Helping Patients Be Sure About Their Smile

SureSmile has recently become one of the most talked about new orthodontic technologies! Orthodontists everywhere are starting to offer SureSmile braces to patients; and, patients are starting to find out that there are several great advantages to a SureSmile treatment.

At Moles Orthodontics we have been providing SureSmile treatments since 2004. Today there are hundreds of practices offering SureSmile, and we are proud to have been the first practice in the state of Wisconsin to offer SureSmile and one of only about 30 practices nationwide. Dr. Moles has extensive training with using SureSmile and has worked with Orametrix® (the parent company that owns SureSmile) to give lectures and train other orthodontists who wish to use SureSmile.

SureSmile is a first choice for many of our patients who want:

• Shorter treatment times
• Fewer office visits
• Less overall discomfort

Find out what our patients have to say about the SureSmile treatment they’ve received at Moles Orthodontics. If you’d like to find out more about SureSmile, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moles, please contact our practice at (262) 672-4226. Be sure about your smile with SureSmile!

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 414-377-4106. Dr. Moles can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

What's So Special About 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. Moles started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Moles decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he 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 here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?