Braces

Orthodontics has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its evolution, orthodontics has seen incredible advancements in techniques and technologies, leading to safer, more effective, and aesthetically pleasing treatments. In this blog, we'll take a captivating journey through time, exploring the fascinating transformation of orthodontics from ancient practices to modern techniques.

Ancient Beginnings

The roots of orthodontics can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where crude attempts were made to straighten teeth. Archaeological findings reveal that early societies used materials like animal intestines, gold wires, and catgut to create primitive braces. In ancient Egypt, mummies have been discovered with metal bands around their teeth, suggesting an early form of dental realignment.

18th and 19th Centuries: Pioneering Efforts

The 18th and 19th centuries saw significant contributions to orthodontics. Pierre Fauchard, a French dentist, is often hailed as the father of modern orthodontics. He introduced the bandeau, a device made of precious metals used to expand dental arches. Later, in the 19th century, Christophe-Francois Delabarre invented the wire crib, a precursor to modern braces.

20th Century: The Dawn of Modern Orthodontics

The 20th century witnessed a revolution in orthodontic techniques. Edward Angle, an American dentist, established orthodontics as a distinct dental specialty and developed a classification system for malocclusions that is still used today. During this time, bands and brackets began to replace wires and crib devices, significantly improving treatment efficiency.

Post-WWII Innovations

Following World War II, orthodontics entered a period of rapid innovation. Stainless steel became the standard material for braces due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. Pioneering advancements like the development of dental adhesives and X-rays for diagnostic purposes further improved orthodontic care.

Contemporary Orthodontics: A New Era

In recent decades, orthodontics has seen an incredible transformation with the advent of digital technology. Computer-aided design and 3D printing have revolutionized the creation of aligners and braces, allowing for customized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Invisible aligners, a breakthrough in orthodontic treatment, have gained immense popularity. These transparent and removable aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, providing patients with more flexibility and comfort during their treatment journey.

Conclusion

The journey of orthodontics from ancient practices to modern techniques is a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for better oral health and aesthetics. Dr Barden participates in continuing education programs so that he can utilize cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance his patient experiences and treatment outcomes. As we look back on the evolution of orthodontics, we can only imagine the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in this dynamic field, making brighter smiles and improved oral health accessible to all.

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Advances in medical technology are amazing. Orthodontic treatment is no exception. Check out these fun facts about braces (and teeth)!

1. Braces Are Ancient: Orthodontic treatment is not a recent invention. Archaeologists have found mummies with metal bands wrapped around their teeth, suggesting that braces or some form of orthodontic treatment may have been used in ancient times.
2. George Washington and His Wooden Teeth: Contrary to popular belief, George Washington did not have wooden teeth. However, he did wear a set of dentures made from various materials, including human teeth, animal teeth, and ivory. We are glad that dental treatment has advanced to avoid these types of dentures!
3. The First Official Orthodontist: Pierre Fauchard, a French dentist, is often called the "Father of Modern Dentistry" and is credited with introducing orthodontics as a dental specialty. He published a book in 1728 that included methods for straightening teeth.
4. Invisalign Innovation: Invisalign, the clear aligner system, was developed with the help of computer technology. It uses 3D imaging and modeling to create custom aligners for each patient, making it a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
5. Orthodontics in Hollywood: Many actors and actresses have worn braces or undergone orthodontic treatment to perfect their smiles. Some even wore them during movie roles, making braces a popular fashion statement in Hollywood

Remember, orthodontic treatment can be a fascinating journey to a healthier and more beautiful smile! Follow us on X(Twitter) or Facebook for more information about orthodontic treatment and give us a call to schedule your consultation at 414-962-1281.

Orthodontic treatment plays a significant role in improving oral health, overall well-being, and self-confidence. Here are some of the key reasons why orthodontic treatment is important:

1. Alignment of Teeth: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, helps correct crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
2. Improved Oral Function: Correcting misaligned teeth can enhance the overall function of the mouth, making it easier to chew, speak, and bite properly.
3. Prevention of Dental Issues: Orthodontic treatment can prevent or minimize dental problems that may arise from misaligned teeth, such as excessive wear on tooth surfaces or jaw joint issues (TMJ disorders).
4. Enhanced Aesthetics: Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve the appearance of the smile.
5. Facilitates Proper Growth and Development: In children and teenagers, orthodontic treatment can guide the proper growth and development of the jaws, ensuring a balanced facial profile.
6. Reduces Risk of Injury: Protruding or misaligned teeth can increase the risk of dental injuries in case of accidents. Orthodontic treatment can help reduce this risk by properly aligning the teeth.
7. Addressing Jaw Misalignment: Orthodontic treatment can address issues related to malocclusion, where the upper and lower jaws do not fit together correctly, improving the bite and reducing discomfort.
8. Long-Term Cost Savings: Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent more extensive and expensive dental treatments later in life. It can also lead to fewer dental visits for repairs and treatments caused by misaligned teeth.
9. Boosted Self-Confidence: A beautiful smile resulting from orthodontic treatment can significantly impact a person's confidence and social interactions. Straight, well-aligned teeth can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, leading to a more positive self-image.
10. Better Overall Health: Good oral health, which can be achieved through orthodontic treatment, is linked to better overall health. Dental issues, when left untreated, can lead to systemic health problems.

It's essential to seek guidance from an orthodontist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for individual needs. Contact Dr. Douglas Barden and his team at our Whitefish Bay, WI office at 414-962-1281 to schedule your consultation and start on your journey to get a "perfect 10" smile!

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So many children, teens, and adults are starting their orthodontic treatment at Barden Orthodontics! One of the first questions patients ask is "What should we do now that we have braces?" This is a great question as you play a big role in ensuring a beautiful smile and successful treatment that progresses on schedule!

Here is Dr. Barden's top advice for new patients:

1. Your teeth might be sensitive the first few days after you get braces or have an adjustment. This mild discomfort can last for three to five days. Eating soft (healthy!) food can help by putting less pressure on your teeth. Some great food choices include soup, sugar free Jell-O, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, applesauce, baked potatoes, pasta, bananas, cottage cheese, smoothies, pancakes, soft cheese, and milk.

2. If you experience any soreness from the brackets and wires rubbing on your lips or cheeks, place some of the wax (provided in your starter kit) on the brackets or wires causing the problem. Rinsing with warm salt water can also reduce discomfort. This discomfort will also decrease as your mouth becomes use to the braces.

3. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment. Food can get trapped in braces and be more difficult to remove. We recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. A fluoride mouth rinse is recommended as well. There is some great information on brushing and flossing with braces on our blog and website. Ask Dr. Barden's team if you have any questions about oral hygiene with braces.

4. Avoid foods that can damage your brackets and wires. This includes hard foods such as apples, corn on the cob, popcorn, nuts, ice and more. Sticky foods such as gum and caramels can also damage the braces and wires, as well as stick to your teeth causing tooth decay. Damage to brackets and wires will result in additional orthodontic appointments and can lengthen your treatment time.

5. Regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose or broken wire or bracket, please call our Whitefish Bay, WI office during regular business hours to schedule an appointment. This doesn't require an after-hour emergency appointment though!

6. Wear your elastics or other orthodontic gear consistently and as instructed by Dr. Barden. Yes, this means headgear and rubber bands (elastics)! Learn more about the importance of these appliances on our website!

7. Always wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth when playing sports. Ask us if you need one that works with braces.

8. Be sure to schedule your appointments for adjustments at the intervals indicated by Dr. Barden. Skipping appointments will extend your treatment time. You should also visit your dentist for checkups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? Give us a call at 414-962-1281. Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for more helpful information on orthodontic treatment.

Congratulations on starting your orthodontic treatment at Barden Orthodontics! With braces it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene during your treatment to prevent cavities, white spots, gum disease, and tooth decay.

You should continue brushing and flossing on a regular basis throughout your treatment at Barden Orthodontics. This means brushing for two minutes, at least 2 times a day. You should also floss and use a fluoride mouthwash every day!

Dr. Barden wants to remind you that you should be careful about what you eat while in orthodontic treatment. Candy is never a healthy choice for teeth, but it can be especially troublesome while in orthodontic treatment. Sweet, sour, and sticky candies may taste great, these they can damage your teeth and braces!

Here are Dr. Barden's top concerns with candy:

• Sour candy, popular with many kids, is acidic to your teeth and can wear down the enamel. This results in tooth decay and cavities.
• Sticky candy (gum, caramel, taffy etc) is difficult to clear off of your braces and other orthodontic appliances resulting in sugar sitting on your teeth for prolonged time and increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
• Hard candies or candy with nuts can bend and break wires and brackets resulting in extra emergency visits and delayed treatment time.

