Toggle navigation
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200 McDonough, GA 30253(678) 583-0330
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
 
  • Home
  • Meet Our Dentist
  • Meet Our Team
  • Our Office
  • New Patients
  • Reviews
  • Appointment Request

My Blog

Posts for: June, 2017

Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
June 22, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   thumb sucking  
ActressEmmaStoneRevealsHowThumbSuckingAffectedHerTeeth

It's no secret that many of Hollywood's brightest stars didn't start out with perfectly aligned, pearly-white teeth. And these days, plenty of celebs are willing to share their stories, showing how dentists help those megawatt smiles shine. In a recent interview with W magazine, Emma Stone, the stunning 28-year-old star of critically-acclaimed films like La La Land and Birdman, explained how orthodontic appliances helped her overcome problems caused by a harmful habit: persistent thumb sucking in childhood.

“I sucked my thumb until I was 11 years old,” she admitted, mischievously adding “It's still so soothing to do it.” Although it may have been comforting, the habit spelled trouble for her bite. “The roof of my mouth is so high-pitched that I had this huge overbite,” she said. “I got this gate when I was in second grade… I had braces, and then they put a gate.”

While her technical terminology isn't quite accurate, Stone is referring to a type of appliance worn in the mouth which dentists call a “tongue crib” or “thumb/finger appliance.” The purpose of these devices is to stop children from engaging in “parafunctional habits” — that is, behaviors like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which are unrelated to the normal function of the mouth and can cause serious bite problems. (Other parafunctional habits include nail biting, pencil chewing and teeth grinding.)

When kids develop the habit of regularly pushing the tongue against the front teeth (tongue thrusting) or sucking on an object placed inside the mouth (thumb sucking), the behavior can cause the front teeth to be pushed out of alignment. When the top teeth move forward, the condition is commonly referred to as an overbite. In some cases a more serious situation called an “open bite” may develop, which can be difficult to correct. Here, the top and bottom front teeth do not meet or overlap when the mouth is closed; instead, a vertical gap is left in between.

Orthodontic appliances are often recommended to stop harmful oral habits from causing further misalignment. Most appliances are designed with a block (or gate) that prevents the tongue or finger from pushing on the teeth; this is what the actress mentioned. Normally, when the appliance is worn for a period of months it can be expected to modify the child's behavior. Once the habit has been broken, other appliances like traditional braces or clear aligners can be used to bring the teeth into better alignment.

But in Stone's case, things didn't go so smoothly. “I'd take the gate down and suck my thumb underneath the mouth appliance,” she admitted, “because I was totally ignoring the rule to not suck your thumb while you're trying to straighten out your teeth.” That rule-breaking ended up costing the aspiring star lots of time: she spent a total of 7 years wearing braces.

Fortunately, things worked out for the best for Emma Stone: She now has a brilliant smile and a stellar career — plus a shiny new Golden Globe award! Does your child have a thumb sucking problem or another harmful oral habit? For more information about how to correct it, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Thumb Sucking Affects the Bite.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
June 07, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: missing teeth  
TeenswithMissingTeethmayneedaTemporaryFixUntilTheyreOlder

Dental implants are widely considered by both dentists and patients as the premier choice for replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, implants aren’t the appropriate choice for teenagers with missing teeth.

That’s because their jaws won’t fully finish most of their growth and development until early adulthood. An implant placed too early could become misaligned as the jaw matures. The best approach for a teenager is a temporary restoration until they’re old enough for an implant.

There are a couple of good options. One is a removable partial denture (RPD), prosthetic (false) teeth set in an acrylic base that mimics gum tissue at the locations of the missing teeth. RPDs, which stay in place by way of metal clips that fit over other teeth, are easy to wear and maintain.

On the downside, an RPD can break if you bite into something too hard. They can lose their fit and may need to be replaced with a new one. And, some teens aren’t quite keen on wearing a “denture.”

