It is important to alter your eating habits when undergoing orthodontic treatment to prevent the risk of damage to one of your appliances. If it is your child undergoing treatment, be sure to provide braces-friendly dinners.
There are some great food options that are ideal for children with braces. It is important for meals to contain foods that are soft so that children do not cause damage to the brackets or arch-wires, increase pain, or prolong their orthodontic treatment. Remember that some foods, like cookies, can become hard after a certain period of time, increasing the risk of damage.
For more tips on protecting the integrity of your braces, give our Dental Office a call. In addition to traditional braces, we offer lingual braces and Invisalign.
All individuals considering braces should set up an initial consultation with their orthodontist prior to initiating treatment. Make sure you get the most out of your consultation with this overview of important questions to ask your orthodontist about braces.
Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment?
One of the first questions to ask your orthodontist is whether or not braces are right for you. Your orthodontist will make this determination based on the results of your panoramic x-rays, visual inspection, and personal preferences. Braces may be right for you if you are suffering from certain malocclusions including crowded teeth, gaps, and spaces, overbite, underbite, open bite, or a misplaced midline.
What Types of Braces are Available for You?
There are many different types of braces available for both children and adults. However, not all of these types may be appropriate for you. Some of the most popular braces options include:
· Traditional metal braces. These utilize metal brackets, arch-wires, stabilizing bands, and elastic ties to gradually straighten your teeth.
· Ceramic braces. These clear braces are designed to blend in with the color of your natural teeth.
· Lingual braces. Braces can be placed on the back, or lingual side, of teeth instead of the facial surface. These lingual braces are custom-built for each tooth.
· Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment can be completed using a series of clear, removable aligners from Invisalign.
Which Foods Should You Avoid?
There are a number of foods you will want to avoid when wearing traditional, ceramic, or lingual braces. These include hard bread and cookies, whole fruits, hard and chewy candies, nuts, corn on the cob, ice cubes, popcorn, and raw carrots.
How Long is the Treatment Process?
The length of your treatment will be based on the level of malocclusion, the type of braces you choose, and your level of commitment to maintaining monthly adjustment appointments.
With many years of experience, the orthodontists at our Dental Office are your top resource for high-quality orthodontic care. Call us for more information on braces and retainers.
There are several preparatory steps you’ll need to undergo prior to the placement of traditional metal or ceramic braces. One such step is the application of separators.
Also known as spacers, separators are tiny elastic rings that are placed between your back molars to create space for the metal bands that keep your arch-wires and other orthodontic appliances firmly in place. It is important to avoid eating sticky foods and refrain from flossing around the spacers to prevent them from coming out. Learn from us what to do if you lose one of your separators.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted by contacting our Dental Office. We provide services for residents in the area.
Orthodontic intervention can remedy a number of dental issues. Whether you require orthodontics to correct crooked teeth or other dental problems, an orthodontist can provide the appropriate treatment, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.
Eating Difficulties
Malocclusions, or improperly aligned teeth, can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. In the most severe cases, individuals may experience difficulty or discomfort while chewing. Braces and other types of orthodontic treatment can correct the patient’s dental alignment and resolve associated eating issues.
Speech Difficulties
Improperly aligned teeth may cause speech impediments, such as lisping. Not only can malocclusions interfere with a person’s ability to communicate with others, but they can also contribute to feelings of anxiety when talking. Orthodontists can adjust dental alignment and eliminate further speech difficulties.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is yet another symptom of teeth malocclusions, which can actually hinder the proper development of the facial structure in children. Mouth breathing can also contribute to the formation of gingivitis and the discomfort associated with dry mouth syndrome.
Misaligned Teeth
A great majority of orthodontic candidates choose treatment to remedy cosmetic dental issues that do not significantly impact their physical health. Individuals may seek the assistance of an orthodontist when a misaligned dental structure affects the aesthetic appearance of their teeth. In addition, crowded and overlapping teeth are often difficult to clean, making it easier for tooth decay to occur. Orthodontists offer a number of treatments that can permanently alleviate these troublesome symptoms and give patients a beautiful smile of which they can be proud.
If you have dental malocclusions that are interfering with your quality of life, consider contacting an orthodontist for assistance. Serving residents of the area, our Dental Office can help you in achieving the healthy teeth and gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today to learn more about our orthodontic services or to schedule an appointment.