Our 2024 Recap!

December 10th, 2024

There are many exciting things the Kennell Ortho team accomplished during the year 2024. Now it is already coming to an end! Let us do a quick recap for you on some of our favorite highlights!

The first thing that comes to mind is our trip to the AAO meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was a great experience for the KO team to bond and to learn how to become a better office collectively. We learned communication skills, how to use our materials effectively, how to keep our ourselves and our patients safe, and got up to speed on what's new in the orthodontic world.

After the trip to the AAO conference, we were influenced to buy the latest i-Tero scanner which is much faster and much more efficient!

We updated our Rewards Program by adding a $10 Walmart gift card as one of our prizes.

We tried our first Invisalign Palate Expander that went very well (read more in our blog from November, "What is an Invisalign Palate Expander"). We have also had lots of our patients starting Phase I Invisalign treatment in general. We have had great results and have been impressed by how responsible our younger patients are.

Along with the Phase I Invisalign, there are now stickers that patients can stick on their aligners to add some fun!

We now offer Croc charms to any of our patients that come into our offices wearing their Crocs. We just got new ones in for the Holiday season!

Dr. Kennell attended the Invisalign Study Club in Costa Rica. He got to see how they actually create the Invisalign aligners and so much more!

Dr. Kennell took the KO team to see Mamma Mia Live in Boston! Then we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Nico Ristorante!

The whole KO team celebrated Halloween by dressing up as the different emotions from the movie Inside Out 2! So fun! The KO team also attended the annual Lakes Region Dental and Oral Surgery Halloween Party!

We delivered yummy pies to our referring dental offices to show our appreciation!

The front porch at the Laconia office was completely redone with new steps and railings! We hope you like it as much as we do!

Before

After

Before we are off for the holidays, the KO team got together for a Christmas party at Gusto. Dr. Kennell bought personalized tote bags for everyone. Katie made personalized ornaments. All of us swapped gifts and played fun games! Good times had by all!

We hope you all have safe, happy, and healthy holidays. We can't wait to see what this New Year brings!

What is an Invisalign Palatal Expander??

November 21st, 2024

The newest appliance we have tried at Kennell Orthodontics is the the Invisalign Palatal Expander. The expander does the same kind of expanding that a regular Hyrax or Quad Helix, metal appliances, would do. It is just a new type of system made by Invisalign.

***Unfortunately not every patient qualifies for the Invisalign Palatal Expander***

But for those who might be eligible for this kind of expander. Let us tell you about it!

First of all, the Invisalign Palatal Expanders are 3D-printed, this makes for a custom fit to our patients teeth and palate. There are a series of multiple expanders that are to be changed everyday that slightly widen the palate creating room for adult teeth to come in.

The expander is easy enough for patients of any age to insert and remove on their own. This also makes it easier for patients to brush and floss because they can remove the appliance. There are no food restrictions because it is removable.

Here is the before, during, and after of our first patient to try the Invisalign Palatal Expander. She had great results and gave us great feedback on the experience.

Before

During treatment

After!

Ask us about the Invisalign Palatal Expander if you come for a consultation, it just might be the perfect fit for your child's Phase I treatment!

Dr. Kennell's Invisalign Trip to Costa Rica

September 24th, 2024

Dr. Kennell was one of only 20 US orthodontists recently invited to attend the Invisalign Study Club at Align Technology's Treatment Operations Center in San Jose, Costa Rica.

All Invisalign scans taken at Kennell Orthodontics are sent to the 63,000 sq. ft. Treatment Operations Center in San Jose. Here, the 3,000 member operations team processes thousands of scans from all over the region using Align's sophisticated, internally developed computer-modeling program, which allows the teeth to move individually. Treatment plans are then created according to Dr. Kennell's exact specifications. Once the treatment plan (also called a ClinCheck) is approved by Dr. Kennell, the digital plan is forwarded to either Mexico, China, or Poland for fabrication of the aligners.

