Dental Depot

Hereditary (genetic) factors directly influence growth and development of the upper and lower jaws SEPARATELY. The skull is one bone, and the mandible (lower jaw) is an entirely separate bone, derived from a different hereditary source. Sometimes growth between the two jaws does not match due to a mismatch of these two hereditary growth factors. There can be variances in widths in growths of the jaws.

When the lower jaw is SHORT in relation to the upper jaw, relative protrusion of the upper front teeth is the result. The upper front teeth are usually in correction positions in relation to the upper jaw and face. The problem is that the lower jaw is short by comparison, and has always been short since embryonic development started. One jaw has not grown more or less than the other jaw. The relative balance between the two jaws was never correct.

When the lower jaw is too LONG in relation to the upper jaw, “underbite” is the result. If the upper jaw has not grown ENOUGH in length and width, underbite is still the result, but for a different reason.

Surgical correction of the relative imbalances of growth between the jaws is necessary to be combined with orthodontic treatment because there isn’t sufficient bone to move the teeth in one jaw enough to match the other jaw.

Usually, braces are worn for a period of twelve months prior to orthognathic surgery to adjust the teeth so they will fit together, upper and lower, when the surgical correction of the jaws is done. The braces are used to help stabilize the healing bone following surgery. Also, it is usually necessary to wear braces six to eight months following orthodontic surgery to adjust the teeth to match properly.

The next step is to visit an orthognathic surgeon, an oral surgeon who has had specialized training in surgery of the jaws. The surgeon’s office will file insurance for the recommended care. Placement of braces will follow insurance approval and/or the proper financial arrangements made for the complete treatment, surgery plus braces.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Norman, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley®

Loss of normal gum tissue contour around any tooth is referred to as tissue stripping. This condition can occur around any tooth, and can only be corrected by grafting gum tissue from the palate onto the stripping site.

The most usual cause of tissue stripping is improper brushing technique. Using a back and forth sawing motion with a toothbrush will abrade or wear away tissue in general, or abrade away tissue on the most prominent location on the gums. Tooth position that is forward of normal arch position especially can cause tissue stripping to occur when careful tooth brushing techniques are not used.

Construction of tooth brushes is not standard. Only Oral B, Pycopay, and Butler GUM toothbrushes are made with rounded bristles so they do not have a 90 degree sharp cut. The rounded bristles, plus only using soft or medium bristle stiffness, provides the best protection against toothbrush damage to gums.

Tissue stripping can also be caused by chronic gum irritation from food debris left on the gum margins of the teeth. It is imperative that special attention be given to careful and total removal of all food debris from all surfaces of the teeth every 24 hours, and especially in the area of tissue stripping as infection will worsen the amount of tissue lost.

There is no “healing” or regrowth of gum tissue once it is lost.

It is normal for gum tissue to change in contour as children grow into adults, exposing more of the teeth crowns. Sometimes, adult gum contour will correct the imbalance of tissue contour in childhood when slight or even moderate tissue stripping has occurred. Significant tissue stripping always requires periodontal surgery (gum grafting).

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Norman, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley®

Mouth breathing is an acquired habit that is usually not beneficial to oral health. In some instances, it is absolutely necessary that proper breathing habits be restored in order to correct a dental malocclusion.

Mouth breathing is a habit that is usually started in infancy due to chronic partial obstruction of the nasal passages. Allergies can cause mouth breathing habits, as well as enlarged tonsils and adenoidal tissues. Sometimes, nasal polyps can result from chronic allergies which cause obstruction of the nasal passages. An examination by an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician can best define problems arising from obstruction of the nasal passages.

Sometimes, a mouth breathing habit can be a pattern resulting from occasional obstruction of the nasal passages. In this instance there is nothing wrong with the nose, but the person has become accustomed to breathing through the mouth for convenience.

Regardless of the cause, chronic mouth breathing causes drying out of the gum tissues of the mouth and subsequent invasion of the gums by bacteria and viruses that commonly live in the oral cavity. This condition can readily lead to gum disease and degeneration of the bone surrounding surrounding the roots of the teeth. As the bone recedes around the roots of the teeth, the teeth become loose and will eventually be lost.

