Orthodontics is a dental specialty that involves correcting teeth that are improperly positioned. Improperly positioned teeth can lead to dental health problems, so it’s important to add a visit to the orthodontist to your healthcare routine.
Here at RISUS Orthodontics, we are proud to offer our clients the best and most up-to-date orthodontic services.
While orthodontics can be considered mostly cosmetic, it is important to fix problems for a healthy mouth. Teeth that are crooked or do not line up are the perfect place for food and bacteria to hide. They can also be hard to clean, leading to cavities and other problems down the line.
The goal in treating problem teeth is to ensure a healthy mouth in the future. It is important to close any gaps between teeth and to make sure the teeth all line up correctly. Sometimes teeth are crooked and need to be straightened. Orthodontics can also improve eating and even a client’s speech in some cases.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at . We are happy to answer your questions.
Good dental hygiene is crucial when you have braces, though it can be a little harder to brush and floss your teeth.
It is important to choose the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to make the whole process go smoothly.
How To Brush Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
Start by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Using a circular motion, brush your teeth gently.
Make sure that you brush all of the surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. You should always use the tip of your brush when you brush the inner surface of your front teeth.
How To Floss Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
Start with a section of floss that is about 18-inches long. Carefully thread it between the braces and wire. You may want to try a floss threader, which might be easier for you.
Carefully floss around your braces.
Next, carefully floss around your gums and then your teeth.
Braces are not as scary as most teens think. Technology has advanced a lot in recent years, providing us with newer styles of braces. The result is a faster, more comfortable, and more effective treatment. Braces come in different colors, styles, and materials, so your teen can customize their look and express their personality.
The first thing most patients wonder when they have to get braces is how long they will have to wear them. There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on several factors.
For example, it depends on how early we catch the problem, what needs to be fixed, how your teeth respond to treatment, and how willing you are to follow directions.
It is typically recommended that children begin seeing an orthodontist at the age of seven. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier the problem can be to treat. There are also times when we find a problem, but may have put off treatment until they are older.
You are a key factor in how well your braces work. You need to take care of your braces and other appliances, as well as follow all directions to ensure a smooth and speedy treatment.
How long you need to wear braces depends on what needs to be fixed. Some problems are minor and just need small adjustments, while other malocclusions (bad bites) are more complicated and take longer to fix. Every patient responds to treatment differently. Some teeth move quicker than others, so a treatment that takes one person only a few months may take another person longer.
There are also several types of braces including traditional metal, ceramic, lingual, and invisible.
Another common question that teens have is regarding food. Essentially, you’ll need to avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods. Corn on the cob, apples, carrots, and other hard foods that you need to bite into should be avoided or should be cut into small pieces before consuming.
Braces are quite common in teenagers. We offer several different styles and design choices to make the experience as fun as possible. It’s always important to remember that braces are only temporary, and will leave you with a dazzling, life-long smile!
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at .
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about orthodontics:
What is the best age to visit an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit when they are seven. At this age, back molars begin to form and establish the back bite. Visiting at this age allows the orthodontist to monitor their mouths as they grow, so treatment can be started as soon as a problem is noticed.
Still, no matter how old you are, if you are wanting to improve your smile, you should see an orthodontist. About one in every five patients is an adult. If you are unhappy with your bite, now is the right time to request an appointment with an orthodontist.
What types of braces can I get?
There are several different options for braces that will get you the confidence-instilling smile you’re looking for. Before we decide what you need, we will do a thorough examination of your oral health. We may also do x-rays to further evaluate your situation. Once we have all of the necessary information, we can help you decide which type of braces would work best for your lifestyle.
We offer clear, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating, invisible, and classic metal braces.
How long will I have to wear them?
Since every mouth is different, the time required changes from person to person. It depends on what your mouth needs, what type of braces we choose, and how your mouth responds over the course of treatment.
Typically, treatment takes around twenty-two months, though some people can reach their results within six months, while others take up to thirty months.
How can I take care of my teeth if I am wearing braces or a retainer?
It is important to brush and floss your teeth twice daily, especially while wearing braces or other orthodontic equipment. Braces and retainers can be a hotbed for bacteria growth. When brushing, you should use a toothpaste containing fluoride to help prevent cavities.
If you wear a retainer, it is important to take care of it by keeping it clean and protected. Whenever you remove it, place it into its container to ensure it doesn’t break. You should brush your retainer regularly and gently. If it seems really dirty, you can soak it in denture cleaner. Never put it in boiling water or run it through the dishwasher.
When you are being treated with braces or other orthodontic equipment, you should avoid foods with lots of sugar since it increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth. More bacteria increases the likelihood of developing cavities. It is wise to avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods, as these may get stuck in your braces.
While you are being treated, it is recommended to continue to visit your regular dentist every six months to keep your mouth and gums healthy.
Do braces hurt?
Braces are not supposed to be painful, though you may experience some discomfort while you are getting used to wearing them. You may also have some discomfort after an adjustment, as your teeth are making minor adjustments to straighten out over time.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often when I am wearing braces?
It is important to brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your mouth healthy and clean, and to make sure that you get out any food that is stuck in your braces.
