Spirit Dental Resources

Unhappy with the alignment of your teeth? No worries; there are a variety of braces that could fix the problem and give you the straight smile that you’ve always wanted! We’ve outlined the main types of braces that are available for both children and adults so that you can get an idea of what your options are. Check out the information below and then talk to your orthodontist to find out which braces would work best on your teeth. 1. Traditional Metal Braces: You Know the Look When you think of braces, your mind might immediately conjure up images of a smile with metal across the teeth. These traditional metal braces are still an option, but modern dentistry has made these lighter than they were in the past. And another neat feature is the modern archwires that are heat-activated and could utilize your own body heat to help shift your teeth more efficiently and with less pain. Nice! These braces are constructed using stainless steel, so they are the most obvious braces available, but they also tend to be the most affordable option. Put simply, metal brackets are attached to the teeth using a special dental cement, and the brackets are then linked together using archwire that applies pressure to move the teeth into alignment.   2. Ceramic Braces: A Less Obvious Option If the idea of having to wear metal braces isn’t appealing, you could opt instead for ceramic braces. These function in the same way as traditional metal braces but because they are constructed using a clear ceramic material, they aren’t as obvious when you smile. Even though ceramic braces could shift your teeth just as quickly as their metal counterparts, these tend to be more expensive. It’s also important to keep in mind that the brackets might stain quite easily, so taking great care of your braces will be really important.   3. Lingual Braces: A Way to Hide Your Braces Would you prefer to totally hide the fact that you are wearing braces? Then lingual braces might be your best bet. These function in the same way that metal braces do, but the wires and the brackets are positioned on the inside of your teeth so that they aren’t visible when you smile. They may sound like a fantastic option, but there are a few drawbacks associated with lingual braces. First off, these tend to be more expensive, and if your case is considered severe, they may not be appropriate for you. On top of that, they could feel more uncomfortable than other braces, particularly at the beginning, and the adjustments might be more difficult and require more time than regular braces. Plus, because they are on the inside of the teeth, they might be harder to keep clean too. 4. Aligners: The Clear Option That’s Removable Now this is what we call a really innovative approach to braces: removable aligners that are clear! If you’ve heard of the product Invisalign, you already have an idea of what these braces are all about. They could be used instead of your traditional ceramic or metal braces, and they function like custom mouth guards that are made to fit your unique mouth. You could put these braces in and take them out when you eat and when you need to clean them, and you usually get a new aligner every couple of weeks to further move your teeth into the ideal position. One of the drawbacks of using a clear aligner, though, is the fact that it tends to work more slowly than ceramic or metal braces, so you might need to have some extra patience. Beyond that, this option is typically more expensive (especially if you lose the aligner and need to replace it), and it might not be an option if your case is severe. Plus, aligners aren’t an option for children, even though teens and adults could use them. 5. Damon Braces: Faster and Gentler Results Are you afraid of the discomfort that could come from having to wear braces? Then Damon braces, which feature a slide mechanism rather than elastics, may be the gentler option that you’re searching for. This newer treatment could produce faster results, and it also allows you to see your orthodontist less often while you’re in the process of straightening your teeth. Your teeth will be able to shift on their own, and the movement becomes less painful because there’s less pressure and less friction involved. Pretty amazing, right? It’s worth noting that Damon braces tend to be pricier, and they might cause irritation at the beginning until you get used to having them in your mouth. Also, these could be visible like traditional braces unless you go with the clear option to make them less obvious. Achieving a Straight and Stunning Smile Is Possible! If you’re ready for braces, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist who could help you choose the braces that will give you the results that you want within your budget. And to make it even easier to afford your child’s braces, you could check out Spirit's dental insurance for braces that include orthodontics coverage. With so many different types of braces to choose from, and a little bit of time and patience, you could finally get the straight smile that you desire. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-are-the-different-types-of-braces-and-which-is-right-for-me   https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/types-of-braces/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-are-self-ligating-braces

