Happy Thanksgiving

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Beisiegel Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients for letting us work on those gorgeous smiles!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Insurance Info

If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is distinct from regular dental insurance. Remember that insurance policies vary, and we will review your insurance to determine the appropriate course of action. Once treatment has started, we will file your claims.

To help us with your insurance filing, please complete the insurance questions on our questionnaire.

Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit for you or your child. If, during the course of treatment, your benefits change, the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.

The Bigger The Bite...

A new trend in the fast food industry is to advertise foods with the motto “the bigger the better.” We’re sure you have heard of the McDonald’s “Big Mac”or the Wendy’s “Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy ¾ pound Triple”; both of these burgers include massive patties along with a host of other condiments. Believe us, they all look incredibly delicious (just writing this blog is making our mouths water), but should we really be trying to cram food that’s the size of a Mini Cooper into our mouths?

Although these larger than life foods may appeal to your taste buds, taking bites that are too big to chew could be bad for your jaw and teeth, says the Academy of General Dentistry. The bones attached to your teeth get quite the workout when you chew and over working your teeth to chew larger bites can put extra strain on them. The key area of the mouth that can be affected by super-sized meals is the jaw. Taking big bites causes you to open your jaw wider than usual. This can strain the jaw bone and surrounding muscles. This strain can cause Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. TMD causes pain or tenderness of your jaw in the area in front of your ear, an occasional feeling of the jaw being stuck open or closed, facial muscle spasms that make it difficult to open your mouth, headaches that start in front of the ear and spread to the rest of the head or neck and clicking, popping or cracking sounds in the jaw when you open or close your mouth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, between 5% and 15% of people in the United States experience pain associated with TMD. The effect of harming your jaw may result in needing appliance therapy. Typically, TMD splints are worn to reduce jaw stress. However, depending on the severity of jaw stress, treatments for TMD range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery.

Now…can you imagine having to tell your friends you had to undergo jaw surgery because you ate too many “Double Doubles”? That doesn’t sound awesome at all. So remember, as delicious as these super-sized foods look, they are not worth the strain they can cause on your jaw.

Do you want to take 10 years off your appearance?

Your teeth are probably the only thing on your face that don’t get wrinkles…but your teeth certainly do show signs of aging. So if you want to look younger and healthier, your teeth are a great place to start!

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry. “The adage ‘long in the tooth,’ used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result."

Take 10 years off your appearance…no plastic surgery needed!

Step 1 - Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Whitening your teeth with custom whitening trays is the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Step 2 - Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking old.

Step 3 - Old-looking teeth have wear and tear. While we sleep, we gnash and grind our teeth. A night guard can protect your teeth from this damage and keep your teeth looking more youthful. A night guard also prevents crowding by keeping the teeth in place while you wear it.

Beautifully straight, symmetrical glowing white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence. Contact Beisiegel Orthodontics for more information.

New Pumpkin Inspired Recipe

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience Beisiegel Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

INGREDIENTS:
1 (15 oz) can Pumpkin
1 Egg yolk, large
2 Eggs, large

Baking & Spices
1 3/4 cups All purpose flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
1 tbsp Pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp Salt
1 2/3 tbsp Vanilla

Oils & Vinegars
1/2 cup Vegetable oil

Dairy
8 oz Cream cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place paper baking cups into muffin pan. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside.
• In large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar and brown sugar.
• Beat in eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture, until there are no lumps. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full.
• In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
• Top each muffin with about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. This will not look smooth, but it will bake up much prettier. (You can see exactly how I did this in the video at the top of the page.)
• Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Benefits of Braces

It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will make them more confident. Of course, the doctors and staff at Beisiegel Orthodontics delivers straight beautiful smiles to all of our patients, but we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater benefits to wearing braces. Are you aware of the health benefits of braces?

Braces can do more than just give you an attractive smile. Check out the following oral health problems that can be assisted when being treated by an orthodontist.

• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
• Digestion
• Difficulties with Speech
• Bone Erosion

Dr. Beisiegel and the Beisiegel Orthodontics staff are happy to explain more to you if you have further questions about the benefits of braces. Visit us for braces in Colchester, Vermont.

Love Your Braces

All relationships take work, and the relationship between you and your braces is no different.  You and your braces will become besties over the upcoming months. There will be some bad days, but there will be good days too. If you stick with it and work through those bad days, the good days will be that much better.

To prevent any ill feelings between you and your braces we recommend...

