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You’re Not Imagining Things—Your Teeth Might Be Shifting

Sat, 17 May 2025 13:24:28 GMT

April 10, 2024

It’s just a normal morning, but you notice something strange while you’re brushing your teeth. They seem…different. It’s like they’ve moved and are more crooked than before. Is this even possible?

Yes, your teeth can definitely shift as an adult , but what’s causing it in your case? You’ll find the three most prominent reasons below as well as advice on how to make it stop.

Missing Teeth

About 120 million Americans are missing at least one adult tooth, and while a single space toward the back of your mouth might not seem like a big deal, your body disagrees.

When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone that used to support it starts to weaken and shrink. That’s because with the tooth being gone, the body sends less blood and nutrients to the area. As the bone changes shape, this can cause the neighboring teeth to move because the “ground” beneath them is changing.

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is a bacterial infection that affects not just your gums, but the roots of your teeth and underlying jawbone as well. The early stage involves some slight redness and gums that bleed easily, but left untreated, it can become a much more serious problem.

If the bacteria are allowed to get deep into the gums and thrive, it can start to break down the tooth roots and bone, which can make them loose and prone to movement. Often, unaddressed periodontal disease results in tooth loss!

Orthodontic Relapse

This is the technical term that refers to a problem many people have faced over the decades—their teeth become crooked again after undergoing braces or Invisalign. It usually happens months or years after treatment has been completed because the patient stopped wearing their retainer as directed. As a result, their teeth naturally started to move back to their original positions.

When the teeth are shifted with orthodontics, a lot of tissues have to remodel to make this happen—bones, ligaments, blood vessels, etc. After braces come off, the body will want to bring the teeth back to where they started because that’s “normal.” A retainer prevents this and allows the tissues in your mouth to adapt and “settle” so they become fixed in their new orientation.

How to Stop the Shift

Thankfully, preventing tooth loss and gum disease just requires you to brush for twice a day at least two minutes each, floss, and visit your dentist in Schoharie at least twice a year for a checkup. This will stop problems like cavities or gum disease from advancing to the point that they could affect the stability of your teeth.

And if you’ve been prescribed to wear a retainer, simply follow your orthodontist’s instructions. If you can’t find your retainer or your teeth are slightly crooked again, contact your orthodontist, and they can provide you with a new one as well as offer a way to move your teeth if needed.

If you notice that your teeth seem a little off, it’s not just your imagination! Improving your hygiene habits and using your retainer can prevent the issue from getting worse, and your dentist/orthodontist is always available to help you get (and maintain) a beautifully straight smile.

About the Practice

Schoharie Dental is a multi-specialty dental practice that includes a team of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Cheryl Sorbero . She has over 15 years of experience and helped countless patients straighten their teeth with both braces and Invisalign. If you think your teeth might be moving (and you want to make it stop), click here to request an appointment or call (518) 254-5664.

3 BIG Signs That Your Child Might Need Braces NOW

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 13:19:26 GMT

April 10, 2024

If you notice that your child’s teeth aren’t perfectly straight, perhaps even visibly crooked, should you schedule an appointment for them to get braces immediately, or is this jumping the gun? It can be tough to know when they should see an orthodontist in Schoharie if you don’t know what to look for, but here are three BIG signs that you need to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.

Normal Crowding vs. Bad Crowding

It’s alright for your child’s teeth to be slightly crooked or a little crowded, but it becomes an issue when this lack of room prevents proper development of the mouth. How can you tell the difference?

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around six years old. Some start a little before or a little after—everyone is different! However, if your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in behind their baby teeth that refuse to go, or their teeth are so jammed together that it’s difficult to see them all, then this likely presents an issue that only a professional can resolve.

Bad Bites

Does your child have issues chewing or biting certain foods? Do they accidentally bite their cheeks all the time? Is their upper or lower jaw noticeably out of proportion with the rest of their face? This can stem from unequal jaw development or malocclusion, which is the technical term for issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. They won’t just grow out of this—the only way to address it is with braces!

Their Dentist Says So

Has your child’s dentist recommended that they get braces? If so, what you need to do next might seem pretty straightforward, but if you’re still unsure, you can get a second opinion from an expert—an orthodontist! They’ll examine your child’s teeth and bite, take X-rays to look at their incoming teeth, and not only tell you if your child needs treatment, but when the best time would be for it to start.

Basically, if your parental instincts are concerned about your child’s teeth, it’s best for everyone to just schedule an appointment. Whether your child requires treatment or not, an orthodontist can give you the peace of mind you want.

About Dr. Cheryl Sorbero

Dr. Cheryl Sorbero is our in-house orthodontist at Schoharie Dental. She earned her dental degree at the Howard University College of Dentistry where she also completed her specialty training in orthodontics. Practicing for over 15 years so far, she is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and Northeast Society of Orthodontists.

