What's So Bad About Nail Biting?

We've all heard that nail biting is an awful habit, so we took the time to review an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your teeth and your oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit amoung various age groups including children, teens, and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress. That being said, it is unsanitary, unattractive, and unhealthy for your teeth. Here's why:

*It's unsanitary. Your nails are twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, they are a big source of unwanted germs and bacteria.

*It can have unhealthy effects on your teeth. Nail biting causes you to constantly chew with your teeth, and this excessive motion can wear your front teeth faster and cause unwanted movement of your teeth due to the constant pressure.

*Braces don't love it either. Nail biting can damage the appliances and put unnecessary pressure on your teeth beyond what the braces are already applying, resulting in increased discomfort and stressing of the roots.

*Finally, it can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one's lifetime according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Now is a good time to think about breaking your habit and helping with the long term health of your teeth. If you have any additional questions about your teeth, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-734-1146.

Myths and Facts About Orthodontics

Trust us when we say we know there are quite a few myths about braces floating around these days. Before you buy into these myths, we think you should get the facts! The American Association of Orthodontists has provided useful information that sheds light on some of these myths:

1. Myth: Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex cases.

Fact: As specialists, orthodontists have the additional education and expertise to recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one and therefore how to better treat it.

2. Myth: Braces are for kids.

Fact: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

3. Myth: If there was a giant magnet and someone flipped a switch, people would fly out of their chairs and stick to the magnet.

Fact: Braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

4. Myth: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for treatment.

Fact: Fees vary from practice to practice. Each doctor, whether an orthodontist or general dentist, sets his/her own fee schedule. The value in seeing an orthodontist comes from the additional education they receive to become specialists, and the knowledge and expertise they have in treating only orthodontic patients.

5. Myth: Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.

Fact: After the initial adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces become comfortable. In addition, they are sometimes only needed for months and not years.

6. Myth: Signals from braces link to the internet to download songs onto an iPod.

Fact: This is not possible YET!

7. Myth: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves, and can be embarrassing.

Fact: Today's braces can be clear (tooth colored), nearly invisible (like clear plastic retainers), or even stuck to the back of the front teeth. Appearance should really not be a reason to avoid getting braces.

Please contact Dr. Souris if you have any additonal questions about braces and orthodontists by calling us for a free consulatation at 440-734-1146. We would be happy to evaluate you or your child for the different treatment options that are available.