Mar 24

Are You Afraid To Smile Because Of Crooked Teeth

There are few things that are going to be as important to your life, over the long term, as making sure that you have a good smile that you have taken care of. It’s important that not only do you do the work that you need to do at home to ensure that said smile will continue to be in good condition, but there is more to it than that.

First, consider what are the things that you mostly use to judge people when you meet them? The appearance is pretty high up on that list, without a doubt, and if you want to pretend otherwise you are either an idiot, someone who is being dishonest with themselves (and seriously, why would you do that, you don’t have to be dishonest with yourself. You can tell the truth to yourself if you can’t tell it to anyone else, or someone who has never lived somewhere that wasn’t filled with people just like yourself. A huge part, literally, one of the biggest parts that you are going to be basing the snap judgments that you make about people on, is the way that their face looks.orthodontic treatment - braces

This is just natural for humanity. We read a lot into facial expressions, which we combine with other things like the tone that someone is taking, and the way that they are standing, and their body language in general, and we combine this all together in order to figure out what amount of threat an individual represents. This makes the smile, and the teeth that makeup said smile, all the more important.

If your teeth aren’t as straight as they need to be, your dentist may recommend an orthodontist for you to visit. To begin with, this is a great way to get the smile that you desire, but getting a referral is also a good way to save a little bit of money and to make sure that, when you go to get your teeth treated and realigned, you won’t end up having to worry about someone doing a bad job. Trust me, referrals from professional medical personnel are far more trustworthy than those from, say, your local contractor (as a roofer, I know for a fact that referrals for contracting work are basically us ripping you off and kicking back a bit of money to the referrers). Here are just a few things that such a referral will give you access to.

1. Examination

The first thing that you are going to need to do is to get an exam in order to figure out what is going on with your teeth and what you can do in order to fix your teeth. They will look at your teeth, they will poke and prod your teeth, they will take dental x-rays, and they will basically do whatever they need to in order to identify both the issue at hand and the root issue as well. Likely, they will then suggest braces to correct orthodontic issues.

2. Standard Braces

The most common thing that they will use in order to fix the smile is standard braces. First brought into use in the early seventies, they have, since then, become the most popular method around the world for fixing crooked smiles. They consist of a series of metal pieces, placed into the mouth, which will then be used to provide the tension needed to fix the smile and to make sure that your teeth will be as straight as you could ever hope for them to be.orthodontics san antonio

3. Invisible braces

Of course, popularity doesn’t automatically equate to something being a great product or the best one of its group. In fact, I would argue that invisible braces like Invisalign are a much more preferential way to fix up the smile. The benefit of clear braces is that, unlike the other braces that you will be using, they are invisible, and this means that when put on the teeth, no one is going to know that you have an issue to begin with, and this is a huge improvement. Let’s face it, no one likes having braces in their mouth and having them be invisible is a huge step forward for the technology.

So, if you’re looking for a great way to fix up your smile, it’s about time that you consider what it is that your local professional orthodontist can do for you. You’ll be glad that you did when you have a smile that you can show off to the whole world.

Jan 27

Braces Can Seem Intimidating

Braces can seem intimidating whether you’re an adult or child, but orthodontic devices can be a permanent path to a healthy smile.

Studies have shown that more than 4 million Americans wear braces, and 25 percent of them are adults. While braces can improve your smile, a misaligned jaw or out-of-place teeth can lead to serious health complications.

The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that between 50 and 75 percent of the population, in general, could benefit from some form of orthodontic treatment. Very few of us are born with perfectly aligned teeth and jaws. Even those who were may suffer trauma that may require orthodontic care or may experience maturational changes, such as the crowding of lower bottom teeth. Orthodontic treatment is performed to help a patient develop a healthy bite.orthodontics

A healthy bite means that the top teeth and bottom teeth meet each other properly. Getting a healthy bite may require only moving teeth, but often it requires alignment of jaws. A healthy bite allows an individual to have a good function when biting, chewing, and speaking.

Orthodontic treatment also contributes to oral health and overall physical health. Left untreated, improperly aligned teeth (malocclusions) and jaws can wear down tooth enamel and lead to dental problems including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Improperly aligned teeth are a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, and crooked and crowded teeth make daily oral hygiene difficult. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain.

Braces aren’t just for children. Adults are turning to orthodontists more than ever to correct their smiles, whether it’s a first time or for a tune-up.

Braces are simply one type of appliance — the formal name for a device used to move teeth, guide jaw growth or hold teeth in new positions — used in orthodontic treatment. The changes in orthodontic technology in the last several years are staggering. Orthodontic appliances today are generally less visible and work faster than appliances of a generation ago.

Braces are basically brackets and wires. Brackets are much smaller than they once were, and are glued to the fronts of teeth (called “direct bonding”) rather than the old way of encircling each tooth with a metal band, soldering the bracket to the band, and tying the archwire to the band with thin, fine wires. Besides being smaller, today’s brackets can be made of a variety of materials: stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic or gold-plated metal.

The wires are the component of braces that do the work of moving teeth. They have improved, too. Wires keep their strength a longer time. They apply a continuous, gentle force on teeth to move them. Because wires last longer, fewer visits to the orthodontist are necessary.

Braces fall into the “fixed” appliance category and are the most common appliance used to move teeth. Generally, standard stainless steel braces give the orthodontist the greatest amount of control to move a patient’s teeth.

