Braces 101
There are many benefits of investing in braces, with the most important one being improving your orthodontic health. Braces help improve your oral health, as straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss. It helps improve your appearance and gives you a more beautiful smile. Straightening teeth can further make it easier to bite and chew food. Thus, braces can help improve oral function and prevent problems such as tooth wear. Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics specializes in providing pediatric dental care and we have an in office orthodontist.
Care & Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are important to complete the treatment plan. This requires the patient and the orthodontist to work together. When you wear braces, maintenance is important to ensure the teeth and jaws are in the proper positions. If the appliance gets damaged, it will increase the duration and cost of treatment.
Brushing
It is more important to brush and floss properly and regularly when you have braces. This will help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Failing to do so will increase the frequency of your visits to your orthodontist.
Playing Sports
If you engage in sports activities, it is important to consult with our doctors. We recommend the following measures for protection and safety:
- Wear a protective mouthguard whenever you play contact sports
- If there is an accident, immediately check your mouth and the braces
- If the braces are damaged, or your teeth get loosened, call us to schedule an appointment
Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Briana may prescribe retainers to help keep the bite in place after reshaping and correction. Even when wearing these custom devices, it is important to wear them instead of having to go through your braces all over again.
- Make sure to keep the retainer clean.
- Bonded retainers will require cleaning as part of your normal dental hygiene routine.
- Use a floss threader to floss a bonded retainer.
- Removable retainers can be removed and cleaned with lukewarm water
- You may also use a soaking product to keep it in between uses
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to scrub a removable retainer once a day
Early Orthodontic Assessment
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, parents must bring their children for an early assessment at age 7. At Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontist will identify any developing issues with the positioning of the teeth and jaws. This will allow us to select the perfect time for treatment and what appliance will guide the growth of your child’s jaws and avoid issues that can interfere with their smile in the future.
Dr. Briana provides dental care services to patients from age 7 onward. She knows the importance of providing early treatment to prevent dental problems in the future. She also helps adolescent and adult patients achieve a beautiful smile. Her expertise lies in many areas, including traditional braces, functional appliance therapy, and clear aligners.