Know Your Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by an orthodontist. The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple: swig, swish, gargle and spit. But, what most people misunderstand is not all mouthwash is created equal. In fact, do you know if you’re using the right kind of mouthwash while being treated at Beim Orthodontics? And, are you sure you’re using it correctly?

Mouthwash Differences

The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpastes, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Beim Orthodontics.

What to Look For

When buying therapeutic mouthwash, be sure to look for the American Dental Association “Seal of Acceptance” logo on the bottle. All products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts and approved to meet the safety and standards of effectiveness. Also, be sure to read the instructions very thoroughly and choose the best one for your specific needs.

Fluoride-based mouthwash: Fluoride exists in most toothpaste and in some tap water. For this reason, it is usually an unnecessary ingredient. Nevertheless, it protects against cavities and strengthens enamel.

Alcohol–based mouthwash: Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses harshly. It dries out the mouth, aggravates cuts or burns, and exacerbates inflammation. Anyone with sensitivities should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and seek natural ingredients like aloe.

Antibacterial mouthwash: Without alcohol—or with a smaller quantity—antibacterial mouthwash fights infections and minimizes the risk of gum disease. Some patients will receive a prescription for such rinses after surgery.

If you are uncertain what therapeutic mouthwash applies to your needs, ask Dr. Beim for help at your next appointment and he will give you a recommendation. Making sure you gargle and rinse with mouthwash as an additional part of your oral hygiene routine is an essential step to getting the smile of your dreams.

Tell Us What You Think

Since we work hard each day to make our patients feel that their experience with our office is amazing, we always appreciate the occasions when our patients take the time to tell us that they recognize the special level of care and treatment they receive at Beim Orthodontics. Do you love being a patient at Beim Orthodontics as much as we love having you as a patient? If you do, then please take just a moment to let us hear about your experience by leaving a review.

Keep reading to see how you can leave a review.

Leave a Google Review

Leaving a review on Google is easy. Simply type “Beim Orthodontics” in the Google search tab, and under the maps option click “write a review” to leave your comments and rate us. Google makes it a fast and easy process. It is so easy you can leave a review using your computer, smartphone or tablet.

Leave a Facebook Review

Are you connected with Beim Orthodontics on Facebook? LIKE our page and leave a review and rating. It’s easy, fast, and you can share it with all of your Facebook friends.

Leave a Website Testimonial Review

Have you visited our website yet? Not only can you get more information about Dr. Beim, the staff, and educational info on treatment, but you can also leave a review. Just go to the "About Us" tab, and click "Patient Testimonials."  Before reading all the wonderful reviews, click "Leave A Review" and you will be prompted to give your testimony.

We appreciate all reviews and look forward to seeing the positive things you have to say about Beim Orthodontics. We thank you for placing your trust in Dr. Beim and the Beim Orthodontics team!

The Clear Alternatives At Beim Orthodontics

Several of our potential patients are interested in clear braces as an alternative to metal braces, but aren't sure of their options. At Beim Orthodontics, we offer a variety of different clear options for orthodontic treatment.  Some alternative clear braces we specialize in are Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and Damon Clear Brackets.

Keep reading to learn a little more about each of the clear options we offer at Beim Orthodontics.

Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.

ClearCorrect

With ClearCorrect, Dr. Beim can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. Dr. Beim will take impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses in manufacturing your custom aligners. Then doctor will write a prescription for your custom aligners and sends it to ClearCorrect.

Damon Clear Brackets

Virtually invisible, Damon Clear has advantages over traditional braces and aligners. Damon Clear is part of the innovative Damon System, which combines tieless brackets and high technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with spectacular smile and facial results.

Beim Orthodontics has a knowledgeable team committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. We have a staff of highly trained and educated professionals ready to assist and answer all of your individual questions and concerns. If you have been considering orthodontic treatment, you should visit Beim Orthodontics, a respected provider of orthodontic care.

CALL US TODAY AT 407-323-0600 OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

Learn About The Benefits of Straight Teeth

There are several benefits of having straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

We decided to highlight some benefits of straight teeth, check them out.

Improved Gum Health

• Lower risk of gum disease.
• Lower risk of tooth loss.

Better Overall Health

• Less tooth decay.
• Lower risk of heart disease.
• Lower risk of high blood sugar.

Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Injury

• Misaligned teeth can push against soft tissues in the mouth.
• Cuts, sores, and infections are a result of crooked teeth.

Increased Confidence

• More self-esteem at work or school.
• Confidence leads to a more successful attitude. 

Easier Eating

• Crooked teeth compromise chewing.

If you are ready to take advantage of the benefits of straight teeth, give us a call at Beim Orthodontics and ask about our affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages.

Holiday Hours

Please note our holiday hours. 

We will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. 

Regular hours will resume on January 4, 2016.

Parts of Braces

Our patients experience different emotions when beginning their journey with braces. Most are excited and eager to start the process of braces, while others may be nervous or intimidated about such a new experience. At Beim Orthodontics, we want to ease your mind about your treatment by breaking down different parts that make up braces, and explaining more about how they will help build your new, straight smile!

What are brackets?

The brackets are the little squares that hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets are attached directly to the outside surface of the teeth using a special bonding material, or glue.

What is an arch wire?

The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction in which the teeth move. You will have one wire connecting the top braces and one wire connecting the lower ones.

What are elastics, or rubber bands?

An elastic is a tiny rubber ring or band that attaches to specific hooks on the brackets. They are designed to correct the bite.

What are hooks for?

Hooks are small pin attachments that fit into the brackets. They are where your rubber bands attach to.

By giving you more insight about each appliance, we hope you can be less apprehensive about wearing braces. If you have any further questions, please give us a call at (407) 323-0600 or visit our website www.beimortho.com. We look forward to seeing you smile!

Your Dentist VS. Your Orthodontist

Recently there has been a lack of understanding about who should be providing your orthodontic care. Most patients contemplate on whether they should seek treatment for braces or clear aligners from their general family dentist, or a certified orthodontic specialist. Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment is an important one that will affect your dental health for a lifetime, so it’s important that consumers are informed of the significant differences in care between a certified orthodontist and a general dentist.

In reality, just like not all doctors are the same, the same fact is true when it comes to dentistry. Did you know that all orthodontists are dentists, but only 7% of dentists are orthodontists? This is determined by training, as all general dentists complete 8,000 hours of dental training for their dental degrees, orthodontists start with this same training and continue on with over 4,000-6,000 hours in an accredited residency program to learn orthodontic basics. A general dentist is wonderful for routine dental work, but the scope of their practice is preventive, cosmetic, and restorative. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are trained specialist and have the expertise in smile and facial esthetics, jaw function, facial growth and development, tooth movement, alignment of teeth and jaws, and straightening of teeth. Thus, orthodontists have the best experience, judgement, and certifications to give the best orthodontic treatment for all patients with braces.

You will notice today several general dentists are advertising orthodontic care such as Invisalign, as well as offering special discounts for these treatments. We urge you to recognize that these general dentists are not orthodontic specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

At Beim Orthodontics we understand that your smile is priceless and want you to be confident in knowing that our orthodontic office is the clear choice for braces.