Oral health Q&A with Dr. Moles!

It may seem crazy, but there are so many rumors out there about what’s good for your teeth, what’s bad for your teeth, what will make your teeth crooked, what will discolor your teeth, and so on. Below are are answers to some of the most frequent questions Dr. Moles and our staff at Moles Orthodontics always hear from patients. We hope you find this informational! Happy Tuesday!

Q: Which foods and drinks are actually healthy for my teeth?

A: Drinks: Water, Green Tea, Milk. Foods: Cheese, Celery, Kiwi’s, Onions, Parsley, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushrooms, Wasabi. To view information on why these are healthy for your teeth visit this helpful article.

Q: Can fingernail biting cause damage to my teeth? What about lip biting or biting the ends of pencils?

A: Chewing anything that’s not food and is not edible is never good for your teeth and its enamel.

Q: It’s said that the changing seasons can have an effect on your body and joints. Can the seasons changing also have an effect on the way my mouth feels, especially during orthodontic treatment?

A: There is no research that shows any connection with the seasons and braces. Patients with braces and joint problems may feel joint pain and confuse that with brace pain.

Q: Can hard candies or hard mints cause damage to my teeth?

A: Yes, Most definitely.

Q: Now that I’m wearing braces, I miss chewing gum. Can I still chew sugar-free gum with braces on?

A: No, You want to stay away from all GUM. No gum is ever good for treatment. It can slow your treatment up, by pushing wires in the wrong directions and contribute to breakage. Gum can also make your jaw much more sore than it already may feel.

Q: Is a soft toothbrush or a medium toothbrush better for my teeth and gums?

A: Soft, always choose a soft toothbrush. Its not how hard you brush, its how long you brush.

Q: Are spicy or acidic foods bad for my teeth?

A: Spicy foods are not bad for your teeth, although you may want to brush your teeth soon after as it can affect your breathe. Acidic foods and drinks on the other hand, can cause damage over time to your enamel, and wear it down.

Q: If I play sports and use a mouth guard can constantly biting down on the hard rubber eventually cause my teeth to shift and become crooked?

A: No, you would need constant pressure to move your teeth out of alignment. (example: 12-24 hours of constant pressure on your teeth , will begin to move them)

Q: If my wisdom teeth came in straight, do I still need to get them removed?

A: Some people prefer to have them removed because they can be hard to keep clean, which can lead to decay and more unnecessary plaque and bacteria in the mouth. If they do come in and have plenty of room, its perfectly okay to not have them removed. Most people find in their mouths there just isn’t enough room though.

Staff Spotlight: Rebecca at Moles Orthodontics

We have one particular girl in our office who doesn’t get enough praise for the great work she continues to do everyday. She is Rebecca, our sterilization technician. To us, she is "Becca," and a part of our family here. She really deserves the praise around the office; she works very hard to keep up on all of our sterilizing and our trays needed throughout the day.

As assistants in our office can get really busy, we need her to keep things rolling, especially in the afternoon. Not many patients know she even works here or that we have her here to help us. So we’d like to thank her for helping us keep our practice rolling behind the scenes.

Patient reviews for Moles Orthodontics! [Video]

A special thanks to Gail, Debra, Ilka and Helen (parent of patients), who shared their beautiful testimonials about Dr. Moles and our office. Their feedback inspires us all to do the work we do here at Moles Orthodontics: creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

If you have any feedback from your treatment at our office, we encourage you to write in or post on our interactive Facebook page! We hope you're all having an outstanding weekend!

Hero(in)es at Moles Orthodontics!

Our office at Moles Orthodontists heroes are our clinical technicians. Our technicians work hard every day of the week. Every one of them completes many different office tasks, from helping at the front desk, to the X-ray department. There isn’t an area in the office these girls couldn’t handle. On really busy days to accommodate patients, they will work straight through without bathroom or water breaks from 8-1 and 2-5.

The most amazing thing is they have been doing this for years and years without complaints. They put the patients first, and want the best care for them. Same goes for patients who run into traffic, or are just running late -- the girls will have to double-seat patients to make sure everyone gets seen on time. That can make for one hectic day.

The girls also make the whole experience for the patients better. You really get to know them and they get to know you. You feel like you’re coming to an office where your friend works. It’s a great atmosphere, and our clinical technicians make it that way every day.

The advantage of SureSmile® at Moles Orthodontics!

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? Dr. Moles and our team at Moles Orthodontics understand that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Moles specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Moles identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Moles view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, give us a call today!

Happy New Year!

What's new at Moles Orthodontics?

