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You've made an investment on spending money on getting braces, so why not keep your teeth in good health while undergoing orthodontic treatment?  Dr. Bart Benson and our team at Benson Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you're wearing braces as you did before proceeding with treatment.

Flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums when you're wearing braces. Because braces may hold food, sugars and liquids upon eating, it is very important to keep on top of your brushing and flossing, as well as visiting our office for regular adjustments.

While we know it's tough enough to get kids to floss daily without braces, that battle becomes even tougher when braces are involved. Remember that by not flossing, you will become more prone to cavities and gum disease during your treatment.

When flossing, remember to gently massage your gums in between the teeth. You will find that flossing with braces takes extra time, as you will have to weave the floss through each bracket. When flossing, there should be no signs of blood. If you see blood, you are not flossing enough or properly.

Using an electric toothbrush is also a good idea to massage your gums before or after flossing as electric toothbrushes can help remove any harmful bacteria that are lingering in your mouth. And don't forget to add a mouthwash to your routine to break up any bacteria that has formed. A good mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums in good shape during your treatment.

If you have any questions about flossing or your orthodontic treatment at Benson Orthodontics please don't hesitate to give us a call or during your next adjustment appointment!

Most of our patients at Benson Orthodontics will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Bart Benson will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Bart Benson may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Bart Benson and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Bart Benson may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Bart Benson is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN office and pick up more!

It's the end of summer, and fall is just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and Dr. Bart Benson and our team at Benson Orthodontics are sure that you’ll soon be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans in no time. But wait! First, we want to know about your favorite parts of the summer! Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

Today, you don’t have to look far to find people who have been affected by cancer in some way. A good amount of us have witnessed just how difficult the battle against cancer can really be, whether through someone in our family or close to us or even first hand. Dr. Bart Benson and our entire team believe that even though the fight against cancer isn’t an easy one, consistent awareness and support are an important part of the fight. That’s why the Benson Orthodontics team will be out running to support a great cause in the 10th Annual Sherry’s Run right here in Lebanon, TN, next week on September 14th.

In May of 2004, Sharon “Sherry” Patterson lost her battle to a deadly form of colon cancer called adenocarcenoma. Sherry was a vibrant, energetic, and loving mother of two and member of our community. Each year since Sherry’s passing, a special 5k run/walk has taken place in order to raise awareness and support the fight against cancer.

Here is Sherry’s Run’s mission statement:

“Faith, courage, optimism and a desire to help others were qualities that defined Sharon ‘Sherry’ Patterson Whitaker. Both before and after the energetic wife and mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, the impression she made on her family, friends and community was undeniable. While her battle in the flesh was lost in 2004, the spirit she had shown throughout life continues to touch more lives every day. Because of Sherry’s Run, a 5K run/walk benefit organized in Sherry’s memory, area cancer victims and their families can make strides toward becoming cancer survivors, and researchers are a small step closer to stopping the disease for good.”

Benson Orthodontics is proud to take part in this event and add our hearts to the collective spirit of our Lebanon community. We encourage you to learn more about Sherry’s Run by visiting the benefit’s website at www.sherrysrun.org and then joining us on Saturday, September 14th!