Welcome back to School!

Wu Orthodontics would like to welcome back the students returning back to school! What is your favorite part about going back to school?  

Wu Orthodontics is now a Premier Invisalign Provider!

Invisalign is a proven method for aligning teeth, and we have years of experience administering treatment to patients. Wu Orthodontics is now a Certified Premier Invisalign Provider. This means Dr. Eric Wu has successfully completed the training course administered by Align Technology (makers of Invisalign), and we maintain regular treatment and attend ongoing clinical training classes to keep our treatment expertise top-notch. There are only 5% of offices across the country that are Premier Invisalign Providers!

How It Works

The Invisalign system uses aligners made of a clear, specially-manufactured plastic to slowly reposition and straighten your teeth. These aligners are tailor-made for your teeth and are completely removable, requiring no metal wires or brackets. The aligners are used in stages: each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the sequence, carefully moving your teeth in order as determined by your dentist.

Over 1 million people worldwide have chosen Invisalign or Invisalign Teen to improve their smile quickly and unobtrusively. To find out if Invisalign is the route to your new smile, we invite you to call our office to set up a consultation.

Taking Care of Your Toothbrush

You know your toothbrush is a vital tool for the proper care of your teeth – but do you know the best way to take care of your toothbrush? Following are some guidelines for toothbrush care:

One toothbrush should have one owner.

If you share your toothbrush, you could also be sharing bodily fluids and bacteria, increasing your risk of infection.

Toothbrushes need privacy, too.

For the same reason, when storing brushes, make sure they are placed in such a way that they can't touch each other.

Give your toothbrush some space.

Keep your brush in a clean, well-ventilated spot and make sure it has time to dry in between uses. Keeping your toothbrush in a closed, moist space regularly can encourage the growth of germs.

Showering is good for your toothbrush.

Before and after each use, rinse your toothbrush under running water to eliminate excess toothpaste and other residue. Rub your fingers along the bristles – but only after washing your hands; no use substituting one set of germs for another. When you're finished, shake out the brush to accelerate drying.

Let your toothbrush indulge in a nice bath.

You may be able to reduce the amount of bacteria on your brush by soaking it in anti-bacterial mouthwash after each use.

Don't get too attached to your toothbrush.

Swap your old toothbrush for a new one at least as often as every three to four months. Keep an eye out for frayed bristles and replace sooner if necessary. The more worn the bristles, the less effective brushing is. Of course, if you've been sick with the flu, a cold, or a mouth infection, say goodbye to your toothbrush and move on to a new, germ-free one immediately.

Don't trust Aunt Minnie's toothbrush-cleaning advice.

Although they certainly mean well, and they're clearly creative, your friends and relatives with home-cooked ideas about cleaning toothbrushes may not be the safest sources of information. Dishwashers, microwaves, and boiling water are no substitute for simply buying a new brush – and in fact could damage your brush, rendering it less effective.

Remember – what's good for the toothbrush is good for the teeth!

Wu Orthodontics Continuing Education

Keeping up with the latest advanced technology, Dr. Eric Wu went to Carlsbad, CA to visit the OrthoOrganizers headquarters office to learn about the latest in braces technology. Dr. Eric also met other orthodontists from around the country to share in their best practices. Pictured with Dr. Eric Wu is Lisa (Practice Relations Coordinator, Wu Orthodontics, Dr. Anurag Patel (TX), OrthoOrganizers Rep Ty Brown and Dr. Clark Colville (TX).

Give Kids a Smile Volunteer Day

Dr. Eric Wu volunteered his time at Fairmeadow Elementary School in Palo Alto for the annual Give Kids a Smile event. Children were taught how to take care of their teeth, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Happy Holidays from Wu Orthodontics!

We would like to know what is your favorite time about the holidays? Leave us a comment of a story or picture and share it with us!

Who Cares About Straight Teeth?

Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew, and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant "side effect" of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image – important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings the teeth, lips, and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person's general attitude toward life.

