfaces of all teeth should be brushed to help dislodge food and reduce bacteria plaque levels.

3. How much toothpaste should my child use? Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride in the right amount is safe and effective in preventing and controlling tooth decay; and fluoride toothpaste is recommended twice daily.

A smear amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used for children under age 3, while children 3-8 years old should use a pea-sized amount.

4. When can my child start brushing on his/her own?

Your child can start brushing their own teeth when they can hold a brush well. However, this does not mean that they will brush well and there is no specific age when a child will do this. Supervision and assistance is needed for all children and can in some instances, continue into adolescence.

5. What can I do if my child refuse to brush his/her teeth?

Many young children will give parents a hard time with brushing but it's important to persevere through the process because a healthy mouth is much better than the consequences of tooth decay and gum disease. While visiting your pediatric dentist, they can demonstrate how this can be done to make the process quicker while still efficient.

Dr. Michael's Blog: Top 100 Dental Blogs in the World

23rd February 2016, Dubai, UAE: Great news! Anuj Agarwal, Founder of Feedspot, has announced that Dr. Michael’s Dental Blog & Beyond ranks #6 out of all the dental blogs in the world!

“After extensive research, our editorial team has come up with 100 of the best, most valuable, informative and up-to-date blogs exploring the latest news and issues of the heart of dentistry and oral health including opinion, comments, facts, tips and information from leading dental experts in the world,” Anuj wrote.

“I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of top Dental blogs on the internet and I’m honoured to have you as part of this!!”

“We are more than thrilled that all our hard work paid off. Our team started the blog in February 2012 and has written 224 articles up to this date,”said Dr. Michael Formenius.

“The goal was to be the best and most consistent source of everything dental in the entire region. Our team wrote day in and day out covering every dental topic imaginable. We have a great team at Dr. Michael’s. Congratulations, everyone!”

One thing is for sure, we won’t be parking our pens (or our computers) anytime soon.

Thank you, Feedspot!

Dubai Prosthodontist Shares Expert Tips on Maintaining Dental Implants

Meticulous home care and oral hygiene are considered the key to the long-term success of dental implants.

7^th January 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU (France), Specialist Prosthodontist at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic offers expert maintenance tips for patients with dental implants.

As a Prosthodontist, Dr. Omar is an expert in restoration and replacement of teeth. His advanced training allows him to have a special understanding of the dynamics and preservation of healthy teeth and making sure smiles look beautiful and function the way they should.

“Dental implants are safe and effective solutions to replace missing teeth, they restore function, aesthetic and self-esteem. Implants are very durable and can last many years, with good care, many implants last a lifetime.”

“Meticulous home care and oral hygiene are considered the key to the long-term success of dental implants. Although decay can’t occur in implants, inadequate oral hygiene can lead to infectious disease that causes inflammation in the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant, loss of the supporting bone and failure of the dental implant. The risk factors include smoking, history of periodontal disease, diabetes (uncontrolled), compromised oral hygiene and parafunctional habits (bruxism).”

“If you notice gum bleeding when brushing, redness and/or tenderness on the gum surrounding the implant, contact your dentist immediately.”

Dr. Omar lists down ways on how patients can take care of their dental implants.

• Brush 2-3 times daily with low abrasive dentifrice. 
• If your implants are restored with removable dentures, remove the dentures; clean them with adapted toothbrush and liquid soap at least twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day. Implants are more likely to cause food impaction due to their shape. Use the dental floss thoroughly in all directions.
• If your implants are restored with a bridge, make sure to floss underneath the bridge; different types of floss are specially designed for efficient cleaning of bridges.
•  When recommended by your dentist, use interdental brush, rubber tip, mouthwash and/or water irrigation unit.
•  Regular dental check up every 6 months: early detection is essential for effective treatment of peri-implant diseases.
• Visit your dental hygienist regularly, at least 3 times a year. Your hygienist will use special instruments to clean dental implants. 
• Do not smoke.
• Wear your night guard if recommended by your dentist. Some studies consider grinding and clenching as a risk factor for implants failure.

To make an appointment with Dr. Omar Aldaoudi, please call Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Umm Suqeim at 04-3949433. You can also visit www.drmichaels.com.

About Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU
Dr. Omar Aldaoudi received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 2003. He then completed advanced specializations and earned his certificate in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics from the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France in 2007. Dr. Omar comes to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with vast experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, esthetic, functional and prosthetic rehabilitation. Dr. Omar speaks English, Arabic and French.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Founded in 1997, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic represents the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multispecialty dentistry in Dubai, UAE. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around the UAE.

ENDS

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078 

Regular Dental Checkups for Kids 6-8 Years Old

Written by: Dr. Chantal Kengo, Specialist Pedodontist

In the health sector, the well-proven rule is, it is better to prevent than cure, and this of course, is just as relevant when it comes to oral health.

So for all of us, and particularly children, regular dental checkups are the key to healthy teeth.

