Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontics

When you least expect it, an orthodontic emergency can strike. It may happen suddenly in any household and at any time. Competently handling such urgent situations will prevent further complications. It will help if you know how to deal with the issues before contacting a Miami orthodontist.

What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?

What Is Considered an Orthodontic EmergencyUsually, orthodontic emergencies involve trauma, pain, or a broken device. It is crucial to contact a Doral orthodontist immediately if you experience an orthodontic emergency. Orthodontic emergencies include broken brackets and wires, lost separators, and swelling or pain. Other orthodontic emergencies may consist of:

  • Swelling or excruciating pain
  • Abscess or infection around the teeth or gums
  • Broken braces
  • Movement of the appliance or archwire
  • Broken or missing retainers
  • Protruding wires or sharp edges that irritate the skin

Anyone may experience an orthodontic emergency. When such a situation arises, you must assess it. You can check for signs like oral bleeding or swelling. Also, inquire if any device was swallowed. Though orthodontic emergencies rarely happen, becoming familiar with them is necessary.

You or your family member may experience issues during or after an orthodontic procedure that require attention. Your knowledge about such situations will help prevent further damage. The orthodontic appliances may cause discomfort or pain. Besides, a part may come off or break when it shouldn’t. Orthodontic specialists can determine the best approach to address these issues.

You can easily handle some problems by explaining the situation to Alquiza Orthodontics over the phone. Pictures of the cases can also help in addressing them. However, some positions require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists, causing you to visit the professionals immediately.

It is best to seek the help of Miami orthodontists if you experience the following problems during orthodontic treatment:

  •  Mouth or gum swelling or bleeding
  • Mouth, tooth, or face injuries
  • Severe gum or mouth pain that has not improved despite treatment

Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

It may be challenging to decide whether a situation can be considered an emergency. Conditions like severe swelling, pain that doesn’t respond to treatment, or a fractured tooth require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists. However, you may handle some situations temporarily before visiting your orthodontists.

Loose or broken brackets

The brackets attached to the front of your teeth may become loose when you chew hard or sticky food. The problem can result in pain. If not repaired immediately, an open bracket can delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment, prolonging it. The unglued bracket no longer holds the tooth in position, allowing it to become misaligned.

If a broken bracket still glued to the wire is causing you pain, leave it until you visit an orthodontist. However, you can cover the affected wire with orthodontic wax if it scrapes your mouth’s inner wall or irritates you. It is best to visit an orthodontist without delay during business hours to resolve the problem.

Wire Jutting out of Your Mouth

When the wire shifts from its position, leave it if you are not feeling discomfort until your next dental visit. If you are in pain, you can temporarily use a soft earplug on the irritant and contact your orthodontist for a solution. You may see the professional on the same day.

A wire can cause discomfort if it sticks out of your mouth. Trim the offending wire with a nail clipper and try pushing it back into its position using cotton. Then, schedule an appointment with a Doral orthodontist to rectify the issue.

Knocked-out Tooth

It is possible to save a knocked-out tooth if you can reach a dentist or an orthodontist within an hour of the accident. If the tooth has fallen out, rinse it with a salt solution while holding it at the crown. You can store the tooth in a container containing your saliva, milk, or saline. Take the stored tooth along with you to the dentist.

The device may prevent your tooth from being knocked out if you get hit on the face while wearing braces. Instead, the impact may move the tooth out of its position, forcing the wire to bend. It is best to contact Miami orthodontics to realign the tooth.

Food Trapped in Braces

Food particles caught between a band and your tooth can cause discomfort. Avoid poking out the particles with a sharp object, which can damage the tooth surface. Brushing and flossing your teeth is ideal for dislodging the trapped object. However, you can only visit a dentist if it is practical.

Broken Retainers

Parts of your retainer may break, resulting in an improper fit and making you uncomfortable. If your retainer breaks, stop using it. Broken retainers can change the position of your teeth by wrongly applying pressure to them. Save the broken orthodontic appliances and the pieces and take them along on your next visit to your orthodontist.

Apply cold compresses to the affected area if you are experiencing pain and swelling. An over-the-counter pain reliever can ease the discomfort. However, it will help if you visit your orthodontist.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Avoiding orthodontic emergencies is an ideal approach to handling the issues. Unexpected situations may arise even when you don’t have unresolved dental problems. However, you can help prevent them if possible. Here are some tips to help you:

Maintain care instructions for braces: Follow your orthodontist’s guidelines for brushing and flossing while wearing braces. You can protect your braces and teeth from damage by heeding the instructions. Besides, don’t miss your appointments with the orthodontist.

