Local Orthodontic Palatine, IL Dental Care for Retainers After Braces

Orthodontic Braces: Preventing Playground Teasing

Sticks and Stones and The Halo Effect

Beauty is good. Beauty is character. Beauty is competence. That's the "halo effect." And the halo effect is alive and well and living on playgrounds everywhere.

What's the effect of the halo effect?

Not so good, if you're one of the unfortunates without a halo. Especially if you're a child called Beaver or Dopey or Goofy.

Not so long ago, a study of British schoolchildren revealed that the appearance of teeth was the fourth most common target for teasing. Children suffered under nicknames like Bugs Bunny, Fang and Dracula. Furthermore, children who were teased were twice as likely to be harassed, subject to verbal or physical intimidation, lying or other abuses, than children who were not teased.

Although height, weight and hair were also factors in teasing, ridicule about their teeth caused children the greatest amount of unhappiness.

Researchers were concerned that exposure to the sustained taunts and insults of peers would predispose some children to a lowered self-confidence and self-image.

The Solution? Orthodontics — The Sooner The Better

Thousands of children need early care — some as young as three years old. Early diagnosis and monitoring allows us to take full advantage of a time when your child's bone and facial structure are easier to shape.

If you think the odds of a young child having orthodontic problems are remote, consider these facts: Two out of three people have orthodontic problems, which should be treated. A fourth of the problems are severe, says the American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontic defects aren't limited to protruding teeth or underbites.

Often the problems relate to the overall structure of the mouth and face. Frequently they don't show up in a smile at all.

That's why an orthodontic checkup and braces, if necessary, should be a part of every child's health care program.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Visiting Your Orthodontist Is The First Step In Getting Orthodontic Braces

Your orthodontist knows you probably have plenty of questions about getting braces. Here are a few that prospective patients often ask.

What Usually Happens During an Initial Orthodontic Exam?

In order to determine your specific needs, the orthodontist will completely evaluate your mouth. This will likely include:

• Impressions of your teeth, from which models are made (these are useful for the orthodontist, and will remind you exactly how your teeth looked before correction).
• Photographs of your teeth, face, and smile
• X-rays of your head and teeth
• Your medical health history and dental health history

Your orthodontist will then carefully evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a treatment plan for correction. Following the recommended plan is important for proper correction.

What Are Spacers?

Teeth normally fit tightly against one another. Your orthodontist will insert before placement of your braces to provide some space between teeth for attaching the bands. There are two types of spacers, small springs or plastic modules. In just a few days they gently move desired teeth slightly apart.

Spacers often cause some soreness, but this goes away in a few days. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve the irritation. Your normal chewing also helps to get your mouth feeling better.

What Do I Do If a Spacer Comes Out?

Call your orthodontist immediately for a replacement. That little spacer is making just enough room for a comfortable fit for your braces and plays an important role.

What Can I Eat When I have Orthodontic Braces?

You can eat just about anything, but there are some exceptions. Getting used to braces also usually means making a few adjustments in your eating habits. This is because some food might damage your orthodontic braces or cause problems for your teeth. Here's a list of items your orthodontist will suggest you avoid (or some ways they can still be enjoyed with caution):

• Apples (don't bite into a whole one! Cut it into wedges first.)
• Bubble gum (some orthodontists allow sugarless gum, but check with yours for approval)
• Candy (caramels, taffy, nut brittles, fruit-flavored chewy candies, gummi anything!)
• Carrots (avoid sticks, cut into thin curls)
• Corn on the cob (remove the kernels from the cob, then enjoy!)
• Corn chips/crisp tacos
• Hard foods (they're tough on orthodontic braces, causing bending and breaking)
• Ice (no crunching!)
• Lemon juice/lemons (pure lemon juice is very hard on your tooth enamel)
• Nuts
• Pizza crust/crusty breads (outer edges)
• Popcorn
• Pretzels (the large, hard varieties)
• Sticky foods (can bend wires and pull off brackets)
• Sugary foods (avoid these as much as possible; if you do eat them, brush your teeth within minutes or as soon as possible, or at least rinse your mouth with water)

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.