ortho 1/9/2020 – gtg

Ortho content new 1/9/2020

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The field of orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on identifying and treating abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. While many adults and teenagers receive orthodontic care, orthodontic treatment can provide a number of benefits for younger children, as well. Read on for more information on early orthodontic treatment to determine if it is right for your child.

What Early Orthodontic Care is
Early orthodontic treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances to correct a number of emerging oral malocclusions. Also known as interceptive treatment, early orthodontic treatment may be an essential part of maintaining your child’s oral health.

When Treatment Should Begin
The American Dental Association recommends that all children undergo an initial orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven, because this is when they will have a good mix of both primary and permanent teeth. Your child’s first adult molars will typically erupt by age seven, allowing an orthodontist to evaluate side-to-side and front-to-back relationships between the teeth. This makes it easier for the orthodontist to identify emerging problems in your child’s teeth or jaws before they lead to complications.

How Early Orthodontic Care is Beneficial
Early orthodontic treatment provides a number of benefits, including, but not limited to:

Preserving space within the dental arch for un-erupted permanent teeth.
Reducing the need for tooth extraction prior to the initiation of later treatment.
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding upper front teeth.
Influencing proper jaw growth.
Promoting proper facial symmetry.
Shortening overall orthodontic treatment time.

How To Know if Early Orthodontic Treatment is Required
Early orthodontic treatment may be right for your child if he or she is suffering from crowded teeth, gaps or spaces, an overbite, an underbite, misaligned midlines, or an open bite. The best way to determine if your child can benefit from orthodontic treatment is to setup an initial consultation with an orthodontist.

Help preserve the health and integrity of your child’s teeth and jaw by talking to an orthodontist about dental braces. Our Dental Office can evaluate your child’s teeth and provide treatment, if necessary. Give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Orthodontic treatment offers a great way to improve the appearance and integrity of your smile. Learn more about caring for your Invisalign braces, dealing with tender teeth, and the benefits of early orthodontic treatment with these great resources. Give Our Dental Office a call for more information on our services.

It is not uncommon for orthodontic patients to experience tooth sensitivity and tenderness following the initial placement of metal braces and after routine adjustments. While this discomfort should lessen as your mouth gets used to your appliances, there are several things you can do to deal with tooth tenderness. Continue reading for some great tips on managing tender teeth.

1. Use Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and Tylenol can help to alleviate tooth tenderness during the course of your orthodontic treatment. However, most individuals will only require limited use of pain medications during the first few days after their braces are applied.

2. Ice the Outside of Your Mouth
A good way to decrease tooth tenderness is to hold an icepack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area for twenty minutes at a time. Just be sure to wrap the icepack or compress in a paper towel or wash cloth so that the cold does not irritate your skin.

3. Stick With Soft Foods
Eating soft foods and cutting items into small, bite-sized pieces can make it easier to avoid tooth pain during meals. You can also puree your fruits and vegetables in a blender so that you are not actually biting down on anything hard. It is also a good idea to avoid biting or chewing on foods that are extremely cold, as this can increase your sensitivity.

4. Apply Dental Wax
Dental wax is a great product designed to create a barrier between your orthodontic appliances and the soft tissues within your mouth. While dental wax won’t necessary decrease tooth tenderness, it can be used to prevent your brackets and wires from rubbing up against the inside of your cheeks and lips and becoming irritated.

When conventional treatment methods are not enough to diminish tooth sensitivity, it’s time to contact your orthodontist. For more braces care tips, give our Dental Office a call. You can also visit our website for more information on our services.

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Misaligned bites, also known as oral malocclusions, not only impact the appearance of your smile, but can also lead to a number of more serious dental complications. Consider this overview on the risks of not treating a misaligned bite for more information.

