Braces

So you have been told that you need braces to correct alignment issues in your mouth. Now what? Orthodontic treatment can be a daunting process, but this extensive guide can help you find all the answers to the question you are bound to have.

Besides metal braces, most orthodontists also offer clear ceramic braces, Invisalign aligners. There is no one choice for everybody so make sure you get evaluated and talk to your orthodontist about which type of treatment is best for your particular situation.

• Traditional (Metal) Braces: Metal or traditional braces are the most commonly used type of brace and often is what comes to mind when thinking of braces. Despite depictions on tv and movies, orthodontic technology has made traditional braces much more comfortable and affordable for patients. Traditional braces are made of stainless steel and straighten your teeth using a combination of brackets and archwires. You can customize your braces with the use of colored elastic bands.
• Clear (Ceramic) Braces: Ceramic braces provide the effectiveness of traditional braces without being so visible as metal braces. Clear braces are made of a translucent material that is virtually clear. This is a great option for patients that are concerned with the cosmetic look of having braces. Clear braces are exactly what they sound like, clear and not easily noticed. Clear braces do have their drawbacks, including being more fragile and requiring more visits. Patients have to be more careful and selective in the foods because of the fragile nature of clear braces.
• Invisalign® (Clear Aligners) : Clear aligner systems are most commonly known as Invisalign. They use custom-made plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth to their proper positions. These aligners are designed through computer simulation to ensure optimal results. Through these simulations, orthodontists will make a clear removable tray that provides tooth movement. It is esthetic, and can barely be seen by peers. Because Invisalign is a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, it is a very popular treatment among adults and other patients who would like a more discreet treatment option.

Braces are a sturdy orthodontic appliance that are meant to withstand the pressures of eating, but they are still susceptible to damage if you’re not careful. Patients should refrain from eating hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods that could harm their braces. Mishandling your braces could result in extended treatment time and less than ideal results.

Here are a few foods that you should avoid throughout the orthodontic process. Your orthodontist can give you a more comprehensive list, but a little common sense should be enough to tell you whether or not to eat a certain food. Remember, better safe than sorry!

• Bagels
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Beef Jerky
• Dried Fruit
• Gummies
• Popcorn
• Granola bars
• Chips
• Hard taco shells
• Celery
• Carrots
• Crackers
• Caramel
• Gum
• Toffee
• Nuts and seeds

Many patients report that their teeth are sore from the pressure of the braces moving them the first few days after an adjustment. If your mouth is sensitive, here are a few foods we suggest eating in the meantime:

• Soft cheese
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Flan
• Soft tortillas
• Pancakes
• Oatmeal
• Pasta
• Rice
• Meatballs
• Lunch meats
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Crab cakes
• Soups
• Chowders
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Beans
• Tofu
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Ice cream
• Jello

Food and sugar particles can easily get stuck in the nooks and crannies or the wires or brackets, so it’s important to thoroughly clean them after every meal unless you want cavities and tooth decay. When the teeth aren’t cleaned properly, they can become calcified or stained, leaving unsightly marks after the braces are removed.

Brush thoroughly after every meal to avoid this and make sure to floss daily. If you are having travel maneuvering around the brackets and wires, consider trading your string floss for a waterpik or floss pick. Patients also still need to see the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup even if they see their orthodontist regularly.

As we mentioned above, your teeth and mouth may feel a little tender or sore when you first get your braces or have them adjusted. Not to worry, this is completely normal! As your teeth shift into the position they are supposed to, your mouth will become less sore. For the moment, however, you can swish and gargle salt water to alleviate the pain. If that doesn’t help, you can also take a mild, over-the-counter pain relief medication with the approval of your orthodontist.

Usually, the orthodontist will try to trip wires and make the braces as comfortable as possible, but some patients still experience discomfort if their brackets or wires push into the mouth. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue should become accustomed to the braces after one or two weeks. In the meantime, the orthodontist will provide you with wax to soften any rough edges from your braces.

Your teeth may not feel as stable as they usually do, even wiggle or loose. Don’t be alarmed! Braces place pressure on the teeth to move into the correct position by loosening them a little first. Once your teeth are repositioned, they will be fixed in that spot.

For our athletic patients, don’t forget to wear mouthguards when you play high contact sports! Your braces, jaws, and teeth are all at risk when you play sports that could potentially involve trauma to the face or head. Always use a mouthguard in addition to all the protective gear provided by your team to stay safe during practice and games. Our orthodontist can design a custom orthodontic mouthguard that fits comfortably on your braces to protect your teeth.