While at Align's facility, Dr. Kennell attended special Invisalign lectures about new Invisalign features & products, current research findings, and tips on improving the ClinCheck process.

During this time, Dr. Kennell also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with his personal Invisalign CAD designer and overseeing doctor. Over 1 hour was spent modifying Dr. Kennell's personalized Invisalign prescription (IPP) to give his patients the best result possible with Invisalign.

The day wouldn't be complete without a photo in Align's "Pura Vida" lounge!

Our Experience at the 2024 AAO Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana!

May 10th, 2024

Dr. Kennell attends many orthodontic conferences throughout the year to expand his knowledge on what's new in orthodontics. He very kindly brought along the rest of his team members to join him this time! They arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 2nd, attended the conferences for 3 days, and then headed back home to New Hampshire on May 7th! Then, they were right back to work the next day seeing all of the patients who had missed them while they were gone. Except now the team was ready with their new found knowledge!

First day, went to register and get our badges!

The first day of the AAO conference, the opening ceremony included a jazz band to get everyone hyped of for the next few days of learning! There were classes for orthodontists, clinical assistants, and the administrative assistants as well! Classes were from 8 AM to 5 PM all 3 days and there were SO many classes being offered!

The assistants learned a new way of bonding Invisalign attachments to the teeth that will hopefully help in preventing them from falling off. The process will now include using an etch material and the use of a dryer to make sure the teeth are as dry as possible. The presenter, Dr. Doug Depew, stressed how critical and important it is to only get the etch material on the exact spot where the attachment is going. This will help during the Invisalign starting appointments when it comes time to remove extra material and will give the attachment a better seal to the tooth surface. They are excited to try out this technique and hope this will in turn benefit both the patient and the assistants in the long run.

The assistants also got to see some successful cases of Phase I Invisalign treatment. Dr. Kennell has done quite a few Phase I treatments so far, but it validated how well it is working for orthodontists everywhere. The information learned about having attachments stay better will apply to the deciduous teeth in Phase I treatment as well!

The whole team sat in on an OSHA presentation that mostly reviewed all of the safety rules and regulations that we follow each and everyday. Some were a reminder for us, especially how important it is for everyone to wear safety glasses and other protective gear. The presenter, Jackie Dorst also brought up a wonderful idea to set up practice scenarios in the office to be prepared in case any emergency situations were to occur! Something you don't always think about, but that is super important for your whole team to know.

There were many classes to help dealing with burnout, physically and mentally, which applied to everyone. They had classes discussing how to reduce stress and anxiety and how to have personal growth and success. These lessons are essential when it comes to how we treat our patients and each other!

The Kennell Ortho team celebrating Cinco De Mayo with their "Will Align Teeth 4 Tacos" shirts.

To sum everything up, Dr. Kennell is an amazing orthodontist of the Lakes Region, who prioritizes his patients having the best success with treatment and the whole experience being at Kennell Orthodontics. He will go above and beyond to make sure that happens, even if that means going to New Orleans, Louisiana to obtain the best information!

It's an Emergency!

March 26th, 2024

At Kennell Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of Dr. Kennell's orthodontic office, he and his team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem as soon as possible. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, you can still give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. Kennell and team. Someone is always on call and will be able to get back to you as soon as they can.

Tooth soreness is to be expected after getting braces or Invisalign treatment, this would not count as an emergency as it will take a few days to get used to them. Some things that help are sticking to a softer food diet (ex: ice cream, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, etc). Taking Advil or Tylenol can help relieve the soreness as well. If your gums are irritated, using a warm saltwater rinse can help with healing. At our office, we provide wax to put on your braces to help protect your lips and cheeks from any other irritation as your mouth gets used to having them on.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Common emergencies include:

