Here is What to Expect Immediately Following Your Orthodontics Treatment

Finally, your orthodontics procedure has started, and your braces are fitted. Now you are on the way to having the straightest, most beautiful smile you ever thought possible. As you start this journey, there will be many appointments and much discussion about your treatment, the duration it will take to get your teeth adjusted, instructions on caring for them, fittings, measurements, and a host of other activity. Over the course of the treatment, leading up to us fitting your braces, you will have gotten a lot of information, filled out a lot of forms, and learned a great deal about your teeth. Now that the final fitting appointment is done, you are going to leave the offices with a new orthodontic fitting, and potentially even more questions. 

We know that many people feel slightly intimidated by the orthodontist’s office and save their questions for a Google search or ask friends and family for advice.  While this can be helpful, we prefer that you ask us questions since each patients' treatment plan is slightly different.  Still, we will send you home with a packet of information that you can read to get basic information and care tips.   If you have any further questions, please call us or ask them during one of your follow-up visits. 

Questions aside, orthodontics treatments and braces do take a period of adjustment before you will start to feel normal with them in your mouth. The first few days are going to be spent getting used to them. As your mouth gets accustomed to idea of something taking up more space than just your teeth, and while your gums, teeth, and tongue become acclimatized to the braces you could experience some levels of pain and discomfort. The good news is that this pain is easily controlled with over the counter pain medication.  The discomfort at this stage is the most you will experience throughout the treatment, meaning once it passes you will not have to deal with this again. 

If you need medication to feel comfortable, we recommend that you stay away from Ibuprofen products since the medication can cause the movement of your teeth to slow down. Ibuprofen is the major ingredient in over the counter pain medications like Advil and Motrin. Instead, we recommend that you take Tylenol for your pain since it contains acetaminophen and has no effect on the teeth’s movement. 

Whenever you get an orthodontics treatment, especially braces, there are certain foods you are going to need to avoid. Initially, you should eat soft foods so that you can eat in comfort.  After a few days, you should continue to avoid super sticky foods, like candy and gum, extremely hard foods, like nuts or popcorn, and other foods that can damage the teeth. We will provide you with a complete list of foods to avoid at the end of your fitting appointment. Doing so will be important for ensuring that you don't accidentally pull a bracket out of place or cause a wire to break.  If you do, they can be corrected but it will slow down your treatment time. 

Learn About Teeth Whitening Products Before Buying Them

Here is an interesting fact about teeth whitening. Did you know that out of the millions of Americans who use an over the counter teeth whitening solution this year, one in every twenty-five (1/25) will have to be seen by a dentist for a level of pain or discomfort? This pain varies from the mild and bearable to the “I’m in so much pain, a root canal sounds good”. It is important to note that this isn't because teeth whitening is bad, in fact, when we perform the procedure it is pain-free. The discomfort is typically caused by ill-fitting trays or overuse. 

Solutions for teeth whitening have been around forever. The earliest tooth brushing was invented to try and keep teeth white and healthy while ancient cultures are known to have rubbed charcoal on their teeth to make them whiter. Needless to say men, and women, have been obsessed with having white teeth for a very long time. Enter the modern world where consumerism drives everything, and there are now a million solutions available easily, and over the counter, at your local pharmaceutical store. While convenience is wonderful, it also carries its own set of risks as many people whiten without the help of a professional. 

The massive influx of products has created the only known problem with teeth whitening. Overuse is a common and sometimes painful problem for people who whiten their teeth. But why do people overuse the products? We believe that the answer is simple and starts with the quest for the perfect white teeth and brilliant smile. Over-the-counter products do a great job of getting the smile back the first time. However, what most will not tell you is that after a while, a smile starts to fade, and the brilliance of the teeth’s whiteness starts to diminish. Naturally the teeth will once again start to stain and return to a less than optimal color that is more natural. This is upsetting to some people, and the tendency is to then use the product again, and again, and keep using it every time the smile fades even slightly. 