The world of dental care is filled with its own terms that you might have never heard of before. And that could make things pretty confusing pretty quickly. So knowing a variety of dental terms before your appointment could help ensure that you won’t be caught off guard when your dentist throws a new word at you. Plus, when you’re more informed, you might even have fewer questions to ask your dentist, or you might be ready to ask more in-depth questions about your oral health and treatment options. To help you become a more empowered dental patient, we’ve compiled a list of some of the many dental terms that you ought to know. Just a Few Conditions That Could Affect the Mouth Abrasion – your dentist might mention this term when he or she notices that your tooth is showing wear as a result of actions like brushing your teeth too hard. Abscess – this is a term used to describe inflammation that involves a collection of pus. Symptoms could include destruction of the tissue and swelling. Bruxism – this is the term used to describe unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. Calculus – also referred to as tartar, this is the hard deposit that occurs when you’re unable to remove all of the plaque from your teeth. As the tartar builds up on your teeth, it could cause your gums to become inflamed, and you’ll need a professional dental cleaning to remove it and restore your dental health. Caries – this is a term used to describe tooth decay. Cavity – this is the term used by your dentist when you’re missing some tooth structure as a result of erosion, abrasion, or decay. Dry Socket – this refers to inflammation and pain within a tooth’s socket after the tooth has been extracted. Gingivitis – this is an early stage of gum disease, typically the result of plaque buildup. The gums will usually be inflamed and red, as well as bleed easily. Impacted Tooth – this occurs when a tooth is blocked, either by soft tissue, bone, or another tooth, from coming up through your gums. It commonly occurs in wisdom teeth.   Malocclusion – this is the term used when there is misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Periodontitis – also referred to as periodontal disease, this is a serious infection of your gums that could develop if you have gingivitis that isn’t properly treated in time. The bones and gums supporting your teeth could deteriorate, causing the teeth to become loose and fall out. Plaque - this is the sticky film containing bacteria and various other substances that ends up coating your teeth daily. When not properly removed using regular brushing and flossing, it could harden into calculus (tartar) and result in gum disease. Temporomandibular joint disorder – also referred to as TMD, this is a condition that could result in symptoms that include clicking and pain within the temporomandibular joint. So Many Different Branches of Dentistry! Endodontics – this is a branch of dentistry that deals with conditions that affect dental pulp. An endodontist has more training in order to treat your problem if it’s more advanced, such as if you have to undergo a root canal. Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon – this specialist treats conditions that affect the jaw and teeth. Oral Pathologist – this is a specialist who knows how to examine your mouth for abnormalities that include cancer. Orthodontist – this is a dentist who specializes in correcting the alignment of teeth using tools that include braces. Pediatric Dentist – this is a dentist that only treats children’s teeth. Periodontist – this is a dental specialist who treats the tissues surrounding the teeth. Some of the Treatments Your Dentist Might Recommend Amalgam – this is a type of dental filling that could be used to restore teeth that have cavities. It contains a mix of various metals, such as silver, mercury, and copper. Bridge – this appliance might be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. It will be used to attach artificial teeth to your natural teeth, bridging the gap between them and restoring your smile. Composite – this is another type of dental filling that could be used to restore the health of a tooth when a cavity is found. It is colored like the rest of the teeth, allowing for a more natural appearance. Extraction – this is performed when all or part of a tooth is removed by the dentist because other treatments were not possible. Prosthesis – this is an artificial replacement for missing teeth. Root canal – during this treatment, the pulp, or nerve, of a tooth is removed and the space is sealed before a crown is used to cover and protect the tooth. Scaling and root planing – this procedure is used to provide a deep clean below the gumline. Sealant – this is a plastic resin that could be applied to the biting surface of a tooth in order to prevent decay and cavities. Veneers – these are thin covers that could be applied to your teeth in order to improve their appearance. They could be made of various materials, such as ceramic or acrylic resin. Getting to Know Your Dental Anatomy   Buccal – this refers to the areas of your teeth that are near your cheeks. Cementum – this is the thin tissue covering tooth roots.

