Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? - Dr. Danny Weiss

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

What's So Special About an Orthodontist Like Dr. Weiss?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Weiss started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Weiss decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Dr. Weiss - Understanding Cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Regular Checkups Are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Why Is It So Important to Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 901-767-7370 to set up a consultation. Dr. Weiss can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Moooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 901-767-7370 or visit www.weissorthodontics.com.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 901-767-7370. Dr. Weiss can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in, or what we call a “severe malocclusion” (the orthodontic word for “bad bite” which means the jaws don’t fit together correctly).

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch any early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Toothbrush Trivia

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color

• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India

• On average, children smile about 400 times per day

• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months

• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the
US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Ghosts, Goblins, and National Orthodontic Health Month!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month! In honor of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips and treats for a ghoulishly good time!

BOO! Spooky recipes for a “braces friendly” Halloween


Frightfully Fabulous Cupcake Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup superfine sugar
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can of chocolate frosting or store-bought chocolate mousse
1 container of whipped topping

Assorted “braces-friendly” candy pieces such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate bars and melt-in-your-mouth candies.


Halloween Safety Tips

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult

Carry a flashlight

Wear a light-colored or reflective costume

Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins

Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine cocoa powder, water, and mix until smooth. Fold in mayonnaise. (Make sure cocoa mixture is not to hot to prevent breaking of mayonnaise). Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.

In mixer, combine sugar, cake flour, baking soda and salt and mix slowly until well incorporated. Add wet cocoa mixture, mix on medium-high until well blended. Scrape down the sides and blend for 30 seconds.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 way full of batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.

Slice each cupcake in half, horizontally, and serve the halves with chocolate mousse or frosting, whipped topping, and assorted candy pieces. Kids build the sandwiches by spreading one-half of a cupcake with mousse/frosting or whipped topping, sprinkling on candy pieces and placing the other half of cupcake on top.

Makes 12 sandwiches.


CLICK HERE to visit our web site; and have a happy National Orthodontic Health Month!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

You can feel it when you have a cavity. But unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you realizing it. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Because of this, it’s very important to watch for the warning signs of the disease:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 901-767-7370. . We can diagnose the problem, find out how far the disease has advanced, and start treatment.

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Dr. Weiss is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 901-767-7370.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth.

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

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. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  
  
• Take your retainers out when eating... and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
  
  
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  
  
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  
  
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  
  
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Retainer replacement is expensive... with proper care they will last for years!
  
  
• Remove retainers when swimming.
  
  
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Eating with Braces

Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
  
  
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
  
  
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
  
  
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
  
  
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
  
  
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

Invisalign Week 1

Braces of Many Shapes

Have you ever wanted to have something different than the traditional metal braces but think that different colored rubber bands aren't enough to set you apart from the rest? What would you do if you could customize your smile even more with hearts, stars, and even baseballs? An orthodontist in Omaha asked just those questions... here's what he came up with:

Omaha orthodontist Dr. Clarke Stevens tries to run a fun practice.

He keeps videos running in his office. He holds contests. One day, he noticed an 8-year-old patient's little heart necklace. "I thought, 'You know, it would be cute if she had hearts on her teeth'."

So he found a manufacturer to make brackets for braces in shapes. He started in 2001 with hearts and stars. Then he added soccer balls, footballs, flowers and diamonds to the patented WildSmiles Braces lineup.

They're popular with kids, he said, but some adults opt for them, too. Women in their 40s have chosen them. Two 50-year-old guys picked footballs.

The company now sells the braces around the world — they're big in South America — and has representatives in Dubai, London, Australia and Spain, Stevens said. About 460 doctors now use WildSmiles, which he said are made in the United States.

Shaped brackets might add $35 to an orthodontist's costs, he said, but most don't pass that on to patients.

Another Invisalign Patient Testimonial

Improving Bad Breath - Some Quick Tips:

• Gargle with water.

• Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.

• Floss your teeth once each day.

• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Eat less meat.

• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.

• Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.

• Eat at regular intervals. Dieting or missing meals can decrease saliva and cause bad breath.

• Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry.

• Try using breath sticks, which contain the ingredients found in a mouthwash and dissolve in your mouth.

• Remove dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, or orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.

• Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

• Have regular dental checkups.

