We at Salins Orthodontics are often asked if clear braces stain.   Braces come in all types of shapes, colors and sizes.  The bracket simply acts as a handle so that we can hold onto the tooth and move it into the desired position using the arch wires.  The clear braces are a translucent aesthetic bracket which perfectly match the color of the teeth.  Our ceramic Clear brackets are small and smooth and blend really well with your teeth.  The ceramic brackets themselves do not stain.  Sometimes we may place a small clear elastic around the bracket which can stain over time if you have food or drink that is dark in color. 

The most common foods/drinks to avoid are curry, dark berries, coffee and tea.  If this is something that concerns you, please feel free to discuss this with our knowledgeable doctor and staff We have special tricks and other ligatures we can use to secure the wire into the braces.  Braces can be beautiful!!!

What is early intervention?

Many developing orthodontic problems can be intercepted and corrected if diagnosed and treated at an early age. Dr. Sheldon Salins and our team at Salins Orthodontics recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven, or younger if the front four permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth. Early treatment, also known as interceptive treatment or Phase I treatment, provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.

If your child is showing these signs, it may be time to think about early orthodontic treatment:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five or six, and will have all their permanent teeth in around age 12 to 13)
• Difficulty chewing and/or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Sucking his or her thumb
• Speech impediment
• Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
• Crowded front teeth
• Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all

Early intervention will greatly reduce the severity of your child’s case, and therefore reduce the length of treatment time and cost for a second phase of treatment when all of his or her permanent teeth have erupted. An evaluation at our Union City and South San Francisco office will determine if your child’s dental and skeletal growth is proceeding properly or if interceptive treatment is needed. Many times, a more severe problem can be corrected using sophisticated removable appliances instead of traditional orthodontic treatment.

To schedule a consultation for your child to visit with Dr. Salins, please give us a call! We will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child's smile.

What causes crooked teeth?

There are several reasons why some people’s teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. The most common is hereditary, while other causes include irregularly-shaped teeth or jaws, premature loss of baby teeth, and habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. It is very important that you schedule an appointment at Salins Orthodontics so that we can make an early diagnosis and treatment plan that will best suit your or your child’s needs.

Establishing a proper bite is not just cosmetic but can dramatically improve our patients' dental and overall health.

Crooked teeth can:

• Interfere with proper chewing
• Hinder proper oral hygiene, which increases the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis
• Strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth

Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options at Salins Orthodontics that fit your lifestyle and schedule. We look forward to helping you or your child achieve the bite and smile that will last a lifetime. Give us a call at our convenient Union City or South San Francisco, CA office to book your initial consultation.

Do I really need to wear my rubber bands with my braces?

Most of our patients at the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins. 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. Sheldon salins will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Sheldon Salins 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. Salins and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Sheldon Salins 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. Sheldon Salins 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 South San Francisco & Union City, CA office and pick up more!

Labor Day: Our Favorite Holiday to Rest!

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday each September here in the United States, is a holiday devoted to the American working community. The purpose of the holiday is honoring the country’s workers and their contributions to the strength of our country as a whole.

How Labor Day Started

There is actually some debate as to the origins of Labor Day. It is uncertain whether Peter McGuire, a co founder for the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, who was the secretary of Central Labor Union of New York, had the great idea. However, the Central Labor Union’s plans were what launched the first Labor Day in America.

The First Labor Day

The very first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5th, 1882. The Central Labor Union then held annual celebrations on September 5th for what they called a working man’s holiday. By the year 1885, the Labor Day celebration had spread to many different industrial areas, and after that it began spreading to all industries in the United States.

Labor Day Today

Labor Day today is a huge United States holiday during which we honor the country’s workers with a day of rest and relaxation or a day of picnics and parades. This holiday is truly one to honor the many people who work hard to contribute to the economic well-being of our great country!

Our team at the office of Salins Orthodontics hope all of our patients celebrate Labor Day, and every holiday, safely and happily. Whether you stay in the Bay area, or travel out of town, have fun, and don’t forget to brush!

Your Five-Step Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces

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. Sheldon Salins and our team at Salins Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular routine while you're wearing as you did before proceeding with treatment, in which you brush and floss on a regular basis.

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.   Healthy gums play an important role in the health of your teeth and when Dr. Sheldon Salins is hard at work moving teeth, it is vital that you have healthy gums.

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 Salins Orthodontics please don't hesitate to give us a call or during your next adjustment appointment!

It’s time to go back to school!

Now that many of the schools in Union City, Fremont, Hayward, South San Francisco, & Daly City are back in session, Dr. Sheldon Salins would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins  this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with a convenient appointment time.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Sheldon Salins and our team. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for you and your family!