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| There are many benefits to having straight teeth and proper jaw alignment, such as proper chewing function, healthy TMJ, easier to clean and maintain the teeth, enhanced face, enhanced profile and a beautiful smile. Orthodontics plays an important role in improving overall oral health. An attractive smile enhances one's self esteem, which may actually improve the quality of life itself. |
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| Adults : |
| Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. We treat many adult patients. If you are concerned about metal braces, we have options such as clear or ceramic braces and invisalign |
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| Children : |
| For children even with only baby teeth crossbites, crowding and other problems should be evaluated Early treatment is the best for children if misalignment is seen, as early treatment can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth and avoid the need for permanent tooth . Early treatment can lessen the length and severity of full treatment later on. |
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| What are some possible benefits of orthodontics? |
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of the teeth
- Increase in self-confidence
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long-term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
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| What are some signs that braces may be needed? |
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- Finger- or thumb-sucking , tongue thrusting habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Upper-front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
- Upper-front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper-front teeth are behind or inside the lower-front teeth
- The upper- and lower-front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
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| Oral care during orthodontic care |
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| General Soreness : |
| When you get your braces on, you may feel a general soreness in the teeth, which may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for a few days as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can place wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how! |
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| Brushing : |
| It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. |
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| Athletics : |
| If you play contact sports a protective mouth guard is advised. In case of an accident please call our office immediately. |
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| Foods to Avoid |
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| Foods that cannot be cleaned off the braces may lead to discoloration and decay of the teeth. |
- Gum
- Sticky /Chewy foods
- Crunchy/hard foods
- Chewing on things such as pens, pencils or fingernails can also damage the braces.
- Lessen your sugar intake
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| Metal Braces |
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| Traditional Metal Braces : |
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile. |
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| Clear Braces : |
| Clear braces are made of materials that are less visible on your teeth than the traditional metal braces. For this reason, clear braces are used mainly on teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. They are visually less prominent and require as much attention to care and hygiene as their metal counterparts. |
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| Retainers : |
- Wear your retainers’ full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case.
- Clean retainers every time you brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use cool or warm water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors.
- Keep your retainer away from your pets; they love to chew on them.
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak with your retainer in. This will subside after one or two days.
- If your retainers are lost or broken call us immediately. Replacement retainers can be costly; with proper care they can last forever.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers or your retainers need adjusting call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Remove your retainers when playing sports and swimming.
- Retainers are made out of plastic; they can melt or warp when exposed to any kind of heat including hot water, the clothes dryer, or the sun.
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| Orthodontic Emergencies |
- Please call our office when something is hurting or poking you that you can't take care of yourself. We would be glad to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.
- You might be surprised to learn that you can solve many orthodontic emergencies yourself until your next scheduled appointment.
- The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:
- Poking Wire – try to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser, if it is not possible then place wax on it.
- Loose bracket or band --If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place, if it is uncomfortable put wax on it until you can get to our office. If it comes out completely, wrap in tissue and bring with you to your next appointment
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| Loose Wire |
| Using tweezers try to put your wire back into place .If your discomfort continues, place wax on it and call our office for an appointment. |
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| To make an appointment for a free consultation to see if braces are right for you, please call (408) 264-7630 or click here. |
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| "Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions on Orthodontics/ Standard/ Regular Braces " |
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