orthodontic technology Archives | Page 2 of 2

Life with Braces: Tips for Eating, Cleaning, and Coping

December 13, 2023

At least 4 million people in the US alone are wearing braces. One in four of them are adults.

Metal braces are one of the most popular ways to achieve the dream of straight teeth. They can make you feel confident, fix your bite, and improve your oral health.

Discover the different types of metal braces to choose from and tips for during and after treatment.

Types of Metal Braces

“Metal braces” is a general term for orthodontic appliances made of metal. There are various types, and your orthodontist can help you pick the best option to fit your needs.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces connect the teeth to a wire with elastic ties that come in various colors. They work by applying pressure to straighten the teeth. They get adjusted at the orthodontist every 4-8 weeks.

They aren’t removable, so children don’t need to be reminded to put them on and absent-minded adults can’t lose them. They’re one of the most affordable types of metal braces, but their longevity relies on maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are an efficient, customizable option for eligible patients. They’re almost invisible, making them perfect for image-conscious adults or teens.

The fact that they go behind the teeth does mean that they can create slight changes in speech such as a lisp. They can also irritate the tongue. These symptoms should go away in a few weeks as you get accustomed to them.

Eating With Braces

The rules about what types of food you can and can’t eat differ based on type and brand. Your orthodontist can help you find the right balance, but there are a few general rules to follow.

Most foods that are off-limits are the ones that are hard and sticky. Popcorns, caramels, and nuts can get stuck or cause damage. They might pop a wire or break a bracket, sending you back to the orthodontist.

Braces-friendly foods to enjoy on special occasions or during the holidays include:

Cake pops
Mini chocolate bars
Plain M&Ms
Cookies
Pastries

Cleaning Your Braces

Caring for braces is similar to caring for your natural teeth. That means maintaining your oral health with proper brushing and flossing.

It starts with the right tools. Get an interdental brush with soft bristles to help you reach between your teeth and braces. An interproximal brush is an effective option when you’re traveling.

A floss threader gets floss into the hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a water flosser if you’re still struggling to remove plaque and food residue.

Mouthwash provides another layer of protection. Find one that’s anti-microbial and contains fluoride and use it before brushing.

Make sure you are using these tools with the right technique. When brushing your teeth, remove your elastics, then brush at a 45° angle to get around and under each bracket and wire.

Visit the orthodontist at least every six months. They’ll make adjustments and spot any issues before they become an emergency.

Coping With Braces

Orthodontic care is an investment, and not just in terms of money. Being prepared for the discomfort you can expect during braces treatment will make it easier to handle. It’s also important to know what to do when pain goes beyond common discomfort.

The term “common discomfort” is a bit subjective. It refers to the type of pain almost every patient should expect such as jaw pain or difficulty chewing.

Ways to reduce the discomfort include:

Using orthodontic wax
Eating cold foods
Drinking cold drinks
Using over-the-counter pain relievers
Rinsing your mouth with saltwater

Pain that’s severe or prolonged can be a sign of a serious issue. Go to the orthodontist if this happens or your discomfort is accompanied by:

Bleeding teeth and gums
Sores
Malfunctioning braces
Facial trauma or damage

An Investment In The Future

The average treatment times for braces vary widely. Metal braces take one to two years for most patients.

There’s also the financial investment. Metal braces cost $2,750-$7,000 on average without insurance. Budget for it and look for payment plans to help with the cost.

Maintain your straight teeth once the treatment is done. Wear retainers if your orthodontist recommends them and keep up your oral hygiene routine.

Braces In Riverview, FL

SouthShore Orthodontics is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic treatment in a welcoming environment. Our expert team of board-certified orthodontists is here to guide you on your journey to the smile of your dreams.

Worried about the cost of braces? Our office staff will work with you to find financing solutions that best fit your budget. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans and in-house financing.

A Straighter Smile: 7 Facts About Braces You Might Not Know

October 27, 2023

Braces were once considered a status symbol, a sign of wealth and prestige. Surprising, isn’t it? Today, they’re a common dental treatment, but there’s so much more to know about these tooth-aligning devices.

In this article, we’ll delve into seven captivating facts about braces that go beyond the dental chair. Learn about NASA’s surprising role in orthodontics, the costliest braces, and how braces are not exclusive to humans.

We’ll also explore the psychology behind a straighter smile, the influence pop culture has on the stigma of wearing braces, and some truly bizarre materials used in the past.

Ready to uncover the fascinating world of braces? Keep reading to expand your knowledge.

1. Braces Were Once a Status Symbol

In the early 20th century, metal braces were far from commonplace. They were a luxury, a sign of affluence and social standing. If you had braces, it meant your family could afford top-notch dental care, a luxury that was out of reach for most.

Over time, advances in technology and materials made braces more accessible to the public. This shift not only democratized the path to a straighter smile but also changed the cultural perception of braces.

Braces are now common for people who want to improve their dental health and appearance, not just for the wealthy elite.

2. NASA’s Contribution to Orthodontics

You might think NASA is all about rockets and space exploration. But here’s a twist: they’ve also had a hand in your dental health. NASA developed a nickel-titanium alloy for spacecraft, and it turns out this material had properties ideal for orthodontics.

The nickel-titanium alloy is flexible yet strong, making it perfect for the wires in braces. This innovation led to braces that are more effective and require fewer adjustments. It’s a prime example of how advancements in one field can have unexpected but beneficial impacts on another.

