Whether you’re looking to enhance your smile for cosmetic reasons or correct a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment can be a game-changer. At The Hills Orthodontics in Anaheim Hills, we understand that selecting the right option for straightening your teeth is a significant decision. Braces and Invisalign® are two popular treatments, each with its own set of benefits. Let’s explore which option may be best suited for your unique needs.

The Advantages of Braces

Braces have long been a trusted method for addressing tooth alignment issues. With advancements in orthodontic technology, braces have become more comfortable and customizable than ever before. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or a more discreet look, braces offer versatility for patients of all ages. They excel in treating complex cases that require significant realignment to achieve an optimal bite.

Embracing Invisalign®: A Modern Approach to Orthodontic Care

Invisalign® represents a modern, less invasive alternative to traditional braces. Unlike braces, which are affixed to your teeth throughout treatment, Invisalign® utilizes a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. This flexibility allows for easier maintenance of oral hygiene and the convenience of removing the trays for eating and brushing.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

The decision between braces and Invisalign® depends on various factors, including the severity of your orthodontic issues and your lifestyle preferences. Our team at The Hills Orthodontics is here to guide you through the decision-making process. We’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and discuss your treatment goals to determine the most suitable option for achieving your desired smile.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Ready to take the next step toward a straighter, healthier smile? Contact The Hills Orthodontics in Anaheim Hills to schedule your consultation with our experienced Orthodontist Anaheim Hills. Whether you have questions about treatment options or are ready to begin your orthodontic journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your dream smile awaits!

Discover the Hidden Risks of Fruit Juice: Insights from Orthodontist Anaheim Hills

Are you cautious about your child’s dental health? It’s time to take a closer look at the impact of fruit juice consumption on their precious smiles. Despite its “100 percent fruit juice” label, these seemingly healthy beverages can pose significant risks to dental health. Orthodontist Anaheim Hills sheds light on the latest guidelines and insights to safeguard your family’s oral well-being.

The Hidden Dangers Unveiled

Contrary to popular belief, fruit juices aren’t always the innocent beverages they appear to be. While they boast essential vitamins like C and potassium, they also harbor a considerable amount of sugar, as revealed by Medical News Today. This sugar content, as innocent as it may seem, serves as a primary culprit behind tooth decay, particularly in children.

Revised Guidelines for Safer Consumption

In response to mounting concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revamped its recommendations regarding fruit juice intake, urging caution from infancy. Infants aged 12 months and younger are now advised to abstain entirely from fruit juice consumption. For older children, moderation is key, with specific daily limits tailored to different age groups.

Moderation as the Key to Dental Health

Orthodontist Anaheim Hills emphasizes the importance of moderation in fruit juice consumption. While small amounts may be permissible for older children, strict limits are essential to mitigate the risk of dental decay. The AAP advises a maximum daily intake ranging from 4 to 8 ounces, depending on the child’s age. Diluting juice with water can further reduce sugar exposure, safeguarding dental health without compromising essential nutrients.

Protecting Smiles Across Generations

The repercussions of excessive sugar consumption extend beyond childhood, impacting adults as well. Orthodontist Anaheim Hills urges everyone to monitor their intake of sugary beverages, including fruit juices, to preserve long-term dental health.

Your Partner in Dental Wellness

At Orthodontist Anaheim Hills, we’re committed to nurturing healthy smiles for every member of your family. Regular dental check-ups allow our dedicated team to detect and address early signs of decay, ensuring optimal oral health for a lifetime. If your child exceeds the recommended fruit juice intake, consider scheduling an additional cleaning with our experienced professionals.

Schedule Your Dental Visit Today

Take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s dental health by scheduling a visit to Orthodontist Anaheim Hills. Our friendly team is here to provide comprehensive care and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to prioritize your family’s smiles.

Resource:

• Medical News Today: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317567.php

Is it Time for Your Child to Start Their Orthodontic Journey?

At The Hills Orthodontics, we understand the importance of a confident, healthy smile for your child’s future. If you’re wondering when the best time is for your child to get braces, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Why Choose Braces from The Hills Orthodontics?

Braces aren’t just about straightening teeth; they’re about correcting bites, aligning jaws, and ensuring a lifetime of dental health. Whether your child has an overbite, underbite, gaps between teeth, or crooked teeth, braces from The Hills Orthodontics can provide the solution they need.

