Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment. Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. At Bishop & Bishop Dental we fit retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible. A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth! The retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer. Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush. Use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris- never abrasive toothpaste.
You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking. Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out. To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution. Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity. Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case. Many retainers have disappeared while folded up in napkins!
To learn more about caring for your retainer, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Maxomandibular Advancement
Maxomandibular advancement is a surgical treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The procedure alleviates sleep apnea by moving both the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible) forward to enlarge a patient’s airway. This surgery is typically recommended when previous sleep apnea treatments have been unsuccessful, and you should consult with the doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental to see if this procedure is right for you.
If a patient is in need of maxomandibular advancement surgery, the procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Once the upper and lower jaws are freed from their positions, titanium plates and screws hold the jaws in their new positions. The surgery typically includes a couple days in the hospital and about four weeks of recovery at home. The recovery is longer than for other sleep apnea procedures because the jaw bones need to heal in their new positions. Following all instructions for healing and post-operative care, some patients have been able to return to work in four weeks.
If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about maxomandibular advancement and all the sleep apnea procedures that we offer, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.
If a patient is in need of maxomandibular advancement surgery, the procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Once the upper and lower jaws are freed from their positions, titanium plates and screws hold the jaws in their new positions. The surgery typically includes a couple days in the hospital and about four weeks of recovery at home. The recovery is longer than for other sleep apnea procedures because the jaw bones need to heal in their new positions. Following all instructions for healing and post-operative care, some patients have been able to return to work in four weeks.
If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about maxomandibular advancement and all the sleep apnea procedures that we offer, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Foods That Benefit Teeth
Regular brushing and flossing keep teeth healthy by eliminating sugars and food particles that form an alliance with bacteria to form plaque. To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, what you eat and how often you eat are important factors. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we care about you and encourage you to eat these fortifying foods for your teeth.
Cheese lovers can rejoice because research studies have proven that eating cheese raises the pH level in the mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. Other phosphorus foods that are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to re-mineralize teeth include chicken, nuts, and milk. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits (apples and pears) and vegetables (carrots and celery). These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and acid.
If you have questions or concerns regarding oral-systemic health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.
Cheese lovers can rejoice because research studies have proven that eating cheese raises the pH level in the mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. Other phosphorus foods that are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to re-mineralize teeth include chicken, nuts, and milk. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits (apples and pears) and vegetables (carrots and celery). These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and acid.
If you have questions or concerns regarding oral-systemic health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.
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