A few weeks into Invisalign

Last week, I showed you a video of a patient who had been wearing her Invisalign aligners for only 10 minutes. This week, I thought that I'd show you a video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for a few weeks. I'll keep browsing YouTube in hopes of finding patient testimonials from all stages of the Invisalign process. Until then, here's stage two... a few weeks of wearing Invisalign and still a smiling face:

More About Invisalign

When you first put on Invisalign, the experience can be a little weird. You may talk with a lisp at first, the aligners might not fit completely, and your mouth might feel a bit weird in general. This is all normal. To get an in depth view of what it's like to wear Invisalign, check out this great testimonial:

Oral Health and Overall Health

Many people are starting to learn about how oral health affects overall health, but just how much can improving your dental care help your immune system? At a landmark meeting, dentists spoke at the American Diabetes Association's 68th Annual Scientific Sessions. While they held the floor, the dentists spoke about the links found between periodontal disease and Diabetes:

The meeting served as a wonderful opportunity for dentists to discuss oral health considerations with physicians and other members of the health care team," Dr. Meyer said. "As we gain more knowledge on the relationships of oral health conditions to general health, it is imperative that our respective professions engage in meaningful dialogue to improve oral and general health outcomes for the patients we serve. Hopefully, this is the first of many opportunities we will have for the two ADAs to work together to achieve common goals."

Simple Questions to Ask Yourself

Are you still on the fence about getting Invisalign? Ask yourself if any of the following apply to you and maybe you'll find that Invisalign is just about perfect for you!

Do you want the inconvenience of regular dental visits for
adjustment?

Are you afraid the wires and adjustments will be uncomfortable?

You don't like the thought of having to clean around your braces.

You don't want to have to wait years for straighter teeth.

You think braces will make you self-conscious about your smile.

If you answered yes to any or all of these, I encourage you to call my Membphis, TN orthodontic practice for an initial consultation.

Getting Invisalign in Memphis, TN

Have you been thinking about the benefits of Invisalign? Whether or not you are ready to get braces or Invisalign tomorrow, it's extremely important to do your research and make sure that you find the orthodontic treatment that's right for you. Below is a video I came across about Invisalign. Check this out and let me know what questions you have. I'll be happy to help you find the best way to make you smile!

Patients' responses to our practice!

At our office, Dr. Danny Weiss and talented staff take pride in having happy patients. From the moment our patients walk in the front door, they realize our office is all about our patients and their families. Here are a few quotes from patients about our offices in Memphis and Millington.

"Always on time. great staff to help with all my needs. extremely cooperative in all my needs." - Michael

"Just met him--very impressed--kids really liked him-- i knew that we would be pleased because dr. chip recommended him!!" - Betty

"Everyone at the office was so nice to me. I felt like I'd been going there for years. Dr. Weiss seems very knowledgeable and experienced." - Kimetra

"He does awesome work and I saw results so quckly. His charges are affordable and his charges dont change mid way thru the process. I'm very please and I tell everyone how wonderful he and his staff are." - Arthur

"He's very passionate about his work. He takes pride in the job he does, not to mention he does a marvellous job!" - Tiffiney

"Very personable, straight to the point, no waiting, everyone is so very nice and concerned." - Garvin

"I like that he explains everything clearly on what is about to happen. I also appreciate his phone call to check-up. I thought that was very nice." - Brandon

"Dr. Weiss and his staff are very friendly!! I can't wait to see the finish product of my new smile. As soon as I walked out of the office, I believe Dr. Weiss sent my mom a gift for referring me. Awesome! I look forward to working with him and his staff!!!!" - Erica

"He is wonderful to my son and all of my family!!" - Steven

Come on over to 5885 Ridgeway Ctr Pkwy suite #200 and see why Dr. Weiss his staff are making so many people in Memphis and in Millington smile! Our orthodontic practice serves many neighboring cities

Call today: 901-767-7370

Getting Invisalign (invisible braces) in Memphis and Millington, TN

Dr. Danny Weiss is a Certified Invisalign^® Orthodontist in Memphis and Millington, TN.

At Weiss Orthodontics, your smile is our top priority! This is why Dr. Danny Weiss became an Invsalign orthodontist for the Memphis and Millington, TN areas. Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted – without braces. A complimentary consultation with Dr. Weiss can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

What is it?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

Why would I want it?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does it work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Weiss has prescribed.

You'll visit Dr. Weiss about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Benefits of Braces

Why Braces?



Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having
healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded
teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth
decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss.

Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear
of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive
stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth,
or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic
headaches and face or neck pain.

Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the
additional care required to treat dental problems arising
as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful
smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your
braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.



Braces
for All Ages



Adults



Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults
especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One
of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.
Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients
because their jaws are not growing.

Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of
their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require
periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic
treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction
of tooth movement that is advisable.



Kids



It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to
advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time
for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars
and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites,
crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment
is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the
jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.

Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper
and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid
the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood
of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate
abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early
treatment can simplify later treatment.



How Orthodontic
Treatment Works



Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic.
They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the
teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully
controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected
position.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when
a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth.
You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color.
You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in
brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to
be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort
to patients.



Duration
of Treatment



Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending
on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity
of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will
respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to
case completion may differ from the original estimate.

The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands
or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient
treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may
take as few as six months.