Candy can be a fun, special treat but you should eat it infrequently. Make sure the candy is soft and not sticky (yes, chocolate!). After eating candy, be sure to brush and floss. If you do not have a toothbrush available, wash your mouth out with water. Water will help to dilute the sugar in your mouth and clear off the braces.

Brusing and flossing can be a bit harder with braces. Check out this helpful information or ask Dr. Barden's team at your next visit if you have any questions.

Be sure to practice good dental hygiene every day! This includes visiting your dentist every six months, brushing and flossing daily, and using a fluoride-based mouthwash.

For more questions about foods you should avoid while wearing braces, healthy snack alternatives, dental hygiene tips, or if you have any general questions about your treatment, we encourage you to give us a call at 414-962-1281, or ask us at your next adjustment appointment. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more helpful information!

When people think about the need for orthodontics they first think about straightening crooked teeth. Did you know that there are a number of other reasons to visit an orthodontist? 

If you are wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, here are some of the most common indicators of potential orthodontic issues:

• Difficulty chewing or biting.
• Chronic mouth-breathing.
• Sucking the thumb, the fingers, or any other oral sucking habits after the age of six.
• Your dentist has told you that you have an Overbite (when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5mm), Underbite (when the top front teeth go behind the bottom row of teeth), or a Crossbite.
• Teeth that are crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, or misplaced .
• Extra teeth of any size.
•  The center of the top and bottom teeth do not line up.
•  Uneven teeth-wearing.
•  Premature loss of baby teeth.
•  Jaw pain.
•  Clicking in the jaw joints or the jaw shifts off-center while chewing.
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much.
•  Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly.
• Chronic biting of the inner cheek or roof of the mouth.
• Asymmetrical facial structure.
• Grinding, or clenching, teeth.

Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from orthodontic care, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice. Scheduling your child an exam with an orthodontist by the age of 7 will help ensure your child has a healthy smile as many orthodontic issues are much easier to treat and correct during childhood.

Call Barden Orthodontics at 414-962-1281 to schedule a consultation. Check out our office and website for more information!

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What are Elastics or Rubber Bands?

Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth. The pressure causes teeth to move slowly into the desired position. Elastics, or rubber bands, are used in some cases to create additional pressure to move your teeth. By wearing the elastic rubber bands consistently, you will keep your treatment on track.

The Purpose of Elastics

Rubber bands stretch over tiny loops on the top and bottom brackets. These elastics will apply the steady pressure needed to guide your teeth into the correct position.  However, for them to work you need to wear them consistently – every day – as directed by Dr. Douglas Barden.  

You will also need to replace the elastics on your braces every day. It is also common for elastics to break and need to be replaced.  In some cases, patients will need to remove the elastics during meals if it is difficult to open their mouth wide enough to eat.  Our staff will teach you how to replace your elastics.

Important things to remember

• Keep extra rubber bands on hand so that you can replace them if one breaks. Let us know if you run out and need more. Give us a call or stop by our Whitefish Bay office to pick up some more!
• Rubber bands might cause your teeth to be tender or sore.  This is due to your teeth moving and means that treatment is working! The tenderness only lasts for a day or two.
• Remember to wash your hands before removing or replacing the rubber bands.
• Show your creativity! Pick colors that you love to show your unique personality.

 Be Sure to Change your Elastics as Directed by Dr. Barden

• Wearing elastics consistently is important for the treatment to progress on schedule. However, do not double up on elastics as this will cause too much pressure and can harm the root of the tooth. Be sure to follow Dr. Barden’s instructions!
• If you forget to wear the rubber bands one day, just be sure to put them in the next day. But do not “double up” on the elastics to “make up” for the missed day.
• Don’t overstretch the rubber band or it will lose its strength and it be ineffective. If your rubber bands have “lost their stretch” replace them even if they have not broken. 

For treatment to be most effective (and on schedule!) follow Dr. Barden’s instructions, wear the elastics faithfully, and keep your appointments.  Be sure to ask Dr. Barden and his team if you have any questions about your elastics.

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Dr. Douglas Barden is always happy to answer questions about orthodontic treatment. In this blog, Dr. Barden answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

What age should my child see an orthodontist?

Children should see an orthodontist by age 7. This allows me to look for and correct any problems sooner and without surgery. Not all children will need early treatment. Some children will benefit from early phase treatment while others won’t need treatment for several more years.

Is it safe to do mail order aligners?

