Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that deals with issues related to teeth and facial structure. It helps to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities.

Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that deals with issues related to teeth and facial structure. It helps to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has received extra training for two to three years to become a specialist in straightening teeth, fixing jaw alignment problems, and improving the overall appearance and function of your smile.

Orthodontic treatment can change teeth and even the shape of the face forever, so it’s important to get the treatment done correctly. Orthodontic specialists have specific training and skills that help them offer their patients personalized and professional treatments.

If you want to have a better smile, it’s a good idea to visit an orthodontist at any age. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist for the first time when they’re around seven years old. But people of all ages, including adults, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Around one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, it’s always a good time to see the orthodontist.

Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces that use a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Each set of aligners is custom-made for the patient and gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position.

Both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners can cause some discomfort as the teeth are moved into the desired position. However, some patients may find that Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces because they do not have metal brackets or wires that can irritate the mouth.

Both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners are effective at straightening teeth, but the best option for each patient will depend on the severity of their orthodontic issues. In general, traditional braces may be more effective for complex cases, while Invisalign aligners may be better suited for mild to moderate cases.

Traditional braces require more maintenance than Invisalign clear aligners because they cannot be removed during eating or brushing. Patients with traditional braces need to be more careful about what they eat to avoid damaging the brackets and wires, and they need to spend more time cleaning around the braces to prevent plaque buildup. In contrast, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and brushing, and they require less maintenance overall.

As you get older, your teeth won’t straighten out by themselves. Your mouth won’t grow enough to create more space for your teeth. In fact, as you age, the space in your mouth can actually decrease, making it even harder for your teeth to straighten out.

Orthodontic treatment is available for adults of any age, and a large number of our patients are adults. In fact, about a quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults. Improving your health and happiness is important at any age, and braces can boost your self-confidence and improve your smile no matter how old you are.

The frequency of appointments varies for each patient based on their specific needs. Generally, patients with braces are seen every five to ten weeks. If there are any issues that require more frequent check-ups, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

• It is important to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Using toothpaste that has fluoride can help prevent cavities. You can ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse as well.
• When you remove your retainer to eat, remember to brush your teeth and floss. Keep your retainer safe by storing it in its container to prevent loss or damage.
• To keep your retainer clean, gently brush it using toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use denture cleaner as recommended by your orthodontist. Avoid putting your retainer in boiling water or dishwasher.
• While you are receiving treatment, it’s best to stay away from sugary foods. Consuming sugar can lead to an increase in bacteria in your mouth, which may cause more plaque to form and could possibly result in cavities.
• Avoid sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel, chewing gum, and gummy bears, as well as hard foods like nuts and ice cubes. Additionally, avoid any foods that might get stuck in your braces, such as corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, and taffy.
• It’s important to make regular appointments with your family dentist. It’s recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a checkup.

Braces are used by your orthodontist to enhance the appearance and function of your smile. There are many kinds of braces available, such as:

• Traditional metal braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Invisible braces

The length of time you need to wear braces will be different for each person, as everyone’s teeth respond differently to the treatment. The duration of the treatment can range from 6 to 30 months, but on average, most people wear braces for around 18 months.

Wearing braces usually doesn’t cause pain, but you may experience some discomfort for a few days as you get used to them or after adjustments. This discomfort can include pain, soreness, or discomfort in your teeth, gums, cheeks, or mouth. During the first week after getting braces or after routine adjustments, you may feel more pain or soreness. To help with this, you can take non-aspirin pain relievers like acetaminophen, and using a warm washcloth or heating pad can reduce soreness in your jaws.

To keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean while wearing braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day. This will help get rid of any food that may be stuck in your braces. Flossing every day is also important to clean between your braces where your brush can’t reach. Your orthodontist can teach you how to brush and floss correctly after you get your braces.

It’s very important to brush and clean your teeth regularly if you have braces. You should also see your dentist at least every six months because braces can trap food and cause bacteria to grow, leading to cavities and other problems. Your dentist will work with your orthodontist to keep your teeth healthy while you have braces.

You can still play music and sports even if you have braces. It might take some time to get used to playing with them, but they won’t stop you from doing what you love. If you play a sport where there might be contact, it’s important to wear a special mouth guard over your braces to keep them safe.

If you want to make an appointment, just call us! Our friendly staff at the front desk will help you choose a time that works for you. If you’re new to our practice or someone told you about us, please tell us so we can give you all the details you need.

If your braces or any of your orthodontic appliances break or become loose, please call us right away at 858-755-1515. Don’t go directly to the office without calling first, as we need to schedule an appointment to see you. If you have a regular appointment scheduled, but need an appliance repair, please let us know as soon as possible.

If a brace or wire becomes loose, call us right away for advice. It might need to be fixed soon. Sometimes, you may need to cut a wire or remove a bracket from a wire by yourself if it’s a weekend or at night. If you need to cut a wire, you can use clean nail clippers that have been soaked in alcohol. But make sure to call us the next business day to schedule an appointment.

Sometimes a wire on your braces may cause discomfort, but you can try to fix it at home by using a cotton swab or eraser to move the wire away from the sore area. If that doesn’t work, put a small piece of cotton or wax on the end of the wire. If the wire is causing you pain, you can use nail clippers or scissors to cut it, but make sure they have been cleaned with alcohol first. If you can’t fix the wire yourself, call our office to schedule an appointment.

It’s normal for patients to lose a separator during their treatment, so don’t worry too much about it. However, it’s still important to call our office and check if the separator needs to be replaced.