Boo!

It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.
If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! All of us at Scanlan Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Advanced Orthodontic Technology at Scanlan Orthodontics

When you visit our office, not only will you receive the same exceptional treatment and service we always offer, but you will have the chance to take advantage of our advanced orthodontic technologies, including SureSmile®. What could be better?

SureSmile® is the most sophisticated technology available to traditional orthodontic treatment. The advanced digital technology is what separates the SureSmile® System from conventional orthodontics. By utilizing customized arch wires, SureSmile® can deliver:

* Shorter Treatment Times

* Fewer Office Visits

* Less Overall Discomfort

How is this possible? With SureSmile® orthodontics, our assistants use a handheld oral scanner to capture 3-D images that allow Dr. Scanlan to build a precise 3-D computer model of your teeth. Treatment planning occurs on the computer where Dr. Scanlan maps out your entire treatment and designs ideal positions for your teeth. With this information, Dr. Scanlan determines the most efficient way to move your teeth to create the desired result. Your wires are then bent utilizing a robotic mechanism that creates the perfect movement to create your winning smile.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – 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, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “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, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

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 an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scanlan please call 828-633-4353.

SureSmile in Action - State of The Art Orthodontics in Asheville, NC

Today we wanted to show the revolutionary technology of the SureSmile system in action! Check out exactly how exciting it is when the expertise and experience of Dr. Scanlan, meets the precision of a robot:



Did you know Dr. Scanlan was the first to introduce the SureSmile system to the Asheville community? Give us a call today at 828-254-4602 to learn more about this revolutionary treatment, which can decrease treatment time by as much as 40%!

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invialign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

--Dr. Scanlan