We recommend flossing your teeth every day, taking special care of areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. We will show you the correct way to brush and floss your teeth while you are wearing braces.
If I have braces, do I still need to have regular dental checkups every six months?
Yes! You should continue to visit your regular dentist every six months. Braces are good at hiding food where your toothbrush can’t reach which can lead to bacteria, cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your regular dentist will work with your orthodontist to ensure that you have a healthy mouth.
Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?
You may notice an adjustment period while you get used to wearing braces, but they won’t stop you from enjoying the life you led before you had them. The only thing that we recommend is that you wear a mouthguard if you are going to play a contact sport.
How do I schedule my next appointment?
Give us a call to request an appointment. We will be happy to help you find a convenient time to come into our office. If you are a new client, welcome! Just let us know that you are being referred to us as a new client, and we will be happy to help you with everything that you need to know.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at .
Here at RISUS Orthodontics, we are dedicated to our patients and strive to do everything we can to ensure all treatments go as smoothly as possible. When you are wearing braces, it is very important to care for them properly. Although they are strong enough to move your smile, they are not strong enough to hold up to a crunchy apple or sticky caramel treat.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods should be avoided because they can easily get caught in your braces. Since it can be harder to keep your teeth cleaned properly, sticky and sugary foods can rapidly cause tooth decay and other problems.
When it comes to sticky foods, you need to avoid gum at all costs along with sugar daddies, toffee, caramels, licorice, tootsie rolls, and even Starburst candies as these can melt into your brackets and cause damage.
Hard Foods
You want to avoid foods that are hard since they can break your braces.
Hard foods include nuts, ice, and chips. Hard types of bread and bagels should be avoided as well. If you want to eat food like apples, corn on the cob, or carrots, make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
You should also avoid chewing on things like pens and pencils. Nail biting can also be hard on your braces.
When you have braces, it’s important to check them regularly for loose wires and brackets. If you notice that something is broken, you need to contact us right away.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at .
When you have braces, it is really important to take care of them properly. They need to last throughout your entire treatment for fast and effective results. As a general rule of thumb, you should be careful with what you eat. Chewy, crunchy, hard, and sticky foods that can break or get stuck in your braces need to be avoided. It is also important to avoid foods that you need to bite into like corn on the cob, apples, etc.
If you are struggling with the restrictions, just remember there are plenty of other, or even modified versions of restricted foods. For example, cutting corn off the cob and slicing apples into small pieces are both totally fine. The main takeaway here is to avoid damaging your braces.
Just remember that treatment won’t be long, and it will be worth it to have a dazzling smile in no time!
When you first get braces, it is normal for your teeth to feel sore and tender while you adjust. Just remember that this is temporary. You will not feel like this for more than a few days, but if it is really bothering you, you can dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and gargle this for several minutes, or take over-the-counter pain medications.
It is common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to experience irritation as your mouth gets used to the braces. They just need to toughen a little bit and heal. We will give you special wax strips that you can place over any wires or brackets that are poking you.
People who wear braces are often concerned with loose teeth. They worry that they may lose their teeth, but this looseness is completely normal and not harmful at all. To get your mouth in the right position, your braces have to loosen your teeth so that they will move. Once they are in the right position, they will no longer be loose.
Although rare, your wires or bands may become loose once in a while. It is very important to call us right away when this happens so that we are able to repair your braces immediately, and you don’t lose out on treatment time.
If a piece of wire comes off, it is important to save it and bring it with you to your appointment. If you are unable to come in right away, you can try to fix it temporarily by pushing the wire back into place. If the wire is pushing against your lips or cheeks and causing irritation, you can try to place wax or a cotton ball over the end.
It is important for you to take proper care of your braces so that they can do their job. It is also important to wear them properly. If not, you may be delaying your perfect smile!
Lots of teens and adults worry about playing sports while wearing braces. Don’t worry, you are allowed to continue playing! We just recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your mouth and braces.
If you suffer from a sports emergency, please contact us right away. Check your mouth and braces to make sure that nothing is broken, loose, or missing. You may want to rinse your mouth out with salt water to help with any discomfort you may have.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at .
Here at RISUS Orthodontics, we are dedicated to giving our patients the orthodontic care they need. To do this, we offer two types of braces. We offer both fixed (tram track) and removable braces. Both of these options work well for children.
Fixed braces are cemented to the teeth and are worn day and night. They consist of brackets and wires. These are the most common types of braces.
Removable braces are very similar to the tram track braces. They work similarly, except that they can be removed when you eat and drink. Removable braces also make it very easy to regularly clean your teeth and gums.
Removable braces are worn on the front teeth and are held on by clips or wires that fit directly over your teeth. Just because they are removable does not mean that you shouldn’t wear them. They need to be worn all of the time except during meal times and when brushing and flossing.
After eating, you should brush your teeth and clean your braces before placing them back in. Braces, whether you use the fixed or removable ones, work by moving your teeth back into the correct position. You need to continue to visit the orthodontist regularly to ensure that your braces are working the way they should. They will need to be adjusted when needed to continue to do their job.
After the braces have done their job, you will have to wear a retainer, which helps to keep your teeth in the right position. This could be temporary, though you may have to wear it for longer.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at .