Below are common contact sports that you should consider getting a mouthguard for if you play them:

• Football
• Wrestling
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Boxing
• Lacrosse
• Racquetball

Should you be involved in a dental injury, head to the emergency room or give us a call. If the bands and wires on your wires do become loose or damaged, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the orthodontist to get them fixed as soon as possible. They can be dangerous or painful!

Broken appliances can lead to extended treatment time. If you damage your braces or don’t wear the orthodontic accessories as instructed, your results may not be ideal. Make sure to use the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, expanders, etc. as it is advised by your orthodontist!

Most likely you’ll need to wear a retainer for a certain period of time based on your treatment.

Having to wear a retainer after you get your braces off can definitely be frustrating, but it is a very necessary extra step. Even after a full treatment with braces, your teeth will start to shift a little again after the braces are taken off. When you wear retainer, your teeth are held in their new positions for longer which will ultimately give you better results.

Some orthodontic patients need to just wear one retainer on the bottom or on the top, but some patients might need both. Typically at first, you will wear the retainer all day long and then you will most likely only have to wear it at night to sleep. Keep in mind that each individual treatment plan is different.

Retainers generally come in two types, removable and fixed. The removable kind are usually worn for about a year, while the fixed retainer may be worn for several years. Fixed retainers are adhered to the backs of your teeth using cement.

Retainers are typically made of:

• Clear – These are made of molded clear plastic that fits over your teeth. Because these are less noticeable they are a popular choice, especially for adults.
• Acrylic –They are made of bendable wire and acrylic and are adjustable. They also come in different colors and styles.

Like when you were wearing braces, with the retainers, your teeth may feel pressure and you may experience some soreness as your mouth adjusts to the retainer. If the retainer causes you pain though or cuts into your gums, then let your orthodontist know. It probably needs some readjustment.

Expect your speech to be affected for the first few days. Try talking at a slower speed until you get used to the feel of the retainers in your mouth. Reading aloud for a few minutes a day can also help. The retainer may also stimulate an increased saliva production in your mouth those first few days. Don’t worry, all of this is expected.

The first thing you need to understand is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. Regular dental cleanings protect your teeth and gums.

Even if you brush and floss regularly and avoid soda and other food and drink that can cause cavities and tooth erosion, you still need to see a dentist. The dentist is the one who will do your teeth and gum cleaning every 6 months to ensure that you don’t have a lot of plaque built up and to be on the watch for cavities and gum infection.

If you have a cavity or the start of gum problems, then the dentist is the one who will treat it and get you back on the road to better oral health. The dentist is also who you go if you need teeth pulled, crowns or implants or dentures. If you make it a priority to see the dentist on a regular basis, however, you will have a better shot of keeping your teeth healthy for years and years to come.

Some dentist also specialize in cosmetic dentistry and can help with teeth whitening, veneers, implants and dentures.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, correct your teeth alignment. If your dentist recommends you see an orthodontist because your teeth or jaw are misaligned, then you should take him or her seriously. A straighter smile isn’t just about aesthetics it also affects the health of your teeth.

With crooked teeth straightened out and misaligned jaws corrected, you will be able to care for your teeth better which means less cavities and less dental problems like gum disease and tooth loss as you age.

The most common way for the orthodontist to correct crooked teeth or jaw misalignment is through braces. Luckily, advanced technology in the field of orthodontics means that you have more options than you did in years past to get a new smile.

For the best results, you want an orthodontist who is experienced and has proven success in treating different alignment issues. Make sure they are a licensed member of the American Association of Orthodontics, and have special expertise in the types of orthodontic technology you are interested in. For example, orthodontists who are experts at Invisalign are given special designations like Elite or Diamond status providers.

Here is why Dr. Brian Lee at Jericho Smiles is one of the top orthodontists in Long Island NY.

Dr. Lee at Jericho Smiles knows what a big difference a straighter smile can make in a person’s life. Not only does it help restore self-confidence, it makes it easier to practice proper oral hygiene so you have a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

The staff at Jericho Smiles also understand that each person’s situation is different so that is why they take the time to sit down with you and go over your options. They will create the best treatment plan for your particular needs.

Dr. Lee is board-eligible by the American Board of Orthodontist and only perform orthodontic work every day making him expert at what he does. He is also an Invisalign Platinum provider.

The best way to know if a particular orthodontist is right for you is to meet with them face to face. How you feel in their offices, how the staff treats you and the orthodontist’s chairside manner can all be factors in how you feel about a particular orthodontist. Don’t be afraid to set up consultations at different places.

When looking for orthodontic treatment in Long Island NY, consider Dr. Brian Lee at Jericho Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry.