Braces and Wires

Dr. Good utilizes the latest in orthodontic technology by using self-ligating braces and shape-memory, super-elastic wires instead of traditional braces and stiffer wires to provide patients with faster and more comfortable treatment.

Self-ligating braces use a free-sliding technology to secure wires. This combination places only a small amount of pressure on teeth in comparison to the traditional use of elastic ties and ligature wires. The reduced friction between the self-ligating braces and the wires allows teeth to move more quickly and biologically. As a result, your treatment not only takes less time and requires fewer appointments, but is far more comfortable than with older style fixed-wire braces.
Many patients who had braces in the past, and who are currently undergoing re-treatment with this combination of materials, comment that it is much more comfortable than they remember.

Self-ligating braces were designed with patients’ comfort in mind. Each bracket was designed to have a cleaner, more esthetic appearance, as well as smooth edges and a lower profile so as not to interfere with the lips and cheeks. In addition, there are cosmetic benefits of self-ligation since these braces do not need ties of “O” rings to tie in wires, which tend to collect food and moisture. Therefore, you can maintain a cleaner look and healthier smile throughout your entire treatment.

Advantages of self-ligating braces and shape-memory wires over traditional braces:

• Teeth are free to move faster and more easily
• Less frequent adjustments
  Shorter (and fewer) appointments
• Smaller brackets for improved aesthetics and greater comfort
• No elastic ties resulting in better oral hygiene

Empower Self-Ligating Braces
For more information on the Empower Self-Ligating Braces used at Dental Care for Children, please visit: https://www.americanortho.com/products/self-ligating-brackets/

All About Braces

Eating with Braces

The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially, but can take up to 24 hours to completely adhere. You can eat any time after leaving our office, but we ask that you are mindful of the suggested eating list below. Until you become accustomed to eating with your braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods. For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. You will need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you are wearing braces.

Foods & Habits to Avoid

•  Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice

• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips

• Sticky foods: caramels, gummy bears, tootsie rolls

• Hard foods: nuts, candy

• Foods that should be cut into small pieces: corn on the cob, apples, raw vegetables, pizza, steak, chicken, pork or beef ribs

• Chewing on hard things: chewing on pens or pencils, nail biting, chewing on ice

• Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

General Soreness

When wires are first applied to braces, some patients feel general soreness and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to seven days. If the tenderness is severe, take ibuprofen or whatever you normally take for a headache or similar pain. Our advanced wires are thermo-activated and become stiffer as the warm temperatures of the mouth heat them. To lessen wire-related tension and soreness, try drinking a cup of cold water to lower the temperature of the wires and, hence, relax the wires.

For abrasions that are a result of the lips or cheek rubbing against the appliances, a warm saltwater rinse can relieve this soreness. Dissolve 1 teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. To lessen the discomfort, you can put wax on the braces causing the irritation. We’ll show you how!

Loosening of Teeth

Mild to moderate loosening of teeth is to be expected throughout treatment. This is normal, since teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Athletics

If you play sports, it’s important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call our office for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

Thousands of people are living with crooked teeth in fear of having to wear “braces.” One of the most popular solutions is Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Not only are the aligners less visible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. Click here to learn more about Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First.

Effective for a wide range of smiles and ages, the Invisalign system has been successful in giving over 18 million amazing smiles to teens, adults, and children. The Invisalign System straightens teeth by using a progressive series of customized clear aligners created by 3-D imaging technology.

Dr. Good will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign’s clear, custom-molded aligners (retainers) to solve a range of issues, including:

• Overly crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites

Invisalign aligners are to be worn one set at a time for 22 hours a day to incrementally shift your teeth into their new, desired position. The aligners are changed to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks. They are easily removed for eating, brushing and flossing, but need to be worn at all other times in order to complete your orthodontic treatment as quickly and effectively as possible. Dr. Good will determine if your bite can be adequately addressed with Invisalign. For those who do not qualify, we can utilize clear braces to diminish the visibility of braces during treatment.

Made to fit all lifestyles
Now nothing comes between your lifestyle and having an incredible smile. Because Invisalign offers you comfort, convenience and virtual invisibility during treatment. With Invisalign, you can:

• Be as active as you like because Invisalign won’t hold you back
• Remove your aligners for special events, eating and brushing
• Feel more confident everywhere you go
• Look your best during treatment
• Avoid mouth irritation from metal wires or bands
• Finish treatment often faster than traditional braces
  
  

Invisalign for Teens

Many teens want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option – and Invisalign Teen is a great choice since it’s virtually invisible, removable, and ultra-convenient. The teen version of Invisalign also includes a compliance indicator to allow parents and the orthodontist to determine if the appliance is being worn for the required number of hours. Teens may prefer Invisalign over other treatment methods due to its flexibility to integrate into everyday life.

