Our Blog

Congratulations to Haley!

July 22nd, 2013

We have a mountain of congratulations to wish our lovely assistant, Haley! First and foremost - she and the love of her life, John, were just recently married! And in no time at all, they have just purchased their first house together! We are so incredibly happy for Haley and John! Next time you're in the office, be sure to ask her if she is all unpacked yet! Congratulations, Haley!

Congratulations to Haley!

July 22nd, 2013

We have a mountain of congratulations to wish our lovely assistant, Haley! First and foremost - she and the love of her life, John, were just recently married! And in no time at all, they have just purchased their first house together! We are so incredibly happy for Haley and John! Next time you're in the office, be sure to ask her if she is all unpacked yet! Congratulations, Haley!

Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo Give Tips to Avoid Common Problems Associated with Braces

July 19th, 2013

While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural for your teeth to feel aches and your jaw to develop soreness.

If there are broken wires or loose bands on your braces, a sore tongue, mouth, or canker sore will occur. Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo urges those who experience a sore mouth or any of the following problems to call our office to schedule an appointment.

  • Loose brackets: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth.
  • Loose bands: These must be secured in place by our dentist. Try to save the band for repair.
  • Protruding or broken wires: The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse.
  • Loose spacers: These will need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can also help or hurt you while you’re wearing braces. Remember to cut your food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. You will want to avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your hardware. Foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, carrots, apples, ice, and bubble gum should be avoided.

Braces, rubber bands, springs, and other mouth appliances associated with braces will normally attract food particles and plaque. Without the proper care, this could cause staining of your teeth.

Our staff at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics recommend brushing after every meal or snack and carefully removing any food that might be lodged in the braces. A fluoride mouthwash might be helpful as well as flossing. At your next appointment, Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo can advise you how to floss with a brush specially designed for braces!

Win 4 tickets to the University of Michigan vs Central Michigan University football game!

July 10th, 2013

We’re not sure about all of you, but we’re getting REALLY excited for University of Michigan football being right around the corner! As many of you know, Dr. Meade is an avid fan of her Alma Mater sports teams in Ann Arbor, and she’s always thinking of ways to do something fun and special for her patients.

That’s why Dr. Meade will be giving away 4 of her University of Michigan football tickets to the game against Central Michigan University on August 31st, 2013! To enter the drawing, all you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire in our office – pretty easy, right?

We can’t wait to see who will be going to support the Wolverines in August, so be sure to enter the drawing the next time you’re in the office – or you can always swing by to fill out the questionnaire and enter if you don’t have an appointment coming up!

Good luck, and GO BLUE!

American Association of Orthodontists American Board of Orthodontics