-Broken Braces (If still attached to wire, you can leave it be or add wax if it's irritating you. This is not urgent unless it is causing persistent pain)
-Broken Wires (If it is poking you can try to put wax on it or use the end of a pencil eraser to protect your lips/cheeks. If it is not poking, you can leave it be and give us a call)
-Tie has come off of a Brace (This is not an urgent emergency, it can be fixed at your next appointment, but if you call and let us know we can fix it easily)
-Loss of a Separator (Give us a call, if it is close enough to the next appointment it should be okay, but if not, we will schedule you to come in and get it replaced)
-Wire Poking (At the beginning of treatment the wires tend to get long. You are welcome to try and clip the wire yourself with CLEAN nail clippers, or any sharp pliers that are small enough to fit in the mouth. You can try to cover it with wax, or a pencil eraser for the mean time)

To conclude, it doesn't hurt to give us a call if you are having concerns, but hopefully after reading this you can be alleviated that not all of your emergencies are URGENT!

October: National Orthodontic Health Month

October 17th, 2023

When we think of October, Halloween is usually the first thing we think of! That is why it is the perfect month to also be thinking of orthodontic oral health. This is the month to celebrate healthy, beautiful smiles, while also taking the precautions to keep them that way.

Everyone gets excited to get all dressed up and go trick-or-treating! Patients with braces should absolutely still go out and enjoy Halloween, but just be careful with certain candy! Some of the candies you should trade with your friends are things that are going to be sticky, ooey-gooey, crunchy or too hard on your braces.

Candy to avoid:

  • Caramels, Taffy, Jellybeans, Bubblegum
  • Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers, Starbursts
  • Popcorn and Nuts

In return, the candies your friends can trade you back with are anything that is soft, or could melt in your mouth.

Candies you can eat safely:

  • Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
  • Peanut butter cups
  • Kit-Kats
  • 3 Musketeers
  • Pixy Stix

Equally important, Dr. Kennell, along with other orthodontists, would appreciate you taking the initiative to care for your braces this Halloween season. Although it is acceptable to eat certain candy, candy still contains sugar. It will be crucial for you to make sure you are brushing your teeth after you enjoy your sweet treats. The best way to do this is by brushing for at least 2 minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and finishing up with a fluoride mouth rinse. Alongside, broken brackets only lead to elongating the time you are in treatment, so keep away from the hard/sticky candies.

Have a fun, healthy, and safe Halloween! Don't forget to celebrate Orthodontic Health month this month and throughout the year!

Start of summer & Spirit week!

May 30th, 2023

It's almost that time for school to be out for summer! We know you'll be busy with fun summer activities, and we wanted to join in on the fun! The week of June 26th will be a fun filled spirit week here at Kennell Orthodontics. Patients in all three of our locations will be able to take part in this fun filled week! What an easy and fun way to earn patient rewards points too!

Not only is School out for summer & we have spirit week. June is also National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Kennell Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June!

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

  •  Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
  •  Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
  • Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Kennell.
  •  Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

The team at Kennell Orthodontics strives for your satisfaction with every visit and wants you to love your smile!

To schedule an appointment with our office give us a call!

  • Laconia: (603) 524-7404
  • Plymouth: (603) 536-7404
  • Littleton: (603) 444-7403

2022 That's A Wrap!

December 11th, 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, we like to reflect on all of the positive things we were able to achieve as a team!

 

With the help of our amazing patients we were able to collect & donate food to our local Boys and Girls Club! With donation boxes in each of our office locations, we had donations from Laconia, Plymouth & Littleton!!!

 

We are also participating in a second food drive for the month of December!!

All donations will be donated to our local Boys and Girls Club.

 

The Kennell Ortho team also got to celebrate our Christmas party in style this year! In NYC!! Taking a break from our busy work schedule and spending time team building! We attended the Rockettes at Radio City. Also visiting Times Square & Rockefeller Center! An experience of a lifetime!

As we reflect on the year we've had, we are thankful for our wonderful team. As we couldn't make it through the days without such hardworking, dedicated and passionate employees. We are also fortunate to be able to work with so many amazing patients! To be able to create beautiful smiles is everything to us, but to do it laughing and building  those relationships with our patients means the world to us. Thank you all for a wonderful year. We're excited to see what 2023 has in store for us!

