Covid Office Updates & Consent

(please take a moment to read everything) 
For those who have visited the office - THANK YOU for just being awesome!  Thanks for all the positive energy and compliments - its been stressful and we are doing our best for everyone's safety

Dear Patients and Families

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community is progressing through a season of uncertainty, and we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead, and resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained constant: our unyielding commitment to your safety and well-being.

Please take a moment to fill out the COVID Screening Questionnaire:

For current active patients - we kindly ask ONLY THE PATIENT COME INTO THE OFFICE.  As much as we love parents, guardians and siblings, was want to preserve the social distancing as much as possible and its best to minimize congregation of people in the office.  If you have any questions regarding treatment, please email me at salinsortho@gmail.com.

**we have extended office hours to include "slow times" where you will be the only person seen in the office (monday-friday)**  if you want to request these special "slow" times - please send us a direct message so we can make accomodations - salinsortho@gmail.com

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. 

Infection Control Protocols

The application of the strictest, evidenced-based universal infection control measures has always been the top priority for our practice and you may have observed this during your previous visits to our office. Our infection control processes have been developed so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep our patients, families and team members safe.

We follow strict infection control guidelines formulated by the American Dental Association (ADA) and adheres to the recommendations put forth by the California Association of Orthodontist (CAO) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), particularly with the intent to minimize the community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some requisite screening questions via an online questionnaire (please fill out link above) to confirm that you are healthy enough to proceed with your planned visit to our office to receive orthodontic treatment. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you arrive in the office. We request your kind understanding if we need to reschedule your appointment secondary to concerns about your health and well-being.

• We have hand sanitizer available that we will encourage you use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. We continue to encourage hand washing upon arrival at our office and you may use our patient bathroom for this purpose.

• We will be regularly cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces in the reception area including door handles. We have also increased the frequency of professional cleanings performed in our office.

• You may see that our waiting room is not currently offering magazines and children’s books to peruse since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. We promise to replenish these items for your continued comfort when it is safe to do so.

• Appointments will be continued to be managed to allow for appropriate social distancing between patients. This may mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. We appreciate your continued understanding with respect to the availability of certain types of appointments.

• We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. To this end, we politely request that only one parent attend the office with a young child for treatment. While we usually love seeing siblings, we request that they do not accompany our active patients to our office during this pandemic period.

• We may ask you to do a pre-procedural mouth rinse with Peroxyl. Not all patients will be asked to do this, just patients who are having specific procedures with an elevated risk of aerosol generation as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Peroxyl is an oral cleanser over-the-counter at most pharmacies, which contains an active ingredient of 1.5% hydrogen peroxide that is manufactured by Colgate. We will let you know if you need to undertake a Peroxyl rinse.

Appointments

If we need to reschedule your appointment, we will contact you to arrange your new appointment. If you don’t hear from us this week, and you believe your appointment may need to be rescheduled, please contact our office on (510) 475-4153 (UC)/ (650) 952-1010 (SSF)/ (510) 972-3846 (office cell)   or salinsortho@gmail.com

We are unable to provide orthodontic treatment to anyone who is a confirmed COVID-19 case, is suspected they may have COVID-19 or they have come into contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case. If you are unsure, or even if you have cold and flu-like symptoms, please contact our office on (510) 475-4153 (UC)/ (650) 952-1010 (SSF)/ (510) 972-3846 (office cell) to reschedule your appointment.  It is safer for our clinic and the community as a whole, if we defer your appointment by a few weeks, where there is even the slightest potential for COVID-19 transmission. 

Contact us with any questions

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. We can be contacted on (510) 475-4153 (UC)/ (650) 952-1010 (SSF)/ (510) 972-3846 (office cell) or by email to salinsortho@gmail.com. 

Finally, thank you for continuing to entrust your orthodontic care to our experienced team. We sincerely appreciate your trust and loyalty and very much look forward to welcoming you back into our practice.

Yours sincerely

Sheldon Salins DMD MS

My Mummy had Braces! Weird Facts about the History of Braces

Sometimes real life is stranger and more interesting that any made-up story. These weird and interesting facts about braces will amuse you … and make you glad you didn’t have to get braces “way back when.”

Mummies with braces: Archaeologists have discovered mummies with crude bands of metal wrapped around their teeth. The metal was wrapped around each individual tooth, and it is believed that ancient dentists used catgut to guide the teeth and close the gaps.