Types of Misaligned Bites

Malocclusion refers to the improper alignment of the teeth and the way that the upper and lower jaws fit together. There are several different types of misaligned bites or malocclusions, including:

Crossbites: Upper teeth rest inside or outside of the lower jaw, making it difficult to chew or bite properly. This may lead the jaw to shift to one side during the growth process.
Crowding: Crowding occurs when the jaw is narrower than it should be or there is not enough room in the dental arch to support the eruption of permanent teeth.
Overbites: Upper front teeth or incisors overlap too far ahead of the lower teeth, touching the front gum tissue or causing the lower teeth to touch the roof of the mouth.
Underbites: Lower teeth protrude ahead of the upper teeth, causing a bulldog-like appearance.
Open bite: Upper and lower teeth do not meet when biting down.
Misplaced midlines: This occurs when the middle of the two front teeth and bottom front teeth do not line up when biting down.

Potential Risks

While misaligned bites may make chewing and biting more difficult, they can also lead to a number of other potential risks. Some of the common risks of untreated misaligned bites include:

Improper jaw growth and abnormal appearance of the face.
Speech impediments.
Mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Early wear and tear on the teeth.
Increased risk of injury, such as chipping or breaking protruding teeth.
Tooth decay, gingivitis, and more serious periodontal disease.

Are you looking for the best orthodontist in the area? If so, then look no further than our Dental Office. With many years of experience, our orthodontists use only the highest quality, state-of-the-art technology to provide our clients with exceptional service. Contact us for more information on your options.

Cleaning the areas between your teeth is necessary to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. While flossing is the proper way to clean between your teeth, it can be difficult to floss normally if you are wearing braces.

You can learn tips to floss your teeth around braces. While it may take some practice, you should still floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

If you are looking for an experienced orthodontist in the area, contact Our Dental Office. We are committed to providing our patients with the high-quality orthodontic care they need and deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Many individuals fear dental appointments, especially when it comes to orthodontic care and dental braces. The best way to alleviate any anxiety is to educate yourself on what to expect from your orthodontic appointment.

Take a look at this overview on what you can expect when visiting the orthodontist:

Patient History Questionnaire
As with any dental specialist, your orthodontist will have you fill out a patient history questionnaire during your initial visit. This will include information regarding your past medical history, family history of disease, current medications, previous surgeries or dental trauma, lifestyle factors, and oral hygiene habits.

After you have completed your patient history questionnaire, you will most likely have a series of x-rays taken to create a digital image of the structure of your teeth and jaws. In some cases, your orthodontist may schedule a panoramic view of x-rays prior to your first appointment, so that he or she has sufficient information to discuss any oral malocclusions during the actual consultation.

Your orthodontist will perform a visual inspection of your teeth and jaws during your appointment, as this will allow them to identify any signs of malocclusions or misaligned bites. Your orthodontist may also ask you a number of questions regarding your dental history and the reasons behind your visit to better understand your overall goals.

Discussion of Treatment Options
Once the visual inspection is complete, your orthodontist will talk to you about your treatment options. This may include traditional metal braces, invisible or lingual braces, functional orthopedic therapy, facial and dental aesthetic services, or treatment options for facial deformities such as cleft lips or palates. This will allow you to discuss what is expected of you as a patient in order to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.

If you’re ready to schedule an orthodontic appointment, contact our Dental Office today!

Excellent orthodontic treatment results come from a cooperative and informed patient, which means that you’ll want to do your research and take the time to have an in-depth discussion with your orthodontist before getting braces.

If you’re preparing for an upcoming orthodontic appointment, then consider these three questions to ask your orthodontist about dental braces:

1. When Is the Best Time to Begin Treatment?

One of the first questions you’ll want to ask your orthodontist is when you should begin orthodontic treatment. According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic treatment should begin when children still have a mix of their primary and permanent teeth as this makes it easier to identify malocclusions or problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth. While children may not require braces immediately, the ADA suggests that all children undergo an orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven to identify any noticeable problems.

