Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week:
1. Permanent retainers 🦷
In my latest article I review the advantages and disadvantages of permanent retainers and outline the key questions to raise with your dentist if you are considering one. The piece covers durability, oral hygiene considerations, potential complications, and when a fixed retainer is the most appropriate option.
2. Watch last week’s functional orthodontics Q&A❓
Last week, functional orthodontist Dr. Ariana Ebrahimian hosted an Instagram Q&A, answering questions about airway-focused orthodontics and its role in long-term oral health. Her approach emphasizes breathing, jaw development, and airway health as central to orthodontic care. Patients and practitioners interested in modern, holistic ortho practices will find the session informative—look for the “Ortho Q&A” highlight on the @askthedentist Instagram account to watch the discussion.
3. On the podcast: The Frenum Attachment 🎙
On the latest episode of Ask the Dentist I address a parent’s question about frenum attachment in a one-year-old and whether surgical intervention is necessary. I explain what the frenum is—the small fold of tissue that connects the lip to the gum—and dispel common myths about when intervention is warranted. We also discuss what gaps in baby teeth are normal and when to monitor development rather than act immediately.
If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and review. I’ve loved reading your feedback and appreciate the support.
4. What do you wish you’d known before doing Invisalign? 😁
I asked this on Instagram and the responses were very insightful. Many people start Invisalign without a clear idea of what to expect; there’s a lot of marketing and non-expert advice online that can create unrealistic expectations. I’m not trying to discourage Invisalign—it’s been one of the most important advances in dentistry during my career, and I’ve provided Invisalign for decades with excellent results—but patients should be informed about the process, typical timelines, maintenance requirements, and limitations.
If you have questions or want to read real patient experiences, check the comments on my recent Instagram post for honest perspectives. I’ll also be answering questions from my Stories in a follow-up Instagram Q&A tomorrow night—hope to see you there.
Thanks for reading and have a great week ahead.
P.S. A book I’m enjoying right now is Hunt, Gather, Parent, which was published recently. Although it isn’t strictly about oral health, it explores paleo-inspired ideas and what we can learn from ancestral lifestyles to address modern health challenges. My wife and I are spending more time with our granddaughter now that we’re fully vaccinated, and I find the book’s perspectives compelling. I’m about 88 pages in and highly recommend it for anyone curious about evolutionary approaches to parenting and health.