You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury. Straight teeth collect less plaque, a colorless, sticky film composed of bacteria, food and saliva. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feed on carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink to produce acids that can cause cavities. Plaque can also increase the risk for periodontal (gum) disease. When teeth are properly aligned, and less plaque collects, these risks decline. And when teeth are properly aligned it is easier to keep teeth clean. As for injuries to teeth, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident. When repositioned and aligned with other teeth, these teeth are most probably going to be at a decreased risk for fracture.

Untreated orthodontic problems may become worse. They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints, sometimes leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. Orthodontic treatment to correct a problem early may be less costly than the restorative dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

Dr. Eric Wu teaches at UOP, School of Dentistry!

We would like share and congratulate Dr. Eric Wu for recently being appointed as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the Orthodontic Department at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry!

Dr. Wu loves teaching as well as being the most up to date with the latest techniques and technology. Dr. Wu will be working with orthodontic residents and teaching them about the Damon system, Invisalign, TADs and soft tissue lasers to name a few things.

Continuing education is very important to Dr. Wu and he considers himself to be a perpetual student!

Dr. Wu constantly strives for excellence in orthodontics, and a big part of that includes keeping himself informed on the latest and most efficient treatment techniques. You can always trust that because of his dedication to continuing education, you will always receive the best orthodontic care in Palo Alto when you visit Wu Orthodontics!

Got Yogurt? Your Gums May Thank You!

It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s… yogurt! It appears that plain, simple yogurt may be the newest superhero in our ongoing battle against gum disease. Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan studied nearly a thousand subjects between the ages of 40 and 79, and found that those with higher intakes of lactic acid foods like yogurt exhibited significantly fewer signs of periodontal (gum) disease. The study concluded that regularly eating yogurt may help keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Gum disease is an infection that occurs in the gums, deep tissues and bones that support your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The American Academy of Periodontology cites gum disease as the primary cause of tooth loss in adults age 35 and over.

The best way to fend off gum disease is to follow the same measures you take to avoid cavities:

-Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

-Floss every day between each tooth and behind your molars
-Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule
-Maintain a healthy diet (and perhaps add some yogurt!)
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of gum disease, since it can often occur without pain or discomfort to signal its presence.

Keep a lookout for:
-Gums that appear red or swollen
-Gums that feel tender
-Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
-Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
-Persistent bad breath
-Loose teeth
-Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

Give Kids a Smile Month

February is a special time because it's National Children's Dental Month. Dr. Wu shared information with second graders on the importance of oral health in the local area.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Wu Orthodontics!

Halloween Pumpkin Contest Winners

Happy Halloween!

Are all braces the same?

Recently, we have been asked if all braces are the same? The quick answer is no, not all braces are the same. Thanks to innovative technology, orthodontists have choices on what type of braces to make it less time consuming and more comfortable than before.

Dr. Eric Wu is the first Palo Alto orthodontist to use braces called the Damon System. These brackets do not need to use elastic rings or tiewires to hold wires in place like conventional braces, making it a more comfortable experience throughout treatment. This light feeling allows the teeth to slide freely along the wires. This means teeth tend to move more quickly and dramatically reduces treatment time. This light friction system also reduces the need for extractions of teeth, expanders, headgear and other appliances. Dr. Wu is typically able to finish an individuals treatment 6 months faster in the Damon system as compared with traditional braces.

The picture below shows the comparison of traditional braces (left side) and the Damon system (right side).



Stay tuned for some amazing cases treated by Dr. Wu!

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Wu will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

A Sour Smile is not a Happy Smile

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Wu Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Wu Orthodontics (even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Wu Orthodontics.

Answering all your burning questions about mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask Dr. Wu at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Wu Orthodontics

Braces 101, With Wu Orthodontics

If you live in the Palo Alto community, and you have sustained any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.Give Wu Orthodontics a call at 650-646-3999 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.


Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

--Dr. Eric Wu, your Palo Alto Community Orthodontist

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, From Wu Orthodontics

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps,

--Dr Eric Wu