 

Sincerely,

The Kennell Ortho Team

 

Back to school- Don't forget to pack your toothbrush!

September 4th, 2022

When in orthodontic treatment your oral hygiene is something you want to stay on top of. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed great oral hygiene.
  • Brush after every meal
  • Maintain a 45 degree angle with your toothbrush. It’s important to brush each tooth at the gum line and both above and below the bracket
  • Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth along with the inner surfaces closest to your tongue
  • Don't forget to floss!!!
And of course if you have any questions, Dr.Kennell and the team here at Kennell Orthodontics are just a call away!
Important reminder now that its back to school time.
We recommend patients in orthodontic treatment to brush after every meal. If you're unable to brush after lunch at school it's okay! Just remember to do so when you get home, then again after eating dinner!
We hope you all had an amazing summer!
-The Kennell Ortho team

SPIRIT WEEK is here! Get your wardrobe ready!

July 11th, 2022

Take a look at this years SPIRIT WEEK Themed Days and get ready to have some summer fun with the Kennell Ortho team!

This is a week you won't want to miss! 

  • All patients who participate will receive 25 BONUS rewards points!!!
  • Did we mention ice cream?! We will also be handing out ice cream to our patients during this week. From Monday July 11th-Friday July 15th
  • Come in and don't miss the fun!!!

 

We would also like to mention we will be having a patient appreciation night!

(Movie ,Food, Prizes provided) All you have to do is visit our Facebook page and RVSP.

When: Friday August 26th

Where: Smitty's Cinema Tilton NH

Time: 5pm-8pm

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

April is Facial Protection Month!

March 31st, 2022

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends to:
Play it safe!

See the source image

Wear a mouth guard at every practice and every game!! Mouth guards and other types of protective gear can prevent or reduce injuries that happen during organized and recreational sports.

Mouth guards offer protection by absorbing high-impact energy from potentially traumatic blows.

Mouth Guard Care

  • Keep your mouth guard clean - rinse before and after each use
  • Store in a perforated container to let your mouth guard dry out
  • Avoid chewing on the mouth guard
  • Don't wear removable retainers with your mouth guard
  • Replace your mouth guard when it shows signs of wear

Wish you could wrap your kids in bubble wrap to protect them?

Good news - mouth guards are better than bubble wrap for facial protection and are much more practical! Check out this video.

What's the best type of mouth guard? The one that's worn.

For athletes currently in orthodontic treatment:

  •  Don't use a mouth guard with your braces that you boil first. It may wrap around the braces and get stuck in place, or cause damage to your braces. Also, keep in mind that the teeth are continuing to move, so you do not want to have a mouthguard specifically molded to your teeth as they are changing.
  • Contact the office or ask Dr. Kennell directly on what type of mouthguard you can   wear.

 

What can you do during an Orthodontic emergency?!

March 1st, 2022

 

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur, we are here to assist 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 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 saltwater 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 what you would 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.

  • Laconia: (603) 524-7404
  • Plymouth: (603) 536-7404
  • Littleton: (603) 444-7403

Braces-Off Celebration

May 7th, 2021

At our office we know that one of the most anticipated appointments for patients is the day they will get their braces off and see their brand new smile for the first time. One of the most fun and rewarding parts of our job is sharing in the excitement alongside them. We decided to dedicate a full day to this on May 4th, and we celebrated Star Wars Day with a Braces-Off celebration!

Our team decorated the office for the occasion with smile balloons, which created the perfect backdrop for fun pictures. One of the best parts about getting your braces off is being able to eat all of the hard and crunchy foods that you couldn't have before. We had this in mind when we gave out special Rocky Mountain candy apple treats to our patients, along with other goodies. We are SO grateful that our Braces-Off celebration was a successful experience for our patients, and we're already planning another Braces-Off celebration in the Fall at our Plymouth location!

