We’ve probably all seen that unhappy kid or frazzled parent sifting through trash for a lost retainer. If we’re really unlucky, we might have been that unhappy kid or frazzled parent sifting through the unpleasant remains of third period lunch hour. But getting tossed isn’t the only risk these appliances face. Read on for ways to keep your retainer (and your parent!) happy.

• Keep Your Retainer With You

Always carry a retainer case. If you automatically put your retainer in its case when you’re eating, you are much more likely to remember it then if it has been wrapped up in a napkin on your lunch tray. And, if the worst happens, much more likely to recover it in one piece.

Choose the brightest colored case you can live with, so you will have an easier time locating it if need be, and discuss how to label the case to get it back safely to you--just in case.

• Keep Your Retainer Intact

You might think if you put your retainer in your backpack, or purse, or saxophone case, or athletic bag, it will be safe. It will not. Retainers are designed to be tough enough for everyday wear, but being tossed on the floor while inside a backpack is not everyday wear. Always put your retainer back in its (brightly colored) case before packing it away.

Retainers can warp if they are exposed to heat, so keep them away from potential heat sources like stoves, microwaves, and washers and dryers. Even your car dashboard can become hot enough to warp your retainer. And never use boiling water to clean them.

Finally, your dog might find your retainer to be the #bestchewtoyever, so be sure to put it in a spot pets can’t reach when you’re not wearing it.

• Keep Your Retainer Clean

Just like plaque can build up on your teeth, minerals and calcium can build up on your retainer. Different types of retainers require different cleaning methods, so talk to Drs. Cartsos and Zavras about how to keep your retainer clean and bacteria-free. We will be happy to give you instructions on the best way to take care of your particular appliance. And don’t forget to clean your case regularly!

Accidents will happen, of course. If your retainer is lost or damaged, call our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office as soon as possible. We might be able to fix minor damage, and, if needed, we can replace a lost retainer quickly.

Your time in braces is over, but your teeth are still stabilizing in their new, healthy positions. Wearing your retainer regularly is the final step in producing the beautiful smile you’ve worked so hard for. Keep your retainer clean, keep it safe, and keep it with you, and you can enjoy that smile now and for years to come!

Convertible or sedan? Downtown or suburbs? Electric or manual toothbrush? As life decisions go, it’s certainly not choosing your next car, or deciding where you want to live. But, even when you are selecting a toothbrush, it helps to make a list of the pros and cons of the contenders before you make that final selection.

• Efficiency

The most important factor in choosing a toothbrush is finding out which model works best to eliminate bacteria and plaque. And studies have shown that, used properly, both electric and manual toothbrushes do a great job of removing plaque. Some electric models can reach the backs of teeth and the gumline more easily, some manual head designs work better for your individual mouth and teeth, so your particular needs should dictate which style of toothbrush you use. Talk to us about the best methods to brush with your preferred toothbrush, and we’ll let you know if one type of toothbrush or the other might work better for you.

• Health Considerations

Brushing too energetically can actually harm teeth and gums, causing sensitivity and damage to the enamel and gum tissue. An electric toothbrush should provide a continuous brushing motion without needing any pressure from the brusher. This might be the model for you if you have a too-vigorous approach to brushing, or sensitive teeth and gums.

An electric toothbrush can also be more efficient for older and younger brushers, those with limited mobility, and those with health conditions or injuries that make brushing with a regular toothbrush more difficult.

• Cost

An electric toothbrush is not a one-time investment. You should change the removable head as often as you change your manual toothbrush (every three to four months, please). But this cost is offset if an electric toothbrush is more efficient in removing your plaque, easier to use, or even if you just prefer it to manual brushing. If you find that you brush better and more often with an electric toothbrush, the added expense is well worth it.

Whichever brush you decide on, the most important part of the brush is the person holding it! A regular appointment with your toothbrush for two minutes of thorough brushing in the morning and two in the evening, daily flossing, and regular visits to our office for checkups and cleanings will keep your teeth healthy and strong no matter which toothbrush you choose.

Questions about your toothbrush choices? Don’t hesitate to ask Drs. Cartsos and Zavras at our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office.