Did you know that it’s a good idea to take extra steps to maintain your dental hygiene while you’re pregnant? There’s a connection between your pregnancy and your oral health, and how you take care of your mouth could even have an impact on the well-being of your child. So check out the prenatal oral care tips below to ensure you can keep both your mouth and your baby as healthy as possible. Here’s How Pregnancy Could Affect Your Oral Health Pregnancy causes you to go through hormonal changes that may boost your risk of developing gum disease. Studies have already found that a lot of women will develop gingivitis while they’re pregnant. This could be due to the fact that higher hormone levels might affect the way that your gums react to plaque. Unfortunately, your oral health issues don’t just affect you; they could adversely affect the health of your baby too. In fact, experts have determined that, if you have gum disease while you’re pregnant, your risk of having your baby prematurely, or delivering a baby who is underweight, might increase. Scary! How could this be? Well, additional research will help experts get more answers, but in the meantime, the evidence shows that gum disease could trigger higher amounts of the chemicals that would induce labor. And the more severe the gum disease, the greater the risk of having a baby prematurely. On top of negatively affecting the health of your gums, higher levels of certain hormones during pregnancy might even cause your teeth to feel loose. And because pregnancy could cause you to have more acid in your mouth, the risk of tooth decay might also increase. Yikes! Prenatal Dental Care Tips for Expecting Moms Because your risk of gingivitis may be higher while you are pregnant, making it a point to stick to your oral hygiene routine at home is a wise move. Do your best to keep all of your teeth as clean as possible, particularly along the gumline, in order to keep gingivitis at bay or at least reduce it. And don’t forget to floss to remove as much plaque as possible every day. Try to keep an eye out for pregnancy gingivitis by paying attention to your gums and checking for bleeding, swelling, or tenderness. If these symptoms develop, contact your dentist, as you don’t want the condition to progress to periodontitis, which is serious. Eating healthy throughout your pregnancy won’t only benefit the growing baby in your belly; it could also help you maintain the health of your mouth. So rather than having sugary sweets, stick with nutritious yet satisfying alternatives like fresh fruit. Upping your intake of calcium-rich, moisture-rich, and fiber-rich foods is also a great idea. Suffering with morning sickness? Switching to a toothpaste with a bland flavor might help prevent gagging. And if you vomit, use some water or mouthwash to thoroughly rinse your mouth out in an effort to keep the teeth and gums clean. Don’t Neglect Your Dental Appointments While Pregnant Sure, you have a lot on your mind and loads to get done before your baby arrives, but seeing your dentist throughout your pregnancy is another important step that you can take to rest assured that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. Just be sure to inform your dentist that you’re pregnant, and be open and upfront about medications and supplements (including prenatal vitamins) that you’re taking. Also let your dentist know if you’ve had miscarriages in the past or if you’re experiencing any other health concerns or stress. Although you could receive routine dental care throughout your pregnancy, some experts recommend seeing your dentist anywhere from the fourth to the sixth month of pregnancy. If you do see your dentist during your first trimester, he or she might choose to avoid things like pain medications, x-rays, antibiotics, and anesthetics unless they’re really necessary. Urgent dental procedures could be completed during your pregnancy, too, but follow your dentist’s advice based upon your state of health. When it comes to elective procedures, on the other hand, you can hold off until after you’ve had your baby. And if you have any questions regarding the type of dental care that you can receive, consider talking to your obstetrician first. Extra Tip: Planning on getting pregnant? Take action early by seeing your dentist for an exam and a cleaning. This way, you can treat any dental or gum problems in advance and start your pregnancy off with a clean and healthy mouth. Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pregnancy! Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is an essential step that could help ensure the health of your child. But even after you’ve given birth, it’s a great idea to see your dentist for another checkup, especially if you were diagnosed with a condition like gingivitis while you were expecting. Overall, with the right dental care strategy, you could welcome a strong baby, and you’ll be sporting a bright smile for all of those photos with your bundle of joy! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-pregnancy#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/oral-care-during-pregnancy/why-you-need-a-prenatal-dental-care-checkup https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Brushing-for-Two-How-Your-Oral-Health-Effects-Baby.aspx https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy.aspx

Updated June 2021 As you age, your entire body changes—yes, even your teeth and gums! And it should come as no surprise that your risk of dental problems tends to be higher when you’re a senior. But there are steps you can take to reduce the odds that you’ll develop major issues. Below are a few of the things you should know to help ensure those pearly whites will continue looking beautiful for years to come.  A Look at Some of the Dental Problems That Seniors Commonly Face Dental problems can develop at any age, but seniors should realize that they’re more susceptible. According to the CDC, untreated decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are all common problems among seniors. And many people who are 65 years of age and older don’t have any of their natural teeth left!  