October means something a little different to our team at North Durham Orthodontics because we celebrate Halloween and it is also National Orthodontic Health Month.
During October, orthodontic offices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do as well as help you with some braces safe Halloween treats. Our goal is to draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction.
American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids are evaluated by an orthodontist by 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws.
Best Candy for Braces
When searching for safe candy options for braces, consider the texture of the sweets. Anything that’s super sticky, gooey, or hard is probably best to avoid. Instead, look for these top braces-friendly choices.
- Musketeers
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Peppermint Patties
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Milky Way
- Pure Chocolate Bars
Worst Candy for Braces
At our Durham orthodontic office, we want all of our braces patients to have fun this Halloween and enjoy some treats. However, we also feel it’s important for them to be informed of what candy could potentially damage their brackets or wires so they also know what to avoid.
- Hard Candy
- Gum
- Caramels
- Jelly Beans
- Nuts or anything containing nuts
When you’re out in the neighborhood gathering your treats and maybe showing off some tricks, politely pass on any candy that may cause damage to your braces and rather pick the pieces that are both delicious and safe.
Most importantly, be safe, have fun, and Happy Halloween from your Durham orthodontist!
October is here and this month we’re celebrating National Orthodontics Month! There is no better time to address your oral health.
Orthodontics is a specialized dentistry field which deals with teeth and jaw alignment to help enhance a person’s oral health and aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment is common among children from the age of 8-14 years since abnormalities in teeth orientation begin to manifest between six to twelve years. Treatment during one’s childhood is more effective compared to when done during adulthood since the root canals are yet to have a solid ground, thus easy to align. Corrective orthodontics is done to fix jaw and teeth problems resulting from accidents and growth changes.
Failure to correct orthodontic deformities such as crowding, wide spacing, and a protrusion can lead to some oral health challenges including tooth decay, loss, and gum disease.
Orthodontists can provide a remedy to such deformities by using braces, also known as aligners to help guide crooked teeth into the right position. Braces can either be metallic or ceramic and are made to last permanently in the mouth until a patient completes the treatment process.
Stainless steel metal braces are the most common type compared to ceramic braces due to low cost. Braces contain metal bands for wrapping around the molars and smaller brackets which are cemented on other teeth’s front surfaces. In between the brackets of a brace, is a spring metal wire which helps guide the teeth into the right position. Ceramic braces are made from a translucent ceramic material which matches the natural color of teeth, making it hard to be easily noticed. Lingual braces are worn on the back side of the teeth to help teeth fit in the right position without being exposed.
Be happy; there is hope for a better smile even when your teeth appear crooked at present! Contact Dr. Gina Lee with North Durham Orthodontics today for your free consultation!
“When can I get my braces off?” We hear this question all the time.
Knowing when you will be able to get your braces off can give you a goal to look forward to. While it is impossible to predict, months or years ahead of time, exactly when you will be able to get your braces off, there are a few factors that contribute to when you can get your braces off.
Are you following the orthodontist’s instructions?
One of the things that can seriously slow down treatment is a patient who does not follow the instructions given by Dr. Lee. Keeping up a cleaning routine is vital to any treatment. Some treatments require patients to be more involved than others. We try to give clear instructions to our patients so they know exactly what they have to do in order to ensure their treatment proceeds on schedule.
Are your teeth responding to the treatment?
Despite our combined best efforts, some teeth may not be cooperating. While braces or Invisalign can fix a whole gauntlet of problems, it is possible that some teeth move more slowly than originally anticipated. If there are teeth that are simply not responding to treatment as quickly as we had originally hoped, braces may have to be left on longer than we first anticipated.
How complex were the original problems?
How many issues were identified at the beginning of treatment and how complex those issues were can contribute to a prolonged treatment. Both traditional braces and Invisalign may go on for longer than anticipated if the problems are not easily corrected.
Has the patient been diligent with their role in their own treatment?
There are many orthodontic treatments that require heavy patient involvement. For example, treatments like headgear and rubber bands (elastics), which are all on the responsibility of the patient to insert and properly use on a day to day basis. Without diligent patient cooperation, these treatments will not be effective and can extend the estimated time in braces.
Are all gaps completely closed up?
Even if the teeth are straight and relatively well aligned, there may still be gaps in between the teeth that the patient and Dr. Lee want to address. Just because the bite looks good in the front, doesn’t mean that treatment is completely finished. Any remaining gaps can become places for food and plaque to collect. Closing up all of those leftover gaps before removing the braces may extend treatment, but the patient will be happy for it in the end.
Is the bite correctly aligned?
The teeth might be straight, but the bite might not yet be correctly aligned. This is one of the number one ways we will tell whether or not your treatment is finished. If your upper and lower teeth line up and there is a proper overlap of the top and bottom teeth in the front of the mouth, it may be time to remove the braces. If not, even a straight smile may need a little more time with the braces.
Having patience and compliance with your treatment is the fastest and easiest way to get your braces taken off to a beautiful smile!
If you are ready to start your journey to a perfect smile, call our office today for a complimentary consultation!
Your First Visit to North Durham Orthodontics: What to Expect
Even as young as 7, children are usually ready for their first visit to an orthodontist – even to just assess their oral health and check for potential problems that are much easier to fix when caught early.
Whether your child is preparing for their first orthodontic appointment, or if you’re looking forward to one yourself, a little information can go a long way in helping you feel confident and ready for your smile journey.
So, what should you expect during that initial appointment?
Most importantly, think of your visit – which generally lasts one hour – as a time to get acquainted with the office, orthodontist, and the staff. You’ll likely be interacting with them for several weeks or months, so it’s important to feel comfortable in that environment.
Dr. Gina Lee’s primary purpose during the first visit is to identify issues with your teeth or mouth, determine if an orthodontic treatment is necessary, and decide if now is the right time to start it. Most appointments also include a thorough clinical examination and diagnostic data collection through photographs and x-rays. Sometimes the orthodontist will also take alginate impressions to make casts or molds of your teeth and gums, which are then used to determine the best, individualized treatment plan for you.
Be prepared to have a conversation with the orthodontist – to answer some basic questions and ask them yourself. Common points for discussion include recommended treatments or appliances, such as braces, expanders or retainers; types of braces; the timeline for the treatment process, including anticipated frequency of appointments; and the estimated cost, financing options, and payment plans. The goal of this consultation is to help you understand the orthodontist’s assessment of your teeth and how to best correct it, so don’t hesitate to ask for details or voice concerns. It is also equally important for the orthodontist to understand your goals and concerns for orthodontic treatment.
Once you feel comfortable about the treatment plan Dr. Lee has outlined for you or your child, you can schedule an appointment to get appliances placed or take the next step toward correcting the identified issue.
Ready to meet your orthodontist? Contact Dr. Gina Lee at North Durham Orthodontics in Durham to find out what treatment can help you achieve the smile you desire to maintain your oral health.