It’s a fact of life — some kids will need metal braces to correct minor and severe dental issues they develop down the line. However, as a parent, it’s your job to ensure they’re ready for the responsibility. If the two of you have been contemplating braces for children, read on.
Have They Shown Concern?
A crooked smile can take its toll on anyone’s self esteem — especially a child or teen. Ask yourself whether your child has expressed concern about their teeth in the past. Do you think straighter teeth would help boost their confidence? If so, treatment is worth it.
They Feel Comfortable at The Orthodontist’s Chair
Metal braces require some upkeep. You’ll have to bring your child in to get them tightened every few months. Make sure they are ready to make that commitment.
They Take Great Care of Their Teeth
Clear and metal braces require upkeep at home too. Make sure your child is ready to take on that responsibility. They’ll have to clean their Invisalign trays and make sure to take them out when eating. If the two of you opt for metal braces, they’ll have to avoid certain foods and learn how to brush around the wires.
They are of Age
Braces are great for kids. However, you want to make sure you’re starting treatment at the right age. Eleven is common for younger children. However, your teenager is a great candidate, as well.
They’re In Pain
Pain and soreness are the biggest red flags you should watch out for. Misaligned teeth may cause pain down to the jaw. To prevent any severe issues now and down the line into adulthood, bring your child in for a consultation as soon as you can.
Contact Us For More Information
If your child has expressed concern about their teeth, and proved themselves to be a responsible candidate, then congratulations! Your child will make an excellent candidate for treatment. For more information about metal braces, contact us today. We’ll get you in touch with a qualified orthodontist in the area who can help you develop the best game plan for you and your child.
There’s no denying that families today are busier than ever before. Having to juggle work, school, extracurriculars, and the occasional special event means that most moms have to wear multiple hats, from cook and chauffeur to nurse and referee – plus everything in between! However, there’s one hat you shouldn’t have to wear just because you’re a mother – that of an orthodontist. While your instincts and attention to detail come in handy for crafting the perfect family calendar, your child’s oral health requires expert advice and guidance. That’s where Team Demas Orthodontics comes in!
After graduating from dental school, an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Demas goes through years of additional training in order to become a highly-trained specialist in tooth movement, facial growth, and dental development. This extra training and experience make orthodontists your child’s best bet for a lasting smile that looks and feels great.Even though you’re unlikely to be an expert when it comes to orthodontics, we still want you to feel confident in your choice to seek orthodontic treatment for your child. We know it’s a big investment in their oral health and their smile, so let’s take a look at some of the most important things you should know about orthodontics before you take the first step!(Do you have a child age 7 or above who would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation? Click here to schedule a free exam!)
Orthodontics is about more than a straight smile
Many people believe that orthodontics is about straightening smiles and not much else. This is a common misconception, but in reality, orthodontic treatment addresses much more! Because straight teeth aren’t the only indicator of a healthy smile, orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists like Dr. Demas know to go beyond the surface of a smile to examine not only a patient’s teeth, but the movement and growth of their jaw as well. They’re also able to observe the teeth as they develop. This allows them to check for any impacted, missing, or overcrowded teeth that may otherwise go unnoticed until they begin causing problems.
Children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7
Orthodontics is most often associated with teens, so it can come as a surprise to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic exam by about age 7. Even though their mouths are still developing, and they generally have a mix of baby and permanent teeth to deal with, it turns out that’s actually the point! Seeing children around this age means we can pick up on potential problems before they become a big deal. This can lessen or eliminate any negative impact on your child’s permanent teeth and bite.
We treat many young patients here at Team Demas Orthodontics, and have seen firsthand the positive difference preventive care makes. Starting treatment at the right time can make a positive difference in a child’s oral health, and even though children won’t require any active treatment, an early exam lets us check for a number of issues to determine if and when orthodontic treatment is indicated.
Pick an orthodontic office your whole family is comfortable with
Depending on the type of treatment, most patients will need to be seen every 6-8 weeks or so throughout the orthodontic process. Since you’ll be spending quite a bit of time there with your child, it’s important to find an office you feel comfortable with! Our beautiful Southington office is bright, relaxing, and state-of-the-art, so you can be sure you’re getting the most efficient treatment possible along with the best results.
For your convenience, we offer morning, afternoon, and Saturday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. We’re also conveniently located so you can get back to work, school, or home as soon as possible after your child’s appointment. Our whole team is committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment and a positive, stress-free experience from your first appointment with us to your last!
Multiple treatment options are available
Modern orthodontics have come a long way in recent years. At Team Demas Orthodontics, we combine innovative technology with cutting-edge techniques to help patients of all ages achieve a straighter, healthier smile. We offer the following treatments from our Southington office.
