We set out today to write a blog post about the typical orthodontic treatment timeline, but we found an infographic that broke it down in a much simpler way. While every patient, mouth, and case is different, the following graphic explains the basics pretty well!
If you have any questions or are looking to schedule your free consultation, contact Carter Orthodontics today! We’d love to get you started on the path to a healthy, beautiful smile.
Teeth may be crooked for a number of reasons, from genetics to mouth deformities and serious oral diseases. When a malocclusion (crookedness or misplacement of teeth) is created, genetics are usually to blame.
Can you prevent crooked teeth?
In most cases, crooked teeth are caused by genetics and can’t be avoided. At that point, orthodontic treatment would be necessary to straighten the teeth. However, there are certain early childhood behaviors that may contribute to the development of crooked teeth. These behaviors can be avoided. They include:
While some of those are easy fixes, others take more effort to avoid. Permanent teeth are located under a child’s baby teeth. They are directly affected by the health of the teeth above them. If baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or trauma, permanent teeth may not erupt properly. Baby teeth work as anchors for permanent teeth and help to guide them out of the gums.
When do you start orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth?
We suggest that parents bring their children to Carter Orthodontics around age seven to rule out any potential issues. Early treatment is not uncommon. It could allow the orthodontist to guide jaw growth, help lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, detect and correct harmful oral habits, improve your child’s bite, and improve the appearance of your child’s smile.
With wedding season in full-swing, many brides-to-be are checking off the final items on their “wedding day” checklists:
Final Dress Fitting ✔
Emailing Itinerary to Bridal Party ✔
Creating a “Must Hear” Playlist ✔
Having White, Straight Teeth ?
Many brides-to-be are now adding orthodontic care to their wedding to-do list. Dr. Carter has helped many brides and grooms straighten their teeth so that they can confidently smile throughout their big day. While most brides and grooms plan their orthodontic treatment well in advance, it’s possible to start treatment closer to the date of your wedding. If your big day is coming up soon, it’s not too late to get started!
If you and your orthodontist choose an “invisible” treatment process, your guests will have no clue that you are straightening your teeth. Your photographer won’t even notice! Two awesome options for keeping your teeth straightening under wraps are lingual braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign is the most commonly recommended option of orthodontic care for our people who want an unnoticeable treatment process. Once you set your big day, you can come in for a free consultation. One of the best aspects of Invisalign is that you can wear the aligners to straighten your teeth before, during, and after the wedding. Click here to learn more about Invisalign.
Lingual braces are braces that are placed on the lingual, or back, side of your teeth. Similar to the Invisalign process, you can get started before your big day and have them removed before the wedding or continue to wear them through your wedding and honeymoon. Either way, they are invisible to others! Click here to learn more about lingual braces.
No matter which path you end up taking, Carter Orthodontics would love to work with you to create your perfect, photo-ready smile.
You don’t always need to take drastic measures in order to have healthy, white teeth. Here are some simple tips to help you continue to flash those pearly whites:
Start as early as possible. Children should be brushing, flossing, and heading to the dentist from a young age. Not only will you be keeping their teeth healthy and clean, but you will be creating habits that will last a lifetime.
Seal out trouble-making plaque. In some cases, sealants can be applied to molars to block out tooth-decaying plaque. Ask your dentist if this preventative treatment would be right for you.
Remember to brush and floss daily. Daily upkeep is one of the most important things when it comes to dental health. Brush twice a day (morning and night) and floss at least once a day. Clean your tongue while you’re at it!
Protect your teeth. If you play any impact sports, wear a mouthguard! When teeth are injured, they can’t function as they normally would. Protect them as much as possible, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Don’t smoke. This one seems like a no-brainer, but we thought we’d mention it just in case. Smoking is terribly unhealthy, but it can also stain your teeth. While you’re at it, skip other stain-inducing things like dark drinks and snacks.
Eat healthy foods. Sugar isn’t great for you, but it’s especially bad for your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth use simple sugars to create plaque. If you do eat sugary or carb-heavy foods, just remember to rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible.
Sip with a straw. Many drinks like juice and soda are acidic in nature, which means they are not the best match for your tooth enamel. Avoid prolonged contact with these drinks by using a straw. Ideally, you would also limit these drinks as much as possible.
Make regular appointments. Visit your dentist at regular intervals to make sure your teeth are in top shape all year round. If you have any spacing or bite-alignment issues, make sure you visit the orthodontist to have them checked out immediately. Healthy teeth create healthy, beautiful smiles.
A very common question about braces is “How much will these things hurt?” You probably won’t feel any pain at all during the procedure, but your teeth and gums will probably be a little sore afterwards.
Here is an overview of when you might feel pain or discomfort during your treatment:
Day of Placement: You should not feel any pain or discomfort. In the first few hours after you get your braces, it may be slightly more difficult to chew or talk. This is totally normal, but it usually isn’t because of pain. You’re just getting used to having braces! In some cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual. If so, stick with soft foods and you’ll be good to go. Some people report slight pain or discomfort toward the end of the first day as their teeth begin to shift.
A Few Days After Placement: This is when things might get a little uncomfortable. Your teeth are beginning to realign and the pressure of the archwire and elastic ties is new. Your orthodontist should provide you with relief wax/silicone to apply over the braces as necessary. If the pain is distracting to you, over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as directed.
Five Days After Placement: Usually by this time, any initial pain or discomfort should be gone or getting much better. Eating should feel a lot better, too! Just make sure to avoid any foods that could damage the actual braces.
General Appointments: You will be visiting the orthodontist for routine maintenance. Braces work by gradually moving your teeth, so subtle adjustments need to be made throughout the treatment process. The first several days after these appointments may be slightly uncomfortable, but just remember that it will fade quickly!
If you are really struggling to ease the pain after you get your braces put on, or simply looking to take your mind off it, there are a couple of things you can try:
-Eating soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
-Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin
-Orthodontic wax applied to the brackets that are rubbing the inside of your mouth.
-Avoiding acidic foods and drinks that might irritate your mouth
-Using rigorous salt-water rinses