by | Mar 7, 2017 | General Articles
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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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by | Feb 28, 2017 | Orthodontic Treatments
When Do I Get My Braces Off?
Most recipients of braces use them to improve their facial appearance through the straightening of teeth and improve their teeth’s ability to bite correctly. Even though the brace user chooses this dental procedure, he or she still naturally prefers a mouth without braces! Knowing when they are likely to be removed is really important as it is a relief being able to display a better set of teeth after the completion of the procedure. Dr. Demas and his team at Demas Orthodontics find the number one question they are asked is “When do I get my braces off?”
No one person goes through exactly the same treatment program, so the time frame required for braces to complete a good job does naturally vary. The procedure follows certain standardized steps, some of which take longer than others.
At Demas Orthodontics, successful braces treatment undergoes three treatment stages. Each of these stages has to be completed satisfactorily before the preceding stage commences. The first step is analyzing and correcting the crowding of teeth; the second is aligning the teeth, while the third involves bite correction.
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by | Jan 24, 2017 | General Articles, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Orthodontic Treatments, Team Demas Orthodontics
When you are done wearing braces, you expect to have perfectly straight teeth for a lifetime, but that isn’t always the case. There is the possibility of shifting teeth, especially if a retainer isn’t worn immediately after having the braces removed from your orthodontist. Below are some information about using a retainer and how they can help fix the shift in teeth following orthodontic treatment.
FAQ
Why is a Retainer Worn after Braces?
If you have recently completed orthodontic treatment, you might have been advised to wear a retainer. This is a recommendation by many orthodontists as it helps to keep your teeth in their new position. With the braces off, there is a risk that the teeth will start shifting back to their original position. While it doesn’t happen with everyone, the best thing you can do is prevent it by wearing your retainer as often as your orthodontist recommended. They will inform you about exactly how long they need to be worn for in order to avoid orthodontic relapse.
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by | Dec 22, 2016 | Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Orthodontic Treatments, Smile Quote, Team Demas Orthodontics
Summer is a great time for entertaining and trying out new recipes with friends and family. The beautiful weather allows for lots of opportunities to gather outdoors for cookouts and parties.
However, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of summer and entertaining that we forget how important it is to eat tooth-friendly foods – recipes that are delicious but are also nutritious for our bodies and our teeth. Your smile is likely to be the first thing people notice about you and one of the simplest and most important ways to keep them healthy is to be mindful of the foods you are eating.
With that in mind, our office would like to share a recipe for a tooth-friendly yogurt dip that is creamy, delicious, and perfect for your summer outdoor gatherings.
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by | Dec 15, 2016 | Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Orthodontic Treatments, Smile Quote, Team Demas Orthodontics
Soup is an ideal meal any day of the week, but it is an especially good choice for anyone who wears braces. With a creamy and soft consistency, this broccoli cheese soup recipe is a tooth friendly soup; there are no tough pieces of meat or vegetables to get stuck in braces or between teeth. Also, fresh broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients and cheddar cheese has been shown to promote dental health. This soup tastes great and is easy to prepare, using ingredients and utensils most moms have on hand.
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