Blog Archives - Page 5 of 15 - Vinson Orthodontics - Braces and Invisalign For All Ages in Wake Forest and Clayton, NC

How to Survive Thanksgiving with Braces

If you’re a fan of food like we are (and really, who isn’t?), then Thanksgiving just might be one of your favorite holidays. Not only do you get to spend time with the ones you love, but you can also eat all the foods you might not get to eat as often. So how do you enjoy the same joys of Thanksgiving while wearing your braces? To help you navigate the serving tables at your Thanksgiving gatherings this year, we at Vinson Orthodontics have a few tips for getting through all three courses. Starters & Appetizers Typically, while you’re waiting for guests to arrive or dinner to start, appetizers are brought out to keep you satisfied until the entrees were ready. While many common appetizers may not be good to consume with braces on, there are still quite a few options still open to you. To make it even easier, we’ve created two short lists to follow: Appetizer Do’s: cheese chunks or slices, salami or pepperoni slices, soft dips with bread, meatballs or cocktail weenies in sauce. Appetizer Don’ts: crunchy raw vegetables, chips, popcorn and nuts.

November 15, 2018 No Comments

Are You Over-Brushing Your Braces?

Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight people has this same problem with tooth sensitivity. So what’s the cause? Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity such as this doesn’t have anything to do with cavities or even braces, the most common cause is brushing with too much force. The Effects of Brushing Too Hard Before, during and after undergoing orthodontic treatment, the concept of brushing your teeth regularly was drilled into your brain as the best way to maintain good oral health and hygiene. While some take this advice and brush as recommended (every morning, every night and shortly after each meal), some people translate this to mean that they should be brushing more aggressively. This is NOT the case. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can wear down the protective layers that make up the tooth enamel. Additionally, it can push the gums back further – exposing the dentin layer under the enamel even more. This dentin layer leaves the teeth vulnerable to the nerves underneath that cause pain and discomfort when exposed to hot, cold and

December 3, 2018 No Comments

The Impact of Smoking on Your Oral Health

When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health. In most cases, lung cancer is often the disease of choice that is a result of smoking. However, the damaging effects of smoking don’t stop there. Do you know the negative effects smoking can have on your oral health as well? Stained teeth and bad breath are just the beginning. At Vinson Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand the true cost of smoking as it relates to your teeth, gums and oral health. Gum Disease It starts with inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to serious damage of the gum tissue, tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. Serious infections can also happen if the bacteria from any of the above mentioned gets into the bloodstream. It is important to note that gum disease in those who smoke can be harder to treat. Smoking doubles the risk of developing gum disease due to the overwhelming number of toxins it introduces into the mouth.

December 17, 2018 No Comments

New Year, New Me

At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me.” But what exactly does that mean? At Vinson Orthodontics, we say “New year, new smile, better hygiene.” To help you start the new year with a great smile and better oral health, we’ve come up with a list of essentials you will need to achieve this new year’s resolution. Floss Simply brushing your teeth does not always get to the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, fight bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease and improve your appearance. Make sure floss is part of your at-home dental care routine in the new year to maintain your bright smile.

January 1, 2019 No Comments

5 Ways to Eat Your Way To A Healthy Smile

All of us here at Vinson Orthodontics have heard the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Taking this to heart can make our teeth stronger and brighter if we eat the right foods to support that healthy smile.

January 15, 2019 No Comments

Is Juicing Bad for Your Teeth?

At the start of every new year, most of us begin to reevaluate our waistlines and opt for a healthier lifestyle. With the growing popularity of juicing in recent years, more of our patients have been turning to this diet as a means of increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. While blending veggies, fruits, and other nutrients together can be very beneficial for overall health, do you really know the effects on your oral health? The Effects of Juicing on the Teeth When you consume a fruit and vegetable drink, you’re exposing your teeth to the acids that come from these foods as well. Over time, these acids can cause staining and erosion damage to your teeth. Many people notice that their teeth feel sticky or rough after juicing for more than a couple of days. Thankfully, Dr. Britt Vinson at Vinson Orthodontics has a few easy tips to help maintain great oral health while drinking yourself to a better you.

February 1, 2019 No Comments

Could Your Diabetes Effect Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Although diabetes has become a fairly common disease in most recent years, it is still very serious and should be managed properly to avoid damaging effects to the body. These damaging effects include threats to your oral that can greatly influence your orthodontic treatment. Diabetes and Gum Disease The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease is closer than most people think. Did you know that those with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease? For this reason, it is important for people with diabetes to understand its effects and practice good oral hygiene before, during and after orthodontic treatment.

February 15, 2019 No Comments

Announcing Our “My Teacher Rocks” Contest!

Have a scholastic superlative to give out? An exceptional educator in your life worth acknowledging? Tell us why your favorite teacher rocks and YOU BOTH could win cash money! Between February 19th and April 30th, we’re inviting our patients to leave an entry on our “My Teacher Rocks” Contest page explaining why your favorite teacher rocks. All entries will be placed in a random drawing. If your name is drawn, you’ll win $50 cash, and your nominee wins $100 cash. Vinson Orthodontics will be drawing SIX winning names… that’s six chances to win big! This is one of our most popular contests, so don’t delay. Share some kind words about a teacher that’s made a difference in your life for the chance to win cash! Good luck to all who enter, and a HUGE thank you to our area teachers for all you do each and every day!

February 19, 2019 No Comments

What is the Value of Orthodontic Treatment?

Did you know that orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states, “The goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile and a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw and look great.” A straighter smile isn’t only good for aesthetics, it can also make it easier for you to bite, chew and even speak. Cost vs. Value Compared to the drastic increase in the price of a house or car in the last 20 years, you will get more value with orthodontic treatment as it typically lasts longer than most people keep a car or even the same house. With proper oral hygiene, the beautiful new smile you achieve with Dr. Britt Vinson at Vinson Orthodontics can last a lifetime at an unbelievable value.

March 4, 2019 No Comments

Your Favorite Late Night Snack Could Lead to Tooth Loss

It’s 11 pm and, while you should be in bed, you’re standing in front of the fridge trying to decide a snack of choice before calling it a night. You know this isn’t the best life choice for your waistline, but did you know that it’s also bad for your oral health – especially your braces. Your orthodontic treatment increases the potential to leave food behind on the teeth after eating. Late Night Snacking Can Lead to Tooth Loss A 2010 study in Denmark discovered a relationship between midnight snacking and tooth loss. Over a six-year period, a group of over 2,000 adults (8% labeled “nocturnal eaters”) were found to have significantly increased their chances of tooth loss from repeated midnight snacking.

March 15, 2019 No Comments