The Incredibles and Braces

As you read this title The Incredibles and Braces you are probably asking yourself now how do these two things tie together?  Well, who doesn’t love a good animated movie?  And, I am sure that everyone thinks of braces or orthodontics when they are watching one right?  Well maybe not unless you are an orthodontist or watching “Mater” on the Cars movies.  But, the other day while watching “Elastagirl” on The Incredibles it made me think of rubber bands which in turn lead me to my next thought.  How elastics are used in the office daily for many different reasons.  Which then lead me to think that I am sure not many people fully understand why an orthodontist uses rubber bands.

                                                                                                          

While in braces rubber bands along with arch wires are used to aide in the correction of many different orthodontic problems.  One patient may be wearing a rubber band to correct an overbite, and the next one could be using it to correct an underbite.  Rubber bands are also used to help correct openbites, crossbites, midline alignment and can even be used after Oral Surgery.

Often at the beginning of treatment patients are extremely anxious to begin rubber bands and ask if they are going to get them at their first appointment.  Generally rubber bands will happen a little later in the treatment.  Sometimes during the course of treatment patients may be asked to wear their rubber bands intermittently; it is not uncommon to start and stop rubber bands or to even wear rubber bands more than 1 way during the treatment.

At McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman Orthodontics we try to keep rubber band wear fun and easy to follow.  We offer different colors of elastics and have fun names such as Kangaroo, Foxes and Penguins.  The staff makes sure each patient knows how to hook the bands up and exactly how they are to be worn.  It is extremely important to wear the elastics as instructed.  The wires are made to work with the rubber band and if they are not being worn the teeth may move a different direction or not at all.  If they are not worn properly the braces will have to stay on longer. 

So if it’s starting to sound like you are visiting a zoo,….rubber bands could possibly be in your future.

Braces When & Why!

Often when I am out I am asked the question “When should my child get braces?” And, in most case the child is not with them for me to check and there for my answer is this.  Orthodontic treatment will often begin between the ages of 8 & 14.  Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results.  Our office, McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman along with the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of 7.  By this age, most children will have a mix of permanent and baby teeth.

While orthodontic care ultimately is a team effort establishing a relationship with the patient at an early age is the first step to a healthy and beautiful smile.  During the first visit the orthodontist will be getting to know the patient while looking for a few of the following:

        

  

•        Position of the first permanent molars
•              Position of the upper and lower jaws
•             Spacing and room for erupting permanent teeth
•             Facial Appearance/symmetry

                                                                                                                                        

Why it is important to see an Orthodontist for your Orthodontic Treatment: 

An orthodontist is a dentist who has spent 2-3 years in a specialty residency program focused on tooth movement, facial development, and how teeth fit together to provide optimal function and aesthetics.  

For example if you had a heart condition, you would not see your general physician you would see a cardiologist.  Just the same, if you needed your teeth straight you would go to an orthodontist.

Get the straight on braces myths from McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman Orthodontics

While watching Myth Busters on the Discovery Channel the other night, it made me think of the many myths and misconceptions there are out there about braces.  Hopefully after reading this blog, the confusion and fears of some will be alleviated. 

Myth # 1 – If I get braces I will beep when I go thru a metal detector.

Myth-Buster – Braces do not set off metal detectors so go ahead and book that next vacation.

Myth #2 – I am too old for braces, they are for young kids.

Myth-Buster – You are never TOO old for braces, in reality about 25% of our practice are adult patients.

Myth# 3 – Braces are big, ugly and very noticeable.

Myth-Buster – With the advancements in technology braces have become smaller, more efficient and there are even options for a clear bracket.

Myth#4 – Any dentist can put braces on and straighten teeth

Myth-Buster – Sure anyone can put a bracket on a tooth and straighten that tooth out.  However, an orthodontist has studied not only how to straighten teeth, but also how to make sure they stay that way.  They have taken courses on facial growth and development and how to make your teeth fit and function together properly.  An orthodontist will straighten teeth while taking facial profiles and jaw joints into consideration when they treat a case. Only an orthodontist can be accredited by the American Association of Orthodontist. 

NEW YEAR MEANS NEW RESOLUTIONS!

Have you made your resolution list for 2014? Many people have or will be soon.  Some of the top resolutions year after year are:

1. Lose weight
2. Exercise more
3. Get a new/better job
4. Eat Healthy
5. Quit Smoking
6. Improve a relationship
7. Stop procrastinating
8. Set aside time for your self

  So after looking over these we wanted to share how we think getting braces can help achieve these resolutions!

1. Lose weight – While in braces there is a food list that should be followed which in turn will eliminate some candies from your diet that can cause weight gain.
2. Exercise more – when craving something that is on the food list work out instead
3. Get a new/better job – having more confidence because you are happy with your appearance will help get you a new or better job
4. Eat Healthy – since you have to follow the food list while in braces it’s easier to grab a healthy snack as to grabbing a chewy candy bar
5. Quit Smoking – smoking can cause gum disease and bone loss. Having braces on while smoking  can exacerbate these issues so its best just to quit now
6. Improve a relationship – since you will be visiting your orthodontist on a regular basis that relationship will definitely improve
7. Stop procrastinating – by making the decision to start orthodontics you already have resolved that resolution
8. Set aside time for your self – every 6-10wks you will set aside time for yourself to visit your orthodontist

Keep Calm, Brush and Sparkle!