Mouth breathing also causes airborne bacteria, viruses, pollen, and dust to be directly inhaled into the lungs. The natural filtering action of the nasal passages is lost, and the person is prone to upper respiratory infections.

Mouth breathing can also be associated with tongue thrusting, which can cause undesirable movement of the teeth before and after orthodontic treatment. The tongue remains depressed near the throat to allow the passage of air into the lungs, and tongue thrust results from the abnormal tongue posture. Constriction of the upper dental arch can result from abnormal tongue posture, resulting in dental cross bite.

For all these reasons, it is in the best interest of oral health to correct mouth breathing problems as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about how orthodontics can help with mouth breathing induced issues, please call us! You can call our 23rd St office at 405-949-0123, our South OKC office at 405-691-1123, or our Yukon office at 405-350-1133.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Norman, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley®

We at Dental Depot are so happy that our success has taken us to such wonderful places as Tulsa, Dallas, Highland Village, Phoenix, and soon Norman. But, I would like to take a moment to praise the community that made us what we are today. In my opinion, Oklahoma City is one of the greatest cities in the nation. With everything from a very successful professional basketball team (Go Thunder!) to some of the nicest people you will ever meet, OKC has it all!

Quite often when “folks from out of town” think of Oklahoma City they come up with images of cattle drives, cowboys, and farms as far as the eye can see. Well, they’re right, to a point. Oklahoma City’s history is rich with hard working men and women who roll up their sleeves to provide livestock and agriculture to those around them and beyond. In fact, Stockyards City, opened in the heart of OKC in 1910 as a public livestock market, remains today to be the largest stocker and feeder cattle market in the world.

Although OKC still has roots deep in agriculture and livestock, it has so much more to offer. Bricktown in downtown OKC, for example, seems to encompass many of the wonderful things about the city. There is amazing food, live music, street performers, horse drawn carriages, night clubs, even a campus for the American College of Music. Also, the Arts Council of Oklahoma City puts on a fantastic Festival of the Arts every year that features visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts.

OKC is no slouch in the business field either. As a matter of fact, a very prominent national energy leader has just finished building a brand new skyscraper to add to the already majestic downtown skyline. Also, there is another national energy powerhouse with a campus to rival most others. Both do great things for the city. Not to mention a small dental practice that came up in OKC over 30 years ago that is now in 3 states and growing every year! Thank you so much Oklahoma City for being the great place that you are. You are a home to many, and the door is always open.

If any of you out there have never been, it is worth the trip; if you have, then you know exactly what I mean.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Norman, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley®

Hi everyone, it’s your friend Smiley O’Riley! I want to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about what it is that I actually do. I have the best job in the world! I get to hang out with kids in the Dental Depots! Along with office visits I also participate in parades, appear at health fairs, make balloons at the Oklahoma State Fair, appear in commercials, and anything else needing the face of Dental Depot. All of the duties I have mentioned so far are very important, but it all takes a back seat to the main job of Smiley O’Riley, which is community outreach. Our communities have been so good to us; we like to give back whenever we can. I have the great pleasure of getting to go to the local elementary schools, churches, and daycares to teach and remind the kiddos about good dental hygiene. In my 30 minute show I use fun, silliness, and group interaction to talk about things like brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and trying to eat as healthy as possible. Another huge part of the outreach is the goodie bag that we provide for every student who attends my show; which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, fun games, and a coupon for a
free spin brush!

You can also see me on my YouTube channel “DentalDepot1978” and learn how to make some of the balloon art that I make for the kids.

If you would like to book an appearance for your school, church, daycare, or other community event you can simply see the Smiley request form on http://www.dentaldepot.net/?page_id=205
or just call James, Troy, or Ron at 405-945-8941.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Norman, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,

Smiley O’Riley®

The most common chronic childhood disease in the United States today is tooth decay. The good news is that it is preventable. Combined with a good oral hygiene regimen, sealants have been shown to reduce tooth decay by more than 70%.
“51% of children between the ages of 6 to 11 years old have caries (cavities) in one or more of their primary teeth.” –National Health and Nutrition Examination

Sealants Can Shield Teeth from Decay

It is sometimes hard to remove food and plaque from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, even with frequent brushing. Dental sealants are safe plastic-like materials that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars or premolars. Sealants act as a protective barrier to help “seal out” germs and food that cause tooth decay.

