Our Blog

We’ve pulled our spring-colored uniforms out of the closet which means spring has officially arrived at Benson Orthodontics! Warmer weather is just around the corner and we can’t wait to see everything this season has in store.

If you haven’t heard the exciting news already, Dr. J and his wife, Kelly, welcomed their first child into the world last month! Hailey May Benson was born on February 2nd weighing seven pounds 10 ounces. Dr. J says she is so perfect and they love her more than words could ever express. Congratulations Benson family!

Spring means that we can pick up our favorite outdoor activities again. We love hiking, laying out by the pool, fishing, camping and pretty much anything that can get us outside. Dr. J is looking forward to walks with his beautiful daughter and wife to enjoy some fresh air.

We can’t think of a better time to declutter than springtime. In true spring cleaning fashion, we like to go through our office inventory and get everything organized for the new season. Having a clean office allows us to provide the highest level of care for our patients. We’re also making it a goal to be more efficient and productive with our spare time this season - any tips are appreciated!

Our patients are pretty good brushers already, but if you want to clean up your dental hygiene routine even more, we recommend using a Waterpik water flosser! We provide our patients with a Waterpik because they help to get food and debris out of those places that braces make hard to reach. As long as you keep up your regular brushing and flossing routine, your oral health will thank you.

The rising temperatures have us dreaming about taking a relaxing vacation somewhere in the sun. Dr. J hopes that one day, he can enjoy the tropical flowers and beaches of Hawaii with his wife and daughter. If you’re taking a fun trip soon, tell us about it next time you stop by!

At the end of the month, we’ve invited all the local dental offices to participate in a Continuing Education seminar. We’re looking forward to learning all about team building and we can’t wait to hear all about what you have going on this season. Have a wonderful spring and we hope to see you in the office soon!

A vital step in your oral health routine is flossing. We hope our patients at Benson Orthodontics maintain good oral hygiene, including daily flossing between each visit to our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN office. A toothbrush is not always enough to get to the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. When food remains between your teeth, bacteria starts to grow and will break down your enamel. This is where flossing comes in!

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Whatever your personal preference, you may floss before or after you brush your teeth. When you floss first, you can brush away any leftover dislodged food debris from your teeth. On the other hand, when you brush first, you will loosen the plaque between your teeth, which makes flossing more effective.

The essential aspect is that you floss thoroughly by using a fresh strand of floss and make sure to get between every tooth. Even if your teeth look and feel clean, don’t skip flossing or plaque will begin to build up on your teeth.

When is the best time to floss?

Although you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, Dr. Bart Benson and our team recommend flossing your teeth thoroughly once a day. Many people prefer to floss before bed, so that plaque doesn’t sit between their teeth all night.

What kind of floss should I use?

You may choose between interdental cleaning picks or flexible floss strands to perform your daily flossing routine. If you have permanent oral appliances or restorations, be sure to follow the flossing instructions provided to you.

Do you need help flossing?

If you’re having trouble flossing or have questions about which floss is best for your teeth, contact our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN office and we can provide you with support. Be sure to keep up with your daily flossing routine, and we will see you at your next appointment!

Crooked or crowded teeth aren’t always just a cosmetic issue; they also are more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Likewise, if your teeth don’t align properly when you bite (known as malocclusion), this can cause chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems.

You can put these risks to rest and look amazing, however, with well-thought-out orthodontic treatment from Dr. Bart Benson. More and more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and changing their lives in the process.

Childhood is of course the ideal time to get treatment, since the mouth and jaws are still growing, but many adults still can get beautiful and lasting results which can be achieved discreetly and effectively with modern orthodontic appliances and technologies.

Traditional braces used to be the only thing going, and many adults understandably don’t like the way they look. There are so many other options for braces these days that it’s possible for almost any patient to be treated effectively and efficiently — usually in one to two years.

Here are some of the technologies being implemented in our modern Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN orthodontic office:

• Clear aligners: Practically invisible clear plastic aligners are great for less severe cases.
• Lingual braces: These are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front, and can handle anything that traditional braces can.
• Ceramic braces: Translucent ceramic brackets make for effective and more discreet treatment.
• Self-ligating braces: These require less manipulation by the orthodontist, which means fewer appointments and quicker results.

It should also be noted that the goal of orthodontic treatment (especially in adults) isn’t always limited to straightening teeth and/or correcting a bite. Teeth provide support for the lips and cheeks and help define your face.

The relationship between the jaws, teeth, face, soft tissues, and underlying skeleton of the face are important, and an orthodontist takes this into account when designing a smile.

In short, getting orthodontic treatment won’t just give you a good-looking and healthy smile; it can help define and enhance the entire appearance of your face. Knowing just how crucial your teeth are in determining how you look and live will help you age positively and confidently.

If you participate in sports or other physical activities, it’s wise to consider getting a mouthguard. Also known as mouth protectors, mouthguards are a device worn over the teeth to lessen the impact of a blow to the face.

This reduces the chance that you might lose teeth or sustain other serious oral injuries. We recommend that all patients involved in a contact sport such as wrestling, football, or hockey wear a mouthguard because of the high risk of such injuries.

However, anyone involved in a physically demanding sport or activity should wear a mouthguard as well.

Can you imagine what it would be like to lose a few of your front teeth? The way you talk, eat, and smile would all change. Potential injuries when you don’t wear a mouthguard include chipped and broken teeth, fractured jaws, root damage, damage to crowns and bridgework, concussions, and/or injury to the lips, cheeks, or gums.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three different types of mouthguards — typically made of a soft plastic material or laminate. You can decide which works best for you in terms of budget, fit, and comfort.

• Stock mouthguards are prefabricated to a standard size. They offer adequate protection, but you need to make sure you find one that fits properly and comfortably. Stock mouthguards are readily available at department stores, sporting goods stores, and online.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards are placed in boiling water to soften them, then into the mouth so they can conform to the shape of the teeth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more expensive, but offer a more customized fit than stock ones. You can find these in department stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and online.
• Custom-made mouthguards are created just for you by Dr. Bart Benson. These offer the best fit and comfort of all the options, but they are also the most expensive. Ask a member of our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN team for more information.

The American Dental Association says a good mouthguard should be easy to clean, fit properly, be comfortable, and resist tearing or damage. It shouldn’t restrict speech or breathing.

Still not sure if you need a mouthguard or which kind is right for you? Ask Dr. Bart Benson or one of our staff members for more information.