Tips About Dental Retainers

Once you’ve gone to the time and expense of having orthodontic treatment, the last thing you want to do is have it all for nothing! That’s why you should follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your retainers, which are used to prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous positions after your orthodontic appliances have been removed.

What are retainers?
Retainers hold our teeth in place while they settle into their ultimate position. Most patients are required to wear both upper and lower retainers. Upper retainers are made of hard plastic and wire, fit into the roof of your mouth, and are removable. Lower retainers consist of wire, and may be removable or glued permanently to the lower teeth.

How much should I wear them?
Retainers are usually worn full time for the first several months, except while eating. Eventually you will only wear the retainer while sleeping, and often you’ll complete wearing your retainer within one year if you stick to your orthodontist’s recommendations.

How do I care for my retainer?
Retainers fit directly against your teeth, so a clean retainer helps with clean teeth and better breath. When you brush your teeth, you should also brush your retainer. Rinse it with water and then replace it into your mouth. Once it’s in place, try not to flip the device with your tongue because that often leads to a broken retainer.

What if I take my retainer out?
Except during cleaning, the best place for your retainer is in your mouth. It’s usually a hassle to get them replaced, so it’s important to take care of your retainers. Follow these tips:

• Don’t wrap your retainers in a napkin, because they can be easily thrown away.
• Don’t put your retainers in your pocket or loose in your purse, because they may be broken.
• Don’t leave your retainers sitting around for children or pets to access.

Orthodontist for fixing retainers in Sherman Oaks CA

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary for Braces?

Pulling teeth in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is nothing new, but it has gained controversy because some orthodontists advocate extractions and others say it’s unnecessary and overdone. It seems that there is no steadfast answer for every patient. Tooth extraction must be decided on a case-by-case basis, and is determined by a number of circumstances.

The most common reason for tooth extraction is to reduce crowding so that the teeth can be positioned properly. Sometimes crowding is so severe that there are no alternatives to pulling some teeth. There are also situations when it’s possible to move all of the existing teeth into place, but it might negatively impact teeth’s stability, gum tissue, or the appearance of the teeth.

Other common reasons for extraction include bite correction and profile improvement. Your orthodontist must consider many things in making the recommendation about whether or not tooth extraction is needed. The bite, crowding, jaw positions, teeth positions and sizes, profile, and other characteristics are all analyzed to determine the optimum treatment plan.

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the arrangement and appearance of your teeth. Each patient’s dental and facial qualities will require either extraction or non-extraction of teeth. It’s up to you and your orthodontist to decide if it would benefit you and your smile.

Brushing with Braces

Taking care of your teeth is important no matter what, but it’s even more crucial when you have braces. Food can get caught between braces or in the wires, increasing your risk for cavities, gum irritation, staining, and bad breath. To keep you smile healthy while wearing braces, follow these guidelines:

• Use a soft toothbrush, change your toothbrush at least every 3 months, and brush after every meal. The sooner you get rid of food trapped in your braces, the less your risk for tooth decay.
• Spend time brushing every single tooth, and make sure you brush each surface. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and back sides of each tooth.
• Angle your toothbrush down to where the braces meet the tops of your teeth. Then angle the brush upward when you brush the bottoms of the braces and your teeth.
• Take off any removable items like rubber bands and head gear before brushing your teeth.
• Remember to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you can brush after eating if possible, even when you’re not at home.
• Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste to provide extra protection in preventing cavities.
• Having braces doesn’t give you a free pass on flossing. Even thought it’s more time consuming, the need for flossing is just as great. If you have trouble using regular dental floss, try using floss threaders to make it easier.
• Continue with your regular dentist checkups and teeth cleanings. Your dentist will be able to get to areas you may have trouble with, and remove tartar to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Answers to Common Orthodontic Questions

At some point, you or a loved one may need orthodontic treatment. A flawless smile looks amazing and improves oral health because straight teeth are easier to clean. As you begin the process of selecting an orthodontist and considering treatment options, you will probably have questions. We have provided answers to some of the typical concerns patients raise about orthodontic treatment and care.

When should my child have an orthodontic screening?
By age seven, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests a complete evaluation with an orthodontist. At this point, your child will likely have several permanent teeth in place, which helps provide a more accurate picture of development.

Won’t my teeth straighten on their own?
No. To adjust the position and alignment of crooked teeth, you will need orthodontic therapy. Typically, braces or similar treatment can shift teeth into the correct position.

How long does orthodontic treatment last?
The actual time frame depends on the severity of the problem and responsiveness of the patient, but the average time is about 22 months. Treatment can range from about 12 months to 30 months.

I am an adult. Is it too late for me?
You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of a straight, attractive smile. Modern treatment options such as lingual braces, ceramic brackets, and Invisalign clear braces allow adults to transform their images without the hassle or embarrassment of metal orthodontia.

Can I wear braces even if I have dental crowns?
Sure. The crowned tooth will move just like a tooth with a simple filling or no restoration at all.

Rubber bands and your braces

If you wear braces on your teeth, there’s a chance that you will be one of the many orthodontic patients who must wear rubber bands as part of their treatment. They play an important role in achieving a perfect smile.

How do rubber bands help?
Braces by themselves only move teeth along the upper or lower sets of teeth, but rubber bands apply constant pressure to move the lower jaw and upper jaw into proper alignment with each other. The goal of rubber bands is to achieve a perfect bite. Repairing the bite is often the longest and most difficult phase of the orthodontic process, but rubber bands help move your jaw into the correct position more quickly. The way that the bands are attached to the braces is customized to each patient to direct tension in the best way for you.

How much should I wear them?
Orthodontists recommend that you wear rubber bands all day, removing them only to brush, floss, replace with new bands, or occasionally to eat. Most of the time you should eat with them in place, as it is helpful for your mouth to learn to work with that tension. Rubber bands should be worn when sleeping and playing sports. Leaving them off for even just one day can erase progress you’ve made.

Will I get used to them?
It takes a few days to learn to take the rubber bands in and out, but after some practice it becomes simple. It’s normal for your teeth, jaws, and mouth to be a bit sore at first, but that goes away. However, if you do not wear your rubber bands consistently, you will have constant discomfort because your mouth won’t get used to them.

What if I don’t wear them consistently?
To achieve the best orthodontic results in the shortest amount of time, you must be committed to wearing your rubber bands as your orthodontist has recommended. Wearing them intermittently will negatively affect your progress, so it’s vital to wear them full time.