 

 

 

Fun Holiday Treats Even when you Have Braces

December 12th, 2019

When the holiday season comes around, there's no need for kids with braces to miss out on the traditional treats! Some candies can damage braces, but there are plenty of safe and tasty snacks to satisfy young taste buds without interfering with orthodontic treatments. In fact, when preparing fun holiday treats with your child, you can include numerous healthy options that build strong teeth at the same time.

Treats to Avoid:

When supermarket shelves are full of brightly packaged treats for the holidays, it's hard not to fill your cart. But for the sake of your child's braces, you still need to scoot past the hard, chewy and sticky foods. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that children with braces should avoid caramel, licorice, lollipops, bubblegum, popcorn, taffy, jelly beans and hard pretzels. Those types of food can easily bend or loosen the brace brackets.

Kids can enjoy the holidays without risking their braces by sticking to soft snacks and by paying extra attention to oral hygiene. The AAO suggests chocolate, peanut butter, milkshakes, gelatin-based candies and ice cream are all fun holiday treats that won't damage braces. Brushing twice a day is especially important during the holidays.

For added assurance that the food you serve is safe on braces, consider making your own!

The Colgate Oral Care Center has some great recipe ideas:

Strawberry Santas:

Slice the bottom off the large end of a strawberry so that it stands upright, and cut off the top quarter. Squirt some whipped cream onto the strawberry's top flat surface, and add two chocolate sprinkles to make the eyes of Santa's face. Place the top quarter of the strawberry back onto the whipped cream to form Santa's hat, and dab some cream on the very top of the strawberry to give his hat its white bobble.

Marshmallow Snowmen:

Melt some white chocolate candy coating in the microwave, and push a stiff straw or wooden skewer through three marshmallows for the three parts of the snowman's body. Dip the marshmallows in the candy coating, and before it sets, press chocolate chips into the top marshmallow to make the snowman's eyes. Add a tiny piece of carrot for his nose – but not too big that one crunch can damage a braces bracket.

Reindeer Cheese:

Cut strips of yellow bell pepper to the shape of antlers with a sharp knife, and push them into the wide end of a soft cheese triangle. Use two pieces of olive to make the reindeer's eyes, and half a cherry tomato to make Rudolph's nose.

Christmas Tree Brownie Lollipops:

Not every lollipop needs to be hard or sticky. Cut brownies into triangles, and decorate them with lines of frosting for tinsel and sprinkles for baubles. Push a brightly colored, stiff straw into one edge of the triangle, as far as it will go without poking out the other side. Snip off the end of the straw to form your lollipop stick.

Sometimes it's hard for kids to understand why they have to endure the fuss and bother of wearing braces, and it can be especially difficult during the holiday season when they can't eat the same treats their friends enjoy. By offering your child enticing alternatives, he or she can have just as much fun as everyone else while benefiting from the long-term bonus of beautifully straight, pearly white teeth.

Happy Holidays!!

Protect Yourself this Cold/Flu Season

December 5th, 2019

 

It’s that time of year to start thinking about protecting yourself and your family from the flu. Here are some simple steps you can take to help yourself avoid colds and the flu this season.

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

To promote a healthy and clean environment, our team gives a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others. We hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions!

Stay healthy this winter!!

Giving Thanks with Braces

November 21st, 2019

Holidays can feel like a challenge with braces, especially if this is your first holiday season with them.

 

With Thanksgiving coming up next week, we made a short list of holiday food favorites that are safe for you to eat; as well as ones to avoid when you have braces.

 

These should be safe for you to eat with braces:

  • Ham and/or Turkey
  • Corn: this can be tricky, while you shouldn’t have corn on the cob, cream corn is fine
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Stuffing (as long as there are no nuts or crunchy foods hidden within it)
  • Green beans (with the same warning to be on the look out for crunchy items in casseroles)
  • Most desserts are safe as long as they aren’t too crunchy or have anything to sticky like caramel etc on them.

