February 2nd, 2012
With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, our team at Olsen Orthodontics thought we’d share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.
• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).
National Children’s Dental Health Month, now in its 62nd year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids’ oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Olsen Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!
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January 26th, 2012
While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:
• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.
There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:
• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)
If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!
–Olsen Orthodontics
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January 20th, 2012
We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did prior to your orthodontic treatment.
Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Marc Olsen and our team at Olsen Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; just ask us for a recommendation!
When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.
You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.
Dr. Marc Olsen and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Laurel, Billings office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.
Lastly, in addition to visiting Olsen Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.
Questions? Please let us know below or on our Facebook page. You may also give us a call!
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January 12th, 2012
With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Dr. Marc Olsen thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.
More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.
Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions and other dental injuries. Our staff at Olsen Orthodontics encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists’ website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.
We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!
Tags: Billings MT Braces, Billings orthodontist, braces friendly recipes, Dr. Marc Olsen, Laurel orthodontist, olsen orthodontics, orthodontic treatment, orthodontist billings MT, orthodontist laurel MT
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January 5th, 2012
Even if you brush and floss daily, as well as maintain your braces and visit our office during your orthodontic treatment it is still important to visit your local dentist every 6 months, or as recommended.
Why?
• Your dentist can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
• Frequent visits can allow your dentist to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.
During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing.
If you have not visited a dentist in the past six months, please let us know! Dr. Marc Olsen will be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!
– Dr. Marc Olsen & Team
Tags: braces Billings, braces Laurel, Laurel MT braces, Laurel orthodontist, Marc Olsen, olsen orthodontics, orthodontist billings MT, orthodontist laurel MT
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December 27th, 2011
Many folks in consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2012? Our team recommends that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!
It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.
Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health. After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.
Happy New Year!
-Your friends at Olsen Orthodontics
Tags: Marc Olsen, new years 2012, olsen orthodontics, orthodontist billings MT, orthodontist laurel MT
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December 19th, 2011
In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Olsen Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?
We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!
Tags: Marc Olsen, olsen orthodontics, orthodontist billings MT, orthodontist laurel MT
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December 14th, 2011
Olsen Orthodontics, serving Billings and Laurel, strives to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?
Share your story with the world!
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Just select the “Review Us on Google Places” button above to write a review on our Google Places Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!
Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
-Dr. Marc Olsen and team
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December 6th, 2011
There’s more good news for teenagers at Olsen Orthodontics! We are proud to offer Invisalign Teen, a popular choice for straightening teeth without traditional wires and brackets.
Much like Invisalign for adults, Invisalign Teen is an alternative to metallic braces and is undetectable when worn. Invisalign moves teeth at a pace that is faster than traditional braces and are:
-Clear
-Removable
-Super comfortable
-Customized just for you
Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you’re swimming the 50 meter race, out on the field kicking the ball around, or playing the clarinet with the school’s band, you don’t have to worry about your braces getting in the way!
Offices conveniently located in Billings and Laurel, our team at Olsen Orthodontics invite you to give us a call today!
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November 30th, 2011
There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter headed for the greater Billings and Laurel area! Please help Dr. Marc Olsen and our staff at Olsen Orthodontics prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!
At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you!
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With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, our team at Olsen Orthodontics thought we’d share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.