Keep the eating instructions: You shouldn’t eat certain foods during your orthodontic treatment with braces. Avoiding the foods specified by orthodontic specialists will prevent damage to the dental appliance and discomfort.

Use a mouthguard during sports: Wear a mouthguard if you have braces while participating in sports. The device will prevent mouth injuries and breakage of the braces if you bump into other players or anything.

Anyone can experience orthodontic emergencies. However, visit dental professionals if such situations occur to relieve the pain. Children’s orthodontists can help you if your child faces teeth- and jaw-related issues.

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Bite Blocks for Braces_ Everything You Need to Know

Bite Blocks for Braces: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Braces

You can achieve straight teeth, an improved bite, and a beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment with braces. The device has metal brackets that pass around the backside of the teeth, and a wire is inserted through them. These bands and the wire collectively shift your teeth into the right position.

A bad bite may interrupt the alignment treatment by damaging the brackets. Such an incident can occur when your upper teeth grind against the lower ones as you bite, causing breakage of the brackets. Bite blocks can help to prevent damage and improve the alignment of the teeth.
Bite blocks can be used to help with orthodontic treatment.

Aside from causing band disruption, a bad bite can delay your braces treatment. This issue is common in individuals with deep bites, crossbites, or crowded teeth due to the improper alignment of the jaws and teeth. Fortunately, orthodontic specialists can recommend bite blocks, ramps, or turbos to correct the issue.

Dental blocks can restrict contact between your lower and upper teeth during orthodontic treatment. Their presence prevents you from completely biting down. These tiny devices protect brackets, helping to correct overbite or underbite. Miami orthodontics uses these additional devices to speed up tooth alignment treatment and improve the bite.

These orthodontic appliances are made of acrylic plastic, which can resist pressure from chewing. They are different colors and may be available in your shade. If you don’t want other people to notice the ramps, use blocks of the same color as your teeth. Orthodontic specialists can place dental implants on the back or front teeth.

The flat or mounded blocks are placed on the molars’ chewing surfaces, while the triangular or L-shaped blocks fit on the inner part of the front teeth. These orthodontic appliances can be spring-loaded, increasing the pressure on the teeth. The device can be removable or fixed. The removable ramps are fashioned from soft materials such as acrylic or gel.

Wearing them eases tension in your jaw muscles. Bite blocks make teeth alignment with braces more efficient, resulting in a faster result and a perfect smile.

Importance of Bite Blocks

Importance of Bite Blocks

For tooth alignment procedures, Alquiza orthodontics employs dental blocks and braces. These tiny devices maintain the braces in good working condition, allowing them to function effectively. They restrict the contact between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage to the braces and delays in the teeth-straightening or aligning process.

Misaligned teeth can cause your jaw and temporomandibular joint to receive excessive pressure while chewing or clenching. This condition can result in painful chewing, gum diseases, and enamel wear. Fortunately, bite blocks can relieve the pressure when fitted to the teeth. Besides straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment also corrects improper bites.

Orthodontist specialists may also have dental turbos recommended for an underbite or overbite. They are also helpful in the rectification of overcrowded teeth and mouth breathing. Besides, some orthodontic specialists may use only bite turbos to correct crossbites in children.

Time Spent Wearing Bite Blocks

The duration of your orthodontic treatment determines how long you can use the dental blocks. It would help if you used the orthodontic appliances until your teeth are well aligned, and the bite improves. The corrective procedure may take up to a year. However, some cases may require less treatment time. It is best to follow a specialist’s instructions on dental bites.

Getting used to the dental blocks fitted over your teeth may take some time. Consequently, you may find it challenging to chew food during the first week. Consuming soft foods is ideal as you adapt to dental blocks. You can also cut food into tiny bits for easy chewing. Besides, you can opt for braces-friendly foods.

Cleaning Your Bite Blocks

Cleaning Your Bite BlocksKeeping your bite blocks clean is necessary. It keeps food particles and bacteria from becoming stuck in your teeth. You can brush your teeth after meals and use a water flosser for braces. The tips below will help you clean your teeth properly:

  • After using the ramps, rinse them with water to remove debris or saliva.
  • Scrub the blocks with water and mild soap to eliminate bacteria that might accumulate on them during the night.
  • Thoroughly rinse the blocks with water after scrubbing.
  • Use a clean towel to dry the dental bites.
  • Then, store the bite blocks in a case with a cover to prevent dust from getting to them.
  • Issues associated with bites and blocks
  • You may experience problems with dental bites placed on your teeth. Below are the common concerns with these orthodontic appliances and how to resolve them.

