Our Blog

Could You Benefit From An Athletic Mouthguard? [QUIZ]

You and the athletes in your family can have peace of mind this summer as long as you have the right protection while hard at play.

Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R are just the place in Boca Raton, FL to get your custom athletic mouthguards so your favorite game isn’t derailed by a dental emergency.

Answer these questions if you want to see if you could benefit from a custom mouthguard.

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.

Developing Straight Smiles With Quality Orthodontics [PHOTO]

When it comes to your child’s developing teeth, you need the right team of specialists to make sure their smile is on the right track.

That’s why so many parents in the Boca Raton, FL region turn to Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R for their child’s orthodontic treatment.

Today’s before and after transformation is a telling example of the quality you can expect from our capable, experienced orthodontists.

Be the next to add your child’s stunning new smile to our archive of success stories!

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

How Our Braces Can Improve Your Smile [PHOTO]

Braces have been around for a long time, and that’s because they work.

But that doesn’t mean who you choose to administer your treatment doesn’t matter.

It absolutely matters!

And that’s why so many families choose Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL.

Here’s a before and after image of one of our many successful treatment cases.

At the hands of our capable team, you know you’re getting quality orthodontic treatment and real results.

If you’d like to find out which of our various orthodontic options is right for you, call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Helping Your Teen Through Orthodontic Treatment [BLOG]

Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R are the trusted source for orthodontic treatment in Boca Raton, FL and the surrounding area.

So we’ve seen our share of parents struggling to help their teens get through the potentially awkward stage of wearing braces.

Thanks to our advanced technology and extensively-trained staff, we’re able to give you all sorts of options for straightening teeth. We’ll help you and your teen find the one that’s most suitable for them, which helps tremendously in easing their minds about treatment.

Along with that, we’re giving you some tips in today’s blog!

Here are a few ways that you, as the parent, can help your teen through their orthodontic treatment!

*Helping Them Understand The Value Of A Great Smile*

It’s not easy for everyone to accept that they have to wear braces, but you can help them understand the value of a great smile.

Go over some of the benefits of braces and having straight teeth. Talk about how braces can:

*Improve their appearance

*Boost their self-confidence

*Better their oral health

*Allow them to make great first impressions

*Help them in scholarship and job interviews

The list is endless, and as long as you help your teen understand the benefits of braces, they’ll be more receptive to exploring their treatment options and look forward to a better smile.

*Helping Them Adapt To A New Oral Hygiene Routine*

They don’t have to change things up too much, but obviously, brushing and flossing become more challenging with brackets and wires.

Your teen should understand the importance of daily vigilance when it comes to cleaning their teeth and gums.

Also, make sure they’re using the right tools to thread their dental floss behind the wires so they can be as thorough as possible.

You’ll also want to try and keep restricted foods out of sight so they’re less tempted to eat things that can hurt their braces.

Snacks and candy are especially tricky because of added sugars, as well as hard, sticky textures that can damage their brackets.

*Helping Them Deal With Insecurities*

It’s natural for anyone to feel self-conscious about wearing braces.

This is especially true for teenagers who will likely face more teasing than older patients. Dealing with it is something you and your child can handle by keeping the lines of communication open so they feel comfortable using you as a sounding board.

Sometimes, it’s enough for them to just vent their feelings and frustrations and hear a few encouraging words from a parent to help them move past it.

You might remind them that they won’t have to wear braces forever, and that soon enough, they’ll have a smile the teasers and bullies will wish they had!

Encourage them to ignore people who tease them, and instead, hold fast to the kind of friends who truly care about them and support them no matter what.

It’s tough, but you and your teen can take comfort knowing it will all be worth it in the end!

Schedule Your Teen’s Consultation!

Our team in Boca Raton, FL knows how important an investment your teen’s orthodontic treatment is for you and your family. That’s why you can count on us to make sure we give them a smile they’ll love in the most efficient and comfortable way possible.

Visit our Boca Raton, FL dental office soon for a complimentary orthodontic consultation. Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form.

 

Brighten Your Smile After Braces With Teeth Whitening! [BLOG]

If you’re nearing the end of your orthodontic treatment, congratulations!

Soon, you’ll get those braces off and have a straight, beautiful smile that fills you with confidence!

It’s such a satisfying part of the journey for our patients, but still, there’s one more step in the smile transformation we often recommend to add some sparkle to your newly-straightened teeth.

It’s with our professional teeth whitening treatment at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R, and it’s the perfect way to brighten up your smile after braces!

Teeth Whitening Is The Perfect Finishing Touch!

You really have two choices when it comes to teeth whitening treatment:

Go the cheaper route with a store-bought DIY kit or head to your Boca Raton dentist office for safe, effective treatment you can count on!

Here’s why you should skip those mass-produced whitening products and opt for customized treatment from the professionals:

*Safe Results*

Let’s imagine for a moment that you could find a whitening product in the store that actually worked. Bleaching chemicals, even in the weak concentrations in these regulated products, can eat away at your tooth enamel and gum tissues if your mouth is exposed to the wrong amount for the wrong length of time.

