What is Orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that a child receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7, and we encourage you to bring your child to our office by this age to evaluate their need for orthodontic treatment.

Early orthodontic treatment is advantageous because a young child’s teeth have not finished erupting; this allows us to guide their eruption and address any problems at the earliest possible stage. Whether your child needs removable or fixed appliances, early orthodontic treatment can help to:

1) Provide more room for crowded erupting teeth.

2) Preserve space for teeth that have not yet erupted.

3) Create facial symmetry by guiding jaw growth.

4) Reduce the possible need for tooth extraction.

5) Reduce the overall treatment time.

There are several benefits to addressing orthodontic needs during the teen years rather than putting off treatment until later. These benefits often include:

1) Shortened treatment time.

2) The ability to preserve space for any unerupted teeth and provide room for crowded, erupting teeth.

3) Restored facial symmetry and aesthetics by stimulating jaw growth.

4) Preserved tooth health and minimized threat of damage to protruding teeth crowded tooth.

5) Reduces the chance of gapped teeth and/or misaligned teeth.

6) Reduces the problems with the bite, including crossbite, open bite, underbite and overbite.

Do you worry that you are too old to straighten your teeth? You are never too old for orthodontics! In fact, about 25% of orthodontic patients are now adults. At our practice, we want you to know that a straight, healthy, beautiful smile is within your reach — no matter your age. We offer a number of orthodontic treatments and are happy to help you find the option that matches your personal needs and desires. In addition to traditional metal braces, more discreet options are often available to help you maintain a natural, professional appearance while you straighten your teeth. During your initial visit with our orthodontist, we will review all of your treatment options and help you choose the one you need for optimal results.

Clear aligners are made from smooth, thin plastic and are custom designed and computer generated to fit your smile perfectly. Not only are they very discreet, but they are also very comfortable. Your aligners are removable, allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods as well as brush and floss with ease. You will switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks as your treatment progresses. Each new set of aligners will make small changes to the alignment of your teeth, gently guiding them into their proper positions to give you a straight, healthy, beautiful smile.

Braces consist of a system of metal brackets, wires and bands. The brackets are attached to the front of your teeth and are connected to each other through the use of a metal wire and bands. As we adjust the wire, the braces guide your teeth to their ideal positions in your smile. Ceramic braces are also often available, which are the same color as your teeth for a more discreet orthodontic option.

INBRACE® is a convenient new treatment that improves your smile without anyone knowing. The Smartwire® is applied only by an orthodontist to the back of your teeth, so the entire process is truly hidden. Even though INBRACE is invisible to the rest of the world, you’ll start seeing visible results in just weeks instead of having to wait until your braces are removed.

Brushing and Flossing With Braces

Brush your teeth at least three times every day. Brush after every meal, and if you eat a sugary snack in between meals, it is best to brush again.

Use an interproximal brush to help clean around the brackets and wires. It can help to clean spots that your toothbrush might have a hard time reaching because of your braces.

Floss at least once every day. Using a floss threader can make it easier to thread the floss behind the wire of your braces.

Rinse your teeth with water every time you clean your teeth. Based on your specific needs, we may also recommend a specialized rinse.

Pay attention to the list of foods to avoid with braces. This can help to keep your smile healthy and avoid damage to your braces.

Eating With Braces

There are some foods that you should avoid while wearing braces in order to prevent your braces from being damaged. These include:

- Chewy foods – such as bagels and licorice.

- Crunchy foods – such as popcorn, ice and chips.

- Sticky foods – such as caramel and chewing gum.

- Hard foods – such as nuts and hard candies.

- Foods that require biting into – such as corn on the cob, raw carrots and uncut apples.

Soreness Caused by Braces and Appliances

Your teeth and mouth may feel tender or sore when you begin wearing braces. This should go away within a few days. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may become irritated for the first few weeks while your mouth adjusts. Our orthodontist can provide you with wax to put over your braces to help relieve tenderness and discomfort. You may also take a mild pain reliever.

Loose Teeth

Your teeth might feel a little loose as your treatment progresses. This is normal and is caused by the repositioning of your teeth. Once your teeth have achieved their proper position, they will stop feeling loose.

Take Care of Your Appliances

Damaged appliances increase the length of your treatment. Your teeth and jaw can only move into the proper positions when your appliances are in good condition and are worn consistently. Take good care of your appliances and wear your headgear, retainer, rubber bands or other appliances as directed.

Sports, Musical Instruments and Braces

You can still play sports and musical instruments while wearing braces. We recommend that you wear an athletic mouth guard to protect your teeth, gums and appliances during sporting activities. You may need to make a few adjustments while playing a musical instrument, but your braces should not cause any problems.

Your orthodontic care does not end when the aligners are removed. Retainers are essential to stabilizing your new smile.

1) Clean your retainer regularly.

2) Wear your retainer often.

3) Avoid heat on your retainer.

4) Keep your retainer away from pets.

5) Avoid putting napkins on your retainer.

6) Soak your retainer with retainer cleaner.

7) Replace your retainer when needed.

8) Carefully put on and take off your retainer.

9) Brush your teeth before and after wearing your retainer.

We cannot stress this point, use your support! Your teeth can change throughout your life. Even if you think your teeth are straight and will stay that way, it is essential that you continue to use your retainer! Taking care of your retainer will help to make your teeth look good and make the most of your investment, and do not forget to show off your big smile.

Loose Brackets or Bands

If a bracket, band or wire is loosened, please call our office immediately; the brackets may need to be refitted. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, we recommend using fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Poking Wires or Wire Irritations

If the wire is irritating your cheeks or gums, you can move it away from the irritated area by using a cotton swab or eraser. If you cannot move the wire, cover the end of it with a small piece of cotton or wax to relieve irritation. If the wire is still painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you need to cut the wire or cannot resolve the wire irritation, call us for an appointment.

Lost Separators

Many patients lose a separator over the course of their treatment. If you lose a separator, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort With Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week after your braces are placed and after routine adjustments, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. This is normal, and you do not need to worry. You may want to take acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever if your teeth are sore after adjustment appointments. You may also wish to use a warm washcloth or heating pad to reduce soreness in the jaws.