Here are some foods to avoid this holiday season, and the rest of the year!

  • Caramel (as mentioned above)
  • Popcorn
  • Chips
  • Nuts

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Coats for Kids & Families

November 12th, 2019

Join Kennell Ortho, along with the Salvation Army in keeping kids and families warm this winter!

A Clear Alternative

November 5th, 2019

There are many options for straightening teeth and the decision of one treatment over another can be overwhelming.  Which treatment is best?  Which will fit your lifestyle?  Which can you afford and maximizes treatment time?  All these questions can be answered by Dr. Kennell and his Kennell Orthodontics team!  One type of treatment offered by Dr. Kennell is Invisalign.  This revolutionary approach uses aligners that are clear, smooth and plastic - versus brackets and wires bonded to your teeth.  This treatment offers the convenience of an orthodontic treatment without interfering with your appearance.  Check out bracesinfo.com/invisalign for more information and contact Kennell Orthodontics today to discuss whether Invisalign is right for you!!!

Scavenger Hunt Contest Winner!

October 8th, 2019

We hope you had as much fun with our Scavenger Hunt Contest as we did!  Big THANK YOU to everyone who participated.

Congratulations to our winner, Addison K!!!  Enjoy that Amazon gift card!

It's Back to School Time Again!

August 20th, 2019

As much as we hate to admit it, August is a reminder in a couple of weeks, Back to School activities will be in full swing!  Kennell Orthodontics wants to send your children back to school prepared for school life with braces or new orthodontic treatments. Pack your child their very own "Back to School with Braces" kit - something as simple as a ziplock plastic bag including items such as:  Orthopicks, orthodontic rubber bands, mini toothbrush and toothpaste, orthodontic wax, small mirror, floss, retainer case and tissues. This kit can easily be tucked into their backpack or locker and will help as a reminder of orthodontic care even when at school.  Start the school year off right with these reminders:

  • bring retainer cases to lunch room and keep retainer in it to avoid accidentally throwing it away with lunch trash;
  • always wear protective mouth guard for all fall sports - this will help prevent brackets from breaking and inner lip from rubbing against braces.

Stay ahead of the Back to School shopping rush by preparing these orthodontic kits now - kick back and enjoy the last weeks of summer!!

Keeping Your Teeth Clean with Braces

August 13th, 2019

 

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Dr. Kennell and Team

Don't Forget Your Retainer!

July 18th, 2019

Once braces come off we know it is exciting to see how great your new smile looks.  And you want to keep it that way, right?  However, some patients forget how important it is to wear their retainers to maintain that beautiful smile after orthodontic treatment is complete.  At Kennell Orthodontics, we give specific instructions to all of our patients on how to properly wear retainers.  Typically, retainers are worn 24/7 for the first three days after braces are removed, then just during sleep thereafter.

Retainers must be worn for life in order to maintain the teeth in position.  Minor tooth movement can occur throughout life, which is why we strongly encourage our patients to always wear their retainers.  Oh - and remember to keep those retainers away from the dog.  Dogs don't just eat your homework, they eat retainers too!

SPIRIT WEEK 2019

July 2nd, 2019

The Kennell Ortho family invites you to join in the fun as we celebrate another festive Spirit Week...one of our favorite times of the year!

July 16 - 19, pop in to the office dressed for the day's theme and earn a prize.  It's that easy and that fun!

Tuesday, 7/16 - Hawaii Day

Wednesday, 7/17 (Littleton) - Sports Day

Thursday, 7/18 - Tie Dye

Friday, 7/19 - Pajama Day

 

Introducing Kennell Ortho Patient Rewards!

June 6th, 2019

Successful orthodontics is a team effort and YOU are our key player!

We have created a Patient Rewards Program to recognize your accomplishments and congratulate your winning achievements!

As a patient of Kennell Ortho, you're already enrolled in the program. All you have to do is collect points by doing any of the below listed activities.