As dentists, we recommend not using a whitening product more than once every 4 to 6 months. This avoids overuse and protects your gums from getting irritated from over exposure to the bleach and other chemicals that are found in the whitening agents. Teeth whitening is designed to help whiten your teeth, but not on a monthly basis. Frequent users, sometimes whitening their teeth more than once a month, are at greater risk for irritation or applying the product to a cavity or infected gum. Any of these scenarios can lead to discomfort. 

Our advice is simple. Don’t overuse over the counter teeth whitening products. If you want your teeth to get whiter, have the procedure done at our office instead.  Our solutions are more effective than anything you can buy at the store and we will ensure your comfort during the process. 

Learn About the Connection Between Periodontics and Cardiology

Periodontics and cardiology may have a lot in common.  Soon, a periodontist may be working in closer proximity to cardiologists than one might have thought. As more information is emerging about the connection between gum diseases and some heart conditions, there is a possibility that the two fields will be conducting extensive research to find out exactly what these two sets of conditions have in common, and more importantly if one can be used to diagnose and prevent the other. Naturally if there is a way for periodontists to find people that are at a higher risk for heart diseases, based on the condition of their gums it would be an exciting step forward that may give cardiologists an additional early warning mechanism that will ultimately save lives. 

Periodontists, in conjunction with cardiologists, have examined a large number of scientific and private studies compiled into a large database, several similarities and conjoining factors have emerged that suggest that gum diseases may be linked to heart conditions, and vice versa. What is important to note is that these studies, and this compilation of data is extremely rudimentary at this stage, which means no important conclusions can be drawn until much more in depth analysis is completed. From an anecdotal evidence point of view, however, it is clear that the two have numerous factors in common which leads one to believe that there is room for more research to gain a more clear understanding of how one condition may be a precursor to or an indicator of the other. 

While there is much research to be done, the studies, that have been concluded, have found two very interesting corresponding factors, which warrant further study. The first of these is the elevated levels of CRP, or the C-reactive protein which is found in both heart patients and in patients that have gum diseases. The second is the identical nature of the bacteria found in the atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries of heart patients and the bacteria that affects patients with gum disease. 

The C-reactive protein is an important diagnostic and monitoring tool for both cardiologists and periodontists. CRP, or C-reactive protein, reaches elevated levels if the body has some level of inflammation. For a heart patient, this occurs because the build of plaque in the arteries is an inflammatory process which makes it a key tool for diagnosing at risk patients at the cardiologist's office. In periodontics, the gum disease also causes inflammation, which means they too measure the CRP as part of the diagnostic and monitoring process. 

The second, and potentially more important, connection between gum diseases and heart conditions come from the identical nature of the bacteria found in atherosclerotic plaque and the bacteria in the gums. Theoretically this could be caused by people with gum diseases brushing their teeth and releasing the bacteria into the blood stream where it makes its way into the arteries. Once in the arteries the bacteria release a protein typically found in the arterial walls, leading the body to activate its defense mechanisms. The result of this would be easier clotting of blood in the affected areas, which could be damaging to the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Perhaps periodontics can be an early indication of heart disease to come.

Facts You Should Know About Orthodontics From a Braces Dentist

As a braces dentist, we know that orthodontics has become an essential part of modern day dentistry. As more people become aware of the importance of having straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw, the need for orthodontists has skyrocketed. Once thought of as a cosmetic fix, today people understand the significance of having straight teeth, how the jaw influences language skills, and even the importance of a great winning smile. Dentists too have started to work much more closely with orthodontists, to give them a whole new array of tools to improve a patient’s dental health. There is, however, a healthy dose of myths that surround the science of orthodontics. 

Straightening teeth and the use of braces are not just for children. Much to the contrary, adults make up more than twenty percent of the patients an orthodontist sees.  We treat adults who want to get their jaw properly aligned, or their teeth straightened. Popular culture has built up the myth that braces are for children and that adults are stuck with the teeth they grew up with. Luckily, as more adults become educated, they are seeking the treatment they can get for their crooked teeth and we can help. 

