783 North Main Street
Laconia, NH 03246
603-524-7404
Schedule Your Free Consultation


Our Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Alan Kennell’

Why do I need braces?

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

There are many reasons for braces. Most importantly, they improve your smile and confidence. Braces also correct bites allowing easier chewing and better speech, they eliminate tooth interferences that can cause TMD or joint problems; they align teeth so patients can clean between teeth, and they eliminate harmful wear patterns that destroy your teeth and gums. Braces can also be used to open or close spaces for implants, crowns, or bridges. Kennell Orthodontics offers a pressure-free environment, so that you can comfortably explore your options without any commitments. Braces are a wonderful way to improve your oral presentation and health, but getting braces is a decision you have to make. We love helping people reach their goal of a fantastic new smile!

 

My dentist does braces, why do I need an orthodontist?

Because we are specifically trained to serve you! After 4 years of dental school, an orthodontist completes another 2-3 years of specialized orthodontic training at an accredited university. An orthodontist does not do fillings, crowns, or cleanings. Instead, we are specially trained to deal with problems of tooth alignment and bite functioning. We work closely with pediatric dentists, family dentists, cosmetic dentists and other dental specialists on every case to create an efficient dental team. If you have questions about why you are seeing a licensed orthodontist for your treatment, please ask us or you can visit the American Association of Orthodontists website at http://www.braces.org.

Braces generally have two components: brackets and wires. Today’s brackets can be made of metal or of tooth-colored ceramic. They are usually attached to the front of your teeth, but some can be “hidden” behind your teeth. Wires, which do the work of moving your teeth, are threaded through slots in the brackets. You will need to see Kennell Orthodontics periodically to adjust your wires.

 

What age of people get braces?

Braces and other treatment options are available for ALL ages, from elementary school through retirement, people are enjoying the benefits of a beautiful, more comfortable smile. Kennell Orthodontics can work with you to give you a smile that fits your style, so why limit yourself to one treatment option, Kennell Orthodontics also offers treatments using new technology like braces with brackets that go behind your teeth and clear aligners, like Invisalign.

 

Food for thought.

Check out this website for recipes tailored for individuals with braces. Lots of ideas for healthy meals and snacks. What is your favorite food to eat while wearing braces? Let us know! Just because you have braces, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite summer fruits and vegetables. Make sure to slice your apples very thin and simply cut the corn off the cob!

 

Bright, Beautiful, Healthy Smiles!

Check out our link to Brace Painter, you’ll have fun and can be creative to make your smile unique, bright and fun! Ask Dr. Kennell and his staff what fun colors are available to design your braces!  http://www.kennellortho.com/brace-painter.php

Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our office.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it’s worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!!!

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Kennell Orthodontics’s Spring Contest has officially kicked off!

Don’t miss out on the chance to win 4 Red Sox tickets to see your favorite baseball team play at Fenway Park against the Diamondbacks Sunday, August 4, 2013. at 1:35PM EDT.

Design a photo collage for our Facebook page and you could win tickets to a Red Sox game this summer!

 

The Spring Contest kicks off Monday, April 15th through Friday, July 12, 2013.

The winner will be selected the week of July 15, 2013.

Be Creative!  Create a Photo Collage for our Facebook!

The following elements need to be incorporated into the collage:

Kennell Ortho, Lakes Region Living, Braces (or retainers), Smiles, Summer, Friends, Having Fun!

There are lots of free Facebook Cover Collage apps you can download!

Check out what we did using the Smilebox App on our facebook page!

Here are the details:

Specs for collage should be the following:

851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall, less than 100 kilobytes

4 inches wide x 1.5 inches high

JPG format preferred

 

Entry Submission

You must be a patient of Kennell Orthodontics to enter.

Just submit your creative collage by using one of the following and be sure to include your name and contact information.

Email: contests@kennellortho.com

Bring in a hard copy to our office: 783 North Main Street Laconia

Post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennellOrtho

ADA National Children’s Dental Health Month, February 2013

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Although National Orthodontics Month is in October each year, each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Dr. Kennell and his team want to remind parents that their children can avoid cavities. A balanced diet, limiting snacks, brushing and flossing each day and regular dental check-ups are the keys to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

 

Cleaning Your Teeth & Gums

Taking care of your mouth is simple. The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
  • Clean between teeth daily with floss or an inter dental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.