Uncategorized

A Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

February 25, 2021

Thanks in part to an increasing range of affordable treatment options, more adults than ever have been taking action to improve their oral health with orthodontics. Although the largest percentage of orthodontic patients are teenagers, we’re seeing children and adults close that gap every day! Here at Pioneer Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Lincoln, York, and the surrounding communities. If you’re feeling unhappy with how your teeth look, feel, or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier, more confident smile! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available to adults, keep reading below.

Why are more adults than ever choosing orthodontics?

Most of our adolescent patients are undergoing orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Cserna. Younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment and tend to be thrilled with the final results! However, the truth is that adults will often have a firmer grasp on the benefits of a healthier smile.

Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways that good oral health can positively impact our total body health. This leads many of them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will help them keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape! As an adult patient, you’ll be able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.

Improving your oral health with orthodontics

Of course, orthodontic treatment is incredibly effective at straightening teeth, but the benefits don’t stop there! Misaligned or uneven teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and damage to the teeth themselves.

Orthodontic treatment will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Not only that, but braces and aligners can protect you from serious oral health problems in the future! This can mean significant financial savings, which is something that tends to be appreciated by adult patients who are on a budget.

Treatment that fits your budget

There has never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient than now! Achieving a confident smile is more affordable than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative treatment options. Pioneer Orthodontics offers flexible payment options to suit every budget, including interest-free installment plans. Multiple family discounts may also apply.

For your convenience, we accept most credit and debit cards. We can even set monthly auto payments up from your bank! If you have a Flexible or Health Savings Account or insurance coverage, we’ll be sure to take this into account as well. We’ll even help you file any claims if you intend on using insurance to cover your treatment. And don’t worry— we’ll ensure you understand every fee included in your treatment plan before we move forward with fitting you for braces or aligners.

Treatment options for every lifestyle

Not so long ago, there weren’t many choices for anyone looking to improve their smile. Today we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options for patients of all ages.

Invisalign

Neither brackets nor wires are required to move the teeth with this innovative system! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to help patients achieve a healthier smile. These customized aligners are completely removable and remarkably comfortable, offering patients an extra measure of freedom and flexibility they love.

Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign—the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the entire orthodontic process. They’re also designed to be replaced with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. When worn as instructed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most frequently used orthodontic appliance for a reason—they have a proven track record of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. Though they’ve been around for a long time now, braces have undergone many major makeovers in recent years. They’re far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than previous designs were! Metal braces are one of our most cost-efficient options and can be particularly useful in addressing cases that are complex or severe.

Clear braces

Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of clear, low-profile brackets. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored bands, they’re an incredibly subtle way to straighten teeth! Because they’re far less visible than their metal counterparts, clear braces are popular with teens and adults who are more image-conscious. Ceramic brackets tend to be slightly larger and a bit more brittle than the metal ones, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.

Get the smile you deserve with Pioneer Orthodontics

If you’ve been waiting a lifetime to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is cookie-cutter treatment. Every treatment option will have its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for every patient. Our team creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, building a plan that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Cserna guarantees you’ll receive only the best and most fitting treatment for your unique smile!

Our goal is to give you a rewarding and stress-free experience, from your first visit to your last. We want you to feel right at home from the moment you walk through our door and work hard to provide patients with a warm and welcoming environment.

Are you ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our offices in Lincoln or York!

How to Properly Store Your Toothbrush

January 24, 2017

Leave a reply

Have you ever thought about how you’re cleaning and storing your toothbrush when you’re not using it? Did you know that the way you store your toothbrush could have an affect on your oral health? In this post, we’ll look at some steps you can take to maximize toothbrush cleanliness and minimize bacteria.

Below are some tips from Dr. Cserna for toothbrush use and storage:

Don’t share your toothbrush – This may seem obvious, but sharing a toothbrush exposes both users to bacteria and microorganisms from the other user, which can increase chances of infection. You should also avoid storing your toothbrush in the same container as other people’s toothbrushes.
Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use – Rinsing your toothbrush well under running water will help remove food particles, toothpaste, and other debris from the bristles of your brush.
Store your toothbrush in an open-air container not a sealed one – Putting a wet toothbrush in a sealed container creates a favorable environment for microorganisms and bacteria.
Soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash after use – There is some evidence to suggest that soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial solution may reduce the amount of bacteria present on the toothbrush.
Change your toothbrush every three months – The bristles of your toothbrush become less effective and frayed after repeated use so it’s a good idea to replace it on a regular basis. It’s also wise to replace it after you’ve been sick.