Orthodontics is a medical treatment that requires supervision by a trained medical professional and should be done in-person. The American Association of Orthodontists has issued a Consumer Alert warning patients about mail order orthodontic treatments that you can read here: Consumer Alert | American Association of Orthodontists (aaoinfo.org)

How long do I need to wear my retainer for?

Once orthodontic treatment is finished to keep your smile looking its best, you will have to wear a retainer. Retainers are necessary to preserve and stabilize your results. Depending on your treatment plan you will either have a removable retainer or a fixed retainer. Fixed retainers are usually kept in for life. Removable retainers should be worn a set number of hours every day to keep your teeth from moving. We will let you know how to effectively use, and care for, your retainer when you complete treatment.

I broke/lost/my dog ate my retainer! What should I do?

Retainers are important for maintaining your beautiful smile! If you need a new retainer, call our office immediately to schedule an appointment to have a new one made. The sooner you call us the better as your teeth can move if you don't wear your retainer.

Do I need to see my dentist while in orthodontic treatment?

Yes! I will be focusing on orthodontics and moving your teeth and jaw for better alignment. You will still need to see your dentist and hygienist for regular cleanings, exams, and any other non-orthodontic dental work (such as filling cavities). l work in collaboration with your dentist to make sure you have a healthy, beautiful smile.

Do you work with adults who need orthodontic treatment?

Yes! Adults are a growing number of our patients. Some of our adult patients never had orthodontic treatment and are now looking to correct their jaw alignment or straighten their teeth. Other adult patients were treated as children but now need some smaller adjustments to their smile. We offer adults a number of cosmetically discreet treatment options so you can get the smile you want with minimal interruption to your lifestyle!

How much do braces cost?

The cost of treatment depends on the treatment plan and your individual needs. We are happy to coordinate with your dental insurance company and create a payment plan that works for your budget. You will know what to expect before you begin treatment so there are no surprise or unexpected costs.

 Do you have more questions?  We are happy to answer questions during a free consultation. Give us a call at 414-962-1281

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Are you considering orthodontics for yourself or your child?  It’s a big decision to seek orthodontic treatment.  Here are some of the top reasons for children, teens, and adults to get braces or Invisalign.

Top reasons children should consider getting orthodontic treatment:

• Early treatment allows the correction and guides the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight.
• Orthodontics can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches.
• Orthodontics can create more space for crowded teeth.
• If treated early, you might be able to avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life.
• Orthodontic treatment can also correct tooth and jaw problems due to thumb sucking.
• Orthodontic treatment can also help improve minor speech problems.

Top reasons teens and adults should consider getting orthodontic treatment:

• Teeth that are straight are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and this may help prevent other health problems.
• Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
• Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, feel free to call our Whitefish Bay, WI office at 414-962-1281. Dr. Douglas Barden offers free consultations so you can learn if orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child.

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A Healthy Smile requires a Partnership between You, your Orthodontist, and your Dentist

Dr. Douglas Barden is an orthodontist who specializes in the movement of teeth and dentofacial development. Orthodontists complete an additional 2 to 3 years of training after having completed dental school (DDS). As an Orthodontist, Dr. Barden provides the expertise to straighten your teeth and align your jaws.

While in Dr. Barden’s care he will work in close cooperation with you and your family dentist to ensure the development of a healthy, beautiful smile.  Your dentist will continue to monitor that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy. Dental hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment as it can be more difficult to keep teeth clean while in braces.

What is the patient’s role?

• It is essential that patients (you!) follow your dentist’s instructions on how to keep your teeth clean and visit every six months for a dental cleaning (or more often as instructed).
• You must also follow Dr. Barden’s instructions and wear your appliances and bands as instructed so that your teeth and jaws move in the way desired and on schedule.
• It is important that you avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage your orthodontic appliances. Broken brackets and bent wires will slow down treatment progress.

If you have questions be sure to ask Dr. Douglas Barden or his staff in their Whitefish Bay, WI office.

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Kohler Andrae State Park, Wisconsin. Photo by D. Barden

Summertime in Wisconsin is wonderful. The weather is (finally!) warm and sunny. The beautiful nature, lakes, and State Parks are perfect for exploring. It’s a great time to go CAMPING! In addition to packing your tent, sleeping bags, and other camping gear-- don’t forget to pack for good oral hygiene!

Here are Dr. Barden’s suggestions for maintaining good dental hygiene while camping:

• Get all in one tooth brushes. These come with toothpaste and a flosser built in!
• Bring safe-to-swallow toothpaste.
• Buy light, travel size toothbrush and toothpaste kits.
• Consider using environmentally friendly substitutes like baking soda.
• If all else fails, brush and rinse with water.

