Dr Douglas Barden

Fascinating Orthodontic Facts

February 2nd, 2024

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.

Top 10 Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment

January 5th, 2024

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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New Patient FAQ

July 13th, 2023

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.

Say No to Candy!

May 5th, 2023

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!

Early Indicators of Orthodontic Issues

March 3rd, 2023

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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Top Reasons to Smile

October 7th, 2022

At Barden Orthodontics we love beautiful, healthy smiles.  We are thrilled when patients finish orthodontic treatment and they have big, beautiful smiles that truly shine. We hope they continue to share these radiant smiles with everyone they see!

We want to highlight what we think are some fascinating reasons to show off your great teeth and smile:

  1. When people smile, they actually start to feel happier.
  2. Jokes (even Dr. Barden’s dental jokes) are funnier if people are smiling before they even hear the joke. Psychological research has found that if people hold a pencil in their mouth sideways (forcing a smile) they will rate a joke as funnier. Give it a try with our favorite dental jokes!
  3. Smiles make you more attractive to other people.
  4. Smiling is the universal language of kindness and they signal altruistic intentions to other people.
  5. Smiles are contagious. If you smile others will automatically smile back.
  6. Smiling can promote your physical health! Research shows that smiling can help to relieve stress and lower blood pressure.
  7. Smiling releases brain chemicals that can reduce perception of pain.

Learn more about the Science of Smiling from the Association for Psychological Science here: The Psychological Study of Smiling – Association for Psychological Science – APS

Dr. Barden wants you to smile more today! Follow us on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram to learn more about Barden Orthodontics and how we create beautiful smiles!

 

 

 

Healthy Teeth and Holiday Treats

December 4th, 2020

Dr. Douglas Barden and his team love this time of year! Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s there are so many delicious, holiday treats!

In order to keep teeth healthy while also enjoying the many delicious holiday treats we suggest the following things:

Everything in moderation – some treats and sweets are fine but be cautious about the amount of sugary foods that you eat.
Don’t snack on sweets all day – that just extends the amount of time for the sugar to be on your teeth. Pick your time to eat the sweets and then brush your teeth clean!
Pick sweets that are not sticky. Chocolate is a better choice as it is easier to rinse from your teeth.
Use a travel toothbrush - after eating the sweets be sure to give your teeth a brush to remove the sugar
Drink some water to rinse your teeth and dilute the sugar.

Remember, if you have braces you should avoid sticky candy (such as caramel), nuts, and hard candies that could break your orthodontic appliances or bend the wires. If you have Invisalign or clear aligners you can eat whatever you want because you remove your aligners while you eat. Just remember to brush and floss before putting the aligners back on!

The holidays are a great time to schedule your 6 month check up and cleaning with your dentist. They can also work with you to whiten your teeth if you want to have an extra bright smile for those holiday photos.

Happy Holidays to everyone from Barden Orthodontics. We wish you all a season filled with love, good cheer, and beautiful smiles. 

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A Beautiful Smile Requires a Great Partnership

November 6th, 2020

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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Top Tips for a Healthy Smile

October 16th, 2020

You have chosen to get orthodontic treatment because you value having a beautiful, healthy smile. Dr. Douglas Barden and his team are working with you to improve your teeth positioning and jaw alignment. It is also important that you have excellent dental hygiene to keep your teeth clean and cavity free.

Dr. Barden's Top Tips for a Healthy Smile!

  • Follow all instructions about wearing your appliances and rubber bands.
  • Follow the 2-2 rule. Brush your teeth 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each time. Use a timer to make sure you don’t cut the time short. If you have questions about how to brush and floss with braces check out this helpful information here!
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss everyday.
  • Rinse with a mouthwash designed to show missed food particles. This way you are sure to get everything clean and improve your brushing skills!
  • Visit your dentist for an exam and cleaning every 6 months (or as directed by your dentist).
  • Limit sugary foods and snacks to special treats.

Remember to ask Dr. Barden and his orthodontic team if you have any questions about what you can do to keep your teeth healthy to ensure a smile that you will love for a lifetime!

