Moles Orthodontics, supporting the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation

We are delighted to bring the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation to Southeastern Wisconsin and would like you to be a part of creating exciting, positive changes in the lives of eight local, well-deserving children.

Smile for a Lifetime Foundation was launched in 2008 as a charitable non-profit organization. This national organization sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of children each year who need assistance due to financial challenges or special situations. Moles Orthodontics has three convenient offices in Milwaukee, Racine and Brookfield.

My staff and I are partnering with the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation to give the gifts of healthy smiles to underserved children in our community. Our mission is to create self-confidence, inspire hope and improve the futures of these children in a dramatic way.

We invite you to nominate a deserving child who meets the requirements for treatment. Please visit our website to download an application. Applicants are chosen on a quarterly basis.

This Memorial Day, what are you up to? From Dr. Moles

The unofficial kickoff to summer—Memorial Day weekend—is just a day away. It's a time for Americans to remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives and fought for our country.

For many people in Milwaukee, Racine, Brookfield and surrounding communities, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or office spells sweet relief. At Moles Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, Memorial Day means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is on the way.

What about you? Whether you're headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, our entire team would like to hear all about it!

We hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!!

Moles Orthodontics, wishing all our moms a happy Mother's Day!

We'd like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child's visits to Moles Orthodontics and their orthodontic treatment here. Whether it's driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for "being there" while their child is treatment, the moms who come to our office are all stellar individuals, and our entire staff would like you to know that we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day and enjoy your special day on Sunday!

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.

Ask Moles Orthodontics: What does it mean to be a Schulman Study Group practice?

Dr. Moles is a member of The Schulman Study Group (SSG), a nationally recognized association of prominent—among the top 1 percent—orthodontic practices. Recently, Dr. Moles was approached and asked, "What does it mean to you and Moles Orthodontics to be a member of The Schulman Study Group?" Dr. Moles thought about it, and here's what he has to say:

To be invited into the Schulman Orthodontic Study Group is truly one of the highlights of my career! I should explain why it is such an honor. To put things in perspective less than 1% of all the orthodontists in the country are Schulman members. Moreover, it's not a group that you can just join. To become a member of the Schulman group you must be invited by one of the members. Then you must present statistics on your practice to prove you meet the standards of acceptance. You are then voted on by the members of the group. It is definitely the best of the best study group.

During the year Schulman members are in constant contact, sharing all sorts of ideas in order to improve what we do and how we do it. Once a year we meet for a week, sharing ideas and having guest speakers on all aspects of orthodontics. I can honestly say that being a member of the Schulman Study Group has made me a better orthodontist and helped me to serve my patients better!

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!

Oh don’t be so sensitive!

Do you have sensitive teeth? We at Moles Orthodontics wanted to explain why your teeth can become sensitive, and what you can do about it!

Tooth sensitivity is typically caused because teeth have lost some of their enamel. Beneath the enamel lies a tiny fluid-filled tunnel called dentinal tubules- these tubules lead to the tooth’s inner core, which contains pulp, the tooth’s sensitive nerve. If someone had dental work done recently- the odds are the pulp inside the tooth became slightly inflamed and just needs time to return to normal.

Excessively hard brushing can make your teeth very sensitive, and usually right hander’s will notice the left side of the mouth is always more sensitive, because they start brushing on that side, and that’s when we brush the hardest- by the time they make it to the right side, they usually aren’t brushing as hard. There are many other factors that contribute to sensitivity as well such as: receding gums, acidic foods/beverages, grinding, cracks in teeth, and loose fillings can all erode that protective covering, baring the ends of the tubules, and the pulp itself.

You can reduce tooth sensitivity by following some simple tips: use toothpaste recommended for sensitive teeth ( this toothpaste actually acts a filler, when the enamel wears away in areas- the tubules are exposed, and the toothpaste has a special ingredient that will fill those holes.) Also fluoride rinses, ibuprofen, gentle brushing techniques, avoid acidic foods and beverages. Grinding your teeth can also cause some sensitivity.

You can also manage sensitive teeth to still enjoy hot and cold foods or beverages with your dentists help. There is a procedure called Iontophoresis- in which an electric current is used to apply protective fluoride deep within the tubules. But as always the other ways of reducing your tooth sensitivity are great ways to manage it as well.

--Dr. Moles

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Moles will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Moles Orthodontics is answering all your burning questions about mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask Dr. Moles at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

Dr. Moles says: Baby Teeth – and Gums – Need Special Care!

One question we hear all the time at Moles Orthodontics is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”



You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please us at Moles Orthodontics.

More Patient Reviews for Moles Orthodontics

Moles Orthodontics has been receiving some excellent compliments from patients, and we wanted to share a few of them with you!



Moles Orthodontics is up to date with technology. The staff has been wonderful in making us feel comfortable and the rapport, i.e. postcards and phone calls from the staff, have been excellent! Wonderfully trained staff. A++ ~ Jessica L.

Professional knowledge, professional office staff, reputable and friendly. I like the ease of checking in at the office and the access to my records, account, etc thru Sesame. ~ Kathleen S.

Everyone, including Dr. Moles seems to be very courteous and willing to help. ~ Colleen M.

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

I have been very impressed so far with the attention to detail, efficiency and technology that is in use in at Moles Orthodontics- Time is a very important commodity- and you are mastering the use of it in daily practice and policy ~ Kathy S

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Moles Orthodontics

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Moles Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Moles Orthodontics

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Moles Orthodontics Explains

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – we at Moles Orthodontics want to share some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know at Moles Orthodontics if you have any questions.

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile from Moles Orthodontics

At Moles Orthodontics we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Moles Orthodontics. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Moles Orthodontics.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

A Sour Smile Is Not A Happy Smile -- Moles Orthodontics

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Moles Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Moles Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Moles Orthodontics.