As a senior, things to look out for include wear and tear on the teeth, erosion of the enamel, cavities, and gum disease that might result in tooth loss if it isn’t treated properly and promptly. Trips to the dentist can help you catch problems in their earliest stages so you can preserve the health of your teeth and gums as best as possible.  Other oral health problems that might arise when you’re older include: Dry mouth Gum recession Root decay Darkened teeth Oral thrush There’s a Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health As a senior, it’s super important to be aware of the connection between oral health problems and other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Because of these links, taking care of your teeth and gums is a smart step toward taking care of the rest of your body, and vice versa.  It’s also worth noting that certain medications for chronic conditions might cause side effects that impact your mouth. For example, if you’re taking a medicine that causes dry mouth as a side effect, it might raise your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.  And let’s not forget that seniors should keep an eye out for symptoms of oral cancer because the risk of this disease is also higher when you’re older. Eating right and following a healthy lifestyle are a couple of strategies that may help reduce your risk, but it’s still important to see a dentist regularly for checkups that can catch the early signs that something’s wrong.  Oral Hygiene Is Extremely Important for Seniors Knowing that you’re at a greater risk of developing oral problems as a senior is the first step. Taking action to keep your whole mouth as healthy and strong as possible is the next step.  At home, be sure to brush daily with a toothbrush that’s comfortable to use. Rinsing with a mouthwash can also be helpful when you want to clean areas that you might’ve missed while brushing and flossing.   See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, from sensitivity and swelling to dry mouth and sores.  If you have a dental bridge or you wear dentures, talk to your dentist about the best ways to keep them clean. And if they don’t fit comfortably, your dentist can adjust them for you, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you experience discomfort.  Finally, don’t forget to let your dentist know about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. That way, he or she can keep that information in mind when examining your mouth and recommending treatments.  Sign Up for Dental Insurance for Seniors to Save Money! As you can see, seniors have a lot to think about when it comes to their oral health and hygiene, from taking the right steps to prevent problems, to having access to a qualified dentist who can provide prompt treatments. But on top of all of that, there’s also the issue of affording professional care.  The costs associated with keeping your mouth clean and healthy can certainly add up at any age, but the older you get and the more problems you encounter, the more expensive your dental care may become. Therefore, it’s wise to look into the dental insurance plans that are available for seniors. You might be surprised by how much coverage you can get at a budget-friendly price! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-dental-care https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/seniors/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/oral-health-older-adults-quick-tips

One of the most important decisions that you will make for your newborn is whether or not you will breastfeed. And you might already know about some of the many benefits that your milk could provide to your baby, such as a boost to his or her immune system. But what about your baby’s dental health? And what about your dental health? Is there a connection between oral health and breastfeeding, for both mom and baby? Breast Milk: More Than Just Nutrition Have you heard about baby bottle tooth decay? Basically, when a baby is given a bottle filled with milk, formula, or juice before bed, the teeth are exposed to the sugars in those drinks for a long period of time. And that could end up causing your little one’s teeth to decay prematurely. Oh no! Here’s why: when drinking from a bottle, the milk ends up surrounding the teeth, and the bottle might continue leaking milk even after your baby stops sucking on it. On the other hand, your nipple goes further into your baby’s mouth and needs to be sucked on to release the milk. So breastfeeding might help reduce the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. Research has also suggested that breast milk has protective effects because it contains antibodies that could get in the way of unwanted bacterial growth in your baby’s mouth. Plus, these antibodies might inhibit a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans, which is associated with tooth decay. Nice! On top of all of that, babies who are breastfed without using a bottle for the first six months of life tend to be less likely to develop dental alignment problems. More specifically, breastfeeding your child might help to reduce the risk of an overbite, a crossbite, or an open bite. Just remember that using a pacifier or sucking on a thumb may adversely affect your baby’s teeth alignment as well. So if you want to help your child avoid braces in the future, keeping these tips in mind could help ensure a beautiful smile. What About Cavities? By now, breastfeeding probably sounds like a great idea, right? But it’s important to note that breastfeeding doesn’t guarantee that your baby won’t develop those dreaded cavities. According to experts, breastfeeding could actually contribute to cavity formation, simply because your own breast milk also has sugar in it. So even if you do decide to breastfeed your tiny bundle of joy, don’t forget to gently wipe the gums with a moistened gauze pad or washcloth daily, even before those first little chompers erupt. And after the first teeth emerge, you can gently brush them twice daily to help keep them clean. When Is It Time to Stop Breastfeeding? Sure, there are a lot of benefits that come with breastfeeding, but could it ever end up being too much of a good thing? According to researchers, yes, it could. Breastfeeding for two years or more might end up increasing your child’s risk of cavities. Whoa! How could this be? Well, experts think it might have something to do with the fact that children over two years of age tend to ask for breast milk often, and they are typically fed on demand. Plus, these children might even be breastfed at night. When these frequent feedings and nighttime feedings aren’t followed up with proper dental cleaning, it might boost the risk of cavities. For these reasons, some experts recommend that you stop breastfeeding your baby at or before 24 months of age.   Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Teeth, Busy Mom! Even though all of your focus is on your precious baby, try to stay on track when it comes to your own oral health care routine. A lot of moms are, understandably, too tired to brush their teeth twice a day, or they might end up forgetting to floss because they have so many other things on their mind. Failing to keep up with your brushing and flossing regimen could increase your risk of gum disease and cavities. And this is scary for your baby, too, because you could end up transferring bacteria from your mouth to your baby’s mouth if you do something as simple as share a spoon. So keeping your own mouth clean and healthy is always an important first step. Keep Baby’s Teeth Beautiful with Help from Your Dentist In addition to getting your teeth cleaned and having your dentist examine your mouth for the early signs of gum disease and decay, your baby could also start seeing the dentist. With your dentist’s help, you could rest assured that your child’s teeth are erupting perfectly, and you could also gain valuable advice regarding how to care for your baby’s teeth. So it turns out that breastfeeding your baby could not only help promote healthy growth, but also help promote the development of healthy teeth. Wow, breast milk is even more impressive than we thought! Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/breastfeeding https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/30/health/breastfeeding-cavities-dental-health-study/index.html https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/breastfeeding-and-tooth-decay

As we move into 2018 and start a new year, we have an opportunity to embrace a fresh start when it comes to our health and wellness. But if you choose a health insurance plan to help cover your medical expenses for the next 12 months, what you might have noticed is that it doesn’t include coverage for dental care. And, unfortunately, that’s the norm. Whether your insurance provider does not offer dental insurance at all, or they do but you can’t afford their plans, there are other options. Keep reading to learn about how you can bridge the gap between your medical and dental insurance needs. Why Should You Care About Dental Insurance? A lot of people wonder if dental insurance is really necessary, especially if they are spending money out-of-pocket on their medical insurance premium. Is dental insurance really worth the additional cost? The answer is: yes, it is! The scary truth is that problems that start in the mouth might end up spreading to other parts of the body, such as the heart. So, in the same way that you would go for your annual physical or yearly blood test to stay on top of your overall health, seeing your dentist at least once a year can help alert you to oral problems that could potentially lead to other complications. Having dental insurance in place could also motivate you to make the time to see your dentist regularly. Think about it: when you don’t have dental coverage, you might be inclined to just skip your checkups and cleanings in order to avoid the out-of-pocket costs. Hey, let’s face it, between x-rays, exams, and cleanings, you could spend quite a bit of money—and that doesn’t even include what you would need to spend on fillings, root canals, crowns, implants, bridges, orthodontics, and other treatments to fix problems that are found. For this reason, many patients will even avoid going to the dentist when they have a toothache, and that could spell serious trouble in the future as the decay worsens and requires more extensive—and more expensive—treatment! An Extra but Worthwhile Step When Shopping for Insurance Unfortunately, dental care isn’t considered one of the essential benefits included in medical plans that are currently offered. This leaves consumers with the responsibility to seek out affordable, comprehensive dental insurance plans on their own. A separate dental insurance plan could be viewed as a supplement to your medical coverage, whether you receive your health insurance through an employer or you purchase it yourself. And, with the right provider, your dental insurance plan won’t break the bank. Instead, the right plan could actually help you save money in the long run. Who Doesn’t Love Saving Money? In addition to making it easy to stay on top of your oral health, the right dental coverage could help you save a good amount of money over time. Shop smart by comparing plans from affordable providers. For example, you could receive great coverage at surprisingly low rates from providers like Spirit, where you can find dental plans for individuals, families, children, and seniors. Spirit dental plans will give you access to fantastic dentists who could provide you with exams, cleanings, orthodontics, major services, and much more. Plus, you are covered for three dental cleanings per year, rather than just two, and there aren’t any waiting periods for your coverage to kick in. On top of that, you can choose from plans with or without a network. Now that’s what we call bridging the gap that’s left by health insurance providers! Bottom line: what you’d typically need to spend out-of-pocket in a year to receive necessary dental exams, cleanings, and treatments could end up being much higher than what you’d pay in a year for a dental plan. So consider shopping for your ideal coverage today. You can apply at any time, and you won’t have to wait to receive the care that you need. Shopping for a Dental Plan Is Easy Peasy! If taking control of your oral health is a priority and you’re hoping to save money on the costs of seeing your dentist throughout the year, rest assured that shopping for the right dental plan is easy. Check out the plans offered by Spirit to find the option that will have you and your family covered for the year to come. Here’s to a bright, beautiful, and healthy smile in 2018!