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Why You Shouldn’t Be Eating Popcorn with Braces | Kenilworth Dentist

It’s a staple to every movie night. During the holidays, they’re shaped into a ball with things like caramel or marshmallow. It’s delicious and somewhat healthy, depending on the way you consume it. Yes, I’m talking about popcorn. Those tiny kernels of goodness are a favorite during the autumn season, but there is a sector of human that can’t enjoy this fluffy treat – people with braces.

Yes, for our patients receiving orthodontic care, there is a list of foods that aren’t going to be best during this time. But there is a reason popcorn isn’t good for our patients with braces – the corn hull. Popped corn hulls are the leftover parts of corn seeds, which get hard and stay in popcorn kernels after the popcorn is popped. These hulls can easily become trapped in between your braces and your teeth, and very difficult to remove.

Hard or crunchy foods are off limits during this time has a double component you need to watch out for. Damaging your braces is easy when the foods you eat are hard. Not only can you bend the wires, but you can snap off the brackets, which means an additional trip to the orthodontist. And when food gets stuck in between your braces, it can cause tooth decay and cavities. Dental hygiene is imperative with braces.

The good news is that there are lots of delicious snacks you can enjoy while your teeth get straightened out. And they are arguably much more fun to eat:

  • soft baked cookies, muffins, and baked goods
  • baked (not fried) potato chips
  • soft crackers
  • cheese slices
  • baked kale or carrot chips
  • veggie sticks
  • yogurt
  • strawberry, pear, banana, or other soft fruit slices
  • hard-boiled eggs
  • soft pretzels
  • soft chocolate

For more information regarding snacks with braces, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

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Don’t Do Dental Procedures on Yourself | Kenilworth Dentist

There is a difference between homemade and professionally done. Sure, there is something special about doing things on your own, but there are some things best left to the professionals. One example? Our health.

A popular trend that has slipped its way into our culture is DIY dentistry, but it has progressed further than the old “tying a loose tooth to a door with string” procedures. No, now patients are forgoing their dentist and trying to straighten their teeth. The patient takes their own molds or goes to a local facility to have scans taken by non-dental personnel, who then produce clear aligners for their teeth.

Although it may seem like going to the dentist is a thing of the past, take a minute to really think about what is actually going on – it may not be what you think…

Because you do not consult a dentist, you may be causing more damage because you are unaware of how teeth move. Moving teeth is a slow process and should never be rushed. If moved too quickly, your teeth’s roots may not be able to support biting pressure, in addition to loosened teeth, joint problems and headaches. And though your teeth straighten, if pushed outside of the bone, the result can be extensive gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

It seems to be too good to be true because it is. Your smile is important and should be taken seriously. Seek competent help and guidance from a well-trained dentist or orthodontics. It may seem like a shortcut but may end up being more costly than the immediate benefits.

For more information regarding DIY dental work, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

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ClearCorrect: The Clear Alternative | Kenilworth Dentist

When we have a nice smile, it is easy to show it off to everyone we meet. But for those of us that have a less than stellar smile, we need to pursue other ways to achieve it. When it comes to orthodontics, we have a couple of options, depending on the condition of our issues – traditional braces and invisible braces. Crooked teeth won’t stand a chance. Braces are ideal to fix this dental issue. Unfortunately, as we age, the less we want to improve our smile with traditional braces. The alternative to metal braces with no brackets and no wires. The answer is ClearCorrect invisible braces.

With ClearCorrect, your dentist or orthodontist can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, customized removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. What goes into this discreet transformation? Take a look…

First, your dentist will take impressions, photos and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses to create your custom aligners. These are sent to ClearCorrect, along with a prescription for your new custom aligners. A 3D model of your teeth will then be created so you and your dentist are able to see the projected results of treatment. When you are satisfied with the projected results, ClearCorrect will begin manufacturing your custom aligners.

You will wear the aligners at all times, except when eating, drinking and brushing/flossing. The ClearCorrect aligners are barely noticeable and won’t interfere with daily life. Your teeth will slowly adjust and align with each new aligner you receive, and eventually you will have the straight beautiful smile you have always dreamed of.

For more information regarding ClearCorrect aligners, contact Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Freund and Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

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Food Changes to Expect with Braces | Kenilworth Dentist

When you get traditional braces, there are a lot of changes that comes with it. Not only are there lots of metal and wiring in your mouth to get used to, but there are also lots of lifestyle changes that will take place while your teeth are straightening out. One of these changes is your new diet.

Because brackets are attached to your teeth using a basic dental cement, eating foods that are extra hard or sticky can cause the brackets to pop off, which will mean an unexpected dental visit for repair and delaying your treatment. Even though our braces and wires are metal, and we consider metal to be very strong, they are fragile and are usually damaged by eating the wrong foods. Not only that, but food that cannot be cleaned off braces with a simple brushing and flossing may lead to discoloration and decay of your teeth. We are trying to get a straight smile – why ruin it with discoloration and decay from lack of care? To keep you on track of your new dietary restrictions, keep this general list of things to avoid while correcting the flaws:

  • Absolutely no gum, sugarless or otherwise
  • Chewy foods like bagels, hard rolls and licorice
  • Crunchy foods, such as popcorn, ice and chips
  • Sticky foods, including caramels, taffy and gum
  • Hard foods like nuts are healthy but can break your teeth like hard candy
  • Crispy foods you bite into, like corn on the cob, apples or carrots
  • Also avoid biting into non-food items, such as nail-biting and pencil-chewing habits

So, as you can see, there will be some definite changes, but you’re getting a prettier smile – it’s just a temporary inconvenience to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

For more information regarding eating with braces, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.