Since tooth decay is most likely to occur shortly after teeth come into the mouth, children make great candidates for dental sealants. Because the teeth most at risk are permanent molars, we strongly recommend sealants be placed on these teeth as soon as they come in.

Sealants are Easy to Apply, Safe, and Painless

Sealants are durable and can last years before a replacement is needed. They not only help prevent tooth decay, they also help avoid restorative dental procedures in the future. Dental sealants have been used safely for more than 30 years.
Talk to your friendly Dental Depot dentist as part of your child’s overall oral care. Only you and your dentist can determine what is right for your child.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley®

I have been asked countless times when is a good time to take a child to their first dental checkup. Well, I have done some research and asked a few of our amazing doctors and I have an answer for you.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry said it pretty well when they said, “first visit by first birthday”. I know, taking a one year old to the dentist might seem a little silly, but let me explain.

Why so early?

There are several reasons to take a baby/toddler to the dentist. The first and most important of those is beginning a thorough preventative program. Early Childhood Caries (aka Baby Bottle Tooth Decay) is a major concern for kids, especially when the child’s diet expands from breast-milk/formula to foods and juices. There are steps that can be taken to help prevent this and other serious dental issues in the future.

Also, starting very young will help your child become more comfortable with the dentist and all the wonderful things they do for us. With the help of parents/adults, the dentist office can become a place of familiarity and fun.

Should thumb and finger sucking be a concern?

Thumb sucking is a perfectly normal habit for infants, but most stop by age 2. If the habit continues to age 3, the child could experience crooked teeth or even bite problems. If you are concerned about your child sucking their thumb too much your friendly Dental Depot dentist will be happy to suggest ways to address the issue with you.

What can you expect at your first visit?

During the exam, your dentist will most likely check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay. Also, they should check the child’s bite, gums, jaw, and oral tissue. If needed, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride.

The doctor will also talk with you about basic oral health for children, including but not limited to:

• Cavity Prevention
• Fluoride Needs
• Oral Habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
• Developmental Milestones
• Teething
• Proper Nutrition
• Appointment Scheduling (Generally every 6 months)

If you have any more questions you can ask your friendly Dental Depot Dentist, or refer to http://www.aapd.org/.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,

Smiley O’Riley

With teeth bleaching becoming more popular, I have been asked many times if it really works. The answer is a definite YES! Although the effectiveness varies from person to person the fact is, teeth bleaching absolutely works.

How does it work?

Well, I am so glad you asked. You see just like pores in the skin, teeth have pores too, although they are actually called tubules. Over time these tubules will absorb particles that will discolor the teeth. Drinking coffee and smoking will certainly accelerate this process. Luckily though, the bleaching process uses these tubules for good. A bleaching solution is applied to the teeth and absorbed into the tubules. This will bleach out the discoloration, whitening the teeth.

If I can get whitening treatments over-the-counter, then why should I have the dentist bleach my teeth?

There are a few good reasons why a custom fit bleaching system from your dentist is more effective than the over-the-counter products. The main reason is although the over-the-counter products are made to fit on your teeth, it is not a custom fit. The problem with this is that the bleaching solution is a gum irritant, and without a custom fit there is very little control over where the solution goes. To reduce gum irritation the over-the-counter products are made much weaker, therefore less effective. The trays made by your dentist are custom fit to your teeth and will help prevent the solution from getting to your gums. Which means the solution your dentist provides is much stronger, therefore much more effective.

What about whitening Toothpaste?

Well, all toothpastes contain mild abrasives to help remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes provide additional stain removal because they contain gentle polishing or chemical agents. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach, which can lighten your tooth’s color by about one shade. Light-activated whitening done in your dentist’s office however, can make your teeth three to eight shades whiter.