Avoiding sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your bestie harm. Even though it may seem like the best foods are the foods that are sticky and/or hard…sticky or hard foods can break a bracket or wire.

Chewing with your back teeth. Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. Cut large foods into pieces and use your back teeth to chew.

Flossing. We know that it can be a pain to floss around your braces…your braces may even fight you on it. But flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders definitely make flossing with braces much easier.

Smoothing things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.

You and your braces will go through a lot together. When all is said and done, you’ll smile at yourself in the mirror one day, remembering your braces fondly and you'll know that the relationship was totally worth it.

Mini S'mores Recipe

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

Mini S'mores Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 package (14.4 ounces) whole graham crackers, quartered
• 1 cup marshmallow creme
• 2 cartons (7 ounces each) milk chocolate for dipping
• 4 ounces white candy coating, melted, optional

Directions

1. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; stir with a whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature or until mixture reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.
2. Spread chocolate mixture over half of the graham crackers. Spread marshmallow creme over remaining graham crackers; place over chocolate-covered crackers, pressing to adhere.
3. Melt dipping chocolate according to package directions. Dip each s'more halfway into dipping chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; let stand until dipping chocolate is set.
4. If desired, drizzle tops with melted white candy coating; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield:about 4 dozen.

Mini S'mores Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Choose The Correct Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by an orthodontist. The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple: swig, swish, gargle and spit. But, what most people misunderstand is not all mouthwash is created equal. In fact, do you know if you’re using the right kind of mouthwash while being treated at Beisiegel Orthodontics? And, are you sure you’re using it correctly?

Mouthwash Differences
The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpaste, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Beisiegel Orthodontics.

What to Look For
When buying therapeutic mouthwash, be sure to look for the American Dental Association “Seal of Acceptance” logo on the bottle. All products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts and approved to meet the safety and standards of effectiveness. Also, be sure to read the instructions very thoroughly and choose the best one for your specific needs.

• Fluoride-based mouthwash: Fluoride exists in most toothpaste and in some tap water. For this reason, it is usually an unnecessary ingredient. Nevertheless, it protects against cavities and strengthens enamel.

• Alcohol–based mouthwash: Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses harshly. It dries out the mouth, aggravates cuts or burns, and exacerbates inflammation. Anyone with sensitivities should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and seek natural ingredients like aloe.

• Antibacterial mouthwash: Without alcohol—or with a smaller quantity—antibacterial mouthwash fights infections and minimizes the risk of gum disease. Some patients will receive a prescription for such rinses after surgery.

If you are uncertain what therapeutic mouthwash applies to your needs, ask Dr. Beisiegel for help at your next appointment and he will give you a recommendation. Making sure you gargle and rinse with mouthwash as an additional part of your oral hygiene routine is an essential step to getting the smile of your dreams.

Easy Zucchini Bake For Those With Braces

INGREDIENTS:

• Butter (to grease)
• 2 teaspoons light olive oil
• 1/2 cup, firmly packed grated green zucchini
• 1/2 cup, firmly packed Grated carrot
• 2 green shallots, ends trimmed,finely chopped
• 3 eggs, lightly whisked
• 1/3 cup grated tasty cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon plain flour, sifted

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a shallow baking tin. Line the base and 2 opposite sides with non-stick baking paper and allow it to overhang.
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the zucchini, carrot, parsnip and shallots, and cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
• Combine vegetable mixture, egg, cheese and flour in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
• Spoon vegetable mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in oven for 12 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes to cool. Lift bake from pan and place on a plate to cool completely. 
• Cut into 12 slices to serve.

Altered recipe from taste.com

What is the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System?

It’s extremely important to keep your aligners odor-free, hygienic and clear. If you’re not aware of the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, we want to introduce you to it. This system makes it easy to care and clean your aligners to ensure optimal results of treatment. Special Cleaning Crystals remove plaque from your Invisalign aligners within about 15 minutes.

The Cleaning System Contains:

Cleaning Tub + 50 pack of Cleaning Crystals.

This cleaning system can be purchased for $75, and is highly recommended. Available on Invisalignstore.com, as well as the refill 50 pack of cleaning crystals for $50.

For more information about this, or to schedule a consultation contact Beisiegel Orthodontics at (802) 658-4447.

Myth Busters

A beautiful smile can be something very important for some people. With the progress of the technology, braces have become more common than ever. With the introduction of clear, colored and behind the teeth treatments, there is no better time to visit an orthodontist. Many people have opinions about orthodontists based on false information, and we’re here to myth bust! 