Dr. Barden also recommends packing the following if you are currently in treatment with braces, clear aligners, or retainers:

• Bring an emergency kit in case of orthodontic situations such as poking wires. Having some wax can solve minor emergencies until you return from your trip.
• Don’t forget your retainers and storage case. Be sure to put them in a safe place so you don’t lose them among your camping gear.
• Bring a storage case for your clear aligners if you are being treated with Invisalign ®

We hope you enjoy your time camping and exploring the great outdoors in Wisconsin and other parts of the United States. Happy Camping!

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Crooked or crowded teeth aren’t always just a cosmetic issue; they also are more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Likewise, if your teeth don’t align properly when you bite (known as malocclusion), this can cause chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems.

You can put these risks to rest and look amazing, however, with well-thought-out orthodontic treatment from Dr. Douglas Barden. More and more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and changing their lives in the process.

Childhood is of course the ideal time to get treatment, since the mouth and jaws are still growing, but many adults still can get beautiful and lasting results which can be achieved discreetly and effectively with modern orthodontic appliances and technologies.

Traditional braces used to be the only thing going, and many adults understandably don’t like the way they look. There are so many other options for braces these days that it’s possible for almost any patient to be treated effectively and efficiently — usually in one to two years.

Here are some of the technologies being implemented in our modern Milwaukee, WI orthodontic office:

• Clear aligners: Practically invisible clear plastic aligners are great for less severe cases.
• Lingual braces: These are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front, and can handle anything that traditional braces can.
• Ceramic braces: Translucent ceramic brackets make for effective and more discreet treatment.
• Self-ligating braces: These require less manipulation by the orthodontist, which means fewer appointments and quicker results.

It should also be noted that the goal of orthodontic treatment (especially in adults) isn’t always limited to straightening teeth and/or correcting a bite. Teeth provide support for the lips and cheeks and help define your face.

The relationship between the jaws, teeth, face, soft tissues, and underlying skeleton of the face are important, and an orthodontist takes this into account when designing a smile.

In short, getting orthodontic treatment won’t just give you a good-looking and healthy smile; it can help define and enhance the entire appearance of your face. Knowing just how crucial your teeth are in determining how you look and live will help you age positively and confidently.

 

Proper oral hygiene techniques are always worthwhile, but they are especially crucial when you’re wearing orthodontic appliances such as braces. When you don’t maintain an effective oral hygiene routine, you can be more susceptible to gum disease as well as tooth decay, cavities, decalcification, discoloration, and/or staining of the teeth.

Braces themselves don’t cause these issues, but since they create spaces that are difficult to clean, they provide extra sources of food (dental plaque and food debris) for the bacteria that do. Bacteria create a biofilm on the surface of a tooth that can spread if not addressed. That bacteria food can only be removed by a mechanical action: brushing and flossing your teeth!

Here’s a list of smart hygiene steps to follow for the duration of your braces treatment:

Proper tooth brushing technique: Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly (for a total of about two minutes), but not too hard. Point the head of the toothbrush at the gum line and brush just hard enough so that you feel slight pressure against the gums. Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush or an electric toothbrush if you’d like. Try your best always to clean on and around every tooth, bracket, and wire in your mouth!

Flossing: Braces can make flossing a chore, but it’s an essential adjunct to proper tooth brushing. Make sure to floss between all your teeth and brackets. Dr. Douglas Barden can provide you with braces floss threaders and interproximal toothbrushes (small brushes used to clean areas under wires and between brackets) to make the task easier. You might also consider purchasing an oral irrigator that uses a stream of water to blast food particles and debris from between teeth and gums.

Rinse with water: This may sound slight, but it’s a good idea, especially if you aren’t able to brush. Rinsing your mouth with water throughout the day helps to dislodge the decay-causing food particles that become lodged in braces.

Hygiene away from home: It’s a good idea to have a kit with a toothbrush, floss, floss threaders, mirror, and small water cup on hand at school or work. That way, you’ll be sure to have all the tools you need to keep your mouth clean.

Regular professional cleanings: As always, it’s best to visit your dentist regularly to verify everything in your mouth is in order and your oral hygiene routine is effective. Twice a year is sufficient, unless the dentist recommends more frequent visits.

Looking for more information? Check out these Top Tips for Great Dental Hygiene from Dr. Douglas Barden!