Early Intervention for Lasting Results

The Hills Orthodontics emphasizes the significance of starting orthodontic treatment early. With a malleable jaw structure during adolescence, braces are more effective in younger patients. According to leading dental associations, the optimal window for orthodontic treatment typically falls between the ages of 8 and 14. Trust our expertise to tailor a treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs and development.

Unlock the Benefits of Braces

Beyond the initial adjustment period, braces offer a multitude of benefits for your child’s long-term health and confidence. By straightening teeth and closing gaps, braces promote improved gum health and reduce the risk of future dental complications. Witness the transformation in your child’s confidence as they unveil a radiant, straight smile, courtesy of The Hills Orthodontics.

Embark on Your Child’s Orthodontic Journey Today

Join us at The Hills Orthodontics for a comprehensive consultation tailored to your child’s needs. Our dedicated team will conduct a thorough examination and craft a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the best results.

Ready to take the next step towards your child’s confident smile? Contact our friendly team today to schedule your child’s appointment at The Hills Orthodontics.

Braces are a safe, effective way to correct the alignment of your teeth. For some orthodontic patients, minor irritation or other issues can occur. For your reference, we’ve compiled a guide to understanding how to best handle a few issues you might experience. 

I Am Experiencing Discomfort with My Braces
Minor discomfort for the first few days after placement or adjustment is normal. We advise sticking to a diet of soft, easy-to-chew foods. You may find it helpful to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If discomfort continues beyond the first week, contact our office for guidance. 

Food Is Caught Between My Teeth
It may take some time to adjust to eating with your braces. If food gets caught between your teeth, try using floss. Creating a small knot in the floss might make it more effective at catching the lodged piece of food. Small toothbrushes or interdental cleaners may also be an effective way to clean out the gaps between your teeth and in brackets. A toothpick may also work, but use extra caution when working around the wires of your braces. 

My Braces Are Irritating My Mouth
Wires and brackets can rub against your lips or inner cheeks causing discomfort. In these instances, use non-medicinal relief wax to cover the problematic area. This can make eating and talking more comfortable. The wax is harmless if accidentally swallowed. 

A Wire Is Sticking Out
Though not common, wires can shift and protrude into your mouth. Attempt to push the wire back into place against your teeth using a cotton swab or even a clean pencil eraser. Make sure to let us know about the issue during your next visit. 

A Bracket, Wire, or Band is Loose
Any loosening of your braces should be examined by our team. Loosening of the appliance may occur from eating hard, crunchy foods or from playing contact sports. Your best defenses are avoiding troublesome foods and wearing a mouthguard if you are playing sports. If any part of your braces is removed, please save it and bring it with you to our office. 

Adjusting to braces can take some time. Always have non-medicinal relief wax on hand in case your braces become an irritant. If your braces are loose or parts are falling off, please contact us immediately. The best way to keep your braces secure is to avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods. Don’t forget to brush thoroughly after each meal to clean out any food particles that may have become lodged between your teeth.

For questions about your braces, please contact our office.

We understand how easy it can be to forget about your retainer. Once you get used to having one, it can become second nature to regularly care for it. For those who are new to retainers, however, it can be tricky to remember to take care of your new appliance. We’ve assembled a list of five tips to help you get started in the right direction. 

1. Keep It In, Unless…
Your retainer should be worn for the entire day. Without it, your orthodontic treatment results will suffer. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. Do take out your retainer while you eat, clean it, during sports, and as directed by your dentist and our doctor. Otherwise, keep it in! 

2. Use Your Case
Your retainer will come with a case to store it in. When it’s out of your mouth, use the case. We’ve heard many horror stories of patients putting their retainer in a napkin while they eat, only to throw it away by mistake. A replacement retainer can be costly, so treat yours with care. 

3. Clean it Regularly
Your retainer needs to be kept clean. Like your teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up on it, which can be harmful to your teeth. We recommend cleaning your retainer every time you brush. Rinse your retainer with water, then use toothpaste and your toothbrush to give a gentle scrubbing. Rinse it off a final time before putting it back in your mouth. 

4. Be Careful of Sports
Contact sports pose a risk of damaging your retainer. Even non-contact sports may cause you to experience some degree of facial trauma. While playing sports, your retainer should be removed and placed in its protective case. Ask about a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth during these activities.

5. Visit Us
While receiving orthodontic treatment, we will schedule a series of appointments with you to measure your progress. These visits are important for ensuring your results are maintained. They allow our team to make sure your retainer continues to fit properly, as well.