2. Which Types of Braces Are Offered?

Your next question should be which types of braces your orthodontist offers. Many orthodontists offer traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, or braces that are hidden by being placed on the interior surface of the teeth. While not all individuals are candidates for lingual braces, your orthodontist will help you determine which type is best for your specific treatment needs.

3. What Will Be Expected of You As the Patient?

Your last and perhaps most important question should be what will be expected from you in order to maintain your orthodontic appliances and obtain the best overall results. In order to lower the overall cost and treatment time with braces, it is important that you keep all regularly scheduled appointments, wear your rubber bands or headgear as instructed, eat a well-balanced diet, practice good oral hygiene, and avoid certain foods and habits to reduce the risk of damaging your appliances.

Are you ready for dental braces? Get the best treatment in the area by contacting our Dental Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are you orthodontists members of the American Association of Orthodontists?
A: Yes. Membership in the only orthodontic specialty organization recognized by the American Dental Association.

Q: What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
A: An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional 2-3 years of post-doctorate training, specific to the field of orthodontics. A typical orthodontist attends college for four years, then dental school for four years and then specific orthodontic training for 3 years. Other dental specialists include Periodontists, Prosthodontists and Endodontists.

Q: Can my dentist practice orthodontics?
A: Yes. Though they lack the specific training, Dentists are licensed to attempt the treatment of simple cases in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and other work normally performed by specialists. Similarly, a general practitioner medical doctor is licensed to deliver babies or treat cancer, but most patients prefer to have a specialist involved.

Q: Is your practice accepting new patients?
A: Yes. Please call or email for a free consultation.

Q: Is insurance accepted?
A: Most insurance plans are accepted. Please bring your insurance information with you to your consultation, and we’ll review your coverage options with you.

Q: Is financing available?
A: Yes. Several financing options can be matched to your budget to make your treatment affordable.

Q: What happens on the first visit?
A: We will evaluate your case and explain what treatment is needed, when treatment should begin and give you a cost estimate. Diagnostic records are taken if you elect for treatment to begin immediately. Braces can usually be placed within a week.

Q: How long is the average treatment?
A: Treatment times vary considerably depending on the severity of each case. On average, patients wear braces for 24 months and a retainer for additional 24 months.

Q: When should a child first see an orthodontist?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a child can be evaluated for orthodontic treatment at age seven.

Q: Is it possible to do braces without extracting teeth?
A: Yes. Removing teeth is one way to provide space for crowded teeth, and often used for relieving “buck” or protruding teeth. Each mouth is different so the treatment plan is designed for the best and most stable end result.

Q: What are invisible braces?
A: All types of braces are visible. The least-visible type are placed on the inside of the teeth, further crowding the inside of the mouth. They tend to be quite uncomfortable, cost more and require a longer treatment time. Consider this general rule: The more visible the brace, the shorter the treatment time.
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Individuals who fear the thought of orthodontic treatment tend to do so because they have limited information regarding the process. Get the facts with the following answers to your orthodontic questions.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 8 and 14, when children have a mix of both primary and permanent teeth. However, many orthodontic practices can provide treatment to children and adults of all ages with good oral health.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The length of your treatment will vary based on the type of braces and the level of malocclusion being corrected. For example, individuals who are using the Invisalign system to correct minor spaces or crowding problems will generally have a shorter treatment time than someone using traditional braces to correct a severe crossbite.

Which Braces Are Right for Me?

While your aesthetic preferences should be taken into account, your orthodontist will help determine which kind of braces are right for you based on your specific needs. As with the treatment time, your orthodontist will make this determination based on the type of condition and the severity of malocclusion.

How Does the Invisalign System Work?

Unlike traditional braces that are fixed to the teeth, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are worn 20 to 22 hours per day to straighten the teeth. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, after which time it is exchanged for the next in the series.

What Happens After Treatment?

After your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will create a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original positions. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s guidelines when wearing your retainers to help ensure their effectiveness.

For more information on treatment methods, financing options, or to set up an initial examination, call our Dental Office.