Don’t forget to brush!  Those are the four magic words for dentist and orthodontist everywhere.  Every time you go to the dentist they always tell you to brush. Sometimes your face gets all red because you’re scared that they noticed you didn’t brush before you came.  However, all they’re saying is that you need to keep your teeth clean, even if you have the prettiest teeth in town.  Trust me I’ve been told many times to brush my teeth twice a day. 

                Before I got my braces on I said I was going to wear my rubber bands, brush three times a day. All I wanted was teeth like Mr. Clean when I got my braces off.  One of my friends had braces and when she got hers off she had pretty straight white teeth that sparkled. After I had seen her teeth I said I wanted to look just like that when I got mine off.  On the other hand, when I got my braces on I only stuck to that  for about a week. After that week I started getting really lazy and quit brushing as many times.  By the end of my treatment I regretted ever getting lazy, because now I have to pay even more attention to keep my teeth nice and clean.

                Many kids think that brushing is only a thing to keep your teeth clean.  In reality, it actually helps you from getting cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease.  Also, brushing isn’t just a twenty second thing to really get your teeth clean you need to brush for at least 2 minutes. When you brush it helps clean the surface of your teeth and when you floss it gets the plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.

                In conclusion, if you focus on brushing and flossing then your teeth will sparkle when you get your braces off. Plus, the next time you go to the dentist you won’t be red faced because they noticed you didn’t brush your teeth.

                                Blog was written by a former patient of McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman!

Nothing But A Floss Thing!

Do you ever wonder why your dentist/hygienist and orthodontist are always asking patients about how often they are flossing? Really, how important can it be…. right?   Well, according to the Academy of General Dentistry it is the most important thing that can combat against plaque.  Not only does flossing remove junk caught in between your teeth, it polishes the tooth surface, controls bad breath and decreases the chance of getting gum disease.  Many people say that they do not have the time floss, you could practice flossing with your eyes closed, if you can master that you can floss anywhere for example, in your car, at your desk (make sure your co-workers are ok with it), or even in bed each night before you go to sleep.  Buy extra packages of floss and keep them in handy places and when you have an extra minute grab some floss and floss away!

Here are a few tips on flossing.

1.       Waxed floss generally is easier to slide, but unwaxed floss will squeak on clean teeth – this is a sign that the plague is gone

2.       Generally you will want about 18inches of floss, and will wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand

3.       Hold the floss tightly between the two hands, you will have about an inch between each hand

4.       Gently glide the floss back and forth between your teeth

5.       Wrap the used floss around the middle finger of the other hand as you floss (this way you won’t re-use the floss)

6.       Once the floss is between the teeth make a “C” cupping the tooth with floss, gently rub the floss against the tooth moving it up and down the tooth

7.       Do this on all your teeth, this does include your molars

8.       Discard floss when finished

In the orthodontic office many people will ask us about the use of water picks or electric toothbrushes, although these are good tools to use, we do not recommend that our patients hurry out and purchase them.  At McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman, we believe that a manual tooth brush and flossing will work just as sufficient provided they are being done daily.   

Remember, you don’t need to brush and floss all your teeth, only the ones you want to keep!!!

2 Phases of Orthodontic Treatment!

Why an orthodontist recommends two “Phases” of orthodontic treatment.

“Phase 1” orthodontic treatment is initiated when we need to position the teeth where they should be for that stage in the patient’s dental development. “Phase 2” orthodontics is initiated when the permanent teeth have erupted and is typically necessary to complete the work started in the “Phase 1” treatment.

In most cases of a “Phase 1” treatment, a “Phase 2” treatment will be needed. The “Phase 2” treatment is entirely separate from the “Phase 1” treatment but will typically be less involved if earlier treatment has been performed. There will generally be an interim period between the two phases of treatment and during this time, we will closely monitor your child’s growth and development along with the permanent teeth as they erupt.

“Phase 1” treatment may require a limited amount of braces and/or appliances that are actively moving the teeth and can be the foundation for a more stable and ideal facial result prior to a full “(Phase 2)” orthodontic treatment. The benefits a patient may receive from “Phase 1” treatment may include but are not limited to:

1. Taking advantage of growth
2. Minimizing the need to extract permanent teeth
3. Avoid or reduce the need for facial surgery
4. Correct harmful habits
5. Decrease the risk to tooth trauma
6. Improve psychological factors
7. Increase compliance
8. Maximize the benefits of orthodontics


“Phase 2” treatment will typically include braces on all the teeth and/or appliances. This phase will insure that each tooth has a precise location in the mouth to provide the optimal oral health environment and esthetic result.