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The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at Donald P. Connolly, DDS is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding.

The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially known as the third molars. The teeth typically erupt, or break the surface of the skin, in young people between the ages of 13 and 20.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth are impacted. That means they cannot break through the gum tissue. This typically happens when the mouth or jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, and some dentists and orthodontists may want to remove them as prophylaxis to prevent possible future infection.

Justification for removing wisdom teeth

Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow will tell you that in some cases, wisdom teeth attempt to come in the wrong way, either tilting in the jaw, or sideways. If the mouth is too small to accommodate these additional teeth, they inevitably become impacted. Swelling or infection of the gum flap above an impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain. The greatest danger is pericoronitis, a potentially dangerous infection that can occur in the gum area around an impacted wisdom tooth, or around a wisdom tooth that has erupted.

Orthodontists base their decision to remove wisdom teeth on each patient's individual circumstances. To learn more about the impact wisdom teeth have on orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow, please give us a call at our convenient Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office!

While mouthwash goes a long way in improving your oral care, it is not a substitute for flossing. Mouthwashes and flossing provide different benefits that you should understand.

Mouthwash Benefits

Mouthwash comes in two categories. Some are considered cosmetic. This type of rinse provides temporary relief from bad breath and has a pleasant taste. These do not actually kill any bacteria.

Therapeutic mouthwashes provide the healthier benefits. These may contain different ingredients including fluoride or antimicrobial agents. This type is used to remove plaque buildup and reduce the potential for calculus formation. Therapeutic rinses can also help prevent cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. In addition, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow can prescribe special rinses to assist patients after periodontal surgery or other procedures.

Flossing Benefits

Flossing is what removes the plaque formation before it can harden and become calculus. While a rinse reduces buildup, only flossing will fully remove plaque, especially between teeth. The bristles on a toothbrush do not get between teeth completely. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. When this builds below the gum line, gum disease can start.

Types of Floss

Floss is available in a thin string form or a tape. It can be waxed or unwaxed. If you find flossing difficult, you might want to try a different type of floss. You can buy bulk floss in containers or purchase the disposable type with a plastic handle attached. This style can be easier for many individuals to use. Interdental picks are available for bridgework or other situations where regular floss cannot be used.

If you have questions regarding the best mouthwash or floss, or need tips for easier flossing, please ask our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA team for advice. We will be glad to give you solutions to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Straightening your teeth can have a world of benefits. It can give you more confidence in your smile, make it easier to keep your teeth clean, and improve the alignment of your front and back teeth so that chewing is easier.

ClearCorrect treatment can straighten your teeth without needing traditional metal braces that can be unsightly and inconvenient for eating. Teenagers and adults of all ages can wear the invisible trays to get their teeth straighter. ClearCorrect treatment can take over a year, so you need to know how to care for your smile during that time.

Maintain Your Regular Good Dental Hygiene

A significant benefit of ClearCorrect treatment compared to metal braces is that ClearCorrect aligners are removable. That means you can follow your regular routine when it comes to dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. Use a mouthwash daily to kill germs.

Clean Your Aligners Regularly

Soak your aligners in warm water and brush them gently with a toothbrush. Don’t use mouthwash or denture cleaner, because these products can be too rough. Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow may suggest using just warm water, or you might be directed to use toothpaste or another solution.

Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

Remove your ClearCorrect aligners when you eat so you don’t destroy them or let food build up on them. Limit sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks, to avoid having sugar on your teeth and increasing your risk of tooth decay. Unlike with metal braces, you don’t need to avoid certain foods with ClearCorrect because they are too gummy or likely to get stuck in your braces.

ClearCorrect treatment or not, eating sticky, sugary foods is never healthy because they increase your risk of developing tooth decay. Instead, opt for nutritious choices such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins.

ClearCorrect treatment can give you a better smile and the benefits that come with it. Make sure you take full advantage of your treatment by keeping your mouth clean so that your smile is white and gleaming when you’re done with your treatment.

In-Ovation braces are much smaller than traditional braces, are less noticeable on your teeth, and use the method of self-ligation. This type of braces doesn’t require the use of the elastic bands to keep the wires in the correct place, which makes your orthodontic experience more convenient and comfortable.

There are two types of In-Ovation braces: In-Ovation R and In-Ovation C, both of which supply the same benefits of less pain than traditional braces, shorter treatment time, and a beautiful smile!

In-Ovation R Braces

This impressive orthodontic treatment is specifically aimed to provide you with a better hygienic and aesthetically favorable treatment procedure while moving your misaligned and crooked teeth into a better more attractive position.

In addition, the distinctive method of In-Ovation R braces provides less discomfort because there is nearly no pressure applied to your teeth. Another benefit of In-Ovation R braces is you do not require as many visits with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow during your treatment process.

Other benefits include:

• Quicker treatment time: About four months shorter than the traditional braces
• More comfortable
• Fewer visits to our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office
• Enhanced facial aesthetics
• Shorter orthodontic appointments with no uncomfortable adjustments
• No elastic bands or metal allows for easy care of your dental health and a reduction in the risk of developing cavities

With traditional metal braces, elastic bands are used to keep the wires in place. In-Ovation R braces use a free-sliding technology that gently moves your teeth while implementing minimal to no pressure. The procedure can also make the entire progress quicker and completed without all the discomfort and inconvenience.

In-Ovation C

In-Ovation C braces offer all same the benefits of In-Ovation R, with one small difference: this type of braces is clear in color. Rhodium (a silvery-white metallic element) covers the clips making the In-Ovation C braces appear less visible. In-Ovation C braces offer a more inconspicuous way to straighten your teeth, and give you that beautiful smile you always wanted.