Making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment takes a great deal of research on your part. Despite the vast number of orthodontic practices and dental professionals available, finding the right orthodontist doesn’t have to be a difficult task.

Simply be sure your new orthodontist offers the following:

Licensure and Certification

Current licensure is crucial for any potential orthodontist. You may also consider looking for an orthodontist who is a member of notable organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, as this demonstrates their commitment to higher levels of patient care. Membership in these organizations also demonstrates participation in ongoing education, which helps orthodontists stay informed about the most recent technologies and treatment options.

Adult and Pediatric Care

Orthodontic treatments aren’t just for teens. Working with an orthodontist who provides treatment options for patients of all ages will ensure that you are getting the best care for your family members’ individual needs.

Multiple Treatment Options

The more treatment options you have to choose from, the better your chances of finding a method that is best tailored to your oral and aesthetic needs. Research the services offered by the orthodontist ahead of time to see if he or she offers today’s most popular orthodontic appliances, including standard metal braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, and the Invisalign system.

The doctors with our Dental Office are members of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontist. Contact us for more information on our orthodontists, treatment options, or to set up an initial consultation.

Orthodontic treatment for adults has become more popular over the past several years. Adult patients often choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because their own parents could not afford it when they were young, because they refused early orthodontic treatment, or simply because they experienced late-onset crowding. There are various treatment options available for adults.

Regardless of your age, the orthodontists with our Dental Office can help you obtain a beautiful smile. Get started by calling us.

Caring for your braces and orthodontic appliances does not have to be a difficult task, especially when technological tools are available to help you.

Available for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, the new iBracesHelp app is ideal for anyone with braces or those interested in orthodontic treatment. This free app comes complete with a glossary of orthodontic terms, home care tips, frequently asked questions, and emergency care information.

When you’re looking for high-quality orthodontic services in the area, look no further than our Dental Office. Give us a call to set up a consultation appointment.

The Invisalign system is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment method that gradually straightens teeth without using metal brackets, archwires, or elastic ties. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign braces can be used to correct oral malocclusions such as spaced teeth, crowding, crossbites, underbites, and overbites.

However, there are certain steps you will want to take to ensure fast, effective treatment:

Comply with Treatment Requirements

Diligence and self-discipline are crucial for getting the most out of your Invisalign treatment. While you may remove your aligners to eat or when brushing and flossing, you must wear your aligners for at least 20 hours each day throughout the duration of your treatment in order to achieve the desired results.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Plaque and bacteria build up on your aligners just as they do your teeth. This not only makes the aligners become cloudy but also increases your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Brush your aligners with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush every day and soak them once a week in denture cleaner to help keep them bacteria-free.

Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly

Missing your orthodontic appointments can severely hinder your progress. Be sure to keep up with your appointments and visit with your orthodontist every two weeks to undergo an evaluation. This will not only allow you to move on to the next aligner in the series, but will also enable you to discuss any problems or concerns with your orthodontist.

Whether you are interested in the Invisalign system, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces, or traditional metal braces, our Dental Office is here to help. Our state-of-the-art office is dedicated to giving you the smile you want at a price you can afford. Call us for directions to our location.

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Are you looking for ways to improve your smile? Learn more about orthodontic treatment options for adults and children, tips for maintaining your oral hygiene, and an overview of Invisalign treatment. Give our Dental Office a call for more information about our orthodontic services.

While traditional braces utilize metal brackets, archwires, and elastic ties to gradually alter your dentition, the Invisalign system uses clear, removable aligners to treat many of the same oral malocclusions in less time.

The Invisalign system took preexisting technology into the digital age, mapping out each stage of your treatment so that you can visibly see how your teeth should look after wearing each aligner.

Is the Invisalign system the right orthodontic solution for your needs? Find out by giving the orthodontic team of our Dental Office a call.

