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!