It may take some time to become comfortable with caring for your retainer. Follow our guide to stay on track. Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as keeping your teeth clean. Don’t forget to remove your retainer while eating, and always use the case to store it when it is not in your mouth.

For more retainer care tips or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team.

An injury to your mouth can be a painful, expensive experience. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries are a very real risk. Mouthguards are an excellent tool for protecting your mouth from injury and harm. Our team can help you find a solution that protects your teeth while you play.

Why Wear a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards protect your teeth. For athletes, injuries to the mouth can cause cracked teeth, or even worse, missing teeth. Additionally, your mouth is mostly made up of soft tissues, such as your tongue, inside cheeks, and lips. These areas can become injured or pierced when playing sports. Mouthguards help defend your mouth and teeth against such injuries. 

Do All Athletes Need a Mouthguard?

Yes. High-contact sports such as hockey, wrestling, football, and boxing pose the greatest risk for mouth injuries. However, all athletes can benefit from being cautious. Gymnasts should consider wearing one to protect their mouth in the event of a fall. Baseball and basketball players should protect themselves from being injured by a ball or collision with another player. Mouthguards should be treated as a necessary piece of your athletic gear, no matter which sport you play.

Which Mouthguard Is the Most Effective?

Our team can help you during your next visit to our office. There are many options available, ranging from store-bought to custom-fitted mouthguards. We will work with you to determine which type of mouthguard is best for you. It is important that any guard fits properly. 

If you are currently receiving orthodontic treatment, we may recommend a special type of  mouthguard. Braces can puncture your mouth if impacted, particularly during sports. Our team will help you find a solution that works.

Prevention is the best solution to oral sports injuries. Contact our office and ask about finding a mouthguard that is right for you.

Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a habit many get into without even realizing it. Grinding your teeth can be damaging for several reasons. If you or your child have been struggling with teeth grinding, make an appointment to see us. We will assess the damage to the teeth, as well as assist you in addressing solutions. Here’s what you need to know about teeth grinding. 

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

Teeth grinding does not have a single cause. Instead, it can occur for several different reasons. Stress and anxiety, an improper bite, and sleep disorders are all potential causes. If your teeth are not aligned properly, they can rub against each other while you bite or chew. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing what they are doing.

The Journal of the American Dental Association found that smoking and alcohol result in an increase in teeth grinding. In fact, smokers and people who drink alcohol were found to be twice as likely to experience bruxism as those who do not have these behaviors.

What Grinding Does Your Teeth

Grinding wears down your teeth causing damage, increased sensitivity, and even loosening teeth. Teeth are like bones. They can crack or fracture, and grinding has been known to cause both issues. Your teeth can also be flattened from constantly rubbing against one another. Grinding not only damages your teeth, but it leaves you more susceptible to other complications in the future, as well. Beyond your teeth, grinding can lead to jaw pain and headaches. If you wake up with a sore, tired jaw on frequent occasions, this could be a sign that you grind or clench your teeth throughout the night.

What We Can Do

If grinding is an issue for you, make an appointment to see us. First, we will assess the extent of the damage that may have already occurred due to grinding. We will then work with you to identify a solution that will keep your teeth strong and healthy. In some cases, we may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent your teeth from pressing against one another. Though it can be challenging, if your grinding is caused by stress, the top priority will be to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress is a more common cause for adults than children. The primary cause of grinding in children is improper alignment.

If grinding your teeth has become an issue, please do not wait until it leads to sensitivity and pain. Schedule an appointment to see us for an evaluation and treatment plan. Our professional dental team will work with you to address the cause of your grinding, and determine a solution that will protect your teeth from any further damage.

For more information on keeping your teeth strong and healthy, please contact our office. We look forward to assisting you!

Resources: The American Dental Association

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding

Journal of the American Dental Association

http://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

Are you one of the many individuals who embarked on their smile transformation journey with SmileDirectClub? We extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to you at The Hills Orthodontics, where we specialize in completing and correcting orthodontic care. Led by the talented Dr. Brian Luong, our team of experts is here to ensure your smile continues to shine and radiate confidence

Starting your orthodontic journey with SmileDirectClub was a significant step towards achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. We applaud your commitment to improving your oral health and appearance. Now, as you enter the next phase of your smile transformation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose The Hills Orthodontics in Anaheim Hills, CA?

