Be Careful with those Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings linked to gap between teeth

Tongue piercing is a very popular trend among teens and young adults. Although the seemingly harmless trend is fashionable, there can be lasting consequences for the teeth. A recent study issued by the New York University of Buffalo shows that tongue piercings can be particularly dangerous for one’s teeth.

A closer look at the tongue ring:

In a recent case study, a woman who had a tongue ring for seven years ended up developing a considerable gap in her front teeth. Before getting the tongue ring, she never had a gap in her teeth. After getting, the gap slowly began to develop. Within seven years of wearing a tongue ring, she developed a very prominent gap in her teeth. Playing with the tongue ring and pushing it back and forth between the two front teeth caused this. The constant force eventually led to a gap forming between the front two teeth. Scenarios like these can cause a person to have to get braces.

How was the gap eliminated

According to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, the woman involved in the case study was successfully treated with braces. The braces gradually closed the gap between her front teeth caused by pushing the tongue ring against the front teeth.

Dangers of tongue rings

Tongue rings have been linked to several conditions. One of the most important considerations is the risk for getting an infection in getting a tongue ring. Difficulties with speech can also occur. Respiratory problems and normal breathing are commonly reported among those with tongue piercings. Broken and chipped teeth in addition to gaps are some of the cosmetic effects of tongue piercings long term. Other dental considerations include receding gums, periodontitis and possible nerve damage. In rare cases, tooth loss is possible. Gum trauma and hemorrhage are additional potential hazards of having a tongue ring. Brain abscesses developed from bacteria and fungi entering the brain can cause these to form, creating a mass.

Preventing gaps

Gaps from tongue piercings are easily prevented. One of the most common recommendations by Beecroft Orthodontics, the specialist in King George is getting the piercing removed. Getting the piercings removed earlier on is the best course of action to take in preventing extensive damage like receding gums and chipped teeth.

Braces to treat gaps

Beecroft Orthodontics, one of the best orthodontist specialists in Fredericksburg, VA, state that different types of braces can be used to correct dental gap problems. Invisalign teen Fredericksburg VA consultants recommend getting a free consultation to determine whether or not this is a good option for one experiencing these very problems.

Visiting Beecroft Orthodontics King George office can help people get the results they desire and help remove gaps to promote proper spacing. Scheduling a consultation is the first step to addressing any spacing problem like this.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Be Careful with those Tongue Piercings

Openly Share your Smile

Smile Quote No. 30: If you don't Have a Smile, I'll Give you One of Mine

We are all born to smile, as it is a way we express our feelings towards people and events but sometimes appearance may try to stop us from showing our teeth and broadening our smile. It is very difficult to smile without showing your teeth.

There are simple problems that a dentist can solve, such as discolored, broken or chipped teeth as there are many restorative procedures available, but teeth that protrude are not so easy to solve and require the specialist attention of an orthodontist such as the orthodontist team at Beecroft Orthodontics in Fredericksburg VA.

Dr. Matt Beecroft will recommend the use of braces to treat protruding teeth as this requires moving the teeth back into the right position through gentle force. It is a longer term solution and will give you more peace of mind that your new facial appearance has been created naturally. It does take time but if you are not worried too much about your facial appearance when being treated then there are a number of different braces to choose from. Traditional metal braces do a great job at effectively repositioning the teeth even though they do spoil the smile for the treatment period. Lingual braces can be chosen if appearance is an issue as they are placed behind the teeth out of sight. If the protruding teeth is unsightly but only minor then Dr. Beecroft may suggest Invisalign teeth aligners as they are virtually invisible but do offer an effective treatment for mild to moderate protruding teeth.

If you or one of your family lives in Fredericksburg VA and has protruding teeth or any other form of tooth deformity that affects your bite or appearance you should arrange an appointment with Beecroft Orthodontics who will discuss what treatment options are available to you so that you have ownership of a beautiful smile.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Openly Share your Smile

The Aesthetic Transformation

Smile Quote No. 27: I have a Tickle in my Brain and it Keeps Making the Corners of my Mouth Point towards the Heavens

Dr. Matt Beecroft of Beecroft Orthodontics in Fredericksburg, VA has created my great smile. Before following one of his treatment programs I was actually ashamed to smile because my front teeth were so badly aligned that when I opened my mouth I could feel the stares of alarm. I was well in my 30s by that time and really thought it was far too late to do anything about it. After doing some research I discovered that you don’t need to be a teenager to get your teeth straightened but there were so many orthodontic appliances available for every age group and at a reasonable cost too.

I couldn’t wait any longer and as I lived in Fredericksburg, VA, I arranged a consultation at Beecroft Orthodontics. This appointment changed my life forever. I was offered a treatment program with Lingual braces as they are an invisible solution for straightening teeth as they are fixed on the inner side of the teeth and not on the outer side, as happens with metal braces.

These braces are composed of brackets and wire, similar to conventional braces, but can hardly be seen but they do a great job at repositioning teeth as they did with mine.  They are custom designed so that they fit on the right place and they are extremely comfortable to wear. If anyone ever asks me how I transformed my smile, I never hesitate to tell them and would actively encourage anyone to follow in my footsteps. It is such a great feeling when nothing stops you from expressing yourself through your smile especially as for so many years I tried to avoid the subject.

If you or a family member has misaligned or crooked teeth or any other orthodontic problem and you live in Fredericksburg or Stafford, VA you should arrange a consultation with Beecroft Orthodontics who will have a treatment option ready to discuss with you.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

The Aesthetic Transformation