It's vital to keep your teeth and gums clean during your braces treatment, and that requires your care and attention. If feel like you need help with any of the techniques above, a member of our Milwaukee, WI team can demonstrate them for you!

We hear this question a lot at Barden Orthodontics, and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off!

During your initial consultation with Dr. Douglas Barden, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment.

Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment.

• Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment!
• Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Dr. Douglas Barden and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit.
• When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances.
• Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities.
• Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at Barden Orthodontics will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. It takes a great partnership to give you a beautiful smile! If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Milwaukee, WI office or ask us during your next visit!

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Taking care of your smile is nothing new! People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):
• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month.

Our team realizes that this month-long event is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists and other dental professionals.

To avoide orthodontic emergencies, our team recommends that patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

Avoiding the above will help ensure that you don't encounter any unwanted orthodontic issues! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask our team during your visit this month!

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.

Apple Bombolini
Ingredients:

Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best!

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give our team a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

Orthodontic treatments vary from dental treatment, in that they primarily address malocclusions, jaw spacing and tooth alignment, rather than the actual health of the teeth. That is why it is often more difficult for parents to determine when a child needs orthodontic treatment rather than dental treatment. So how can you know it is time to take your child to the orthodontist?

• Bad Bite - As the adult teeth begin to replace primary teeth, bite occlusions can develop. These often become visible to parents between middle childhood and the pre-teen years, although an orthodontist can identify a bad bite with early evaluation.

• Visible Tooth Crowding - If your child's newly emerging teeth are already crowded, you should make an appointment with our office to discuss braces.

• Tooth Grinding (Bruxism) - Children who grind their teeth at night may do so unconsciously, but the condition requires treatment to prevent the development of headaches, TMJ, and tooth damage. Oral appliances are available to correct nighttime tooth grinding.

• Difficulty Chewing, Biting, or Speaking - If your child is displaying difficulty speaking or eating, or if he or she often experiences cheek biting, schedule an orthodontic consultation.

• Asymmetry - If your child's face is asymmetrical, or if his or her teeth do not meet together in a natural way, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

Evaluation and Preventive Care
Even if your child has no visible tooth or jaw alignment problems, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit the orthodontist for an initial examination no later than age seven. The reason for early evaluation is because orthodontists are capable of finding subtle problems with the jaw and teeth growth and spacing before they become more pronounced and also more difficult to treat. By bringing your child in for an evaluation, you may be able to treat orthodontic conditions with shorter and more simplified treatments that are also more affordable than treatment during the teenage and adult years.

Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during the toddler years. But many are unaware of when orthodontic treatment should begin. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for an orthodontic evaluation is age seven or before, when children usually have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Although treatment usually will not begin until one to five years after the initial evaluation, the evaluation is helpful in determining whether your child has any problems with emerging teeth -- regardless of how subtle.

Children have more formidable bone structures than teenagers and adults, and as they grow, orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw growth, which may prevent the development of an overbite or under-bite, as well as tooth crowding due to space limitations. Orthodontic treatment is also helpful for guiding newly emerging adult teeth into a proper alignment, which is not only aesthetically advantageous, but also helpful in preventing tooth decay.

Why Early Evaluation?
Taking your child to the orthodontist for an evaluation means that you may be able to identify problems with the jaw and teeth early when they are still easy to treat. Early treatment often equals a more simplified treatment plan, which is beneficial to both children and their parents. Often, earlier treatment can cost less to correct a problem than delayed treatment.
If a problem is detected, our team will discuss corrective options and provide a recommended treatment schedule. Depending on your child's orthodontic needs, he or she may benefit from:

• Palatial Spacers - Helpful for correcting a crossbite by expanding the width of the upper jaw.
• Fixed Functional Appliance - Helpful for correcting severe upper tooth protrusion.
• Headgear - Helpful for guiding healthy growth of new teeth and the jaw. Headgear is removable, but usually must be worn at least 10 hours per day.

If your child is approaching the age of seven, or has already surpassed his or her seventh birthday, it is time to schedule an appointment for an initial examination.

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns!

Dr. Douglas Barden, and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Barden Orthodontics.

How exactly does Invisalign work?
Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?
We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?
You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?
We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?
As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How do I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit the office during treatment?
For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

If you have additional questions about the Invisalign treatment, please give our office a call, or visit us on Facebook!

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!

We hope this helps, and remember to give our team a call if you ever have any questions!