Soreness: You may experience discomfort after wearing your braces and bite blocks. The orthodontic appliances force the jaw to work harder to bite properly. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the discomfort and pain. However, you can consult Miami orthodontics if the soreness persists.

Chewing problems: You may find it challenging to chew food when your bite blocks are newly placed. The presence of these orthodontic appliances alters the functioning of your jaw muscles. It will take some days before you can chew properly. However, consuming soft and non-chew foods will be a good idea during this period.

As your teeth get used to the blocks, you can chew food. However, cutting your food into smaller pieces that will be less vigorous and won’t make you uncomfortable is best.

Speech impairment: Bite blocks fitted over your teeth can cause difficulty speaking. This problem arises when the dental turbines inhibit the movement of the tongue. You can correct this issue by practicing how to speak, starting with simple words and then sentences. Over time, your speech will improve.

Worn dental blocks: Your bite blocks may fail to prevent contact between the upper and lower teeth if their material wears down. One of the blocks may also need to be found. A Doral orthodontist can replace your braces if they are no longer functioning effectively. However, it is normal if you bite only one block without discomfort.

When properly used, bite blocks can make orthodontic treatment with braces more effective and faster. Following your orthodontist’s instructions can help you achieve the best results with bite blocks.

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Retainers After Braces_ Use and Cleaning Guidelines

Retainers After Braces: Use and Cleaning Guidelines

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Braces

You can look glamorous when you smile. Unfortunately, not everyone has a beautiful smile. If such is the case, orthodontic specialists can help enhance your smile and appearance. Using orthodontic appliances, these professionals can correct teeth and jaw flaws such as crooked teeth and improper bites.

Solution for an Attractive Smile

Well-aligned and straight teeth can help you have a perfect smile. Orthodontic specialists temporarily place dental braces on teeth to align and straighten them. The professionals tighten an archwire inserted through the device to shift the teeth into the desired positions. Adults, teens, and children can align their teeth using braces.

A Miami orthodontist can use braces to correct the position of the jaw and teeth. When attached directly to the teeth, the brackets and the archwire inserted in them apply pressure to the teeth. Over time, the teeth move to their proper position. Sometimes, dentists use rubber bands to reinforce the braces, applying more pressure on the teeth.

Various types of dental braces exist. However, your dentist can help you identify the best fit for you. The devices are attached to the front of the teeth or the backside. In the latter case, the retainers are hidden. Lingual braces are ideal if you want aligners that are not visible to others. Furthermore, Invisalign uses clear tooth aligners to correct tooth position.

The Second Phase of Orthodontic Care

Using braces is the active stage of orthodontic treatment. When you get the braces off, you must enter the retention phase to ensure that the alignment lasts. However, a retainer maintains your teeth in the right position by preventing them from shifting after being aligned. The orthodontic retainers are either made of wire or transparent plastic.

After getting off the braces, your orthodontic situation determines how long you will use the retainers. You may be required to wear it throughout the day in the first months after removing the braces or only at night. Following an orthodontist’s instructions on using and maintaining retainers to achieve the best results is necessary.

Getting the Best Results after Tooth Alignment

Getting the Best Results after Tooth Alignment

If you discontinue orthodontic treatment, your teeth may revert to their crooked position after you remove your braces. Retainers can help keep the teeth straight and in their new position, providing better results. Consequently, you will have a beautiful smile when you wear these orthodontic appliances according to your orthodontist’s instructions.

The orthodontic retainers can be fixed or removable. Orthodontic specialists take patients through the pros and cons of each type of retainer before choosing one suitable for their dentition. After assessing your orthodontic situation, a Doral orthodontist can determine how long you will wear retainers and whether they should be removable or fixed.

Fixed or permanent retainers are ideal for the upper arch and are a good option for individuals who may need to remember consistently wearing the device. The retainers are glued to the teeth and secured by a small bar attached to the backside. This type of retainer is hidden and doesn’t significantly affect how the teeth feel.

On the other hand, removable retainers are worn at intervals as instructed by orthodontists. Depending on the severity of the corrected dental issue, you may wear the orthodontic appliances for a year or a few months. Initially, you may be required to wear the retainers throughout the day for months and later during specified periods, like at night.