3. Braces Aren’t Just for Humans

It may come as a surprise, but braces aren’t exclusive to humans. In the veterinary world, orthodontic care has been extended to animals like dogs and cats. These pets sometimes require braces for medical reasons, such as difficulty eating or jaw misalignment.

The use of braces in animals serves as a testament to the importance of dental health across species. It also highlights the adaptability of orthodontic technology to meet diverse needs.

Orthodontics has more uses than people think, even though it mostly focuses on human dental care.

4. The Psychology of a Straighter Smile

A straighter smile can boost your mental game. Straightening crooked teeth can lead to feeling more confident, and let’s face it, confidence can be a game-changer. It can make you stand out in social settings, help you nail that job interview, and even improve your overall mood.

This confidence isn’t just in your head; it shows in how you carry yourself and interact with others. It’s like a ripple effect that starts with a simple smile but ends up influencing various aspects of your life.

So, while braces may be a dental tool, their impact is felt far beyond your mouth.

5. Braces in Pop Culture and Celebrity Influence

Braces have made their mark in pop culture, often seen on the smiles of famous figures and characters in movies and TV shows. Celebrities like Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning have sported braces, making headlines and influencing public perception.

The visibility of braces in the media has helped normalize them, especially among younger audiences. When a well-known celebrity gets braces, it becomes a talking point, often encouraging others to consider orthodontic treatment. It’s not just about straightening teeth; it’s about breaking down stigmas and making braces more socially acceptable.

This celebrity influence has a trickle-down effect. It shapes societal views, making braces less of an awkward phase and more of a common, even trendy, experience.

The impact extends beyond individual choices to embrace orthodontic care, contributing to a broader cultural acceptance of braces.

6. Unusual Materials Used in the Past

The journey of braces is a tale of innovation and, believe it or not, some rather strange materials. In the early days, braces were made from materials like ivory, wood, and even copper bands. These rudimentary designs were far from comfortable and often led to various dental issues.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and materials like stainless steel became the norm, offering better durability and comfort. Today, we have even more advanced options like clear aligners made from medical-grade plastic and nickel-titanium wires, thanks to NASA’s contributions to the field.

The evolution of materials used in braces is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of better dental care. It’s fascinating to see how far we’ve come, from crude early versions to the highly effective and aesthetically pleasing options available today.

Beyond the Brackets: Facts About Braces

We’ve journeyed through seven compelling facts about braces that go beyond just straightening teeth. From their historical role as a status symbol to NASA’s surprising contributions, and even the psychological benefits of a straighter smile.

If you’re now considering taking the leap into the world of orthodontics, or simply have more questions, we’re here to help. Call us today to discover your personalized treatment plan and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

A Passion for Our Patients: All About Patient-Centric Technology

February 13, 2022

The point of a practice is to put the patients first — and there’s no such thing as being too focused on an individual’s care. Consequently, shouldn’t an orthodontist’s technology be just as patient-centric as the whole of the team?

We think so.

Thus, we’d like to take a moment to review the patient-centric technology that is changing the community’s overall experience while in the chair:

Talking About Teledentistry

Particularly following the COVID-19 related lockdowns in 2020, patients have needed the ability to contact their care providers safely and without the necessity of physical contact. Thus, teledentistry offers a patient-centric solution that also protects physicians from potential viral transmission.

What’s more, teledentistry saves patients money in that they no longer have to pay for the gas required in commuting to an in-person appointment.

And when it comes to pediatric patients? Well, teledentistry also offers a more comfortable alternative, as parents and young patients who might otherwise experience anxiety while in the chair can now make contact with their dentist from the safety of their own home.

The Innovation Of 3D Imaging

Many adults who underwent orthodontic treatment in their youth are familiar with the painstaking process of having a dental impression made in-office. Messy, time-consuming, and sometimes unpleasant in taste, it’s simple to say that the impression process was probably less than desirable.

Thankfully, 3D scans of the individual’s teeth are now available, rendering the entirety of the planning process more precise and patient-centric.

Not only can 3D digital scans provide accurate imaging of all measurements the orthodontic team might need, but it also makes it easier for them to generate a preview of the final results, thereby keeping the patient informed before treatment begins.

Why Be Patient When You Can Print?

One of the difficulties in straightening one’s teeth is remaining patient. Particularly for patients undergoing treatment via clear aligners, waiting for each custom tray to be completed adds another stretch of in-between time that can never seem to go fast enough.

Thankfully, in-house 3D printers are now changing the game.

With this innovative technology at hand, orthodontic teams can both render and generate custom-designed trays for each patient while on-site. Thus, the total wait time is reduced and the overall treatment process can continue smoothly and as planned.

For example, here at SouthShore Orthodontics, we offer Simply SouthShore aligners for life’s everyday shifts! Featuring in-house care and in-house innovation, Simply SouthShore is an affordable alternative to commercial aligners that is also ideal for retreatment.

But if you’re not a candidate for clear aligners, don’t worry — we also offer a variety of options for all ages.

So, are you ready to receive exceptionally patient-centric service in a welcoming environment? Then it’s time to schedule with SouthShore Orthodontics! To learn more about our team and services, reach out to us today by calling (813) 815-0080.

Your smile is our passion.