All About Nail Biting

Q. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Phil Collins, LeBron James, Eva Mendes, Britney Spears, and Casey Affleck. What have these famous people had in common?

A. Nail biting.

Nail biting is one of the most common ‘nervous habits.’ It can be triggered by stress, excitement, boredom or inactivity. It can also be a learned behavior from family members. About half of all children between the ages of 10 and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another. Most people stop biting their nails by age 30. Here’s why nail biting is unhealthy:

• It’s unsanitary. Fingernails are home to bacteria and germs. Nails are almost twice as dirty as fingers. And swallowing dirty nails can lead to stomach problems.
• It wears teeth down, putting added stress on your front teeth that can lead to malocclusion.
• Braces hate nail biting. During orthodontic treatment, nail biting puts additional pressure on teeth and weakens roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over a lifetime.

Here’s how you can break the nail biting habit:

• Try to be conscious of your fingernails. Keep them looking good.
• Apply clear, bitter-tasting nail polish to the nails.
• Mouth guards can help prevent nail biting.
• Think about when and why you chew your nails. Understanding the triggers can help you find a solution and stop the habit.
• Some nail biters have found behavioral therapy an effective means to stop nail biting.

Besides Straight Teeth, What are the Benefits of Braces?

Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces can help deliver one. However, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the cosmetic ones.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between. These can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up, and eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, which allows for more effective brushing.

Difficulties with Speech
Your teeth play an essential role in speech. When they are out of line or lean too far forward or backward, this can affect your speaking patterns, and possibly cause embarrassment and frustration. Braces can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speech.

Bone Erosion
Bone and gum tissues begin to erode when there are no teeth to support. This is also true for poorly aligned teeth that leave gaps and spaces or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. With braces, the bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment.

Digestion
Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, however, they may not play their role in breaking down food as effectively as they should. With braces, your teeth will be straightened into optimal alignment for eating and chewing.

The History of Braces

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? We think of modern orthodontic appliances as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights in the evolution of braces.

Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome
• According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and Hippocrates first thought about methods for straightening teeth between 400 and 300 BC.
• The Etruscans, in what we now know as Italy, buried their dead with appliances that maintained spaces and prevented collapse of their teeth and jaws during life. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains in various locations that have metal bands wrapped around the teeth.
• A Roman tomb has also been discovered in which the teeth were bound with gold wire, including documentation on the wire’s use as a dental device.

18th Century: A French Development
• The French dentist Pierre Fauchard is acknowledged as the father of modern dentistry. In 1728 he published a book that described various methods for straightening teeth. Fauchard also used a device known as a “blandeau” to widen the upper palate.
• Louis Bourdet was another French dentist who published a book in 1754 that discussed tooth alignment. Bourdet further refined the blandeau and was the first dentist to extract bicuspids, or the premolar teeth between canines and molars, for the purpose of reducing tooth crowding.

19th Century: Orthodontics Defined
• Orthodontics started to become a separate dental specialty during the early 19th century. The first wire crib was used in 1819, marking the beginning of modern orthodontics.
• During this period, gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber, vulcanite, and occasionally wood, ivory, zinc, and copper were used — as was brass in the form of loops, hooks, spurs, and ligatures.
• Edward Maynard first used gum elastics in 1843 and E. J. Tucker began making rubber bands for braces in 1850.
• Norman W. Kingsley published the first paper on modern orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to recommend the use of force over timed intervals to straighten teeth.
20th Century: New Materials Abound
• Edward Angle developed the first classification systems for malocclusions (misaligned teeth) during the early 20th century in the United States, and it is still in use today. Angle founded the American Society of Orthodontia in 1901, which was renamed the American Association of Orthodontists in the 1930s.
• By the 1960s, gold was universally abandoned in favor of stainless steel.
• Lingual braces were the “invisible” braces of choice until the early 1980s, when tooth-colored aesthetic brackets made from single-crystal sapphire and ceramics became popular.

Today
As we arrive in the present, you need only look at your own braces to see how far we’ve come. Your treatment plan was probably created with a 3D digital model, and we’ve likely used a computerized process to customize your archwires. Perhaps you have clear aligners, self-ligating brackets, or highly resilient ceramic brackets with heat-activated wires.
Orthodontics has come a long way from the days of Aristotle, and even the bulky wrap-around braces of just 60 years ago. Regardless of your specific treatment plan, the development of high-tech materials and methods has made it possible for your orthodontic experience to be as effective, efficient, and comfortable as possible.

Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester - or while in that important business meeting, for which you've been preparing all week. However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth.  This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell.  Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath.  Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1:  Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix.  If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth.  When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds.  Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2:  I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds!  You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing.  It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out.  Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3:  If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word!  The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone.  When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH:  Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh!  Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date, or your meeting?  That’s up to you!!!

Nifty Eggs-periment

For most children, summer break is over, and the school year is in full swing! After they're done with their homework, you may be running out of ideas to keep them occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

    * 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
    * 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
    * 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
    * 1 plastic bowl
    * 1 toothbrush
    * 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
    * Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.

5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Let's Talk About Toothpaste!

Have you been trying to go a little greener these days? Maybe you spend more time comparing organic and non-organic products at the store? If this is the case, then perhaps you’ve noticed that organic and natural items have begun to pop up in more aisles than just produce!

The good news is that you can smile - you’ve got tons of choices, even when it comes to your dental health. Let’s start with toothpaste. There are so many different brands to choose from, and now you must make the choice between natural toothpaste and regular toothpaste.

Some of your natural toothpaste brands include:
• Tom’s of Maine
• Kiss my Face
• Jason Natural Cosmetics
• The Natural Dentist
• Nature’s Gate Organics
• Trader Joe’s All Natural Toothpaste

Regular toothpaste brands include:
• Colgate
• Crest
• Aquafresh
• Arm and Hammer
• Aim
• Oral-B

The good news for you is that both natural and regular toothpastes are good for you and your teeth. The main difference is that natural toothpaste does not contain saccharine (an artificial sweetener) or sorbitol (humectants used to give toothpaste its pasty consistency and keep toothpaste from drying out). Both natural and regular toothpastes contain fluoride, which is essential for protecting the health of your teeth. If you have any questions about a particular type or brand of toothpaste, ask us at your next appointment. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.

Make your own toothpaste!
Looking for a fun and healthy project? Try this simple recipe for making your own toothpaste! Kids, be sure to ask your parents to help before you begin.

1. Mix three parts baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with one part table salt (sodium chloride).

2. Add three teaspoons of glycerin for every 1/4 cup of dry mixture.
Glycerin is available at many pharmacies, or craft stores.


3. Add enough water to make a thick paste. If desired, a few drops of peppermint oil may be added to improve the taste.
If you do not like the taste of peppermint, feel free to experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon, spearmint, or any other flavor that you like.

4. Apply and use just as you would any other toothpaste. Store unused toothpaste at room temperature in a covered container.

NOTE: this recipe came from: About.com

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Orthodontic treatments are used to correct malocclusion, a condition more commonly known as a bad bite. The length of treatment time varies depending on the severity of the bite problem.

What is a "bad bite"?
A bad bite occurs when spacing or alignment problems are present. This often includes teeth that are protruding, crowded, or crooked. Sometimes teeth appear straight, but have an uneven bite because the upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Teeth that are irregularly spaced — either too far apart or too close together — can also cause bite problems.
Frequent causes of bite problems:
• Heredity
• Thumb-sucking
• Premature tooth loss
• Accidents

Benefits of orthodontic treatment:
Appearance -
Correcting a bad bite often creates a more attractive smile, which frequently raises the patient's self esteem.

Preventing Decay -
It also results in a healthier mouth. It is much more difficult to thoroughly clean teeth that are crooked, protruding, overlapped, or crowed. This may allow plaque to build up, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment corrects these conditions, so cleaning can be more efficient.

Avoiding Alignment Issues -
An uneven bite can interfere with the motions of chewing and speaking. This can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel, which may require pricey cosmetic restorative treatments, such as crowns or veneers, to correct. It can also lead to problems with the jaws. Orthodontic treatment lessens the likelihood of those issues, as well.

Types of orthodontic treatment:
Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to the front of teeth. Wires and elastics are attached to the brackets to straighten teeth.

Invisalign®: Advanced 3D computer images of the patients' mouth are used to create clear, custom aligners that slowly move teeth. They are nearly invisible and are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are also removable, which makes it possible to continue with normal brushing and flossing.

Retainers: A retainer is a removable piece worn inside the mouth that uses pressure to force teeth to move into proper alignment. They are used after braces are removed.

Length of orthodontic treatment: Treatment typically ranges from 12 to 36 months. Factors include the age, cooperation level, and growth occurrence of the patient. The complexity of the case also impacts the treatment time.

Five ways you can avoid plaque!

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Our team knows nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly.. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

What’s the difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Beth Faber started her career in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Faber decided she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So she stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert in Dr. Faber to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

"Hey Dr. Beth! What's the deal with retainers?"

If you’ve recently completed your treatment at Faber Orthodontics, our entire team would like to congratulate you, again! Now that your braces have been removed successfully, Dr. Beth Faber will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can – and do - shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers, you see, provide that stabilization, and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Beth is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Beth, we encourage you to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

What makes braces sooooo cool?

Dr. Beth Faber will always tell you that braces, are cool, hip and usually pretty fun nowadays. In fact, these were among the findings of a nationwide survey last year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and SureSmile, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Serena Williams and Dakota Fanning, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Has your child visited Faber Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Faber help your child begin the journey to a beautiful new smile!

Ask Dr. Faber: When should my child be seen for a check-up?

Many parents just assume they should wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Beth Faber, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. But did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Ok, you're thinking, what’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for the team at Faber Orthodontics to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

What is your New Year's Resolution?

2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at Faber Orthodontics! Dr. Beth Faber and our staff thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Also, we’d like to wish a Happy New Year to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Tappahannock, Kilmarnock and surrounding communities!

See you all soon!

Does Dr. Beth have your current contact info?

There is a nasty winter ahead! Please help us get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and bad weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please give us a call with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Beth Faber and team!

Dr. Beth Faber and team want to know: How was your Halloween?

Happy November, everybody! Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before Dr. Beth Faber and our team forget about the spooky month that was, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?

If you have any photos or videos from Halloween night that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or feel free to post them on our Facebook page! We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it.

Lastly, have you been in for a dental checkup lately? It’s important that you see your general dentist, as well as visiting Faber Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about your treatment or just want some general information, give us a call or ask us during your next visit with Dr. Beth!

Have a great rest of the week!

October contest!

Yes, we're having a Facebook contest, but this is our "inhouse" contest this month at Faber Orthodontics. They are "skulls" in the jar in case you are wondering. And yes, the Raven is awarding a $25 Gift Card to Wal-Mart to the winner.

BOOO! Halloween contest at Faber Orthodontics!

Dr. Beth Faber and our staff are excited to announce our Halloween contest!!! Now through Nov. 15th, post your Halloween photo on our Facebook wall for a chance to win a $25 Wal-Mart gift card!

You may post a photo of:

- Your Halloween costume
- Your carved pumpkin

You may also bring your photo in to our Tappahannock or Kilmarnock office or email your photo to drfaber@pop.net.

Let’s see those ghoulish photos!

See you on Facebook!

-Dr. Beth and The Faber Orthodontics team

At Faber Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday! Today marks the start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Faber Orthodontics wanted to remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this Halloween season. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Check out these delicious braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists!

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (804) 443-6419, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Beth during your next visit to our office in Tappahannock or Kilmarnock!

Enjoy the weekend!

Tell us your story! Why did you choose Faber Orthodontics?

At Faber Orthodontics, we believe receiving orthodontic care is a personal choice. We like to keep your treatment personal by providing you with customized treatment plans, individual time spent with Dr. Beth Faber, and a smile that reflects who you truly are! We have been helping to create healthy, beautiful smiles in Kilmarnock and Tappahannock for more than 23 years, and we couldn't do it all without your wonderful and positive references.

Whether you’ve just come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Beth or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to know: What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment? You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Happy Friday!

"My daughter is seven years old - when should I bring her in for a consultation?"

Great question! Dr. Beth Faber will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Beth and our staff to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Please give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a wonderful and relaxing weekend!!