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are typically composed of stainless steel brackets, wires, and bands that work together to gently guide the teeth into the desired positions over time. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than previous versions. They can also be personalized by choosing elastics in a wide variety of fun color combinations.
Traditional metal braces tend to be the most widely used orthodontic treatment, and with good reason! They are a reliable, effective, and economical option for straightening smiles and improving oral health. Metal braces are especially useful for cases that are more severe or complicated.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are also referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, and they work the same way that metal braces do. While they utilize the same components as traditional braces, the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics and ties, ceramic braces can offer patients an incredibly inconspicuous treatment option!
While ceramic braces are tough like metal braces, they are more prone to chipping and cracking. For this reason, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. The aligners are composed of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, which helps to avoid much of the friction and abrasions that braces can cause. As the teeth begin to shift, the aligners will be changed out approximately every 1-2 weeks to keep up with this movement.
Unlike braces, which are a fixed appliance and cannot be removed, Invisalign relies almost entirely on patient compliance to work properly. Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours every day, throughout the course of treatment, in order to get results. The Invisalign system tends to work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, so it may not always be a suitable choice for patients who have more severe or complicated cases.
Treatment times will vary from patient to patient
When it comes to treatment times, there is no “one size fits all” answer. This is because every patient has their own unique smile, and will respond to treatment in their own way. The length of time your child will require treatment will vary based on their own specific case, with factors such as the severity of the problem, the health of their teeth, gums, and supporting bone, and how compliant they are playing a part. We can tell you, however, that on average, braces tend to be worn for about 12 to 24 months, while Invisalign treatment averages about 12 to 18 months.
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile with Team Demas Orthodontics
As a mom, we know that you want nothing but the best for your child, and that includes a beautiful, healthy smile that will last them a lifetime! If you’re in Southington or the surrounding communities and want to explore more about orthodontics for your child, get in touch today to schedule a FREE exam! We’d love to meet you both, and are excited to get your child started on the road to improved oral health and a smile they’ll want to share with the world.
Are you new to the world of orthodontic treatment? Or have you been wearing braces for a while and consider yourself something of an expert? At Team Demas Orthodontics, it’s important to us that all of our patients, from brand new to most experienced, feel confident in their knowledge of the treatment process. It’s equally important to us that you are informed about some of the issues that can occur when undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, they do occur from time to time. It’s helpful for our braces patients to know how to proceed in the event of any of the following orthodontic emergencies:
serious injury or trauma to the face, neck, mouth, teeth, or gums
swelling, infection, or bleeding of the gums or mouth
severe pain or discomfort in your teeth, mouth, face, or neck
If you experience any of these symptoms while in braces, we encourage you to seek from a qualified provider help as soon as possible. If you’re a current patient, we recommend you start with our Southington office, or even your general dentist. However, please don’t hesitate to visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room if you feel that’s your best option. While some patients are concerned that their orthodontic process will be interrupted or delayed by emergency treatment, we can always pick up where we left off, or adjust your treatment plan once the emergency has passed.
Not sure about what constitutes an actual emergency? It’s not unusual to question what type of situation would require an immediate ER visit versus when it would be advisable to “wait and see” how things go. One good example of this would be a fractured tooth. This would require immediate diagnosis and treatment. The same is true for any severe pain or swelling around your teeth, jaw, or mouth, as this can be a sign of infection or disease.
Thankfully, serious emergencies tend to be few and far between! While having a plan in place for an emergency is always recommended, a number of more minor issues can be remedied from the comfort of your own home. Though they may not always be able to eliminate all the pain, discomfort, or irritation you’re experiencing, home remedies can be very effective at lessening or relieving your symptoms until we can see you in our office.
Treating non-emergency issues
To help you know what to look for and how to treat some of the most common minor “emergencies” or sources of discomfort, we’ve compiled a list of them below, as well as tips on how to handle them from home. Keep reading to learn more!
Mouth sores
While orthodontic treatment itself doesn’t cause mouth sores, some patients do seem to be more susceptible to them while they’re in braces. If you find yourself struggling with painful ulcers on your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums while you’re wearing braces, you can get some relief by swabbing a small amount of topical anesthetic directly to the sore. This can be reapplied as often as needed, just be sure to follow the instructions included with the packaging.
Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires
If any part of your braces comes loose or breaks during treatment, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can determine what your next steps should be. In the meantime, there are a few guidelines you can follow to keep your braces and your mouth safe.
If a band or bracket is broken but still attached to the wire, try to leave it alone until you can be seen. Don’t connect any elastics to it. Components that are causing irritation can be covered with a small amount of orthodontic wax, but remember to remove it when you’re brushing your teeth, then reapply it as needed. If any piece of your braces has completely broken off, we ask that you place it in a secure bag and bring it with you to your appointment.
Misplaced archwire, bracket, or tie
As your treatment progresses and your teeth begin to move, the archwire connecting them may also shift. This can result in it poking out a bit near the back of your mouth, irritating your cheeks or gums. You can use the eraser end of the pencil or a clean cotton swab to gently move it back into the correct spot.
If your wires or ties move, they can often be gently manipulated back into place using a pair of clean tweezers or the eraser end of a pencil. For wires or brackets that have shifted and are irritating the inside of your mouth, try a pinch of orthodontic wax over the parts that are poking out to help relieve the immediate discomfort. Don’t forget to contact us as soon as you can so Dr. Demas can determine what’s actually going on and correct it.
Tooth pain or loosening
Although your teeth loosening slightly can be a little scary, it’s common during orthodontic treatment, and is actually exactly what we want them to do! However, this movement can sometimes cause mild tenderness. This may be especially noticeable right after your braces are put on, or following an adjustment appointment. Salt water rinses are a great home remedy that is tried-and-true for relieving soreness. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of your jaw can offer some pain relief as well.
In the event of a true orthodontic emergency, you should seek treatment from an experienced and qualified orthodontist like Dr. Demas as soon as possible. But we know that even minor emergency situations can be upsetting to patients! That’s why our whole team is dedicated to creating an orthodontic experience that is safe, stress-free, and rewarding for you. Because we build beautiful smiles for patients of all ages daily, we know that the process doesn’t have to be painful. If you’re experiencing any discomfort with your braces, or are concerned about any other aspect of your orthodontic treatment,get in touch with our Southington office today. We’ll work hard to get to the bottom of whatever the problem and put a smile back on your face as soon as possible!
Are there foods I can’t eat with braces? When you first get braces, it can feel like you have very limited options in terms of what you can eat. Dr. Demas, a leading orthodontist in Southington, will help you understand the limitations of braces and how you can best care for them by putting thought into the foods you or your child eats.
There are many reasons why Invisalign has risen rapidly in popularity over the last 15 years. The technology of clear aligner treatment allows you to go about your day without worrying about your appearance: no more metal standing between the world and your smile! Invisalign has been popularized by celebrities like Zac Efron, Eva Longoria, and Tom Cruise; no wonder Invisalign is now one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in Southington.
Of course, the Invisalign system requires discipline, good habits, and some minor lifestyle changes. For best results, Invisalign requires that the user keeps the aligners in place between 20-22 hours per day. As such, that leaves between 2-4 hours each day for eating, drinking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing.
The most common concern I hear from potential Invisalign patients is this:
FAQ
How can I maintain a healthy diet if I’m only allowed 2-4 hours per day to eat? Am I going to starve?!?
Here’s the good news: You can maintain a healthy diet while using Invisalign. When I encounter patients concerned about whether they will have to dramatically change their eating habits, I encourage them to keep a diet journal for at least a week. You’ll find that the actual time you spend eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth adds up to around two hours. (Of course, this depends on your snacking habits. But won’t cutting down on lengthy snacking sessions improve your diet?)
Here is the schedule that I recommend for Invisalign patients:
Morning brushing and flossing: 5 minutes
Breakfast: 20 minutes
Snack: 10 minutes
Lunch: 30 minutes
Snack: 10 minutes
Dinner: 50 minutes
Night brushing and flossing: 5 minutes
Add that all up and you’ll come to 130 minutes, or just over two hours. Keep in mind that those times don’t take into account meal preparation, but there’s no need to take out your aligners when you’re putting together your sandwich for lunch, is there? Every patient is different with varying dietary needs, but I recommend giving this schedule a time and seeing if you can comfortably finish your meals within this framework.
Keeping Your Teeth Clean with Invisalign
As always, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene when using Invisalign. In a perfect world, patients would brush and floss thoroughly each time after eating. I recognize that my patients often have busy schedules or don’t have access to running water at school or work. At the bare minimum, you should brush and floss thoroughly twice each day: once in the morning and once before bed. However, to keep up your oral hygiene throughout the day and prevent trapped food particles, I recommend rinsing with warm water or mouthwash after eating and before putting in your aligners.
Invisalign is a significant investment in your orthodontic health, physical appearance, and general well-being. If you’re going through the work of keeping your aligners in for over 20 hours each day, why risk the possibility of other issues with poor oral hygiene?