Removing your removable retainers while eating is necessary to keep them clean. Besides, it will help you maintain the device. The removable retainers include the types mentioned below:

Hawley retainers: These retainers are made of acrylic and wire. The wire surrounds the teeth to keep the device in position and can be adjusted for minor alignment corrections. These retainers are easy to clean and can last longer when carefully handled.

Essix retainers are clear teeth aligners that go from canine to canine.

It resembles an Invisalign.

Zendura retainers: The retainers are tough and can resist stress.
Using retainers after getting your braces off keeps your teeth in the right position. Besides, these orthodontic appliances can correct issues like tongue thrust and bruxism.

Keeping Your Retainers Clean

Keeping Your Retainers CleanBacteria can accumulate on the retainers just as they do on the teeth. If you keep your teeth aligners clean, they will develop a good odor. Besides, a greasy white film will form on them. If you don’t clean your retainers, the layer hardens and becomes difficult to remove. Keeping your retainers odor-free, clean, and safe would be better than replacing the device.

When brushing your teeth after each meal, clean your fixed retainers. Thoroughly brush under the wire with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Then, use dental floss. The brushing method could be better for transparent Essix retainers. It will result in scratches on the clear plastic, making the retainers visible.

You can easily clean your removable retainers when you take them out, and it is best to do so at night. When you remove the retainers, a quick rinse with warm water can wash off surface bacteria. Avoid using antibacterial wipes on the device, as their content can be toxic if it comes in contact with the mouth. Besides, it will help if you carefully avoid breaking the device. Ensure that you place it in its case when you are not wearing it.

Soaking retainers in an alcohol-based mouthwash or a weak hydrogen peroxide solution can kill germs. However, it won’t remove the slimy white buildup on the orthodontic appliances. Instead, the harsh chemicals will damage the retainers’ plastic surfaces over time and turn them yellow. Denture cleaning tablets meant for false teeth can have the same effect when used on retainers.

It is best to use cleaning products formulated by manufacturers of retainers. These products can eliminate germs and the greasy white layer without damaging the plastic retainers. You need to follow the cleaning instructions to obtain the best results. Besides, a good case will help keep your retainers safe. Wrapping it in a napkin is a sure way to lose it.

Your teeth will shift back to their crooked position if you fail to wear retainers after removing the braces. Though you may not notice it at first, the relapse in tooth alignment will become apparent with time. Fortunately, wearing your retainers will maintain your teeth in the right position, giving you a perfect smile.

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How to choose the best orthodontist

How to choose the best Orthodontist

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontist

An orthodontist takes care of your dental health, so you must pick the right person to ensure you get the best treatment. With so many professionals available to be at your service, choosing the right orthodontist can be a big deal.

While many people limit their search to low-cost services, finding someone who can give you an excellent result is more important.If you have difficulties selecting the right orthodontic specialist to handle your orthodontic issues, read on to see tips that can help you.

1. Look for a professional orthodontist with flexible appointments

Look for a professional orthodontist with flexible appointmentsSuppose you are looking to select an orthodontist near you to meet your dental needs or those of your child, parents, or other loved ones and have issues managing your schedule. In that case, keeping up with dental appointments and sorting out your daily routine will be challenging. Therefore, find someone who will be available during your free time.

Ask if the professional can be available during weekends and after school hours, and find out if they are comfortable with late-hour scheduled appointments. Any orthodontist who can positively adjust to your schedule is ideal for you. Choosing someone who agrees to adjust appointments for you will help ease your stress completely.

2. Choose someone from a pleasant environment

Choose someone from a pleasant environmentWhen considering the best orthodontic specialist, check if the clinic’s environment is comfortable. Find out if the staff has a friendly or accommodating approach toward their patients. If they are welcoming, show optimal concern, and even have a proper facility for patient care, choose an orthodontic staff from the clinic.

Aside from a clean and well-equipped environment, your potential orthodontist must make you feel at ease and like a part of the family. Your fears and anxiety about receiving orthodontic treatment can be reduced by your orthodontist’s efforts to make you feel welcome. Also, you stand a high chance of having a tremendously positive orthodontic experience.

3. Check if they provide the patient care that makes things easy for you

Before you consider an orthodontic specialist, check the type of care they provide patients. What you need should be affordable, fast, and high-quality care that can make a big difference during your treatment or that of your loved one. Choose an orthodontist that can offer a faster treatment, as it will help you if you have a busy schedule. Every busy person wants to spend less time in the waiting room, so get a professional who will save you time.