Here are the top 5 myths about orthodontics.

Myth #1 – I’m too old for orthodontics
A nice smile is important no matter what your age is. It’s never too late to perfect your smile so there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment! If you have any issues with your teeth or would like a straighter looking smile, never hesitate to reach for what you want!

Myth #2 – Orthodontics treatments take too long
Our treatments average out to 1 year. The amount of time depends on your age, your problem and the treatment technique that need to be used for you. Many other factors can also influence the time of your treatment but remember that the time can often be reduced with excellent patient cooperation. In the cases where treatment requires a few years, remember that it’s a short amount of time compared to a lifetime of beautiful looking teeth.

Myth #3 – Orthodontics can be painful
There is a big difference between discomfort and pain. Orthodontics has come a long way to minimize patient discomfort and it’s normal to feel discomfort during the first days. After a few days, the discomfort is short-lived after each adjustment appointment. Another thing to look out for with braces is discomfort due to the metal aspects of the braces. This can be greatly reduced with oral wax.

Myth #4 – A general dentist can do the same things than an orthodontist
Your family dentist is really good at what he’s doing but remember that an orthodontist has 2 or 3 years minimum of specialized training beyond dental school. An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function of the mouth.

Our orthodontics specialist is Dr. Beisiegel, he has been practicing in northern Vermont and surrounding areas since 1996. 

Myth #5 – Traditional, metal braces are the only option.
Advances in orthodontic technology have rendered improved braces and other orthodontic appliances that are much less noticeable than the braces of yesteryear. At Beisiegel Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces, ceramic braces and invisible braces.

Learn More About Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is defined as the habit of placing the tongue in the wrong position during swallowing, either too far forward or to the sides. It is estimated that every 24 hours, you swallow a total of 1,200 to 2,000 times, with about four pounds of pressure per swallow.  Tongue thrusting occurs when the patient presses his or her tongue against the front teeth, usually when swallowing, speaking or resting the tongue. If thrusting is constant, this can cause problems with teeth alignment and must be fixed.

Lucky for you, Beisiegel Orthodontics can assist patients with this problem by correcting it usually with a tongue thrusting appliance. Keep reading to learn a little more about the different types of tongue thrusting that occur in our patients.

Different types of tongue thrusting:

There are several variations of tongue-thrust and related orthodontic problems:

1. Anterior open bite — This is the most typical and common form of tongue thrust. In such cases, the lips do not close properly, and a child often has an open mouth and tongue protruding beyond the lips. Generally, this type of tongue thrust is accompanied by a large tongue.
2. Anterior thrust — The lower lip pulls in the lower incisors and the upper incisors are extremely protruded. The anterior thrust is frequently accompanied by a strong muscle of the chin (mentalis).
3. Unilateral thrust — The bite is typically open on either side.
4. Bilateral thrust — Posterior teeth from the first bicuspid through back molars can be open on both sides and the anterior bite is closed. The bilateral thrust is the most difficult to correct.
5. Bilateral anterior open bite — The only teeth that touch are the molars. The bite is completely open on both sides, including the front teeth. A large tongue is often noted.
6. Closed bite thrust — Both the upper and lower teeth are spread apart and flared out. The closed-bite thrust is typically a double protrusion.

We prefer to correct tongue thrusting by giving patients a tongue thrusting appliance. This appliance, similar to a mouth guard, is usually worn at night. Other times, a more permanent appliance is prescribed and can be only be adjusted by the Beisiegel Orthodontics office.

Do you want more information on this? Contact us today at 802-658-4447.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but Beisiegel Orthodontics is your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. An orthodontic screening no later than age seven enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems that exist, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for the treatment. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Dr. Beisiegel is experienced in perfecting smiles of all ages from early childhood to adults! We want to help you feel confident about your smile no matter your life stage. If you are looking for a faster, more comfortable treatment option – Damon® braces or Wilckodontics may be right for you. We also offer clear alternatives with ceramic braces and Inspire braces. We will work with each patient to determine which treatment option is best for you!

An Investment of a Lifetime

Quality orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics.  A mouth that is crowded or contains crooked teeth can hamper your overall dental health, and let’s face it, most people aren’t born with straight teeth and a perfect bite.

