Orthodontics

The goals of early treatment are to correct severe growth disturbances of the jaw (overbite, underbite, crossbites) and re-establish harmony in facial/skeletal growth. Early treatment also helps make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance for extractions in the future.

As an ounce of prevention, early orthodontics can improve the following imperfections:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or a shifting bite
• Prolonged thumb, finger, or tongue habits
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked out teeth
• Speech problems
• Biting of the cheeks or roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that don’t meet or meet abnormally
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close the lips
• Alterations in skeletal/jaw harmony

Again, not all children will require early phase orthodontics. But as mentioned, treatment of severe crowding or functional problems at an early age will allow the orthodontist to utilize the patients’ active growth as well as produce benefits such as:

• Decreasing the risk for dental trauma due to a protrusion or “buck teeth"
• Decreasing the need for extractions of permanent teeth to align crowded teeth
• Controlling harmful habits
• Shortening the treatment for full braces during the critical “teen” years
• Facilitating proper jaw growth and enhancing the facial profile (proper growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws to each other)
• Customized program flexibility for both children and sometimes even adults

The total active treatment time for two phases of treatment is approximately 2 – 3 years split into two time periods to optimize long-term stability and harmonize aesthetics.

Whether it is a big dance, senior pictures, or a family event, we know teens are motivated to complete any needed orthodontic care as quickly as possible. But we can't give you a beautiful smile without your cooperation!

When we consult with the parent and teen, we present a time frame for orthodontic treatment. Please note the following factors may affect the length of time and end result of treatment:

• Growth & development of individual patient
• Good oral hygiene techniques and habits
• Patient cooperation
• Keeping regular scheduled appointments

Whether it is preparing for a complex restorative procedure or creating a beautiful smile to make the best of your facial features and personality shine through, we will help. We can work closely with your general dentist and the finest specialists to give you an outstanding result!

Notice some of the cosmetic benefits of adult orthodontics:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• More attractive, younger looking appearance
• Smile Rejuvenation (“Brace lift”)
• Facial harmony and beauty

Notice some of the functional benefits of adult orthodontics:

• Improved chewing and eating
• Improved speech
• Relief from jaw or TMJ pain
• Improved hygiene and dental health
• Protection from grinding or clenching
• A more balanced bite

• Loose Bracket: The loose bracket usually remains connected to the main wire. You may use tweezers to reposition the brace or gently slide the brace over next to an adjacent brace. Wax may be placed to hold the loose brace in position. Please call our office so we may schedule an appointment to repair the broken bracket and restore comfort.
• Poking Wire: A wire can typically be covered with wax for comfort or you may gently slide the wire around until it is not poking. An eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip is often handy if you need to push gently on a wire so that it is not poking. Please call our office to schedule a time for us to repair your wire.
• Loose Main Wire: If the main wire has come out of the tube on your back molar tooth, you may attempt to insert the wire with your finger, a pair of needle-nosed pliers, or tweezers. If the wire is not poking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is poking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clipper close to the back of the last brace (this is a last resort). Please call our office so that we may schedule an appointment to make you comfortable and repair the broken appliance or wire.
• Sore Teeth: If your teeth are sore after your adjustment or initial placement of braces, you may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as prescribed by the doctor or as directed on the medication by age and weight. It is not uncommon to have a generalized tenderness after a wire adjustment. This soreness will decrease over 3-4 days. Cool foods (smoothies, ice cream) soften the wire and are effective at relieving discomfort as well. A bite wafer has also been included in your new patient kit. Some patients find clenching into this soft wafer an effective way to minimize any discomfort. It is unusual for patients to have unexplained tooth discomfort several weeks after your last regular visit. If your teeth suddenly get sore between visits, please call our office.
• Impacted Food: If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
• Missing Spacer or Separator: Use a double thickness of floss to check the area. If the double thickness floss catches between the teeth, call our office so we may help you schedule an appointment to replace the spacer. If the double thickness of floss does not catch between the teeth, it means there is adequate space and the spacer does not need to be replaced. Please do not hesitate to call if you have questions or are uncertain about the space.
• Swallowed Appliance: First, remain calm. Using the diagram provided in your new patient kit, you may determine what piece may have been swallowed. This will usually go into the stomach, passing out of the body in a bowel movement. If you should experience difficulty in breathing, coughing, or choking, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays may be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece. Please inform one of the doctors if you swallow any piece of an orthodontic appliance.
• Broken Retainer: Remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for laboratory repair.
• Cut Gums/Tongue/Cheek: Apply gentle pressure with a tissue or gauze to the bleeding site for several minutes. Be aware that a small amount of blood in your mouth may appear larger in your mouth because of the presence of saliva. If the bleeding does not stop, call your orthodontist, pediatric dentist, or general dentist.