Tried-and-True Patient Advice for a Healthy Invisalign Diet
This is a collection of advice from my patients who have used Invisalign and experienced the lifestyle changes demanded by clear aligner treatment. These four tips should be a great help to anyone considering Invisalign:
Don’t Panic: You can do it! Keep in mind that many, before you, have gone through the Invisalign process and survived the dietary and lifestyle changes. There may be days where you have your aligners out for over 20 hours, and while it’s not ideal, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t beat yourself up about bad days, and stay positive. Rely on your friends and family for encouragement and you’ll see how easy it is after a few days to stick to your new diet requirements.
Set a Schedule: Before Invisalign, many patients snacked throughout the day and ate less during meals. Unfortunately, this isn’t a possibility with Invisalign. We are creatures of habit, and it can be difficult to break our eating patterns when changing to a new diet. Many of my successful patients recommend sticking to a daily schedule for meals and snacks. After a few days, your body will get used to this schedule and start to expect breakfast at 8:30, lunch at noon, and a snack at 3:00. Settling into a routine will help reduce cravings and hunger pangs throughout the day.
Plan Your Meals: Since you’ll be fitting a day’s worth of calories and nutritional needs into three meals and two snacks, you’ll need to strategize to cover your bases. Go into each day knowing when you’ll get your protein, where you’ll find your Vitamin C, and how many calories you’re taking in with each meal. Budgeting calories and nutrients are the best way to prevent hunger and malnourishment.
Don’t Overcompensate: A typical reaction to the Invisalign 20-hour requirement is to shovel in as much food as possible during your allotted eating time. As tempting as it may be, this habit will only leave you feeling sick. Here is where your discipline comes into play: once you’ve planned out your daily meals and snacks, stick to the plan! If you’ve planned out your calories, you know that you’re eating enough throughout the day to feel full and healthy. Resist the temptation to overeat and your body will thank you!
Think You Can Handle It?
If you think you can master the “Invisalign Diet” and maintain healthy eating and cleaning habits while using clear aligners, contact us today. Team Demas Orthodontics is the top team for Southington Invisalign, and we recommend clear aligner treatment for its comfort, flexibility, and effectiveness. Contact us by phone or through our online location form; we’ll be happy to answer any patient question!
SureSmile: Can Robots Bend Wire Better Than Orthodontists?
It seems as though we can find robots in just about every facet of manufacturing technology as well as in the medical world today. Many robots now are responsible not only for packaging and manufacturing much of the goods that we use daily but also for performing complex surgeries for which human hands are simply too bulky and too imprecise to complete. Computer-aided design, as well as computer-aided manufacturing in dentistry, has existed for more than a decade. Perhaps one of the best examples of this technology in an orthodontic setting is Suresmile.
FAQ
What is Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing?
Computer-aided designs and manufacturing can work to increase efficiency as well as make precise adjustments that a human could never complete by estimations and experience alone. In orthodontics, pressure needs to be applied to teeth inside someone’s mouth so that they can be moved and ingested into their proper position. Whether these forces are applied by traditional braces, orthodontic appliances or a product like Invisalign the processes and results are all very similar. In order to shorten the length of a treatment and make treatment more comfortable for patients technology can be a large aid when it comes to producing these appliances for orthodontics. Regardless of an orthodontic experience or training, the use of a computer-aided system in designing orthodontic appliances can work to improve the traditional orthodontics which does not use computers or robotic help to design and manufacture orthodontic appliances.
How does it work?
With traditional orthodontics, an orthodontist will be responsible for completing any of the adjustments to an orthodontic appliance as well as bending it to the desired shape in the original manufacturing process. With robotics, this process is a little bit different. The orthodontist will first have to look through appropriate records through a detailed examination as well as collecting detailed information like x-rays, your medical history and some information about you and your health. Each of these variables will help an orthodontist to prescribe better treatment options for your individual case. Any number of variables can work against each other and complicate your diagnosis but with the use of computer models, the process of diagnosing your condition and organizing your treatment can be simplified.
What will the robot tell you?
When a diagnosis is finalized using computer models a treatment plan can be fully prescribed to give you the ideal outcome you are interested in. Complex computer models and software can interpret all of the variables to provide extremely detailed simulations of your overall progress. After your progress has been measured the orthodontist can then send off this data to a Suresmile manufacturer who will have robotic arms bend wire for the final stages of your braces to deliver precision adjustments far exceeding what an orthodontist could deliver. Using these complex 3-D models is far more accurate and can work to cut treatment time by up to 40% versus the adjustments made by the hands of an experienced orthodontist. The short answer to this question is that wires which are bent by robots can deliver a far greater level of precision which will help you to shorten your treatment time and achieve better results.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to find out about your situation and set up your treatment plan, you can make the first move by calling Team Demas Orthodontics. A staff member will set a date when you will come in and have a full examination by an orthodontic expert. If you would like to learn more information about Suresmile please contact Team Demas orthodontics.