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Beverages and your Teeth

August 14th, 2020

Before you grab something to drink-- stop and think about your teeth! Coffee and tea can stain your teeth. Soft drinks, sports drinks, juice, and vitamin waters often contain a lot of sugar and acid. Diet or “sugar free” sodas contain acid that also harms your enamel. Sugar and acid  weaken the enamel and can result in  tooth decay and cavities.

What can you do to reduce tooth decay? Drink soda, sport drinks, juice, and flavored waters in moderation. After drinking sweet beverages, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water to dilute the sugar.

Water is an even better choice. It has no sugar, no acid, and no calories. In many communities the tap water has fluoride to help strengthen your teeth. Plus, if you use a refillable water bottle you are helping to protect the environment.

Remember: healthy teeth require healthy food and beverage choices, regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups with your dentist. The reward is a beautiful, cavity free smile!

Be sure to ask Dr. Douglas Barden and his team if you have any questions. Follow Barden Orthodontics on Instagram Facebook or Twitter to get more tips and helpful orthodontic information.

Tips for Choosing an Orthodontist

July 17th, 2020

It’s time for Braces!  Are you wondering how to decide on the Doctor who will provide the treatment?

Starting orthodontic treatment is a big decision. One thing you will need to decide is who will be your orthodontic provider.  Did you know that all orthodontists are first trained as dentists, but, only 6% of dentists are orthodontists? An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional 2 to 3 years of education specifically about diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists receive special training in the skills needed for tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Here are some things to ask when considering an orthodontist:

  • Did the Doctor receive additional training specific to orthodontics?
  • Does the Doctor specialize in orthodontic treatment or is this a small part of their dental practice?
  • Does the Doctor continue to get training in the newest treatment methods?
  • Is the Doctor a member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), which requires members to be highly trained in orthodontics to meet specific standards of education and experience?
  • After your initial consultation, did the Doctor clearly answer your questions and provide you with a treatment plan that you feel comfortable?

Dr. Douglas Barden completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) at Marquette University in Milwaukee WI. He then also completed a year of general residency at Marquette University, and then an additional 2 years of orthodontic residency at Marquette University resulting in a Master of Science (MS) and a certificate in Orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and is currently President of the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontics.

Dr. Barden is passionate about continuing his education to provide his patients with the best treatment options. He regularly attends orthodontic conferences and continuing education lectures. His office utilizes the newest, state-of-the-art equipment to provide the most effective treatment possible. This includes an itero element scanner so there are no goopy impressions and a digital x-ray machine that takes quick and safe x-rays.

We are proud that Dr. Douglas Barden’s skills have been consistently recognized by dental professionals in the Milwaukee area and he is listed as a TOP Dentist in the field of Orthodontics by Milwaukee Magazine.

 Dr. Douglas Barden offers free initial consultations as he wants patients to feel comfortable with the treatment plan.  Contact us to set up an appointment  414-962-1281. We look forward to welcoming you to our Whitefish Bay, WI office!

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Handling Orthodontic Issues at Home

April 2nd, 2020

You will be happy to hear you may be able to handle many minor orthodontic issues at home. The following information is provided by the American Association of Orthodontists. Always call us if you have any questions or concerns!

Tools + Supplies

With these tools and supplies on hand, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues

  • Orthodontic relief wax
  • Dental floss
  • Disinfected tweezers
  • Q-tips
  • Salt
  • Interproximal brush
  • Toothpicks
  • Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Lost O-ring

An “O” ring is the tiny rubber band or sometimes a very thin wire (ligature), that holds the orthodontic wire in the bracket/brace. If a rubber o-ring should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with the tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.  Should this happen, be sure to contact your orthodontist to notify them and come up with a plan for repair. Note: self-ligating brackets don’t use o-rings.

Discomfort

It’s normal to have some discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move however it should not last longer than a couple days. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate some discomfort.  If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days, be sure to call your orthodontist to discuss.

Mouth Sores

Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency but may be very uncomfortable. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab – reapply as needed.  If after a couple days the discomfort does not resolve, call your orthodontist to discuss.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to the mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation.  Wax can be purchased at any drug store if you are unable to get some from your orthodontist during this time.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate the mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezer and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. Should changes with your wires occur during this time be sure to contact your orthodontist to make them aware of the issue.

Loose Braces or Bands

If the braces or bands have come loose in any way, call your orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps.

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updated May 2021