New research has shown that interdental cleaning before brushing is the best way to clean our teeth effectively. The study found that flossing loosens bacteria and food debris from between the teeth. This allows brushing to be much more successful at removing plaque.

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential for a good oral health routine. However, the study shows that interdental cleaning also has a big part to play in keeping our teeth and gums healthy.

Brushing alone only cleans three of the five surfaces of our teeth. Cleaning between them before we pick up our toothbrush is hugely beneficial. Especially when you have braces or aligners, it helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque from areas the toothbrush alone cannot reach.

It is a myth that having a good oral health routine begins and ends with brushing our teeth twice a day. 

The importance of looking after the health of our teeth and gums by cleaning interdentally and then brushing cannot be stressed enough. Doing this alongside maintaining a balanced, low-in-sugar diet and regularly visiting the dentist. This will make us far less likely to encounter problems with our oral health.”

What can we do to make you smile?

Make an appointment today.

The post Interdental cleaning before brushing appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Ensure a successful orthodontic treatment by following these instructions from your Auckland orthodontists Drs Lutz and Claudia Bachmann.

Clean your Teeth and Braces

Keeping your teeth clean when wearing braces is very important. We recommend using the following tools for cleaning:

• Toothbrushes
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Fluoride rinse
• Dental floss
• Interproximal brush – Interproximal brushes are tiny disposable brushes that are small enough to slip under the archwire of your braces and help remove plaque and food particles.

Follow Instructions

Follow the instructions your Auckland orthodontist has given you on wearing the rubber bands, retainers or any other fixed or removable orthodontic appliances.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Your appointments are a part of the plan your orthodontist has designed to take you through the different stages of your orthodontic treatment. Make sure you attend each scheduled appointment as it’s an important part of your treatment.

Wear a Mouthguard

Protect not only your teeth but also your braces and orthodontic appliances by always wearing a mouthguard when playing a sport.

Avoid Foods that are Bad for Your Braces

Make sure to stay away from hard, sticky and crunchy foods while you are wearing braces. Slice raw vegetables and fruits into bite-sized pieces to eat.

Inform your Orthodontist About Loose or Broken Appliances

If your orthodontic appliance is loose or broken call and schedule an appointment with our Auckland orthodontic office as soon as possible. It’s best not to wait until your next appointment. Bring any broken pieces of the appliance with you.

Following these steps and visiting your Auckland orthodontist office regularly will result in a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our website for more information.

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post 7 Steps to a Successful Orthodontic Treatment appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Begin on the outside of your top teeth. Bite your teeth together. Rub the toothbrush back and forth across your teeth while gradually moving the toothbrush across your top teeth. Make sure you reach all the way back to your molars. Spit if necessary.

Use small circles to brush the braces. Spend at least 25 – 30 seconds on each bracket. You can also use your interdental brush to brush over the tops of your brackets. Most brackets have holes in them (very hard to see) so try wiggling the interdental brush down into each bracket

Brush the crowns of your teeth. Turn your toothbrush perpendicular to the spaces between your teeth. Rub the brush back and forth and also use a circular motion. This helps get the hard to reach crevices that can harbor plaque and food particles.

Brush the inner side of your teeth. Move the toothbrush back and forth, up and down and then with circular motions on the inside of your top and bottom teeth. When you have braces, the inner side of your teeth are usually the easiest to brush because they are not crowded with braces.

Now brush the outside of your bottom teeth. With your teeth still together, gently brush in circular motions. Make sure you move the toothbrush across all your front teeth and back to the outsides of your molars as well. It may be easier to reach the back of your mouth if you open your mouth a little.

What can we do to make you smile?

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post Proper Brushing appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Oral piercings and braces are not a good combination. Drs. Lutz and Claudia Bachmann share with their patients the threats oral piercings pose when it comes to oral health and orthodontic appliances.

So, you love your oral piercings. But how do you feel about chipped teeth, receding gum lines and adding months to your orthodontic treatment?

“I love that my patients have all developed their own unique ways of expressing their individuality,” says Lutz Bachmann, a family orthodontist who provides orthodontics for adults and children. “However, I’m not a fan of oral piercings because of the havoc they’re known to wreak on teeth, appliances and health.”

Since the health of our patients and their mouths are what is most important to us, let’s start with the reasons why oral piercings aren’t synonymous with a healthy mouth.

1.)    Infection

Everyone likes to think they have a clean mouth, however, on average “800 to 1,000 different bacteria may call your mouth ‘home,’” says Dr De Vizio of Colgate.

When you get an oral piercing, the open wound gives these bacteria a direct route to your bloodstream.  And playing with and changing the jewellery only introduces more strains into the mouth. A piercing also leaves one more nook for food to get trapped in, providing additional food and breeding ground for bacteria; bed and breakfast for bacteria, if you will.