Our Patient Rewards Program is an incentive program based on your cooperation. You set the bar and every visit is an opportunity to earn points and cool prizes!

Here's how it works...

Check out all the great stuff you could get using your points!

Every time you sign in for your appointment, you can click "Patient Rewards" to see how many points you've earned. Most importantly, have fun and THANK YOU for being

a Kennell Ortho patient.

Say Hello to Lizza!

June 4th, 2019

Lizza Taylor joined our team in 2019.  She has spent the last 18 years working as an assistant in a General Dental office. Lizza enjoys spending time with her lovely wife Kim and son Liam. Lizza enjoys kayaking, hiking, swimming and playing croquet among many other things.  She recently earned her Shodon (1st degree black belt) in Uechi Ryu style Karate.

Braces, they aren't what they used to be!

May 20th, 2019

Patients of all ages are now smiling with confidence. With Invisalign®, you can get the beautiful, straight smile you deserve without the hassle of metal braces!

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear and removable aligners to straighten your smile. Invisalign is made with highly effective 3D computer imaging technology to show you exactly how your orthodontic treatment will progress.

You will wear your aligners around the clock, removing them only during mealtimes and to brush and floss your teeth. As you move on to each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move slowly until they have straightened to their final positions. You'll visit us at Kennell Orthodontics about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time typically lasts nine to 15 months, and the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both numbers will vary from case to case.

Why would I want Invisalign?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time here at Kennell Orthodontics in Laconia getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Alan Kennell to see if Invisalign is right for you.

Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

May 3rd, 2019

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.

How to Make the Most of Summer 2018 Before its Gone for Good!

August 6th, 2018

Well August is here, and that means going back to school and September are right around the corner.

Thoughts of sunscreen, swimming in the lake, and vacation is on your mind just as much as school shopping, homework, and the cool crisp air of fall are. How can you fully enjoy the few weeks remaining of summer with school and going to bed early in the near future?!

Well, my friend, here are some great tips for you to make the most of the last bit of summer weather:

  1. Dessert for Dinner! Check out your favorite, local ice cream parlor and see if they have any new flavors! If you’re not too hungry, share a sundae with a loved one! Load it up with all your favorite toppings that you’ve been craving all summer long (and that is safe to eat with your snazzy, new braces). When it’s too hot to cook dinner for the family, ice cream is a great problem solver!

  2. Campfire in the Backyard! This is a classic New England get-together (along with s'mores of course). Get some tunes going and enjoy the beautiful New Hampshire night sky with a gooey, sticky treat in hand. You can even get creative with what you put into your s'mores like, peanut butter cups, Oreos, or Nutella! Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly after enjoying a sweet s'mores when you have braces! Try to name off some constellations or capture some fireflies and see who can get the most!

  3. Take a hike! We’re in one of the best states in New England to hike, swim, and surf all in the same day! With almost 50 4,000 footers in our backyard, why not check one off your list?! Going on a weekday could help you stay away from too many hikers and have the trail mostly to yourselves!

 

These are just a few of the many great activities that you and your family and friends can enjoy in the Granite State before the school year comes around.

Why not spend some time out in the sun and share with us how you make the most of your summer 2018!

SPIRIT WEEK is here! Get your wardrobe ready!

June 21st, 2017

Take a look at this years SPIRIT WEEK Themed Days and get ready to have some summer fun with the Kennell Ortho team!

This is a week you won't want to miss! 

  • All patients who participate will receive 25 BONUS rewards points!!!
  • Did we mention ice cream?! We will also be handing out ice cream to our patients during this week. From Monday July 11th-Friday July 15th
  • Come in and don't miss the fun!!!

 

We would also like to mention we will be having a patient appreciation night!

(Movie ,Food, Prizes provided) All you have to do is visit our Facebook page and RVSP.

When: Friday August 26th

Where: Smitty's Cinema Tilton NH

Time: 5pm-8pm

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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