Given that you’re not always guaranteed to find clear instructions with most of these kits, that’s more common than you might think.

Are slightly lighter teeth worth an increase in tooth sensitivity or gum irritation?

Definitely not!

Like any other cosmetic enhancement, it’s best put in the trained hands of an experienced professional!

*Color Consistency*

If you were to paint a room in your home, you wouldn’t give part of a wall one coat of color and the other part two coats. You’d make sure to paint the entire wall evenly so that you end up with a nice, consistent color.

Teeth whitening requires a similar approach. To make sure all your teeth match, you’ll need to apply the whitening gel fully and evenly over each tooth.

That’s another big problem with store-bought treatments. It’s impossible to get an even, complete application when the whitening strips and mouth trays aren’t custom-made to fit you!

If they slip and slide around while you’re wearing them, you’ll never be able to count on consistent results where all your teeth are the same shade.

And isn’t that one of the reasons you choose teeth whitening treatment in the first place?

We understand that, and that’s why we provide customized take-home trays so you can get the same results when you maintain your smile on your own. Your mouth trays will fit only you for even coverage.

Call Now To Get Started!

Whether you’re just nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment and want to add that perfect finishing touch, or you’re interested in straightening your teeth first, our team can help you achieve the results you want in the way that best suits your goals.

Get started now and call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your initial complimentary consultation.

Why Would I Need Surgical Orthodontics? [QUIZ]

If your teeth are slightly crooked or gapped, you might be able to get away with short-term orthodontics or traditional braces.

But in some cases, there are issues with how your upper and lower teeth line up together that standard treatment can’t fix on its own.

That’s when we might recommend surgical orthodontics in Boca Raton, FL.

Take our quiz to see if you understand the benefits of this strategy as part of an overall orthodontic treatment plan!

To schedule a consultation at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL, call us today at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form.

Athletic Mouthguards Keep Your Kid’s Smile Safe! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Just when you thought you could take a breath after the back-to-school whirlwind, it’s already time to get your child ready for fall sports conditioning!

No worries! Your friends at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R are here to provide you with a high-quality athletic mouthguard!

Check out our infographic to see why it’s a worthy investment for your favorite athlete.

To schedule your child’s appointment in Boca Raton, FL, call us today at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form.

Made with Visme Infographic Maker

Easing Your Jaw Pain May Hinge On TMJ Treatment In Boca Raton! [BLOG]

When you think about your joints, the first few that probably come to mind are the ones in your hands, knees, and elbows.

But there’s another joint in your body that you use more than any other, yet you may not even think about it at all until it stops working properly for you.

It’s your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, and it connects your skull to your jaw, allowing you to open and close your mouth. So you can imagine the kind of strain it’s under when you think about just how much you depend on it every single day!

Doesn’t it make sense, then, that if that joint starts to malfunction, it’s going to create some painful problems for you?

Today, your friends at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL are here to help you understand TMJ disorder and let you know how we can correct the problem and let you get back to a pain-free life!

Your Chronic Pain Could Hinge On TMJ Disorder!

See what we did there?

In all seriousness, the two hinges just below your ears control the movement of your jaw, and it’s constantly being used.

You rely on that joint all day, every day to eat, speak, yawn, laugh, sing… you name it! Any time you open and close your mouth, you’re using the TMJ.

Just like anything else, constant use can eventually lead to problems, and that’s when patients start noticing pain, muscle tension, issues with jaw mobility, and so on.

When your TMJ is off track, known as TMJ disorder (TMD), it’s important to correct it before the problems get worse.

Why Does Your Jaw Hurt?

Here are some of the reasons you might be experiencing pain or soreness in your jaw, face, head, or shoulders related to TMJ misalignment:

Are Your Teeth Misaligned?

If your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly, you could have some issues with your jaw alignment. Close your mouth and see if you can bring your upper and lower teeth together naturally and comfortably. If you can’t, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder.

Do You Have Arthritis?

The joints in your fingers, hips, or knees can swell due to arthritis.

But so can your temporomandibular joint! This could be what’s causing all your uncomfortable symptoms.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Bruxism is a condition that’s closely linked to TMJ disorder. It’s when you grind your teeth together or clench your jaw, often without even realizing you’re doing it. Your dentist can often tell just by looking inside your mouth that you have bruxism, or your spouse may tell you that you grind your teeth while you sleep.

Were You Injured?

Any kind of blunt force to the face or head resulting from an accident or injury can misalign your jaw, which can make it a bit easier to trace your symptoms to a definite source.

But believe it or not, even an injury isn’t always an obvious cause because it doesn’t take a lot of force to knock your jaw joint slightly off track. You might get an elbow to the face while rolling around with the kids and then not make the connection later when you start to experience symptoms.

Do You Know If You Have TMJ Disorder?

