Categories
orthodontics

The Benefits of Early Orthodontics Treatment

While not every child is going to need early orthodontics treatment, the ones that do end up needing it will need it badly. Having a young child grow up with ailments such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or gaps will not only impact their physical appearance, but also their overall health.

If you want to have these problems caught early before your child’s teeth start to grow in, you will need to come and see an orthodontist to have them perform early orthodontics treatment. There are two different types that an orthodontist can treat your child with, especially if their health is put in jeopardy due to the problems in their mouth.

Categories
orthodontics

Orthodontic Accelerated Results

It takes several years for traditional braces to do their job but  orthodontic innovations can produce these accelerated results. People should ask themselves how much better they would feel if they could achieve similar results in less time.

Accelerated orthodontics can get you the smile you’re looking for in as little as one year.

This is one of the latest innovation in orthodontic treatment. After approximately one week, once you’ve got used to your braces, these minor surgical procedures are carried out.

Special Dental Expert

It’s done under anesthesia by a special dental expert called a periodontist. It’s all about slight alterations to the bones and gums that are holding your teeth and giving you a brilliant smile.

Some patients tell us they are worried about North York orthodontic accelerated results that involve surgery. They wonder if there will be a large recovery time. In both cases, the answer is no. This accelerated system only produces a slight discomfort and is a lot like having a dental cleaning.

When this quick and relatively painless surgery is over, an orthodontist will carry on with some more traditional treatments. However, the big advantage is the whole process has been moved up to a series of months rather than years.

North York Orthodontic Innovations and Braces

While some of the aspects of accelerated treatments like this are different, others are the same. There are still three types of braces used.

  • Metal braces are the least expensive option. They have some other advantages to in that they are very strong and durable. However, some people complain this type of brace is irritating and bothers the gums. Other patients complain metal braces are very noticeable.
  • Lingual braces are not as common as some of the other ones since are primarily used for adults. They are placed behind the teeth.
  • Ceramic braces are popular primarily because they blend in with the patient’s existing teeth. They are strong and stain resistance. Because they are less noticeable than the metal option, ceramic braces are very popular with younger people.

 Orthodontic Accelerated Braces Advantages

Patients using this type of orthodontic process can have straighter teeth in as little as 3 to 8 months. For many patients, there’s a strong draw to the accelerated program because traditional braces take years to do the same work.

This is one of the most innovative techniques on the dental market today. Although it uses some aspects of traditional braces, this accelerated option produces the very best results. North York orthodontic innovations should always be at the top of your list when you’re looking to have corrections done to your dental work.

Longer Lasting

The results are longer-lasting. Not only does the accelerated program produce better results, the results have been proven to last longer. When you put all the bonuses together, you’ll see how this latest technology is vastly superior to traditional older systems.

The costs are also in the same ballpark with traditional braces. When you put all of these aspects together, it’s clear that the accelerated braces techniques tip the balance in this particular innovation favour.

If you’re looking for a brighter smile and wanted in months and not years, this might be the process for you. Keep in mind that we have a wide variety of dental services for every member of your family.  Our goal is always to make sure everyone has the very best dental care. To that end, we are always developing our skills and looking for the latest innovations in the field.

Orthodontics for Adults & Children

Our orthodontists specialize in innovative treatments to align teeth in both children and adults. Our most common treatments include:

  • Adult Orthodontics (Advanced Treatment) – With adult orthodontics, you can finally get the beautiful smile that you have always wanted. We will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
  • Clear or Metal Braces – Whether you’re looking for a more subtle look with clear braces or want the durability of metal braces, we have the perfect solution for you.
    • Clear braces are made of a see-through material that blends in with your natural tooth color, making them nearly invisible. They are a popular choice for adults and teenage patients who want to achieve straight teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
    • Metal braces are the most traditional type of braces and are made of high-grade stainless steel. They are strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for patients who need significant dental correction.
  • Invisalign®/clear aligner treatment – The Invisalign®/clear aligner treatment system uses a series of clear, customized, and removable aligners that are virtually invisible. They are specifically designed to shift your teeth into place gently and gradually. You’ll wear each aligner for approximately two weeks until it’s time to switch to the next one in the series. Typically, you’re required to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, and you will need to see your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for monitoring and adjustments.

Braces and orthodontic treatments are about much more than just straightening your teeth. Having more aligned teeth can improve both oral and systemic health in various ways:

  • Enhancing oral functioning
  • Stabilize your tooth positions
  • Enhance aesthetics and your smile
  • Improving long-term health of gums and teeth
  • Preventing excessive wear or trauma of the teeth
  • Closing Gaps Between Teeth
  • Straightening Crooked Teeth

Our dentists and orthodontists follow the American Association of Orthodontists recommendation that children should be screened for issues for the first time when upper and lower anterior permanent teeth erupt between 7-9 years old. Orthodontic treatment in most cases will likely begin when the majority or all of the permanent teeth erupt, usually between 10-12 years old.