Braces can correct moderately to severely crooked teeth, as well as underbites and overbites. Having crowded or crooked teeth can inhibit good brushing and flossing, making it harder to keep teeth and gums healthy. Furthermore, severe overbites or underbites left uncorrected can cause jaw pain. Proper orthodontic treatment can prevent you and/or your child from experiencing mouth pain or discomfort later in life, not to mention, promote better self-confidence.

Some people hesitate to get braces because paying for them can be surprisingly difficult. For most families, paying for braces can be a significant investment. That investment can become even larger when multiple family members need braces. At Beisiegel Orthodontics our goal is to provide you and your family with affordable, high-quality orthodontic treatment that fits your budget.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment. But with some smart planning and budgeting the cost for orthodontic treatment will be easier to manage.

• Get Covered - If you don’t have dental insurance, look into plans that include orthodontics. A good resource to help you get started is www.deltadental.com.
• Know Your Insurance Policy - If you have health insurance, it may include dental treatment, and possibly, orthodontic treatment. So contact your insurance company to check your benefits. 
• Establish a Payment Plan - We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs. For your convenience, we accept Visa and MasterCard. We thoroughly explain your options during your consultation, so that we can accommodate your needs.
• Consider Credit – At Beisiegel Orthodontics, the fee for orthodontic treatment can be paid via Visa or MasterCard.

While braces can be a significant investment, understanding the various payment options available can help families to finance orthodontic treatment while looking forward to a bright future with a beautiful smile.

The Choice Is Clear

Contrary to popular belief, traditional metal braces are only one of multiple choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. At Beisiegel Orthodontics, we want you to know there are other options out there, and clearly, we are excited about it!

Traditional metal braces include metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by metal wires, which is the most common treatment option to date. However, as orthodontics has progressed we now have less visible options.

Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve your smile not only affects your appearance, but it affects your lifestyle as well. Largely for adults, the stigma of traditional metal braces has deterred many from seeking treatment. This is why we want you to know about the Invisalign System.

The Invisalign system offers you the convenience and flexibility to live life without the hassle associated with other types of treatment. Invisalign aligners are made of a virtually invisible plastic. There are no irritating brackets or wires to worry about and no food restrictions that will change your eating habits. Plus with fewer doctor visits, Invisalign fits conveniently into your busy lifestyle.

Esthetics are the number one reason for choosing to go clear, and Invisalign is designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to create a series of custom calibrated aligners. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually, week-by-week, until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before! 

So if you are an adult who has dreaming about having the perfect smile, the choice is clear! Contact Beisiegel Orthodontics to schedule your first appointment. 

Make Your St. Patrick's Day Sweet With This Treat

March is designated as the month to go green, and by going green we mean celebrating St. Patrick's Day. For years people have used this month to dye their foods and drinks green, wear crazy leprechaun hats or clover necklaces, and have an excuse to get a free kiss for being Irish, or not being Irish. Regardless of whether or not you're of Irish decent, St. Patrick's day is for anyone who enjoys a great excuse to have a party and eat some tasty green food.  If you're one of the thousands ready partake in the fun of St. Patty's Day, you've come to the right blog! Today, in celebration of this popular holiday, we at Beisiegel Orthodontics decided to share a fun St. Patty's Day inspired recipe for you to try at home.

Sure, cooking isn't usually in the realm of orthodontic expertise, but we genuinely care about your our patients and love sharing fun recipes or ideas. So we wanted to take a moment and talk about something fun, and hopefully, tasty. Read on for a delicious and cute recipe!

Lucky Charms Rainbow Dessert Pizza

Looking for an easy sweet to make as a family? It doesn’t get any better (or cuter) than this dessert pizza!

INGREDIENTS

Crust

• 1pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix
• 1/2cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1egg
• 1cup Lucky Charms™ cereal (without the marshmallows)

Topping

• 1cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2container Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting
• Green food color
• Lucky Charms™ cereal marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking or baking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until dough forms. Stir in cereal.
3. Press dough onto cookie sheet into a rainbow shape about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Bake about 15 minutes or until edges are golden and center of dough is set. Cool completely.
4. In large bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Carefully stir in frosting and food color. Use an offset spatula to spread frosting over cooled crust. Top with cereal marshmallows in color-coded rows.

We hope you enjoy this delicious dessert, and if you are feeling generous drop some by for us to try! Also, if you end up baking this please post a picture on our Facebook wall, or tweet us @beisiegelortho! Don't forget to use #BeisiegelOrtho when you post!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!