First “official” braces: The first official braces were constructed in 1728 by Pierre Fauchard. They consisted of flat strips of metal. String was used to connect the metal to the teeth.

Early rubber bands: In 1850, Tucker began making rubber bands out of rubber tubing.

Brackets are better: Brackets were invented by Edward Angle in 1915. They were not bonded to the teeth directly, but instead were attached to bands that went around the teeth.

Wiring by NASA: As braces have become more modern, the technology has improved by leaps and bounds. You may know that some braces wire contains nickel titanium. What you may not know is that this metal was developed by NASA and has special shape memory that is activated by pressure or body heat.

Over 60 with braces: Actress Faye Dunaway got braces at the age of 61, which shows you are never too old to look more fabulous!

Oh, and one more thing that didn’t quite make our list, but is interesting all the same. Did you know that almost 25 percent of patients who get braces have to get them again because they wouldn’t wear their retainers? So suck it up, buttercup, and use that retainer!

How does wisdom tooth removal affect orthodontic care?

The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at the office of Salins Orthodontics. is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding.

The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially known as the third molars. The teeth typically erupt, or break the surface of the skin, in young people between the ages of 13 and 20.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth are impacted. That means they cannot break through the gum tissue. This typically happens when the mouth or jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, and some dentists and orthodontists may want to remove them as prophylaxis to prevent possible future infection.

Justification for removing wisdom teeth

Dr. Sheldon Salins will tell you that in some cases, wisdom teeth attempt to come in the wrong way, either tilting in the jaw, or sideways. If the mouth is too small to accommodate these additional teeth, they inevitably become impacted. Swelling or infection of the gum flap above an impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain. The greatest danger is pericoronitis, a potentially dangerous infection that can occur in the gum area around an impacted wisdom tooth, or around a wisdom tooth that has erupted.

Orthodontists base their decision to remove wisdom teeth on each patient’s individual circumstances. To learn more about the impact wisdom teeth have on orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Sheldon Salins, please give us a call at our convenient Union City & South San Francisco, CA office!

How Your Pearly Whites Can Help You in Life

At the office of Salins Orthodontics, Dr. Sheldon Salins and our staff have found that patients who like their smiles have better self-esteem. People who don’t like their smiles are often skittish about talking to other people. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, when women are asked about what they’d most like to change about themselves, many point to their smile. Despite wanting to change their smiles, quite a few of the people who are unhappy about that part of themselves won’t consider getting braces.

Most Americans Don’t Have Straight Teeth

The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that 4.5 million Americans wear braces or other orthodontic equipment to straighten their teeth and to get a healthier mouth. One in five of those braces wearers are women. The organization’s statistics also show that about 75 percent of the population doesn’t have straight teeth, and those people would benefit from getting braces.

While the main benefit of braces is straight teeth, and to improve the look of your smile, there are other benefits that make braces even more useful, including:

• Straighter teeth help people chew better.

• Straighter teeth give people a proper bite.

• People speak better when they have straighter teeth.

• When people have straight teeth, they have better overall gum and mouth health. A healthier mouth means flossing and brushing are easier, and that means your entire mouth stays healthy.
• A healthy mouth is also linked to a healthy body.

When you feel proud of those pearly whites, you feel better about your smile, and that contributes to a better self-image and improved self-esteem. Ultimately, that can lead to greater career success and a more fulfilling social life.

What is malocclusion?

The term malocclusion refers to misalignment of teeth. You may have been born with malocclusion, so your teeth simply grew in crooked, or the misalignment and crowding of your teeth occurred over a period of time. Either way, not only can malocclusion pose cosmetic issues, but it can have a negative effect on your speaking and eating abilities as well.

Types of Malocclusion

Malocclusion encompasses multiple types and classifications of misalignment issues, including twisting or rotation of the teeth and molars that do not meet when you bite down. In some cases, the top front teeth are pushed outward in an upper protrusion.

In other cases, a misplaced midline results when the front top teeth don’t meet with the front bottom teeth. Transposition occurs when teeth protrude through the gums in a position where another tooth is supposed to be.

Practically any type of crowding or spacing issues, rotation or twisting of the teeth, or bite problem – including overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite – is included under the umbrella of malocclusion.

Malocclusion Classifications

There are three classifications of bite or misalignment problem.