 

 

Categories
orthodontics

Broken Braces? What to do if a Bracket or Wire Breaks (Don’t Panic!)

It’s not unusual to sometimes break a wire or bracket when you have braces. There’s nothing to panic about, but you should take action to get your broken braces fixed.

Damaged braces can cause discomfort, cuts and abrasions inside the mouth and, if left unfixed, make your treatment less effective. You may need to do a minor fix yourself before you can can get to the Orthodontist for a proper repair.

How to Protect Your Mouth if Your Braces Broke

A broken wire or moving bracket can be sharp so you may need to take action to protect your mouth before your Orthodontist can see you. Common fixes need tweezers to move the broken brackets to a more comfortable position or nail clippers to trim a sharp wire. Wax should be used to cover up sharp points and protect your mouth.

Read on for how to perform quick fixes for three common types of damaged braces:

  • Bracket loose (floating) from the tooth but still on the wire
  • Broken arch wire
  • Wire protruding from the last bracket

 

Floating Bracket (A Braces Bracket Came Off)

Brackets are the part of the braces that attach to each tooth with special adhesive. If a bracket dislodges from the tooth but is still on the wire, it can rotate and move along the wire. Contact your Orthodontist to organise a time to have broken brackets reattached to your teeth.

A floating bracket rarely causes as much pain or damage as other breakages, but it can rub on the inside of your mouth. Before visiting your Orthodontist for the repair, you can sterilise a pair of tweezers and use them to slide the bracket along the wire so it sits between two teeth or into the centre of the tooth. Use the tweezers to rotate the bracket so it’s facing the right direction. If the bracket is uncomfortable, cover the surface with some dental wax.

 

Broken Wire

If your arch wire breaks, the sharp end can poke into your cheek or gum, causing it to bleed and increases the chance of infection. To make the wire safe until you can see your Orthodontist, use a pair of nail clippers or small pliers to cut off the end so it’s a neat finish. If there is any risk that the patient may swallow the small piece of clipped wire, try using a tissue inside the mouth while clipping the end.

Protruding Wire

As teeth move, there is a slight chance that the wire will come out of the last bracket. If the wire is poking into the check or gum, cut the end with nail clippers or small pliers. You can also use Orthodontic wax to cover up sharp ends. Contact your Orthodontist to have the wire replaced.

 

Bent Wire

Eating foods that are too hard for braces can cause the wire to bend. When your braces wire bends, the loose bands can’t pull teeth into position. If you notice any changes with the wire being loose, bent or broken,make an appointment with your Orthodontist straight away. It’s better to have it checked out than do nothing for weeks and find out the wire has compromised your treatment.

 

Why Orthodontic Breakages Occur

The most common reason braces break is eating hard, crunchy or sticky food. Remember to think before you eat to avoid a break. A few minutes each day spent cutting food into smaller pieces or swapping out foods not recommended for braces can save time in the long-run. An unscheduled visit to the Orthodontist to fix broken braces can require parents to take time off work and kids time away from school.

Read more about what you can and can’t eat with braces here.

Another cause of damage to braces is a knock to the mouth while playing sport. Always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Speak to your Orthodontist about a new or replacement mouthguard if your teeth have moved and the mouthguard isn’t fitting properly. Rough play can also end in braces being damaged or a mouth injury.

Sometimes food gets stuck between teeth and braces. If you can’t dislodge by brushing or using a piece of floss, you may need to ask your Orthodontist or your regular dentist to clean between the teeth. Using a toothpick could bend the wire or knock a bracket off the tooth. Regular brushing allows teeth to move into position as directed by the braces. When food is constantly caught between teeth, it can restrict movement

How to Heal Cuts and Sores in Your Mouth

Unfortunately, it’s common for people with braces to get mouth ulcers or cuts. Sores inside the mouth usually heal quickly but if braces keep irritating the same spot in the mouth, it can take longer to heal. New braces cause the most irritation to the inside of cheeks and as do braces with broken wires or brackets.

A small amount of dental wax can provide relief because it provides a buffer between the metal bracket and the mouth. Roll a pea-sized amount of wax and then flatten the wax over the bracket. You can leave the wax in while eating – it’s harmless if you accidentally swallow some.

Salt water rinses can soothe and help heal sores by keeping the area clean. Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse around your mouth. You can use salt water several times a day if it provides some relief.

You can also use an antiseptic rinse designed for oral care, as well as numbing creams. Good oral hygiene is important at all times, particularly when you have cuts or sores in your mouth.

Stick to soft foods and avoid very hot or very cold drinks.

 

Ask Your Orthodontist for Advice

If you have any questions, it is best to contact your Orthodontist and ask their advice as soon as you notice a problem. Broken braces, loose wire braces or a floating bracket can cause teeth to revert to an old position quicker than you think. Don’t panic but, if part of your braces broke, remember that leaving a breakage until your next scheduled appointment might cause problems and sometimes extend treatment time