Brackets can be placed behind the teeth (called lingual treatment — an option for more than 25 years, but improvements in the brackets and wires used make this form of treatment more comfortable for patients than it used to be).

One way wearers can individualize their look is with the tiny rubber bands called ligatures. Many young patients enjoy choosing from a rainbow of colors to match clothing, school colors or favorite sports teams colors. Adults often select clear or lightly colored ligatures that draw less attention to braces.

Another option is self-ligating brackets made of stainless steel or ceramic to hold the wire in place. Patients who choose ceramic brackets may also be able to use tooth-colored wires that now have longer staying power and don’t stretch out and lose their strength.Orthodontist Braces

In addition to braces, a variety of other fixed appliances include palate expanders to widen the upper jaw, permanent retainers to hold teeth in place and appliances to control tongue thrusting (when the tongue repeatedly pushes against teeth, it can move the teeth out of place and cause the bone that holds teeth to be misshapen).

Clear aligners, which are made by at least seven companies, were introduced in 1999 by Align Technology/Invisalign.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist at the first recognition of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7.

We look forward to speaking with you about any or all of the treatment plans that we offer. They are sure to find the best fit for you and your family. Call for your Complimentary Consultation Today!

Dec 18

Establishing An Oral Hygiene – Orthodontic Treatment

Establishing Oral Hygiene – Orthodontic Treatment

Establishing an oral hygiene routine for your kids is important from an early age. Babies should have their first visit to the family dentist either around their first birthday or when their first tooth grows in.

Children should get into the habit of brushing once in the morning after breakfast and before they go to bed at night. Younger children can be assisted by a parent in the brushing process, and it is a good idea for parents to check on children’s brushing skills even as they grow older. If children are not brushing properly, they could be setting the foundation for future problems.

At our Dental Office, we’re dedicated to working with each patient to help him or her understand the importance of proper oral care. To find out more, call our office to speak with one of our orthodontists.orthodontic treatment

If you have recently had braces put on by your orthodontist, you may be wondering about foods that you can eat that won’t cause damage or pain. You will need to find great snacks that you can munch on between meals that won’t get stuck in your teeth. Here are five delicious snacks that are braces-friendly:

1. Smoothies – Whether you choose to blend one up for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, a smoothie is a great option because of its soft texture. Your braces may cause you mild discomfort, so you’ll enjoy the relief that a cold smoothie can provide for your teeth and gums. Best of all, it’s a healthy treat.

2. Applesauce – The smooth texture of applesauce is just what you’ll be looking for after your orthodontic appointments. Biting into a whole apple would cause unnecessary pain and could leave unsightly chunks of fruit in your braces. However, with this pureed alternative, you can still enjoy the taste of apples.

3. Bananas – Bananas are soft fruit that does not require you to put much pressure onto your teeth to eat. This means that you will not have to worry about bananas irritating your tender teeth and gums or damaging your braces.

4. String cheese – While fruity snacks are great, you may be craving something with a bit more protein. If this is the case, string cheese is a perfect option. Eating large pieces of hard cheese can damage your braces, while soft cheeses can become stuck behind your brackets. String cheese is the perfect solution that will help satisfy your craving.

5. Pudding – If you are looking for a dessert to eat for a special occasion that will not damage your braces, pudding is a great option. Remember to brush after you are done with your snack to remove any sugars from your teeth and gums.

If you’re still curious about braces-friendly foods or have other questions related to braces, speak with a member of the orthodontic team at Our Dental Office. We provide patients with superior service and braces options. Call us today to learn more.

If you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, you may be wondering what the benefits are. Some of the benefits have less to do with cosmetics and more with the actual health of the teeth.

Teeth that have been straightened with braces are easier to brush and floss. Once braces have corrected a bite problem or realigned poorly spaced teeth, patients are generally less likely to grind their teeth involuntarily at night.

At our Dental Office, we love sharing with patients the many ways that braces can give them both a beautiful and healthy smile. To learn more about braces and our orthodontic services, visit us or call us today.

It’s summertime, which means vacations and a higher chance of forgetting to pack your orthodontic equipment. Even a few days without proper care for your braces can result in an unnecessary trip to your orthodontist. Here are the four most common mistakes made by patients with traditional braces:

1. Not Flossing: Although it becomes slightly more difficult to get in between your teeth with braces on, you should not stop flossing. Food particles can easily get stuck in your braces and between your shifting teeth. Take a packet of floss with you when you leave for the day so you can clean your braces after meals.

2. Forgetting Wax: Loose wires can create very sore tongues and gums. If you have a wire that is a bit too long, your wax can quickly become your best friend. Be sure to keep a box of wax with you so that you are prepared for this situation.

3. Failing to Wear Gear: Although it may be uncomfortable to wear at first, any orthodontic equipment that your orthodontist provides, such as headgear or retainers, is essential for your orthodontic treatment. Make a routine of putting your orthodontic gear on at around the same time each day as instructed so that you won’t forget to wear it.

4. Losing Rubber Bands: Rubber bands will occasionally break, especially if left outside in a hot car. To ensure that you keep your orthodontic treatment on track, be sure to keep some rubber bands handy and always use them as your orthodontist instructs.

At our Dental Office, we work closely with patients to help them learn the best ways to take care of their braces. We can also explain the importance of each step in a patient’s treatment plan. To get more information about traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment options, come visit us or call us today.