• Class 1 malocclusion: While the bite may be normal, the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth slightly. This is the most common type.

• Class 2 malocclusion: Known as overbite or retrognathism, class 2 involves a severe overlap of the upper teeth and jaw over the bottom teeth and jaw.

• Class 3 malocclusion: Known as underbite or prognathism, class 3 occurs when the lower teeth and jaw overlap the upper teeth and jaw. Thus, the lower jaw juts forward.

Causes of Malocclusion

The most common cause of malocclusion is genetics. However, there may be other causes, including the development of abnormally-shaped teeth, lost teeth, or impacted teeth; thumb sucking or overuse of a pacifier as a small child; having fillings or crowns that do not fit correctly; a serious injury that causes misalignment of the jaw; or developing a tumor of the mouth or jaw.

Treating Malocclusion

Orthodontic care at the office of Salins Orthodontics with Dr. Sheldon Salins is the main treatment available for malocclusion, which includes getting braces, Invisalign, or other corrective treatments. Treatment is ideal not just to have your smile improved, but because it makes the teeth easier to clean and maintain, lowers the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and can even take pressure off the jaw and teeth.

Think about orthodontic treatment if you (or your child) display any signs of malocclusion. Early treatment of malocclusion during childhood can lessen expensive treatment later on.

Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces

A great smile can go a long way. Scientific research suggests that people who smile are perceived as more attractive and confident than those who don’t flash their pearly whites. When it comes time to invest in orthodontics to improve your beautiful smile, choosing the best option can be daunting. Comparing Invisalign to traditional braces is a great way to determine what orthodontics make most sense for your unique smile.

How is Invisalign different?

Unlike traditional braces, in which brackets are affixed onto each tooth and connected by wires Invisalign corrects orthodontic problems using a set of clear trays. These trays are specially formed to fit your teeth, allowing you to wear them 24/7.

Aesthetics

One of the primary advantages of Invisalign is that the clear trays are nearly invisible. Particularly for adults self-conscious about appearing professional with traditional braces, Invisalign can correct orthodontic issues without capturing the notice of others. Their nearly invisible appearance is one of the topmost reasons that orthodontic patients choose Invisalign.

Complexity of the Orthodontic Problem

Invisalign works well for people who have relatively minor problems, such as crooked teeth or small gaps between teeth. For more complex problems, particularly issues with bite or vertical problems (i.e., one tooth being significantly higher than another), traditional braces may be better at pulling teeth into alignment.

Eating and Drinking

Invisalign trays are removable, meaning that you cannot eat or drink while wearing them. Unlike traditional braces, however, you are not limited in the foods you may eat. Chewy, sticky, or hard foods may be eaten, provided that you brush your teeth before reinserting the Invisalign trays.

In the end, only you can weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign versus traditional braces. Consult with Dr. Sheldon Salins to understand how these orthodontic interventions may work for your unique situation.

Braces-Friendly Snack Ideas

Wearing braces limits some of the snacks you can eat. However, you still have plenty of choices for fun and healthy foods that will not harm your braces. You can even enjoy a few crunchy treats as long as you choose them carefully.

Sweet Treats

Puddings provide a sweet and safe snack while you are wearing braces. You can even select flavored puddings such as caramel to satisfy the urge for items you should not eat. They can be purchased already made or whipped up at home. You can even select low-sugar varieties that still taste good. Ice cream and yogurt are also choices; just avoid products with nuts.

Healthy Snacks

Fruits are excellent for a healthy snack. You just need to avoid biting into hard fruits such as whole apples. You can avoid the problem with fruit cocktails packed in water. Cocktails still have the nutritional benefits and flavor, but contain softer pieces. Avoid fruits packed in heavy syrup, though; these tend to have too much sugar.

Crunchy or Salty Snacks

Not all crunchy foods are bad; you just need to limit the crunch. Walnuts are a softer nut that can normally be eaten safely. Small cheese crackers satisfy the need for crunchy and salty. You can also allow pieces to dissolve slightly in your mouth before chewing, to reduce any risk.

Soft granola bars are also an option. Check the granola ingredients to ensure there are no large nut pieces, and brush your teeth afterwards. Otherwise pieces can become stuck in your dental work.

If you have any questions about safe snacks, do not hesitate to ask Dr. Sheldon Salins and our staff.