Another option is a bonded or Maryland bridge, a kind of fixed bridge. We bond dental material to the back of a prosthetic tooth with portions of the material extending out from either side of it.  We then bond these extending tabs to the back of the teeth on either side of the prosthetic tooth to hold it in place. Unlike traditional bridges, we can eventually remove it without any permanent alterations to the teeth it’s attached to.

Before we undertake a bonded bridge, though, we must make sure the gums and bone of the surrounding teeth are free from periodontal (gum) disease and are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge. We also need to be sure the patient doesn’t have a deep bite or a teeth grinding habit, which could cause the teeth to make contact with the tabs and break them.

The patient also needs the maturity to responsibly perform diligent oral hygiene: this type of bridge has a tendency to build up disease-causing plaque, so brushing twice and flossing once every day is critical. Not doing so increases the risk of tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease, which could complicate a future implant.

We can discuss these options after a thorough dental examination of your teenager. Either way, we’ll be able to restore your teen’s smile until we can undertake a more permanent restoration.

If you would like more information on tooth replacement options for teenagers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.


0 Comment(s) Permalink


July (3) May (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
      • January (4)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Have Tooth Pain? A Root Canal Might Be Right for You
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Monitoring Your Child's Thumb Sucking Could Help Avoid Future Bite Problems
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
      • November (4)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
      • September (4)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Smile
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
      • August (4)
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
      • July (4)
        • How Dental Crowns Help Your Smile
        • We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
      • June (4)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • 3 Common Causes for Chronic Dry Mouth and What You can do About It
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • May (3)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • April (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (3)
        • Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
        • The Importance of Professional Cleanings
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
      • January (3)
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • What Veneers Can Do for Your Smile
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes and Oral Health
        • Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (3)
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • What are Dental Implants?
      • August (3)
        • Tooth-Healthy Tips for a Summer Barbecue
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 4 Situations Where a Crown Could Improve an Existing Tooth
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Reasons You Might Need A Dental Crown
        • Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
      • June (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
      • May (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Don't Neglect Your Flossing Habit
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • March (4)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • The Many Uses for Porcelain Veneers
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (1)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
      • January (4)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • What Causes Bad Breath?
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
        • So, What's a Dental Implant?
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • October (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Implants can Support a Total Tooth Replacement Restoration
      • September (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Root Canals: No Pain and Lots to Gain
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
      • August (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
      • July (3)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Get Your Smile Back With Dental Implants
        • 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
      • June (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
      • May (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • What Are Crowns and Bridges?
      • April (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Welcome To Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (32)
  • oral hygiene (15)
  • oral health (10)
  • bulimia (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • gum disease (6)
  • Crowns (5)
  • Bridges (1)
  • medication (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (5)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • tooth decay (3)
  • dental implants (10)
  • restorative dentistry (4)
  • tooth loss (1)
  • braces (4)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • dentures (2)
  • Root Canals (1)
  • wisdom teeth (4)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • porcelain veneers (2)
  • orthodontics (3)
  • veneers (3)
  • partial denture (1)
  • bad breath (1)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • root resorption (1)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • mouthguards (1)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • laser dentistry (2)
  • orthodontic treatment (5)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • thumb sucking (3)
  • nutrition (2)
  • pediatric dentistry (4)
  • dry mouth (2)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • root canal (3)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • periodontal surgery (1)
  • Professional Cleanings (1)
  • flossing (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • dental crowns (1)
  • Oral Cancer Screening (1)
  • Oral Cancer (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • teeth whitening (1)
  • crown (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • dental injury (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • gum recession (1)
  • bone grafting (1)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (45)
  • Dental Procedures (56)
 
 
 
New Patient Forms
 
CareCredit - Apply nowApply Now
 
 

Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Reviews

Our Location

McDonough, GA Dentist
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200
McDonough, GA 30253
(678) 583-0330
dentist Call For Pricing

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map