Griffin Orthodontics Blog

What are your summer plans?

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:31:11 +0000

The dog days of summer are almost upon us, and what better time for us to ask our patients’ summer plans!

Whether you’re going camping, hitting America’s great open roads, visiting our nation’s capitol, or just staying in town and hanging out, we want to know how you’re all going to spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to reading all about your summer adventures!

Dr. Griffin chats with WUWM about adult orthodontics

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:32 +0000

Dr. Griffin stopped in to the WUWM radio studio for an interview with Stephanie Lecci last week! Check out the interview, and please share with any adults you know who are considering orthodontics!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, from Dr. Griffin

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:46 +0000

At Griffin Orthodontics, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation with Dr. Griffin. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Straight talk with Dr. Griffin

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:28 +0000

We’ve had patients ask us why Dr. Griffin and our team work so hard to give our patients straight teeth using Invisalign. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth, Dr. Griffin will tell you, are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at our West Allis orthodontic office to set up a consultation for Invisalign.

Ask Dr. Griffin: “When should my child visit for an orthodontic consultation?”

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:14 +0000

Great question! Braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Griffin to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Please give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment with Dr. Griffin!

April marks National Facial Protection Month, from Griffin Orthodontics

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:17:33 +0000

We recommend that our patients wear mouthguards in any athletics where there is a risk that the mouth (teeth and jaws) could sustain a forceful blow. Mouthguards do reduce the risk of damage to teeth, lips, tongue etc and concussion injury.

There are many choices of mouthguard to consider. Essentially, there are two varieties: the generic off the shelf and custom fit. Of the generic varieties there are the ‘boil and bite’ types and the soft silicone types.

We keep a small selection of generic ‘orthodontic’ mouthguards in our office. We also have the ability to produce custom fit mouthguards.

The advantage of custom fit mouthguard is just that, a better fit. Functionally, a custom fit mouthguard does not work better than the generic ‘Boil and bite’ mouthguard. The advantage to the generic mouthguard is the inexpensive cost. The disadvantage of the generic boil and bite variety is the fit and comfort. Often times a ‘boil and bite’ must be trimmed with a sharp scissors

We tell our patients that they may have to try several different mouthguards before they find one that fits and is comfortable. I recommend the Shock Doctor Braces mouthguard because it is a soft silicone and does not require boiling; it is easily trimmed with sharp scissors, and is relatively inexpensive.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, from Dr. Griffin

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:47:09 +0000

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Why do I need a braces adjustment so often?

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:58:30 +0000

When you have braces, your wires will need to be replaced with new ones regularly. It is the slow, steady pressure placed on your teeth that move them into their desired positions, so these adjustments are a vital aspect of your treatment. We have set out a specific treatment plan to achieve your optimal results, and keeping up with your appointments will allow your treatment to be completed in the predicted amount of time.

Scheduling your adjustments sooner than planned may result in more pain and discomfort, because your teeth haven’t been allowed to settle into their new positions properly. Skipping appointments or scheduling them farther apart will result in a much longer treatment time. Visiting our office regularly will also allow us to answer any questions you may have, check for damaged appliances, and monitor your progress.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:59:38 +0000

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.
Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

Connect with Dr. Griffin on Facebook!

mynetworks0534@sesamecommunications.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:46 +0000

We will be rolling out our new Facebook Timeline page soon and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout.

When you connect with us on facebook you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!