As a matter of fact, children aged 6 to 8 undergo an important change in terms of mouth development and teeth growth. They move from having baby teeth to having a mix of baby and adult teeth. And these adult teeth will then stay in the child’s mouth forever.

This major mouth transformation of the child will most of the time create position problems and cavities for which professional attention will be needed.

The major changes

• The child will replace his 8 front teeth; the 4 upper and the 4 lower baby incisors with permanent incisors.
• The child will also undergo the growth of 4 molars behind his baby molars (2 up and 2 down). These teeth are called: the 6-year-old molars. Molars are the teeth located at the back of the mouth.

Dr. Chantal Kengo, Pediatric Dentist

Why Regular Checkups?

Regular checkups should take place every 6 months and during this key childhood period, they will allow the Pediatric Dentist:

1. To prevent wrong bites (malocclusions)
   Indeed, the 8 new permanent incisors are much larger than the baby ones. That will create a lot of position problems as these new teeth won’t have enough space for all of them to fit properly.
   The Pediatric Dentist will therefore intercept these wrong positions in order to prevent malocclusions.
2. To prevent cavities
   The 6-year-old molars arrive silently and without pain, as they don’t replace any teeth. They are very prone to damage and as a matter of fact, children may not include these teeth (the teeth are too far back) in their brushing routine if they are not taught to do so.

A visit to the Pediatric Dentist will make the child and his parents aware of the new teeth and teach them how to effectively clean and brush them. The Pediatric Dentist will eventually apply sealants and fluoride on these new teeth for protection.

Life After Orthodontics: Do I Really Need Retainers?

Written by Dr. Argiro Kechagia

So you’re finally nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment. How can you make sure you can keep and maintain your brand new smile?

Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Argiro Kechagia talks about the six most commonly asked about dental retainers. What are they for and do you really need them? Find out today!

1. What are orthodontic retainers for? 
The retainers are a part of the last phase of orthodontic treatment and are very important since they are responsible in maintaining and holding the alignment of the teeth, and the improvement of the bite after the completion of active orthodontic treatment.  

Teeth that have moved orthodontically have an inherent tendency to return to their original malocclusion positions.

The need of retention is very important to maintain the stability of the occlusion achieved by the orthodontist and the patient, and the retainers are doing exactly this.

2. Are there different kinds of retainers? 
There are two different kind of retainers and they are both frequently used:

Fixed retainers 
Fixed retainers are usually wires bonded to the back surfaces of lower anterior teeth for aesthetic and prolonged retention. These may be fabricated directly in the mouth or indirectly from an accurate stone model.

Removable retainers 
 Retainers that are made from stainless steel wire and acrylic (Hawley and WrapAround retainers)  Clear vacuum formed retainers. These retainers are comfortable and aesthetic because of their invisible appearance.

Dr. Argiro Kechagia
Specialist Orthodontist at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic

3. How often and how long do I have to wear them?
It is recommended that all the patients have retention maintenance for at least 1 year. Most of the orthodontists use a removable retainer for the upper arch, as most of the relapse occurs in the first 6 months following braces removal, the maxillary retainer is worn full time for the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, the patient can go to night wear only and gradually reduce this if there is no pressure areas when seating the retainer. The lower retainer is usually a fixed retainer, which it should be left in place for a longer period even a lifetime.

Always remember that the answer to the question of long-term stability is long-term retention.  

4. How do I know when I need new ones? 
With fixed retention, if you feel that the glue has come off on one or more teeth and that your bonded retainer has become loose, go and see your orthodontist as soon as possible.

The removable retainers will need replacement when:
 you wear through the plastic
 part/s of wires or acrylic break off
 they became very loose and your orthodontist is unable to tight them up again
 they just get very dirty like anything else that you wear everyday
 the position of your teeth changes enough that your retainer does not fit properly

In general, if your retainer doesn’t look or fit like it used to, it is time for an adjustment, repair, or replacement. Don’t delay and pay your orthodontist a visit right away.

5. How do I effectively clean my retainers? 
Fixed retention can make cleaning in between teeth more challenging. However, with good flossing procedures and regular hygienist appointments, the fixed retainers can be kept in place until adulthood or indefinitely if necessary.

With removable retainers, both types should be cleaned as follows:
 You can brush your removable retainers with a toothbrush (not the one that you are using to brush your teeth) with either liquid soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Just remember to rinse them well.
 Once a week, soak the retainers in denture cleaning solution. Dissolve the tablet and put the retainer in the solution for 10 minutes to 20 minutes maximum. Please only use cold water to soak your retainer.

6. Does my orthodontist still need to check my retainers regularly?
Regardless of the type of orthodontic retainer you have, you should always continue to arrange regularly check-ups with your orthodontist for at least 2 years post treatment.

Dr. Argiro has extensive training and experience in treating children, teens and adults using the latest techniques in orthodontics including lingual braces, invisible braces, the Damon system and mini implants. She is a certified provider of Invisalign, Eon and Incognito braces. She is also trained to manage patients with cleft lip and palate along with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

To book a consultation with Dr. Argiro, please give us a call at 04-3949433 today.