Also, it would help if you considered the financial aspects during your orthodontist selection. You can find out if their options include discounts for Invisalign, clear braces, or general orthodontics. What’s more? Consider the treatment quality while you seek affordable orthodontics because there are chances of quality compromise with some affordable approaches.

4. Conduct a quick google review

It is essential to look up reviews on the best orthodontist. You can carry out simple and quick research online and read through comments from previous patients who completed their treatments with the orthodontist. What they say about the orthodontist matters greatly and can help you decide on the next action.

On Google Reviews, most people leave honest thoughts about their experiences that can reveal so many things about the nature of teamwork, patient care, treatment quality, the orthodontist, clinic environment, payment options, the patient’s treatment experience, and so much more. With all the reviews, you already know what your potential orthodontist will offer you. So, look up that orthodontist on the internet before you decide.

5. Ask about the type of treatment and technology they offer

It would be best if you looked out for modern technology, as it can enhance your treatment and make it more convenient and faster. Therefore, while at an orthodontic clinic, find out if they have up-to-date technological equipment or are still managing outdated equipment.

Some modern technological equipment, like ultra-oral scanners and 3D imaging, can improve your orthodontic treatment and experience. High-tech tools can provide patients with more precise treatment outcomes. If these treatments are also affordable, there can be no better option than selecting an orthodontist from such a clinic.

Furthermore, ask the clinic to list the available treatment options for you to consider. For example, some treatment options can include clear braces, self-ligating braces, clear aligners, and more, which are some of the most recent modern choices that adults opt for. Braces that are not visible, like Invisalign, have helped in the revolutionary process of straightening teeth discreetly. Advanced orthodontic approaches make orthodontics a comfortable and fast approach these days.

6. Check their payment plans

Many people with dental insurance still find it challenging to get orthodontic treatments. The treatments cost a lot of money, and it is best to find an orthodontist who can make things easy for you by discussing a comfortable payment option. When you discuss your treatment option with the professional, see that the payment plan you agree upon at the end of the day is flexible enough. Also, your orthodontist should accept some of your insurance plans, as it can help ease the stress of payment.

The best orthodontist will recognize the importance of discussing simple payment options that are flexible and affordable for you. Payment plans can help you make guided decisions and select the best orthodontic treatment without going broke from spending all your money.

Conclusion

While researching the best orthodontist for your dental needs, remember that your professional should have experience, provide top-notch, high-quality service, and not sacrifice affordable service with fewer treatment options. Look out for qualified orthodontic practitioners, as your dental health can also affect your general health, and it will be best if you find the best orthodontist near you. Contact a Miami orthodontist for all your orthodontic issues and schedule an appointment.

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Why do you need Dentofacial treatment

Why do you need Dentofacial Treatment?

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Dental Care

If you or your child require dentofacial treatment, you may feel concerned about what it entails. When you find it challenging to communicate in public or chew your favorite food because of the ominous appearance of your face and teeth, finding a solution to the problem can boost your confidence forever.

Dentofacial orthopedics can help you get a happy smile. It is a form of dental care for everyone, including children, adolescents, and adults. The purpose of getting dentofacial treatment is to help reconstruct your facial development. Since dentofacial entails the teeth and the face, your orthopedic specialist can guide you through a proper treatment process for your dental problems. Here is why you need a dentofacial treatment:

What is Dentofacial Treatment?

What is Dentofacial treatmentDentofacial treatment determines the best solution for problems with the mouth and teeth, particularly the jaw structure. The treatment can help repair or improve dental deformities caused by head and neck development issues. Dentofacial orthopedics can treat jaw offsets and tooth malocclusions in children and adults.

Why do you need Dentofacial Treatment?

You need dentofacial treatment if you suffer severe or moderate dental symptoms affecting your face or neck. You should visit your orthopedic specialist if you have dental symptoms. Here is why you need dentofacial orthopedics:

1. You need Dentofacial Treatment to correct your crowded teeth

Crowded teeth may need to be severe enough for your orthodontist to suggest surgery. But overlapping teeth are unattractive and can cause a cavity. When your teeth are crowded, it is challenging to clean them properly, which exposes you to the risk of tooth decay.

