Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws to maintain a straight and natural-looking smile. In addition to four years of dental school, they receive additional education focused on diagnosing and treating teeth and jaw misalignment.

Orthodontists use their education, experience, and expertise to delve deep and discover the root of your orthodontic problem. They underwent extensive training in orthodontics to properly treat all the variables associated with your bite problem.

Orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, but the typical age for an initial orthodontic assessment is 7.

We will take records, such as digital scans and x-rays, to identify if treatment is necessary. Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 8 and 14 when certain conditions are treated more easily while the jaw is still growing. We will never ask for unnecessary treatments. If no treatment is necessary, that’s what we’ll do.

Parafunctional habits can affect how the teeth grow in children and ultimately affect their bite. Other oral habits, such as mouth breathing, finger sucking, or lip biting, can also cause complications. 

Brush teeth in circular motions, and make sure to brush all surfaces of every tooth. When flossing, you may use a floss threader or an interdental floss to easily and effectively clean in between your teeth. 

Some ideal foods to eat right after getting braces include:

• Oatmeal
• Scrambled eggs
• Soups
• Pasta
• Seafood
• Soft vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft cheeses
• Bananas
• Yogurt

Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s an overview of the kinds of foods that you should steer clear of when you have braces fitted.

• Gum
• Caramel
• Jelly beans
• Licorice
• Toffee
• Tootsie Rolls
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Pizza crust
• Hard rolls
• Ice
• Whole apples

There are 2 main types of retainers: Fixed and Removable

Fixed retainers are strands of woven wire that are glued to the back of your teeth to hold the teeth in place. As its not removable, you don’t have to worry about losing them. There is always a chance that the glue used to hold it in place may fall off, in which case you would want to get that fixed immediately. 

They other form of retainer which we generally recommend, is a removable retainer. An Essix style retainer is a clear plastic tray that sits around your teeth to hold them in place. While some offices request full time wear, we only ask that you wear your retainer 8-10 hours a night to hold your teeth in place.

You should wear your retainers 8-10 hours a night to help stabilize your teeth. Without good and consistent wear, there exists the likelihood that your teeth may shift.  Since teeth move throughout your life, anyone who has received orthodontic treatment should wear their retainer indefinitely. 

Your orthodontic treatment includes a set of retainers for you to wear after treatment is completed at no cost. In addition to getting your retainers, you will also get a 3D printed model of your teeth which you can use to make new retainers at a significantly discounted price then getting a new pair from the start.