Ask Dr. Moles: How do you keep up with the latest orthodontic technology?

Dr. Moles has always moved in the same direction as technology. As technology changes, our approach to orthodontics does as well. Our office embraces that change, because we want the absolute best treatment for our patients. Some offices are afraid to move forward and dive into something that may take more work, and stick with the traditional approach to orthodontics. Not moving forward with technology changes can leave other offices left in the dust, and their patients in braces for an average of 40-50 percent longer.

We not only changed the way we do orthodontic treatment, we’ve changed in all areas of the office. We’ve gone completely paperless, to help eliminate cross- contamination. We have updated our X-ray equipment, to the latest 3d Cat machine, which is really important because Dr. Moles has the best view now of the patients roots. That’s crucial when moving teeth. He’s one of only a few orthodontists in the area implementing this technology into the practice. Also, we have the ability to text message and remind patients of their orthodontic appointments, which they love. They can handle their account and make payments online as well.

We’ve also gotten our hands in the social networks. Our office loves Facebook and being able to share new pictures with our patients online. They get a better look at the office personally, not only professionally. It really gives people who currently aren’t with our practice a chance to see some cool things about our office and professional staff. It's really a lot of fun communicating online with our patients.

If you have any questions about Moles Orthodontics or other ways how we stay up-to-date with the latest technology, please give us a call!

Fluoride is your Friend

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:

· An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly

· A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in

· A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with - phase two - usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

New Technology at our practice

Because all of us at Moles Orthodontics want to provide our patients with the absolute best orthodontic treatment, we are constantly on the lookout for new technologies to make that possible. The latest addition to our practice is an Iluma 3 D CAT scanner. Rather than the 2 dimensional view of a standard x-ray, the Iluma provides us with a three dimensional image. We can now look at the teeth, roots and jaw joints from any angle!

The accuracy of these images is over ten times better than standard x-rays. Moreover, we can see details that are virtually impossible to see on a standard x-ray. Depending on the resolution needed, the Iluma accomplishes this with less radiation exposure than the standard series of x-rays used in orthodontics.

We are proud that our office was one of the first orthodontic offices to have 3D imaging in Wisconsin and the first to have the Iluma. It allows us to be more comprehensive in our diagnosis. When coupled with our SureSmile system, it can significantly increase the speed and accuracy of the orthodontic treatment that we deliver!