Do you believe your child needs braces? Not sure but just want to talk about it? Dr. Sorbero and our team are eager to put your mind at ease—you can schedule an appointment by clicking here or call us at (518) 254-5664.

Breathe Easy: 3 Tips for Choosing a Sedation Dentist for Your Child

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 13:15:02 GMT

April 10, 2024

Millions of patients around the world have finally been able to get the dental care they need despite feeling nervous thanks to sedation dentistry , and this includes countless children! As a parent, you of course want your child to not have to deal with anxiety at the dentist, but you’re also hesitant about making their treatment more complicated with sedation. Partnering with the right dentist can help you feel confident in your care decisions, and here’s how to make sure you’re choosing the right one.

Start with a Pediatric Specialist

Of course, when it comes to sedation dentistry and children, the foremost expert is a pediatric dentist . They’ve undergone years of specialized training entirely focused on meeting the unique dental needs of patients aged 0-18. If you have any questions about your sedation options (like “Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?)” and what they could do for your child, they’re in the best position to answer.

They Don’t Start with Sedation

While sedation is incredibly effective, it does add quite a bit of time to any procedure. Firstly, a dentist needs to screen your child and ask you about their medical history so they can make sure whatever sedation method they recommend won’t cause a problem (like with any medication they are currently taking). Plus, you’ll have to monitor your child after their appointment while the effects wear off, meaning you’ll likely need to take the day off from work/school.

Ideally, your child’s dentist will try to spend some time with them ahead of their appointment (most likely at the screening) to see if they can help them stay calm and cool without sedation first. Taking things slowly, explaining everything, and using dozens of little distraction techniques might be all that your child needs to keep their mind at ease. The benefit of this is that everyone gets what they want—your child stays comfortable, their appointment goes by faster, and you both don’t have to sacrifice the rest of the day to recuperate.

You Have Options

Every parent knows that no two children are exactly the same, and pediatric dentists understand this. To that end, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dental sedation. The right dentist will not only help you decide if sedation is a good fit for your child in general, but they’ll also offer you different methods, like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation based on your child’s needs and the procedure they require.

Just one sedation appointment can completely reset how a child thinks about the dentist, so following these tips will give you the peace of mind that you’ve decided to work with the right professional.

About the Practice

Schoharie Dental features a team of several dentists, including two certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Alexis Daniels and Dr. Carl Fusco-Gessick . They would be more than happy to talk to you about using sedation at your child’s next visit—you can call our office or go ahead and schedule an appointment by clicking here .

3 Compelling Reasons Why Your Teen Should Still See a Pediatric Dentist

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:02:50 GMT

April 10, 2024

And just like that, your baby has turned into a teenager seemingly overnight. Where did the time go? While they might seem all grown up (and might think of themselves that way as well), the truth is that most teens can greatly benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist all the way up to age 18. In fact, it’s the best way to ensure their adult teeth come in straight and can help you ultimately spend less on their dental care!

Always Changing

Similar to young children, a teen’s teeth, jaws, and overall facial structure change quickly, especially with the onset of puberty. Pediatric dentists are specialists in monitoring this rapid growth and know how to keep a teen’s oral health on the right track while nature works its magic.

Spot the Signs

The early teen years are often the best time to begin orthodontic treatment because the mouth will be very responsive, allowing the teeth to shift quickly versus waiting until they are older. When is the best time to begin? It depends on the child and how their teeth and bite are coming together, and pediatric dentists have a keen eye to know when is the perfect time to start.

Beginning before any orthodontic issues like crowding or a misaligned bite become too advanced can help your child avoid more severe issues while preventing some entirely. Plus, this will shorten their overall treatment time, which they (and your wallet) will certainly appreciate.

Teen Talk

Despite all the amazing technology and discoveries we enjoy in the modern world, trying to talk to a teenager is still one of the greatest challenges a parent can face. As part of their specialty training, pediatric dentists gain a lot of experience communicating with teens, meaning no matter where your child is maturity-wise, you can trust them to make a connection.

Getting a teen to care about their oral health can be a challenge, but it’s one that pediatric dentists have successfully faced countless times. Partnering with one can increase the chances that your child understands why their oral health is so important and how at-home oral hygiene will serve them now and well into adulthood.

In short, pediatric dentists aren’t just experts at taking care of toddlers’ smiles, but everyone from infants to teens and every stage in between. With one on your side, you can focus more on spending quality time with your child and planning the next phase of their life, all while you know their oral health is in great hands.

About Schoharie Dental

The team at Schoharie Dental includes two board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Alexis Daniels and Dr. Carl Fusco-Gessick . Each has completed years of dedicated training specifically focused on treating young patients, including teens, giving stressed parents one less thing to worry about when they come to our practice.

Whether your child just turned 13, is about to go to college, or is somewhere in between, they are always welcome at Schoharie Dental, and we would love to give them the bright, healthy smile they deserve. To schedule their next appointment with us, just click here .

Will Dental Implants Rust In My Mouth?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:51:04 GMT

April 10, 2024

Dental implants are widely considered to be the premier form of tooth replacement available today because they bring back the entire tooth from root to crown, can last decades, and blend perfectly with natural teeth. But something that causes concern for many patients is the fact that they are made of metal, more specifically titanium. While lasting for a long time is great…won’t that metal in your mouth eventually rust?

This makes sense on the surface, but if you find yourself reconsidering implants because of this risk, keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t give it another thought.

Dental Implants Are Different

Everyone has seen an old car, bike, or piece of metal that has been exposed to the weather for a long time and developed a flakey, reddish substance known as rust. It’s a clear sign that the material is corroded and weak, meaning it is essentially a liability for anyone who uses it. Getting a cut or scrape from rust is also associated with tetanus, which fortunately isn’t a big concern in the U.S. thanks to the availability of vaccines.

This type of rust is called “iron oxide” because it’s what happens when iron and oxygen come in contact with each other. However, titanium doesn’t react to air this way.

Instead, it forms titanium oxide, which is an extremely thin and clear layer. Not only is it virtually invisible, but it also seals off the metal and essentially protects it. That means dental implants actually become more stable and secure in your mouth after they are placed, not less!

The Real Issue

While rust certainly doesn’t cause problems for dental implants, the actual threat is oral bacteria. Implants themselves can’t develop cavities, but unchecked bacteria can attack and weaken the gums and bone that support the new tooth, leading to pain and instability.

Fortunately, preventing this from happening involves a few steps you’re likely already familiar with:

Brushing and flossing daily is the most effective way to keep the bacteria in your mouth in check.
Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash once or twice a day can help clean spots brushing and flossing misses.
Avoiding habits like smoking, vaping, and dipping can go a long way in preventing infection around implants.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings can stop most dental issues (including implant-centric ones) before they even start.

So while dental implants don’t really rust, they aren’t invincible! Thankfully, routine oral hygiene is all someone needs to safeguard their new teeth, leading to decades of bright smiles to come.

About the Practice

Schoharie Dental is led by a large team that includes multiple general dentists, an orthodontist, and a pediatric dentist. This wealth of knowledge enables us to expertly treat patients of all ages as well as offer comprehensive care, including various types of tooth replacement like start-to-finish dental implants.

Whether you’re missing a single tooth, a few teeth, or even all of them, we are ready and eager to help. You can schedule a consultation by clicking here or call us at (518) 254-5664.

Feel More Like Yourself: How Replacing Missing Teeth Can Boost Your Confidence

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:46:41 GMT

April 10, 2024

There is no shortage of information online about the different ways you could replace your missing teeth. Whether you’re reading about dental bridges , dentures, or dental implants , you’ll often find articles and references discussing how long-lasting and strong each of these options is. You can even find step-by-step videos of the procedures!

However, something that is often overlooked is how regaining your complete smile can affect your confidence, not just your ability to chew. The mental benefits are just as tangible and important as the physical ones, and they deserve more attention.

Thinking Twice

If you’re one of the millions of Americans missing at least one permanent tooth (especially if it’s toward the front of the mouth), the gaps probably cause you to think twice before eating, speaking, and especially smiling.

Certain foods can be almost impossible to eat with a compromised bite, and it’s easy to stumble over various syllables as well. Moreover, many people learn to simply stop smiling because they don’t want to bring attention to their teeth.

All of these considerations can cause quite the mental load that weighs down a person’s confidence, which can have far-reaching consequences when it comes to their mental and physical health. A person might come off as unfriendly if they hardly ever smile, and often, the hardest-to-chew foods are the most nutritiously dense.

Don’t Be Held Back

The smile is usually one of the first things people notice about each other when meeting, and having a full and confident grin can do wonders not only for your relationships, but also your mental well-being.

Imagine greeting a stranger and not having to worry about them judging you because of your teeth. Imagine sitting down at a restaurant and being able to order anything you want because chewing won’t be a problem. And imagine just looking at yourself in the mirror and liking what you see. How would all this change your life as this became your experience day in and day out?

The First Step

Of course, while this all sounds great, there is still the matter of getting the dental work done! Thankfully, scheduling an appointment with a dentist will give you a chance to talk about your situation and goals, and then they can present which treatments they think best suit you.

From there, it’s only a matter of time before you enjoy a renewed smile and the confidence that goes along with it. Your only regret will be that you didn’t get the process started sooner!

About Schoharie Dental

Whether you’re missing a single tooth, a few teeth, or even all of them, we are ready and eager to help. You can schedule a consultation by clicking here or call us at (518) 254-5664 .