Another popular myth is that braces tend to hurt. This myth does have some foundation in reality. For many years, getting braces was a tedious and often painful process. Fortunately, modern medicine has had an impact on orthodontics as well. Today braces are no longer as uncomfortable, with most people getting used to them very quickly. Braces today are far more manageable, and most patients report minimal, if any, discomfort. As a braces dentist, we work with our patients to ensure that they stay comfortable throughout their treatment.

Many adults are still worried that wearing braces could be embarrassing, especially in a professional environment. 

Clear braces, made from natural-colored ceramics have become increasingly more popular as people seeking to straighten their teeth do not want the embarrassment of metal braces. Additional advances allow for some braces to be installed behind the teeth, which places them completely out of sight. These changes have made it so that adults can wear their braces all the time without having to worry about the unsightly metal protruding from their teeth. Additionally, we can use clear aligners to straighten teeth without the use of brackets or wires at all. 

Another common idea is that braces take a long time to get a person’s teeth properly aligned. Many patients think that it will take years of wearing braces, with constant adjustments and frequent trips to the orthodontist’s office to get them tightened or adjusted. 

While it is true that braces do take time, there really is no set time frame. Each patient is different and so it could take a few months, or a few years to get the teeth straight. Adjustments and tightening are part of the process, which is designed to gradually move your teeth from the natural position they grew into to the place where they were supposed to go. We can let you know what the time frame would look like for your case during a consultation.

To learn more about orthodontics and how we can improve your smile, give us a call to schedule an appointment with a braces dentist.

Interesting Facts About Straightening Your Teeth From a Braces Dentist

As a braces dentist, we can straighten your teeth and improve your smile. This is important for your overall health and your appearance.  Crooked teeth do more than make your smile funny.  They are places for food and bacteria to become trapped and increase your risk of getting a cavity.  When your bite is misaligned, it can also create jaw pain and headaches – not a good combination.

Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your smile, and we are experts at finding the right one for our patients.  If you think about a mouth full of metal when you hear the word “braces” – think again.  Orthodontics has come a long way since the 1980’s, and people are straightening their teeth more than ever before because it is so much easier.

Here are some facts you may not know.

• Braces have gone clear.  As a braces dentist, we can discuss clear braces with you.  This is one way to straighten your teeth without the appearance of metal.  This option works well for some people but is not for everyone so we can let you know if it is the best route for you during a consultation. 
• Look behind the teeth.  Some people are wearing braces behind their teeth now.  This is a new type of procedure where brackets and wires are secured to the back of the teeth so that no one can tell teeth are being straightened.
• You can have fun with it.  A lot of kids love wearing braces because they make it fun.  At each appointment, the rubber bands are changed, and patients can pick out their colors and create patterns so that their braces become an expression of their taste and style.  You can even color coordinate for your favorite holidays. 
• They shrunk!  As a braces dentist, we like to show our patients how much smaller the brackets and wires are now.  If you have worn braces in the past, or considered it, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much smaller everything is now.  They are just as effective, but now more of your natural teeth will show through. 
• Aligners are popular.  A lot of people are choosing to straighten their teeth with clear aligners.  They look like a retainer that surrounds your teeth, and you can take it out when you eat.  This makes aligners a convenient option for people that don’t want to look like they are wearing braces. 
• They’re cooler now.  Sure, kids used to make fun of braces, but that day has passed.  Now it is extremely common for people to wear braces and a lot of kids actually look forward to it. Wearing braces has become a rite of passage, and the results afterwards are nothing short of amazing. 

If you are considering straightening your teeth, schedule an appointment to speak with a braces dentist.  We can discuss the various treatment options and come up with a plan that will work for you and your lifestyle.  Call today to learn more. 

Learn How to Take Care of Your Dental Veneers and Make Them Last for Years

If you have dental veneers, it is important to take care of them so that they can stay in good condition.  They are supposed to last for five to ten years. Whether or not they do, depends on whether or not they were installed correctly in the first place and how well you take care of them on a regular basis. 