Sucking is a common instinct for babies and the use of a pacifier or their thumb offers a sense of safety and security, as well a way to relax.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the majority of children will stop using a pacifier and stop sucking their thumb on their own between the ages of two and four years of age. Prolonged thumb sucking or use of a pacifier can have dental consequences and needs be taken care of sooner, rather than later.

Many dentists favor pacifier use over thumb sucking because it makes it easier for parents to control and even limit the use of a pacifier. If thumb sucking lingers, the same strategies used to break the baby from using the pacifier can be used for thumb sucking.

Precautions

• Try to find "orthodontically correct" pacifiers, as they may reduce the risk of dental problems.
• Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey to calm the baby.
• Give your baby a bottle of water at bedtime, never juice.

Dental Complications

Long term pacifier use can lead to an assortment of dental complications including:

• The bottom teeth leaning inward
• The top teeth slanting outward
• Misalignment of the baby’s jaw

The risk of any or all of these things happening is greatly increased if thumb sucking and pacifier use is sustained after the baby’s teeth start to come in.

Breaking the Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habit

Most toddlers and children will stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier between the ages of two and four on their own. However, if intervention is necessary here are a few tips to help your child break the habit:

• Slowly decreasing the use of a pacifier can be effective for many children. This method does not work very well with thumb sucking.
• Thumb sucking can be more difficult to break. Drs. Cartsos and Zavras may recommend using an over the counter cream that you put on the child’s thumb; it doesn’t taste good and usually does the trick.
• Rewards can also help with the process.
• If these simple commonly used strategies do not work, there are oral devices that will prevent a child from sucking their thumb or a pacifier.

Talk to Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our team, as we have many tricks up our sleeves that will be effective in breaking your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use.

Are you tired of restless nights and constant fatigue due to sleep apnea? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people suffer from this sleep disorder, but did you know that orthodontics might hold the key to a better night's sleep and improved breathing? Dr. Cartsos at Convivial Dental is here to help you discover how orthodontics can positively impact your life, addressing both sleep apnea and the growth of your face.

The Sleep Apnea Connection

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance; it's a serious medical condition that can have far-reaching effects on your health and quality of life. It occurs when your airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. These interruptions can be brief, but they can happen many times throughout the night, causing you to wake up frequently without even realizing it.

This constant interruption in your sleep cycle not only leaves you feeling groggy during the day but can also have long-term health consequences, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Fortunately, orthodontics can be a game-changer when it comes to alleviating sleep apnea.

The Orthodontic Solution

Dr. Cartsos and the team at Convivial Dental offer a range of orthodontic treatments to address sleep apnea. By adjusting your bite and allowing you lower jaw to posture forward, Dr. Cartsos can help in preventing the collapse of your airway and promoting better airflow. In severe sleep apnea cases, orthodontic treatment in combination of jaw surgery is the most effective method in improving airway flow and resolving sleep apnea in adults.

The Impact on Facial Growth

Orthodontics goes beyond just addressing sleep apnea; it also plays a crucial role in the development of your facial structure. When your airway is compromised due to issues like mouth breathing or a misaligned jaw, it can lead to improper facial growth. Children, in particular, are susceptible to these problems, as their facial bones are still developing. Early screening and detection, as soon as the age of 6-7 years, is key to diagnosing any airway obstruction. Early orthodontic intervention can expand narrow jaws to increase space for proper tongue position, and enhance volume space of the airway. This early orthodontic treatment can modify abnormal jaw growth patterns, therefore reducing significantly the development of sleep apnea in their adult years.

Dr. Cartsos can identify and address these issues early on with orthodontic treatments, such as fixed appliances, braces or aligners. By ensuring that your child's teeth and jaws are properly aligned, you can help them grow up with a well-balanced facial structure and better airway function.

The Convivial Dental Difference

At Convivial Dental, our approach to orthodontics is centered around your comfort, health, and overall well-being. Dr. Cartsos and our skilled team are dedicated to creating customized treatment plans that not only address sleep apnea but also encourage proper facial growth. We believe that a healthy smile and better sleep go hand in hand.

Call us today at 617-735-0800 or click below to schedule a free consultation - we can start virtually or in person - your choice!