Your Quick Guide to Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:41:16 GMT

April 10, 2024

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that it’s virtually unnoticeable, and the average treatment time is shorter than metal braces as well. However, not taking proper care of your aligners can diminish or even remove these advantages entirely. Thankfully, a few simple steps are all you need to straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably, and you’ll find them all right here.

Remove Your Trays When Eating

While the plastic used to make the Invisalign trays is quite strong, it isn’t able to stand up to chewing forces. That’s why you should take out your trays every time you eat a meal or snack.

Remove Your Trays When Drinking

This applies to any beverage other than unflavored water. Anything with sugar or dark pigments in it can become stuck between your trays and teeth, leading to accelerated staining and decay. Try to avoid extremely hot beverages while wearing your trays as well, as these can actually warp your aligners.

Clean Your Aligners & Teeth Every Day

When you eat and then put your aligners back on, this can trap leftover food particles and bacteria against your teeth, creating the perfect environment for cavities to appear. That’s why it’s important to rinse your trays and mouth every time you eat or drink something.

Also, be sure to brush your teeth and trays (only using a soft-bristled brush and colorless hand soap, not toothpaste) once in the morning and evening. Nothing disrupts orthodontics more than having to get a filling or crown to repair a cavity!

Always Use Your Tray Case

People most often lose their Invisalign trays because they take them out to eat, set them somewhere random, and then they disappear. Your trays should only go two places—either in your mouth or their designated case.

Attend Your Follow-Ups

You’ll be asked to see your orthodontist every few weeks to monitor your progress. This allows them to make any adjustments necessary to speed along your treatment or maybe shift a tooth that is being a bit stubborn. Either way, this ensures that any bumps in the road are avoided or minimized as much as possible.

Of course, if you ever have any questions or concerns, all the answers you need are just a phone call or email away. By keeping these simple steps in mind, you’ll be seeing your new smile in the mirror in no time!

About the Practice

Schoharie Dental is a multi-specialty dental practice that includes a team of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Cheryl Sorbero . She has over 15 years of experience and helped countless patients straighten their teeth with braces and Invisalign. To learn more about Invisalign or schedule a consultation to begin the treatment for yourself or your teen, click here to request an appointment or call (518) 254-5664.

Can You Get Cavities with Invisalign?

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:17:42 GMT

April 10, 2024

Tens of millions of people around the world have straightened their teeth with Invisalign , and it’s not hard to figure out why many prefer them over braces. The treatment is discreet, comfortable, flexible, and some even believe it prevents you from getting cavities. Unfortunately, that last point isn’t exactly true! While Invisalign offers many benefits, you’ll still need to take care of your teeth if you want to keep them healthy and problem-free.

Cavities & Invisalign

Yes, Invisalign trays fit over the teeth like a glove, which hypothetically prevents food particles and bacteria (the sources of cavities) from accumulating on them. The issue is that patients are supposed to remove their trays before eating as they aren’t strong enough to stand up to chewing forces.

In fact, eating and then putting your trays back on can increase the risk of cavities because leaving oral bacteria in a confined, warm, and damp space with leftover food makes them spread and multiply faster than normal. Over time, the trays themselves can become harbors for bacteria if they aren’t cleaned regularly, leading to a potential one-two punch for someone’s smile.

How to Keep Yourself Cavity-Free

Thankfully, this potential setback of Invisalign is easy to get around. All patients have to do is keep a few guidelines in mind throughout their treatment:

After removing the trays and eating, brush the teeth (or just rinse with water in a pinch) before putting them back on.
Rinse the trays themselves with cool or lukewarm water as well (warm or hot water may warp the plastic).
Once a week, soak Invisalign in a dedicated cleaning solution to remove stuck-on plaque and bacteria.
Brush your teeth and trays twice a day.
When brushing the trays, only use a soft-bristled brush and colorless hand soap. Harder bristles and/or regular toothpaste can cause scratches, giving bad bacteria more places to hide (plus they can make the aligners start to look cloudy).

And the Last Tip…

…is to attend your regular progress appointments and checkups with your dentist. This will give them a chance to make sure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned, and they can spot potential cavities and take care of them early. They can also offer tips on how you can improve your hygiene routine at home for both your teeth and trays.

While Invisalign doesn’t exactly “shield” you from cavities, just following a basic hygiene routine is pretty much all you need, and you’ll be seeing your dentist every six to eight weeks already with your follow-ups. Altogether, you shouldn’t have to worry about cavities as you get closer to your new smile!

About the Practice

Schoharie Dental is a multi-specialty dental practice that includes a team of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Cheryl Sorbero . She has over 15 years of experience and helped countless patients straighten their teeth with braces and Invisalign, so she knows a thing or two about avoiding cavities during the process! To learn more about Invisalign or schedule a consultation to begin the treatment for yourself or your teen, click here to request an appointment or call ( 518) 254-5664 .