Many orthodontists are approached with peculiar questions from their patients regarding braces. Whether the questions revolve around pain or the duration of the treatment, a great orthodontist will do his or her best to put patients’ worries to rest and help them distinguish rumor from reality. Here are three common braces myths that we’ll help you dismiss:

1. Braces are for kids. Many people think that once you’ve passed your teen years, there are no more options for teeth alignment. This is definitely a false myth about braces. Many adults decide to get braces in order to correct their smile and restore confidence in their appearance. Orthodontic treatment can also help improve the condition of your teeth and gums at any age.

2. Braces are ugly and noticeable. This assumption is certainly false. Modern technology provides patients with great new options for braces. Not only can your orthodontist provide braces to correct your smile, but he or she can also help you find an option that will work for your lifestyle. Whether you choose clear aligners, lingual braces, or another subtle option, you can keep your orthodontic treatment inconspicuous.

3. Braces mean two years or more of pain. This is another false idea regarding braces. It is true that you will experience some pain as your teeth shift during your orthodontic treatment, but this pain can easily be managed with over-the-counter medication. After you grow used to the presence of braces in your mouth, you will not notice the pressure they put on your teeth as much. In addition, the time that your orthodontic treatment will take will depend upon the severity of your condition and your dedication to the treatment, but it is certainly possible that it will take under two years.

If you’ve allowed some of these common myths to keep you from discussing braces with your orthodontist, come speak to the caring team at our Dental Office. We work with patients of all ages to help them get the smile of their dreams. Call us today to learn what we can do for you.

Whether you and your orthodontist have already discussed braces or not, you may be curious to learn how braces can work to give you the straight, healthy smile that you want. At our Dental Office, we love to share this important knowledge with our patients so they can understand more about their health and how we’re helping them improve it. Here are some sites we suggest to help you learn a little more about the process of straightening your teeth with braces.

If your child getting ready to undergo orthodontic treatment? Both you and your child can learn more about braces by looking at this guide from KidsHealth.org.
Don’t be fooled by braces myths that coworkers or friends have shared with you. 3M.com will help you separate fact from fiction with this reassuring article.
Orthodontic care doesn’t stop after the braces have been removed. Take a look at this article from MedicineNet.com to learn more about wearing a retainer and get tips for proper maintenance and cleaning methods.
Wearing braces is becoming increasingly common among adults. Visit this page from Colgate to find out how you could benefit from braces.
Do you want to learn more about the different types of braces available? If so, check out this helpful article offered by the experts at WebMD.
For even more information about braces, come visit our Dental Office or call us today. Let us show you how you can achieve your perfect smile.

If you’ve recently left your orthodontist’s office with a new retainer in hand, you’re going to need to learn the proper ways to care for it. This device is responsible for keeping your teeth in a set position and should be maintained in great shape so that it can fulfill this purpose. Here is what you should know about caring for your new retainer:

Be Careful When Removing It To Eat
One of the biggest mistakes that orthodontic patients make with their retainers is placing them on a napkin or paper plate after removing them to eat. Oftentimes, these retainers end up in the garbage with the napkin and are never found. Lost retainers must be replaced, which is an added expense for orthodontic treatment, so be sure to keep yours in a safe place while eating.

Always Use the Retainer Case
If you need to take your retainer out for a meal or activity, make sure to place it in its case. Get into the habit of keeping your retainer’s case with you and placing the retainer in the case whenever you are not wearing it so that it does not become lost or damaged. Not wearing your retainer because you cannot find it or because it is broken will allow your teeth to begin to return to their prior state.

Brush and Clean Your Retainer
Every time you brush your teeth, you should also brush your retainer. You should clean it thoroughly on a weekly basis by soaking it in a denture cleanser that is mixed with a cup of warm water. After the retainer has soaked for a few minutes, remove and rinse it thoroughly before you put it back into your mouth.

Like any orthodontic device, retainers are most effective when they are cared for and used properly. At our Dental Office, we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer to our clients and the helpful information we provide to them regarding orthodontic care. Call us today to learn more about our practice or to set up an appointment.

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