by | Mar 28, 2017 | Orthodontic Treatments
Contrary to Popular Belief: It is Perfectly Safe
When people are told that they are going to need to have multiple teeth removed, one of the most common concerns is how this will affect the appearance of their face. It is possible that the look of your face could change slightly after having an orthodontic treatment performed to remove permanent teeth. However, the reality is that in the vast majority of cases, no changes will occur that can be perceived by the naked eye.
FAQ
What will the orthodontist recommend?
When an orthodontist makes the recommendation to remove teeth, he or she does not do so lightly. The need to remove teeth is usually caused by a lack of room. An orthodontist will examine x-rays, pictures and models to determine if extraction is indeed necessary. Saving the teeth is always the preferable option, but this is not always possible.
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by | Mar 27, 2017 | Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Orthodontic Treatments, Team Demas Orthodontics
Understanding How Self-Ligating Braces Work
Misaligned teeth have been impacting people’s smiles for a long time. Braces have been utilized for hundreds of years as a way to straighten the misaligned teeth of children, as well as adults. There have been developments in orthodontics concerning the design of braces. The goal has always been to make them more comfortable and easily accessible. With traditional braces, a person’s mouth has archwires, brackets, and bands in place to put pressure on the teeth. This is done so the teeth can be put in proper alignment. This method requires regular orthodontic visits so the bands and archwires can be adjusted as needed. This is how traditional braces are kept working correctly. Now, there is a new type of braces available. Self-ligating braces utilize clips and not rubber bands.
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by | Mar 23, 2017 | Smile Quote
Keep Smiling While You Wear Modern Aligners or Braces
Your smile is important because it is the first thing that someone notices about you. When you have crooked teeth, it may feel difficult to smile. However, at an orthodontist’s office, you can schedule examinations to determine if aligners or braces can improve you or your child’s smile. Having straight teeth can improve your self-esteem because you no longer feel embarrassed about talking or smiling. Instead of frowning to hide your misaligned teeth, keep smiling while wearing braces or aligners.
You Can Wear a Smile When You Have Invisible Orthodontic Treatment
Teenagers and adults can wear clear aligners on their teeth when they have mild malocclusions. You are able to change to a new set of aligners every two weeks in order to shift your teeth slowly into the correct positions in your mouth. No one will know if you are using invisible aligners to improve your smile. If you have severe malocclusions, then an orthodontist will recommend other types of braces instead of aligners. In addition, an orthodontist can design color-matching ceramic brackets that are nearly impossible to see.
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by | Mar 16, 2017 | Smile Quote, Team Demas Orthodontics
Choose Soft and Friendly Foods While Wearing Braces or Aligners
You need to consume a lot of minerals and vitamins to strengthen your teeth during orthodontic treatment. However, you might find it difficult to chew food right after beginning to wear aligners or braces because the tissues in your mouth can feel sensitive. It is still easy to consume vital nutrients by making a green vanilla mint smoothie and using a blender to whip the ingredients. The recipe for this beverage includes the following:
• Coconut milk
• Fresh mint leaves
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh spinach
• Frozen banana
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by | Mar 7, 2017 | General Articles
gif courtesy of giphy.com
Orthodontic emergencies don’t happen too often, but when children are involved, there’s bound to be something that loosens, breaks or irritates. In most cases, a temporary solution can be done at home. If it’s a more serious problem, it’s important to know when to get help.
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
Not all problems your kids will encounter with braces need the immediate attention of an orthodontist. The first set of tips on how to deal with emergencies involves issues they may have with the braces and how you can help them solve the problem.
• Sore teeth – During the first 24 to 72 hours after braces are applied, the teeth may ache or feel sore. To relieve any pain, take Tylenol and eat a soft food diet.
• Mouth sores – It is possible for sores to develop inside the mouth when braces are new. Eventually, the skin becomes used to the braces rubbing against the lips and cheeks and the sores heal. For relief, a small amount of cotton or wax can be placed on the brace where the irritation occurs.
• Broken or loose braces/brackets – If teeth are brushed too vigorously or the wrong foods are eaten, brackets can come loose. If it can be easily removed, the bracket should be brought to the next appointment so it can be reattached.
• Poking or loose wire – Sometimes, the wire is still attached to the bracket but sticking out. The patient can push it back gently with a q-tip or pencil eraser and use orthodontic wax to keep the wire from cutting the inside of the gum or cheeks.
• Loose teeth – It is common for teeth to loosen while wearing braces. The constant pressure and force of the braces help the teeth shift to a new position. As with any concerns, have it checked at the next appointment.
• Headgear issues – If wearing a headgear is causing a problem, it needs to be adjusted to prevent any unwanted jaw or tooth movement. Call your orthodontist as soon as possible.
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