Invisalign First

Invisalign First clear aligner treatment is designed for predictable results and a positive experience while addressing the unique needs of growing children.
Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.
Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.
Designed for comfort – which means no discomfort from rubbing brackets or poking wires, and no food restrictions.

Invisalign for Adults

The Invisalign clear aligner system is a great option for adults to straighten their teeth without the need for wires or brackets. At Dental Care for Children we are thrilled to provide orthodontic treatment for adults alongside children and teens. It’s never too late to achieve your dream smile – and our patients love Invisalign treatment because it is:

Virtually invisible – Invisalign clear aligners are incredibly discreet, so no one needs to know you’re having treatment.
Accurate – Invisalign treatment is custom made to your exact smile, and designed with precise 3D computer technology, so we know exactly what your results will look like.
Comfortable – The smooth plastic of your aligners won’t irritate your cheeks and gums.
Convenient – You change to new aligners from the comfort of your own home, come in for appointment checks every few months, and you don’t need to adjust your diet, brushing or flossing during treatment.

The Invisalign Process: Step-by-Step

Initial Consultation
The first step to starting Invisalign treatment is to schedule a consultation at our office. During the exam, Dr. Good will be able to determine whether or not you or your child are a good candidate for Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, or Invisalign First. Invisalign is a good treatment option for many different types of bite problems. We are happy to answer any questions before, during, or after your consultation about treatment plan options, cost, length, etc.

Dental Records
To begin the treatment process, we will take records using our in-office digital technology including photographs, a 3D digital scan with our iTero scanner, and digital x-rays. These records are used to create a 3D image of your bite and a custom treatment plan. This plan will map out how your teeth will move with each set of aligners and into their final positions.

Treatment Begins
Once the aligners are created, you will begin wearing your first set. For the best results, your aligners should be worn 20-22 hours every day throughout treatment. There will be a small adjustment period as you become accustomed to speaking with the aligners and the pressure they place on your teeth. The plastic is smooth and the aligners are removable, so there will be little interference in your day-to-day activities.

Every One to Two Weeks Change Aligners
You will wear a set of Invisalign aligners for one to two weeks at a time. Every new set of aligners is created so that the teeth are slightly straighter than your teeth actually are. This puts slight pressure on your teeth, and over the course of one to two weeks, the pressure will move your teeth so that they match the tray.

Retention Phase
Once you complete your final set of aligners, it is time for the retention phase. You will start by wearing your retainers full time for a few months, and then can cut back to wearing them only during sleep. Our body is always changing, including our teeth. We put a lot of pressure on our teeth when we chew, grind our teeth, and perform everyday actions. Wearing retainers at nighttime indefinitely will help maintain all of your hard work and efforts for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, jaws, and the teeth. Abnormalities of this sort often cause difficulty with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these functional problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, may dramatically enhance a patient’s facial appearance.

Using the latest in digital imaging and simulation technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery when needed. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods, and the overall efficacy of jaw surgery. State-of-the-art materials, including custom titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength and predictability of surgical treatment. These advances in technology, procedures, and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.

Some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery are:

• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
• Excessive wear of teeth
• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
• Facial injury or birth defects
• Receding chin (“overbite”)
• Protruding lower jaw (“underbite”)
• Inability to make the lips meet without straining
• Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
• Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
  
  

Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment alone can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.

The day you say good bye to your braces or Invisalign is always an exciting day, however your orthodontic care is not complete. Maintaining your beautiful smile is just as important as creating your smile. Retention is how you maintain that smile. When your braces or Invisalign attachments are removed, you will be given retainers for both the upper and lower teeth. The retainers are usually removable, but Dr. Good may prescribe a different retainer that fits your specific situation, such as a fixed wire on the inside of your teeth.

The usual retainer procedure is to wear the retainers full time for the first few months after treatment, and then to continue wearing your retainers nightly, indefinitely, to prevent your teeth from falling back into misalignment and erasing all the hard work you’ve already put in.

It only takes days for some teeth to begin shifting back to their original position, especially within the first year after your orthodontic treatment. If you lose your removable retainer or if your fixed retainer comes loose in any area please contact the office as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to see your smile and ensure it remains so beautiful.