“HOW LONG?”

Whether we’ve just purchased something new, had something repaired, or made a lifestyle change, a common question that comes to our minds is, “how long?” We want to know how long our new product or repair will last, or how long we will need to continue with a certain routine.

Dental restorations can last for a long time – just how long is contingent upon many variables. And it goes without saying that maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is always a lifetime commitment ����.

Kallen K. Hull DMD, PC (781) 942-2020 Page 1

Maybe you just got your braces off, finished clear aligner treatment, or perhaps you finished some time ago. A common question we get asked is, "how long do I need to wear my retainers?" The answer is quite simple....as long as you want your smile to remain as straight and as beautiful as the day you finished your orthodontic treatment, you'll need to wear your retainers for life. Wear them as prescribed after you complete your orthodontic treatment to avoid relapse and the need to repeat the orthodontic treatment later in life.

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You're probably wondering what this picture of a newly paved road has to do with the subject of how you’re your dental restorations will last. Believe it or not, the two subjects have something in common, which is that their lifespan is dictated by their environment.

There’s something to be said about how nice it is when you drive over a newly paved road. Anyone who has driven down Route 28 in Reading – especially near our office – can attest to that! The same goes for new restorations – they look good and feel smooth when they’re new. Although they can last for many years, they will eventually wear out and need replacement because they are used in a dynamic environment – that is, an environment that is in a state of constant activity.

The asphalt laid on our roads will naturally flex from regular use by vehicles. Other factors such as the weather (changes in temperatures causes roads to expand, contract and eventually crack), and materials used to treat road surfaces (such as salt and sand) can all compromise the integrity of the road over time.

Your teeth also flex from regular use. Changes in temperatures as we eat or drink results in expansion and contraction of fillings and your teeth – this holds especially true for those who chew ice (which we discourage). Your diet, oral hygiene, clenching and/or grinding (bruxism), and habits such as chewing ice, fingernail-biting, smoking and/or vaping all play a role in how long dental restorations last.

How About Crowns?

Unlike a filling, which fills a specific space in your tooth, a crown (or cap) covers the entire tooth. With proper care, crowns can last many years. That being said, they are still subjected to wear and tear from normal, everyday function, and that wear may be accelerated by additional conditions, such as the ones listed above.

Use the right tool for the job…not your teeth!

Using your teeth as tools will shorten the lifespan of your teeth and restorations.

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Children need help brushing and flossing until at least age 8: In the early years, limited dexterity will hinder your child's brushing proficiency. Even after they develop the dexterity to brush, children will often rush through brushing. Have them brush and floss first and then you can step in to help finish.

"But…my child won't let me help them brush their teeth."

Children are notorious for being stubborn. That stubbornness, combined with a child's quest for independence, can be a frustrating time for parents. So, what is a parent to do?

Choose a consistent time to brush: Develop a consistent time of day in the morning and at night that will work for you and your child and try to stick to that time as much as possible. It might take a little doing, but eventually they will come to know the routine. Children are stubborn but they can and will adapt to new routines with a little perseverance from their parents.

Let your child pick out a fun toothbrush: With so many fun toothbrush choices, many of which have a familiar character on them, there's bound to be one that your child will like. Check the label for the appropriate age level, and be sure to choose soft bristles.

Sing a song or watch a favorite short video clip to help pass the time: The goal is to brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day. Visit 2min2x.org for helpful tips!

Develop a rewards system: Children respond well to rewards, no matter how small. A daily chart leading up to a reward is a great visual aid to help children track their progress.

Brush as a family: Children are more receptive if they don't feel singled out. Family brush time (or even if one other person is brushing) gives children a sense of inclusion.

What about flossing? When your child has two teeth that touch, flossing will need to become part of the routine so that food particles are not remaining between teeth. That being said, even if your child has good spacing between their teeth, daily flossing is still beneficial...not only for gum health, but it also helps your child get used to the feeling of flossing.

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Appointment policy

We would like to thank you for being a patient in our office. We value all of our patients and strive to provide the best dental care possible in the most comfortable setting.

We appreciate and respect the time a patient sets aside for their appointment. We reserve enough time so that we are able to start and complete your procedure in a timely fashion, while respecting the next patient's scheduled appointment time. If we are running behind, we will make every effort to contact you so you may adjust your plans.

As a courtesy, we place reminder calls 48 hours ahead of time. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact us at least 24-48 hours in advance. If it is evident that you will be more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, please call so we can determine if your appointment should be rescheduled. We realize that extenuating circumstances may delay your travel time, but we need to be sure we have enough time to deliver complete, high-quality care to both you and the patient scheduled immediately after you.

When we contact you to confirm your appointment, if we cannot reach you personally, we will ask you to contact us to let us know if you received the message and to confirm that you will be coming. There is a fee for appointment cancellations under 24 hours and also for failing to show up for scheduled appointments.

Connect with us!

Dr. Kallen K. Hull

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Kallen K. Hull, DMD PC

Visit us on the web:

www.drkhull.com

E-mail us:

info@drkhull.com

OFFICE HOURS: Monday 8:30 – 4:30, Tuesday 12-8, Wednesday and Thursday 7 – 2 and some Saturdays

IF YOU EXPERIENCE A DENTAL EMERGENCY OR URGENT CONCERN OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE DIRECTLY AND LISTEN FOR CONTACT INSTRUCTIONS.

274 Main Street Suite 205 Reading, MA 01867 (781) 942-2020

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