When the teeth are too many for the size of the mouth, it results in overcrowding. Patients with this condition can get orthodontic intervention through recommended treatment options such as wearing traditional braces or tooth extraction. After treating your overlapping teeth, you will have a straight smile that appears beautiful and helps you develop proper dental hygiene.

2. Dentofacial Treatment helps correct bad bites

Bad bites include underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites. Having any of these bite problems can lead to severe damage to the teeth and gums.

Breaking down the types of bite problems that different individuals suffer:

  • Overbites occur when the lower teeth disappear every time you bite down.
  • Underbites occur when the lower teeth stay above the upper teeth.
  • Open biting happens when your top and lower teeth leave a large gap when they meet.
  • A crossbite occurs when one or more upper tooth regions fail to align in front of the lower tooth region.

You can correct all bite problems through orthodontic treatment to improve dental health and boost overall confidence.

3. You need Dentofacial Treatment to reverse the effects of thumb and finger sucking

Finger or thumb sucking is a childhood habit that causes malocclusions if it continues for too long. It can stop the teeth from developing correctly or moving into a proper mouth position when a child grows permanent teeth.

Dentofacial treatment can help correct all malocclusions. With x-rays, your child’s dentist can observe the teeth to see if they will sprout in the wrong or correct positions. Therefore, an early orthodontic checkup is pertinent for children with thumb-sucking habits. Also, early orthodontic treatment can help nurture the teeth into a proper position to avoid facial and dental deformities.

4. Dentofacial Treatment can close gaps

Cleaning teeth can be difficult if you have dental problems like close gaps or overcrowding. Gaps in the teeth mean you have lost one or more teeth, which is the opposite of having overcrowded teeth. Correcting gaps in the teeth goes beyond cosmetic problems. Spaces in the teeth can trap food particles that gradually build up and cause cavities. Dentofacial treatment can help correct and close gaps, improve tooth cleaning, and improve overall health.

5. Dentofacial Treatment corrects jaw problems

Jaw correction is one of the most significant issues that dentofacial orthopedics entails. When you have deformation of the face and neck, it can cause headaches and chronic jaw pain. Also, misaligned bites cause different issues, such as muscle spasms, lockjaw, headaches, sinus pain, and tiredness. Chronic jaw problems can be corrected with surgery. After which, a patient can wear braces to reposition the teeth.

What are the benefits of getting dentofacial treatment?

  • An orthodontist can perform painless corrections to malocclusion issues such as crowded dentures, jaw alignment, or crooked teeth.
  • The treatment is mainly for patients who detect their alignment problems early, and early treatment can help prevent significant problems with your jaw and teeth in the future.
  • Dentofacial treatment focuses on improving the overall structure of the face, not just the teeth alone.
  • Crooked or overcrowded teeth are stressful to clean, but dentofacial orthopedic procedures help improve and maintain your oral health.

Why Is Dentofacial Treatment important for children and adults?

Before baby teeth begin to fall out, parents must identify early dental problems in their children. Malocclusion can lead to blockages in tooth position and jaw development. Sometimes, wearing clear aligners or braces alone can adjust the jaw correctly and reposition the teeth. At that young age, improving tooth placement is impossible. But the orthodontist can help prepare the jaw for proper placement during the child’s teenage phase.

Adult patients can benefit from dentofacial treatment even though young children and teenagers are the best candidates for it. Adults, however, frequently require surgery to realign the facial bone or correct severe jaw issues. Constructive surgery is a difficult task to align, especially for the patient, but different individuals may respond to different treatments. Therefore, before beginning the orthodontic treatment that will be most effective for you, your orthodontist will first assess the severity of your dentofacial issue.

Conclusion

Getting dentofacial treatment is primarily done to fix the malocclusion. You can overcome many dental issues later in life when your jaw and teeth are in harmony. With dentofacial orthopedics, you can have a straight grin that makes it simple to brush and floss your teeth, helping you to maintain good oral health. A healthy mouth will have fewer chances of developing cavities, gum conditions, and enamel wear and tear.

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Tips to maintain the Retainers

Tips to Maintain the Retainers

Posted on Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care continues even after you stop wearing your braces. Your orthodontist recommends orthodontic retainers to help stabilize the arrangement of your new teeth. Clear aligners or braces force the teeth back into the mouth, which involves bone absorption behind the oral cavity. After your teeth shift into the correct position, you should wear retainers to maintain the new look for the period your orthodontist suggests.