Recently, the team at Moles Orthodontics were asked, "What's new at your practice? What was so different about this past year?" Here are Dr. Moles' thoughts:

This was a super year to be an orthodontist! This year we became one of only a handful of practices in the world to combine 3D x-ray with SureSmile. This allows us for the first time to see how the roots of the teeth will actually move during treatment. This is a huge advancement since precise positioning of the roots is the foundation for the teeth and the bite.

When you consider that just a few tenths of a millimeter can cause a tooth to move, or fracture or even trigger jaw pain you can see how important this is. We also began offering SureSmile Lingual (behind the teeth), which is a wonderful option for those patients who want the cosmetics of Invisalign but have a problem that Invisalign cannot handle. One of the wonderful things that happened to our practice was that we were honored by our peers by being voted one of Milwaukee's Top Orthodontists. This is no small accomplishment since there are so many orthodontists in the area. Rest assured we will continue to live up to that honor!

Happy New Year!

Moles orthodontics wishes you happy holidays!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Moles Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Moles orthodontics with a reminder: Don't cut back on braces!

With the economic slump some patients will come in and ask "is orthodontic treatment is really necessary" or "how long can I put this treatment off". Of course orthodontic treatment is not a life and death matter—and sometimes the treatment can be delayed—however putting it off can be expensive, Dr. Moles says. The unfortunate thing is that crooked teeth don't hurt! That may sound strange but if crooked teeth would hurt it would be easier for the patient to feel the significant damage that might be happening.

There is a lot of "silent" (non painful) damage that can occur when teeth are out of alignment. A person can exert up to 1,500 lbs per square inch during chewing and beyond that the teeth come together around 2,500 times a day just in swallowing! If teeth don't fit the result can be excessive wear, fractures in the teeth, damage to the bone supporting the teeth and even damage to the jaw joints.

Much of this can happen without the patient being aware of it until something suddenly breaks. Also, crooked teeth can be very hard to keep clean, teeth can stain and decay rapidly. Unfortunately, the cost of the repairs can greatly exceed the cost of orthodontics. Years ago this was not a big problem. People simply did not live as long. It's wonderful that we are living longer! However, the old adage of "a stitch in time - saves nine" couldn't be more appropriate today. Investing in orthodontic treatment today can save a lot of money in the future!

Hope this helps! Give Moles Orthodontics a call if you have any questions!

Patient reviews for Moles Orthodontics

Dr. Moles and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Moles Orthodontics, serving Milwaukee, Racine, Brookfield and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! The team thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Wednesday!

"What I like the best is the unmatched quality of service that Moles Orthodontics offers. Compared to every place I went so far, I was offered the BEST customer service at Moles Orthodontics. I am so satisfied with the services received that I will not go to another orthodontist as long as Moles Orthodontics exist." ~ Mladenko D.

"I feel like my children are in good hands. He has an excellent staff." ~ Herb K.

"Dr. Moles really cares about his families that he cares for. He is genuinely kind and runs an efficient and very professional office. His staff also has the same value of kindness and professional care for each patient that walks through the door." ~ Colleen B.

"That everyone was really welcoming and the enviornment was very comfortable. I felt like they had known me for a very long time and were very nice with me being a new comer and all." ~ Tim L.

"Very informative, very nice, go out of their way for everyone and the number one thing I like is the promptness. I love it." ~ Scott T.

"Very friendly and willing to do anything to make the patient happy, great staff I have never seen a group of people that enjoy their jobs more than the Moles staff, they are a wonderful group of people." ~ Monica W.

SureSmile goes on ABC’s “The Doctors” -- Moles Orthodontics

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Drs. Moles, Sanfelippo and Ferri are certified SureSmile providers? Give us a call and ask!

Happy Tuesday!

What can you expect at Moles Orthodontics?

When you first walk in the door at Moles Orthodontics you’re greeted by the friendliest front desk, which eases peoples' nerves instantly. Then you're offered a beverage -- you may choose from a selection that includes hot coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate or water.

While our patients are waiting they can view our flat-screen TV, which shows pictures of patients who have gotten their braces off. Seeing that gets patients who are ready to start treatment very excited! They see an outcome, and then can’t wait to see theirs.

Once we bring them back to the operatory, they notice it's a wide open area. This usually creates a safer feeling. They are out in the open and know everything that’s going on around them.

If the appointment is a little longer than usual, we offer video players for patients to watch DVDs. Or, they can bring in their own! The video player actually has a set of glasses with which you are able to see the movie. Patients love these!

The lights above the chair are basically a ceiling on top of another ceiling. This makes the lights easier on the patients' eyes when they are tipped back during appointments.

Another great incentive for our patients is that they are graded on their oral hygiene at every visit -- the more A's, the better chance they have to win. The winner receives a gift card of their choice.

At Moles Orthodontics, we really try to make the best experience possible for the patients, just as we would like to have at an appointment for ourselves.

Happy Thanksgiving!