There are some simple steps you can take in order to keep your veneers in good condition.  This starts by making sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene.  Make sure to brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush and do so throughout the day.  You also need to floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash in order to kill any lingering bacteria.  Get your teeth cleaned at the dentist office twice a year in order to kill any lingering bacteria and get cavities treated.  This is an important step because veneers are placed onto the surface of your natural teeth so if the tooth becomes infected it will impact your veneers. 

You should also watch what you put into your mouth.  Don’t bite your nails, chew on pencils, chew ice or hard candy since these can cause your veneers to either fall off or chip.  You can eat all of your favorite foods but avoid things that are known to be too hard for your teeth.  Use caution when deciding what you want to eat so that you don’t bite down on anything that could harm your dental veneers. 

When visiting our dental office ask us to look to see if there are any signs of you grinding your teeth.  If there are, then you need to wear a night guard when you sleep.  This will prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching which will stop the grinding and any clenching that you may be doing.  This is important because grinding can cause your dental veneers to become chipped or even fall off.  It can also give you a headache as well, so a mouth guard can help you to feel better in general. 

It is very easy to care for your veneers.  Just practice good oral hygiene and treat them like you would the rest of your teeth.  This will keep them in good condition.  As an added benefit, you don’t have to worry as much about your teeth becoming stained.  Veneers are stain resistant so if you are used to your teeth becoming yellow fairly easily; this will help.  They key to remember is that you need to whiten the rest of your teeth before your veneers are placed.  Since they don’t stain easily, they also don’t whiten like normal teeth.  By whitening the rest of your teeth first, the veneers will be created in the perfect shade of white and your entire smile will look amazing. 

To learn more about the process or how to keep them in good condition, give us a call. 

Learn About the Stages in Orthodontics You Will Go Through While Your Teeth are Being Straightened

While performing orthodontics treatments, we can straighten our patient's teeth and turn their smile into something healthy and beautiful.  Before getting started, we will examine your teeth to make sure that they are healthy.  It is important to remove any infection and treat any cavities so that your teeth and gums are in good shape prior to wearing braces.  It is far easier to treat the infection before starting the process than after.

Once your teeth are in good health, we will discuss your options for straightening them and the various things that you don’t like about your smile. By listening to your needs and concerns, we can make recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs and health.  Whether you straighten your teeth with braces, aligners or cosmetic dentistry, we can help you to improve your appearance and oral health at the same time. 

When using orthodontics to straighten teeth, there are several stages that you must go through before the braces can come off.  The first stage is to make sure that there is enough room for all of your adult teeth.  Many people have a pallet that is simply too small for all of their teeth and some need to be pulled or removed as a result. We offer an alternative solution where a metal expander is placed on the roof of your mouth and secured to your teeth. Every day for several weeks, you turn the device, and it slowly expands and pushes your teeth outwards.  As a result, more room is made for your teeth. Many children will wear an expander prior to getting braces as it can solve their overcrowding issues. 

Once there is room for your teeth, they can be moved into place using metal braces or clear aligners.  If metal braces are used, a bracket will be placed on each of your teeth, and a wire threaded between them.  The wires are held in place using rubber bands and over the course of the treatment; the wires will be adjusted in order to move teeth into position.  Typically, teeth are targeted so that they are not all moving at the same time.  This makes the process more comfortable, and a similar technique is used with aligners except that the aligners can be switched out at home. 

As your teeth are moving into place, your bite will also be adjusted.  It is important to have a bite that is perfectly aligned so that the upper teeth can fit securely over the lower teeth.  When we adjust your bite, we will make sure that your teeth are fitting front to back, side to side, and top to bottom.  By aligning your bite, your jaw won’t hurt as much; headaches can be reduced, and it becomes easier to eat.  This can be done by using rubber bands, headgear, and other orthodontics treatments. 

To learn more and to get a recommendation for how to straighten your teeth, give us call.