So, although the over-the-counter options may be successful to a certain point, the chair side whitening at your dentist (like Dental Depot) is by far the best option.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,
Smiley O’Riley

“Halitosis is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.” -Wikipedia.com

Most of the time when we find ourselves with less than desirable breathe we can blame the delicious onion burger we had for lunch. But sometimes there is a more complex issue to be addressed. In the following text I present several of the most common causes of Halitosis, and a few treatment options to hopefully help you better understand this common occurrence.

Some of the most common causes of Halitosis are:

• The food you eat- When food is eaten it is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there it is transferred to the lungs where the scent is expelled, affecting the air you exhale. This happens until the food is eliminated by your body.

• Oral hygiene- Without brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits food will remain in your mouth for extended periods of time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produce a less that desirable odor. Also, food left in the mouth that long can cause the gums to rot, and nothing that is rotting can smell all that good.

• Improperly cleaned dentures- Like poor oral hygiene, dentures that are not properly cleaned collect bacteria through food particles and cause bad breath.

• Periodontal Disease (gum disease)- One of the most prominent symptoms of gum disease is bad, often foul breathe. Also, along with bad breathe there will also be a constant unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you think this is the issue, see your Dental Depot dental professional as soon as possible.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)- Xerostomia can be caused by a number of things, a few of the most common causes would be a reaction to certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or predominantly breathing through the mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva the mouth will struggle to cleanse itself of food remnants.

• Tobacco- Tobacco is probably the most obvious cause of bad breathe. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, and any other tobacco product not only causes halitosis, but also stains the teeth and puts the rest of the body at risk for a number of diseases.

• Medical Condition- Bad breathe can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition. Something like a respiratory infection, diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or even liver or kidney disorder could all cause halitosis. If you believe your halitosis could be the symptom of a medical condition, please see a physician as soon as possible.

Here are a few treatment options:

Since things like mints, gum, and sprays simply mask bad breathe, a visit to the dentist is highly recommended.

Basically, to fight halitosis just practice good oral hygiene. If this does not help, one of the great dentists at Dental Depot would be more than happy to help you understand both the cause and treatment for your particular case.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,

Smiley O’Riley

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD or TMJ or TMD) or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment. Because the disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines-in particular, dentistry and neurology-there are a variety of treatment approaches.

—Wikipedia

Often incorrectly called TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder is basically the swelling of the temporomandibular joint.

Where is the TMJ?

Put your fingers just in front of your ears and clench your teeth, then open your mouth wide. The movement you feel is the TMJ.

How does the TMJ work?

Every time you bite down you put force on both the object between your teeth and the joint. Using physics, it can be explained like this: the jaw is the lever and the TMJ is the fulcrum. Because the forces of chewing need to be distributed over a wide surface, to avoid injury, more force is applied to the TMJ than to the object being chewed. This is possible thanks to the cartilage between the bones, which provides a smooth surface for the joint to freely slide with little friction.

What are some signs or symptoms of TMJD?

• Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening and closing the mouth
• Dull, aching pain in the face
• Earache, especially in the morning
• Headache, especially in the morning
• Hearing loss
• Migraine, especially in the morning
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Reduced ability to open and close the mouth
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (hearing things that are not there)

I know earache seems a little strange for a jaw disorder, but because of the location of the TMJ, the pain can often be mistaken for an earache.

What are some causes of TMJD?

There are many factors that place strain on the TMJ. Here are a few of them:

• Bruxism (repetitive unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth, often at night)
• Trauma
• Misalignment of the top and bottom teeth due to restorative procedures
• Jaw thrusting
• Excessive gum chewing or nail biting
• Size of food bites
• Lack of overbite

Treatment

Make an appointment with your dentist, at Dental Depot of course. Be sure to explain to the dentist all of the symptoms you are experiencing so they can make an accurate diagnosis.

How can I relieve the pain until I can see a dentist?

The best thing to do is take the recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the recommended increments until you can get a dental appointment. Remember, at Dental Depot emergencies are always seen the same day.  Also, not only is every Dental Depot open during normal business hours, but also Saturdays 8:00am-4:00pm.

If after reading this you think you may have TMJD, please make an appointment either at www.dentaldepot.net , over the phone, or in the case of an emergency just come in to an office. We would love to help.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa, Dallas, Edmond, Highland Village, and Phoenix and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

Your Friend,

Smiley O’Riley