Because the symptoms of TMJ disorder can be subtle and widespread, it’s not easy to self-diagnose. But here are a few signs you might be suffering from a misalignment in your jaw joint:

*Pain & Discomfort*

Like many health problems, pain or discomfort may be your first sign that something is wrong. TMJ disorder is no different. Some common symptoms are:

 

  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Facial swelling
  • Stiffness or soreness in the jaw
  • Muscle tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders

*Noises In Your Jaw*

If you hear noises in your jaw joint when you speak, yawn, or chew, like clicking or popping, it’s highly likely that you have some sort of TMJ misalignment.

*Your Sinuses*

Your teeth are very close to your sinus cavity, so sometimes a problem with one will lead to a problem with the other. We find this is the case with some of our TMJ sufferers, where they might experience frequent sinus drainage as a result of their disorder.

Find Effective Solutions For TMJ Disorder!

When you have complicated problems with your jaw alignment, a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t work.

You need a highly-trained specialist who can evaluate the problem from multiple angles and then provide the solution that suits you best. That’s why we offer a couple of different strategies to correct TMJ disorder.

We can create custom oral splints that work like a mouthguard, separating your upper and lower jaw so you can’t clench and grind your teeth together. Not only can this method provide almost immediate relief from pain, but it also lets your TMJ heal properly so the problem doesn’t recur.

You can also take advantage of our massage therapy designed to relieve the pain and tension of jaw misalignment and the stress it puts on your muscles.

Combining massage therapy with a custom splint may be necessary to get you on the road to long-term healing so you can live pain-free!

If we find that your TMJ problems are being caused or aggravated by the position of your teeth or issues with your bite, we can also talk to you about orthodontic treatment options. We may also recommend an athletic mouthguard if you participate in sports to lower your risk for traumatic jaw injury.

Find Relief Today!

Why would you continue to suffer from the chronic, painful cycle of TMJ disorder?

The truth is, you shouldn’t have to, especially when help is available in Boca Raton!

Visit us for effective pain relief and healing solutions for TMJ problems now!

To schedule an appointment at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R, call us today at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form.

Dental Lasers Have Made Gummy Smile Treatment Easier! [VIDEO]

After your child finishes orthodontic treatment at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R, there may be a couple of other cosmetic issues to address before their smile transformation is complete.

Here’s Dr. Rothstein talking about one of the neatest innovations in modern dentistry, our gummy smile treatment using an advanced dental laser!

You’ll hear how this method has changed the patient experience for the better!

To find out how we can give your child a more beautiful, confident smile, schedule a complimentary consultation at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL! Call us today at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form.

Invisalign Is A Great Choice For Reluctant Teens! [BLOG]

It’s so hard to watch your child go through the difficult teen years for a number of reasons, let alone when they have crooked or gapped teeth that they hate. You have to listen helplessly when they fret about their appearance and feel self-conscious about what their peers think of them.

You try to encourage them, and even offer to take them to an orthodontist, but teens can be pretty stubborn. They think they know more than you do, so it can be pretty tough to convince them to get orthodontic treatment if they’re reluctant about wearing metal braces for the next couple of years.

If they want straight teeth without braces, you can tell them about Invisalign, an alternative treatment that uses removable clear aligners instead of brackets and wires to move teeth into the right position in only a fraction of the time!

Tell Your Teen About The Benefits of Invisalign!

Here are a couple more advantages of Invisalign you can use to help your teen understand that metal braces aren’t the only orthodontic option they have to settle for:

*Minimal Lifestyle Disruptions*

Through the difficult teenage years, your child already faces a few challenging years of constant change, from learning how to become more responsible and independent, to navigating the choppy waters of an ever emotionally trying social life.

Throwing more changes at them with orthodontic treatment, such as modifications to their oral hygiene routine, daily diet, and appearance, can make things even more complicated for them.

Invisalign causes minimal disruption to their lifestyle since you can take them out to brush, floss, and eat. And as we’ve already mentioned, the aligners are clear and hard to notice, which means your child won’t have to agonize over their appearance any more than they likely already do at this age.

*Built-In Features Make Treatment Easy*

Kids and teenagers can be forgetful or rebellious when it comes to doing what parents or other authority figures tell them to do. Because of that, younger patients have a hard time complying with any sort of dental or orthodontic treatment without a little help.

That’s another built-in feature of Invisalign that makes it so easy for teens!

There’s a colored dot on each set of aligners that will disappear if they’re being worn correctly and for the proper amount of time. It’s a great way to create more accountability for your teen so they are motivated to adhere to our orthodontist’s instructions, which makes Invisalign an easy, drama-free choice for teens and for parents!

Give Your Teen A Smile They Will Love!

There’s nothing for your teen to lose by coming to Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R for an Invisalign consultation, except for the crooked teeth they hate! Once they understand how clear aligners work and whether it’s the right kind of treatment for them, they can soon have a straight, beautiful smile they’ll love!

To schedule a complimentary consultation in Boca Raton, FL, call us today at [phone] or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.