There are many simple things you can do to make your oral-care regimen as clean as possible. Use common sense when storing your toothbrush—don’t put it in a dirty place like the edge of your sink or in the shower (please, not by the toilet!), and keep it upright in a cool dry place—and you’re usually good to go. If your toothbrush is looking a little worse for wear, drop by our Lincoln or York, NE office and we’ll be glad to provide you with a new one!

Which type of mouthwash is best?

January 17, 2017

Leave a reply

Taking care of your oral health involves a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing to prevent tooth decay and bacterial infections. Though you may have asked us which toothbrush to use, few patients at Annette Cserna, D.D.S., P.C. ask about mouthwash.

However, different mouthwashes you might choose will have varying effects on your oral health. So which type is best for you?

Gum Health

Antiseptic mouthwashes are designed to reduce the majority of bacteria on and near the gum line. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help decrease your chances of developing gingivitis. If possible, look for a mouthwash with antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredients.

Fluoride

Fluoride is beneficial for oral health and can help prevent tooth decay. If you drink a lot of bottled water without fluoride, we may recommend that you purchase a rinse with fluoride in it.

Bad Breath

Although mouthwash is designed to prevent bacterial build-up within the mouth, many people use it to combat bad breath. Most mouthwashes will help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath, and some are specifically designed to do so.

However, if bad breath is a chronic problem that requires daily treatment with a mouth rinse, contact Annette Cserna, D.D.S., P.C. to discuss your symptoms.

American Dental Association Approval

The ADA reviews mouth rinses for safety and effectiveness. A mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Approval will meet strict criteria, and will have scientific evidence or clinical studies that support the claims of the manufacturer. If possible, select a mouthwash that bears the ADA Seal of Approval to ensure you are using a quality rinse.

Considerations

If you are unsure as to which mouthwash is right for you, contact our Lincoln or York, NE office or ask Dr. Cserna during your next visit. Also, be sure to keep mouthwash out of the reach of children, as it contains alcohol and other substances that could be harmful to them. Avoid letting children under age six use a mouth rinse, and discontinue use if you experience a burning sensation in the soft tissues of your mouth.

TOP FIVE BEST FOODS FOR ORAL HEALTH

January 10, 2017

Leave a reply

Some foods are just terrible for your teeth — think cookies and candy bars — but there are certain foods that are beneficial to your oral health. Below, Dr. Cserna and our team have covered five of the top foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

1. Crispy, low-acid fruits and vegetables: Fruits like apples and vegetables such as carrots and celery act like “natural toothbrushes,” helping to clear plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath.

2. Kiwis: These little green superstars are packed with vitamin C which is essential for gum health. The collagen in your gums is strengthened when you consume foods that are high in vitamin C, like kiwis, thus helping to prevent periodontal problems.

3. Raw onions: Onions have long been studied for their antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Proliferation of bacteria is what leads to tooth decay and cavities. By including raw onions in your diet, you’ll be doing your part to wipe out those little microbes before they can multiply!

4. Shiitake Mushrooms: A specific compound in shiitake mushrooms, lentinan, has been shown to have antibacterial properties that target the microbes that cause cavities while leaving other beneficial bacteria alone. It may also help prevent gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums.

5. Green Tea: Often lauded for its high antioxidant content and many health benefits, it turns out green tea also benefits your oral health! A Japanese study found men who drank green tea on a regular basis had a lower occurrence of periodontal disease compared to men who drank green tea infrequently. It’s believed this is due to the catechins in green tea, a type of flavonoid that may help protect you from free radical damage, but more research needs to be done. Either way, drink up for your overall health, as well as your teeth!

If you have any questions about your oral health, or are looking for even more oral health tips, contact our Lincoln or York, NE office!