2.)    Nerve Damage

There are many nerves and blood vessels in the tongue and several ways they can be damaged by piercings. First, if the piercer accidentally hits a nerve or wrong blood vessel, there is a chance you will suffer from numbness or excessive bleeding. Second, if your jewellery gets hung in your braces or anything else, there is always the possibility that it could be ripped from your mouth and result in scarring or nerve damage as well.

3.)    Gum Disease

A large number of people with oral piercings experience gum erosion, which if not stabilized can lead to tooth loss and even death.

“Patients often have an overwhelming urge to play with oral jewellery, but even if they don’t, the gums still incur constant trauma from contact with the lip or tongue ring,” says Dr Claudia Bachmann. “Over time the jewellery wears the gums away, exposing the tooth’s root.”

Once the gums recede, they do not grow back, and the exposed roots make patients prone to gum disease and tooth loss.

“I’ve seen gum recession in patients who have had their piercing for as little as six weeks,” says Dr Lutz. “It happens fast and is especially difficult to spot in cases of tongue piercings since the damage is often isolated to the area behind the teeth. Patients should remove their jewellery at the first sign of erosion and seek treatment which often involves a skin graft if decay or infection hasn’t already occurred.”

4.)    Damaged Teeth

Teeth can be chipped or fractured while eating, talking and even sleeping when there is an oral piercing involved.

“The most common problem we see is patients wanting to chew on their metal barbells or run them across the backs of their teeth like they’re playing a xylophone,” says Dr Claudia. “This constant contact is disastrous for teeth and if a patient falls or their head is jarred while they are chewing on their jewellery it often results in chipping.”

Even the constant drip of water can carve a hole in a stone. So you can only imagine what metal does to a tooth when it is constantly rubbed against it. Enamel does not regenerate itself so when it’s gone patients experience extreme sensitivity, discomfort and possible need for extraction.

 Many pierced patients request Invisalign under the impression that it will protect their teeth from damage. While Invisalign does cover the surface of each tooth, it’s a common misconception that it makes having oral piercings safe. It does nothing to protect the gums from the constant contact and pressure that erodes them permanently, which is the most problematic type of damage caused by piercings.

5.)    Longer Orthodontic Treatment

It’s great if you enjoy wearing braces, but the fact of the matter is that most patients don’t, which is just one more reason why we don’t approve of oral piercings during orthodontic treatment.

While being treated with orthodontics even things as hard as an apple have the potential to dislodge brackets and bend archwires. When the jewellery in your mouth gets hooked to your braces, it can happen so fast that before you know it, you’ve either broken your braces or your jewellery has torn from your tongue or lip, which as you can imagine, is not a pretty sight. Damaged braces or a massive amount of oral trauma has the potential to add months to your orthodontic treatment.

What If You Can’t Give Them Up?

“At Bachmann Orthodontics we are extremely against oral piercings and will not treat a patient unless they agree to remove their oral piercing(s),” says Dr Lutz. “We hope our stand against piercings speaks volumes to their dangers and causes those with piercings or considering them to think twice before subjecting their smile to irreversible damage. You only get one set of adult teeth; we want them to last.”

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post Oral Piercings and Braces appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Chocolate is a nice treat; however, be careful of hidden dangers.

• Chocolate with fruit and nut: the nuts are too hard and may cause brackets to come off. The raisins are very sticky and will get stuck around your appliance.
• If Chocolate contains caramel is very sticky and chewy and should be avoided.
• Chocolate that contains nougat: Nougat gets stuck around your appliance.
• Chocolate from the fridge is too hard to eat whilst wearing orthodontic appliances; ensure it is at room temperature before consuming.

However, we advise avoiding sugary foods while wearing braces. While wearing your braces, you will want to avoid foods that are extremely soft, chewy or sticky and that contain a large amount of sugar or starch. Foods that are safe and unsafe while you are wearing your braces.

• Cake and pies
• Energy drinks
• Extremely soft bread
• Fruit juices
• Gum
• Heavily processed foods
• Ice cream
• Fizzes
• Sports drinks

And it is essential to brush your teeth 30 minutes after every meal. 

This role will keep your teeth nice and healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

.

What can we do to make you smile?

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post Why has chocolate hidden dangers? appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Early treatment is one of the keys to avoid the need to extract perfectly good teeth.

When should a child see an orthodontist? 

The Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic screening when parents notice signs of an orthodontic problem or, by age 7. 

By this time the first permanent teeth will have come through.

So we will have a pretty good idea whether or not treatment needs to be started.

We will offer a free, regular oral development monitoring program for your child. This allows us to begin their individual treatment at the best time possible. 

A referral from your dentist is not necessary.

We have many years of experience & training in assessing a child’s pace of oral development. As such, it is usually immediately obvious to us what level of treatment will be required. 

In most of the early treatment cases, it is UNNECESSARY to remove a tooth for any reason.