At The Hills Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique, and your orthodontic care should be tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Brian Luong, with his extensive experience and expertise, leads our dedicated team. With a deep understanding of orthodontics, he is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

Continuing Your Journey

You may be wondering why you should continue your orthodontic journey with us. The answer is simple: while SmileDirectClub provides a convenient at-home option for initial treatment, it may not address all orthodontic concerns. Our in-office consultations and treatments offer several advantages:

• Personalized Care: We begin your journey with a thorough evaluation of your dental health and smile goals. Dr. Brian Luong will create a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your unique needs and concerns.
• Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced orthodontic professionals will closely monitor your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure your treatment stays on track.
• High-Quality Materials: We use only the highest-quality orthodontic materials and techniques to ensure your smile is not only beautiful but also healthy and long-lasting.
• Safety and Comfort: Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout your treatment.
• Face-to-Face Support: We offer you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you may have in person, providing you with peace of mind throughout your journey.

Your Smile Is Our Priority

At The Hills Orthodontics, we are dedicated to transforming smiles and boosting confidence. Whether you started your journey with SmileDirectClub or are seeking orthodontic care for the first time, we are here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.

Transitioning from SmileDirectClub to The Hills Orthodontics is a seamless process. We’ll work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition, and our team is always available to address your needs.

Your journey to a stunning smile continues here. We look forward to meeting you, understanding your goals, and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your consultation with us today and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident you. Welcome to The Hills Orthodontics!

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with our orthodontic professionals for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

As you have likely come to realize, children grow up quickly. Make sure you are savoring each moment you have with your child. Here are seven things we suggest doing with your child before they reach age 7.

1. Make an Artistic Masterpiece

Art projects are always a fun activity. Create art together. Do a finger painting, or draw and color together. Your child’s art masterpieces will be a lasting memory of the time you shared together.

2. Experience Snow

Do you live in a cold climate where it snows in the winter? Embrace the snow and go sledding or build a snowman. If you live where it is warm, make sure your child experiences the magic of a fresh winter snow before they grow up.

3. Establish Traditions

Create fun traditions that will transcend time. Your child might be too young to remember one event, but a yearly occurrence is sure to provide for a fun memory when your child grows up. Celebrate half-birthdays or start new traditions with a surprise on Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day. Think small. It’s often life’s little moments that are cherished most.

4. Read Together Each Day

Reading with your child each night is a great way to bond together over a fun story. Reading will also help your child learn and improve their reading skills, not to mention engage their ever-active imaginations. 

5. Teach Your Child About Honesty

Childhood provides an important time for instilling good habits and a sense of morality in our children. One of the most important lessons you can teach your child is to always be honest. 

6. Watch the Clouds

When the weather turns nice, enjoy a lazy afternoon outside looking up at the sky. What does your child see in the clouds? Encourage their imagination.

7. Bring Your Child in for an Orthodontic Evaluation

It is important for your child to have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they reach age 7. By this time, most children will begin to grow their molars and incisors. The jaw is also still at an age where it can be formed and shaped. 

As a parent, you can provide your child with a smile that will last through the years. Embrace each moment you share together, and the smiles that go with them. 

If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, or would like to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

You may have been referred to our office by your dentist because you were told your bite needed work. We see many patients referred to us who are sometimes surprised to hear their bite needs work, because they did not notice. Our doctor looks for a few key things when examining your bite.

The View You See

When you look in the mirror, you can see the front of your teeth. What we look for in our office is to see whether your teeth are too long. If you notice your top teeth are covering more than half of your bottom teeth, we call this a deep bite. We also check to see how your teeth are lining up in relation to your lip.

Looking Down

Imagine your mouth wide open. Our doctor will have you open wide to check your teeth’s alignment from the top looking down. An ideal bite will form an arch shape when viewed from above. This is also a good way for us to see if you have gaps between your teeth.

From the Side

It might be hard for you to see your mouth from the side, but it is another important view of your bite that we check in our office. From this view, we can see if your mouth structure needs to be adjusted from an overbite (where your top teeth stick out in front of the lower set) or an underbite (where your lower teeth stick out beyond the top).

Next Steps

Once we’ve evaluated your bite in our office, we can take the next steps in helping you achieve the results you desire. If you have gaps and spaces, we might consider treatment options such as braces  or aligners. To correct under or overbites, we might consider treatments such as expanders.

Your Bite Matters

It is important to have a good bite because misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties while eating and speaking. Extensive jaw discomfort and tooth decay are also other side-effects of having an improper bite. Your oral health is dependent on having a good bite. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with any questions you might have.

For more information on the perfect bite or to schedule an examination, contact our office.