April is National Facial Protection Month! From Dr. Benson

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is almost upon us, and for Dr. Benson and our team at Benson Orthodontics, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our wonderful patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact the Benson Orthodontics staff. And remember to have fun and stay safe on the field this spring!

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet

Dr. Benson knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, with some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep and other health issues. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment at Benson Orthodontics, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, please give us a call, and Dr. Benson can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a "sleep study" to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that Dr. Benson can custom-create for you.

Talking sports and orthodontics with Dr. Bartley Benson

You may remember that last week, we asked you what you are up to this month and spring. Spring may be a time for sports, sun and fun, but it's also a time when you have to be careful. At Benson Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. Spring is around the corner, and the spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities—and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Bartley Benson and our dedicated professional team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get injured while playing sports.

That’s why our team at Benson Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Benson will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Benson is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Benson Orthodontics.

This March, what are you up to? From Benson Orthodontics

Can you believe it? Spring is almost here! The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, fresh rhubarb is ready to be picked, the birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields nearby. Today, Dr. Benson and our professional team thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports this year? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

P.S. While you’re on our Facebook page, become a fan of our practice!

The Damon® System at Benson Orthodontics: What's the advantage?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon System braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Here’s why Damon™ is better:

With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months of treatment! After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are very precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Bartley Benson is a certified Damon System provider. If you have any questions about the Damon System or your treatment here at Benson Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Getting social with Benson Orthodontics

At Benson Orthodontics, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Benson and our professional staff take some time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Ask Benson Orthodontics: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Sometimes, parents falsely assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Benson and Benson Orthodontics, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Benson to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Benson calls “bad bite.” Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Benson Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.