Most patients must wear orthodontic retainers forever, depending on certain factors. However, for some people, the duration of using retainers can be as short as four to six months. Patients are expected to wear their retainers at intervals, usually three or five times every week, especially for those who will be using them all their lives. Here are some tips for maintaining your retainers.

1. Regular cleaning

Your retainer should get the same cleaning as your teeth. Since you will be wearing them intermittently, use a toothbrush to scrub them carefully and rinse them with water after each wear. Avoid using toothpaste on your retainer because it can be too abrasive and leave unsightly marks. Keeping the retainers clean can be difficult when there are minor scratches.

2. Wear them often

Wear them often

You can maintain your retainers if you wear them often. Unless your orthodontist suggests something different, you should wear the retainers throughout the night and for your entire life. The best way to keep your teeth in a perfect position after wearing orthodontic braces is by consistently wearing your retainers.

3. Avoid exposing retainers to heat

Only when you keep your retainer away from heat will it fit. Your orthodontist can help you by designing a perfect retainer that fits your mouth. However, you will be responsible for caring for the retainers by avoiding substances that will alter their efficiency. To ensure the orthodontic retainer stays perfectly in place, avoid leaving it in hot areas such as cars or window sills.

Heat causes the retainers to warp or melt, resulting in the shape’s deformation. Also, when you take the retainers off, avoid placing them in hot water. Boiling an appliance in hot water is not the best way, and this will cause it to melt or warp. Never clean your retainer in boiling water, as the heat can damage it.

4. Keep dogs away from your retainers

Dogs love retainers, and they can ruin them altogether. No matter how much you care about your dogs, do not let them snack on your retainers. You can place your orthodontic retainer far away from dogs so they cannot reach it. You can place retainers on high surfaces, as dogs can hardly reach those areas.

5. Soak the retainer in clean water and cleaning solution for 5 minutes

Soak your retainer in ordinary water if you want to clean it correctly. You can buy Retainer Brite, usually designed as tablets, or make your cleaning agent by mixing ten parts water with 1 part bleach (sodium hypochlorite). You can soak your retainers for up to 10 minutes to get a squeaky-clean outcome.

6. Do not wrap retainers in napkins

When you are having a meal, and you take your retainers off, avoid placing them on napkins, as you or your waitperson can accidentally discard them in the garbage. To avoid tossing your retainer into a dumpster, place your retainers in their case.

7. Replace your retainer

Retainers can wear off, no matter the material used in designing them. Therefore, the moment you start noticing your retainers no longer appear excellent or fit as correctly as they should, you must replace them immediately. One of the essential parts of maintaining your smile is maintaining your retainers.

8. You should wear your retainers throughout your lifetime

After getting orthodontic treatment, your teeth can still shift. Therefore, after your treatment, the retainer helps by preventing your teeth from shifting, which is why you must wear them forever. You may neglect the process because you have straight teeth and believe they will stay that way throughout your life. But it is vital to maintain your straight teeth with an orthodontic retainer. Wear them day and night and take them off when necessary.

9. Be careful when putting on your retainers

Whenever you wear your retainers, put them on without leaving spaces between them and your teeth. Also, when you want to remove the retainer, do so without giving it a forceful flip with your tongue or pulling it off from the sides, as it can damage the retainer. When taking off your retainer, loosen it in separate places before easing it out of your mouth. Also, after removing it, place it inside the retainer case.

10. Brush your teeth

Avoid wearing your retainers over dirty teeth. Besides ordinary water, brush your teeth after each meal before returning the retainer. Wearing your retainers when your teeth are dirty can make the retainer dirty, and it can even lead to plaque buildup on your teeth.

11. Make every effort not to lose your retainer

When you go for a week without wearing your retainers, it can cause your teeth to move. So, try not to lose it. Your retainers’ safe place must be the retainer case. You can lose your orthodontic retainer if your dog or small child finds it and plays with it or if you place it carelessly while taking it off to eat or drink. However, if you have lost your retainer, your orthodontist can make another one.

12. Take your retainer to your orthodontist

When visiting your orthodontist for a checkup, ensure that you wear your retainers. They can inspect the retainer to see if it is still suitable for your use. If it worsens, your orthodontist can help you get a new one.

Conclusion

Maintaining your retainer will help you sustain your teeth by stopping them from moving after getting orthodontic treatment. If you want to maintain a great smile, orthodontic retainers are a long-lasting investment that you should embrace. It is easy to maintain your retainers, and it feels even better to have a more confident smile.

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