1. We can identify extra or missing teeth

2. Correct harmful habits

3. Guide tooth eruption 

4. Correct jaw growth problems and sleep disorder breathing (sleep apnea)

5. Make room for crowded teeth

6. Boost self-esteem 

7. Prevent damage and trauma to the teeth and gums

What can we do to make you smile?

Make an appointment today 09 448 1128

The post Prevent your child from a tooth extraction. appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Custom fitted mouthguards now only $48.50
(regular price $230). Limited time only until 10th May 2019

Why do you need a custom fitted mouthguard from Bachmann Orthodontics?

Playing contact sports without a mouth guard has been likened to rally driving without a seat belt! A simple injury can leave you with a gap in your smile. A mouthguard is a protective device that prevents injury to the teeth, lips and gums.

But not all mouthguards are created equal, and a store bought mouthguard will never give you the protection of a custom designed mouthguard.

Why is a custom mouth guard necessary?

Store bought mouthguards don’t encase the teeth or cover the back molars. They tend not to fit very well, lose their shape, fall out in the middle of activity, and often have to be replaced. They can also make breathing and talking difficult, and feel bulky in the mouth.

A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic equipment. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.

Bachmann Orthodontics in Auckland create the perfect fitting mouthguard that allows for speaking and doesn’t limit breathing. Our custom made mouthguards will stay firmly in place during action and help protect your teeth from injury.

If you or your child play contact sport, make a custom fitted mouthguard part of your team uniform.

Call Us Today!

Enquire about Custom Fitted Mouthguards > Book a consultation today

The post Custom Fitted Mouthguards appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Got help from a specialist?

When it comes to your personal health, you want to make sure that you’ll get the best professional help.
When it comes to achieving the perfect smile, you want to make sure you’re in good hands. What is the difference between a dentist with special interests and a specialist orthodontist? While dentists and orthodontists have a lot in common, specialisation is what sets an orthodontist apart.
What is an orthodontist?
Think of it like the difference between your family GP and a specialist physician such as a cardiologist or a paediatrician. Your family’s general dentist will be able to help you to improve your overall oral health, but a specialist orthodontist is the only properly qualified person to diagnose, prevent and treat dental or facial irregularities, and correctly align your teeth, bite and jaws.
As well as completing a five-year degree in dentistry, an orthodontist also undergoes a further 5,000 hours of specialist training in the field of orthodontics. Whether you or your child are being treated with braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign®, you need to be sure you’re being treated by an orthodontist to get the best results.
That is why we can guarantee the result of our work.
Your beautiful customised Bachmannsmile.
Have you seen a non -specialist and would like a second opinion from a registered orthodontic specialist.
Feel free to make an appointment today 09 448 1128
What can we do to make you smile?

The post Got help from a specialist? appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

Many people think that braces are just for teens; however a growing number of adults are deciding to brace themselves and go straight.

Dr Claudia Bachmann MDS, PhD is an orthodontist who, together with husband Dr Lutz Bachmann MDS PhD, head up Bachmann Orthodontics. This busy Auckland orthodontic practice in Albany on the North Shore state-of-the-art and offers the best of orthodontic technology and equipment available.

Dr Lutz and Dr Claudia are also the parents of three pre-teens and know first-hand the importance of straight teeth and good oral health – and they’re both passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles for people of all ages.

“Orthodontic treatment in later life can dramatically improve a person’s appearance ann self-esteem, and equally importantly, improve the health of their teeth and gums.”

Aesthetically, braces have come a long way and Bachmann Orthodontics is one of Auckland’s leading providers of the popular Incognito braces (lingual braces), a new orthodontic treatment where the braces are bonded to the inside of the teeth. In most cases adults can expect to wear Incognito braces for an average of 12 to 20 months.

So how much will adult braces cost?

Says Dr Claudia,

“This varies depending on individual requirements. We need to assess each client before we can decide on the course of treatment. The good news is that we offer flexible payment and finance options.”

Bachmann Orthodontics understands the value of a great smile.

“It’s very rewarding to see how straight healthy teeth can boost a patient’s confidence, self-esteem and attitude. A beautiful smile is a major asset and your most important accessory!” says Dr Claudia with a smile.

Article courtesy of Auckland Eye Magazine

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post Straight Talk About Incognito Braces appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.

It’s critical to protect your teeth during contact sports.

And it’s so easy – follow these steps and your smile will be safe.

1. Come and meet one of our friendly orthodontic auxiliaries
2. She will take an impression of your teeth
3. The impression then goes to our lab where our technician will make the model
4. When the mouthguard is ready, return to Bachmann Orthodontics to check that it fits perfectly.
5. Make your custom fitted mouthguard an essential part of your sports gear

Contact Bachmann Orthodontists today to take an impression of your teeth, or for a consultation to discuss your needs.

Enquire about braces > Book a consultation today

The post Protect Your Teeth in 5 Easy Steps appeared first on What can we do to make you smile?.