Local Orthodontic Kansas City, MO Dental Care for Porcelain Braces

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.

Adult Orthodontics

When most orthodontists meet an adult patient intent on correcting crooked teeth, they usually take it slow. Amid all the brouhaha about adult braces there are oral health concerns exclusive to adults that will affect how to plan the treatment.

A touch of gum disease

Because crowded teeth and misaligned jaws are often difficult to keep clean, some adult patients have a degree of gum disease. These patients should be referred to a dental hygienist or a periodontist for cleaning and gum therapy before teeth straightening starts. Then, during orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will need to be especially alert to new outbreaks. He or she may want to apply less pressure orthodontically early in treatment, so gum tissue attachments have a chance to strengthen. For more information on gum therapy or dental cleanings, please visit our gum disease and hygiene sections for more articles.

What about missing teeth?

Orthodontic appliances need to be attached to something to provide the "push" and "pull" that move teeth. If key anchor teeth are missing, restorative dentistry may be suggested before the appliance can be placed.

Bite problems

More and more patients with temporomandibular or jaw joint problems (TMJ) are beginning to be seen by many dentists. TMJ disorders are very painful, and may result in uneven wearing of teeth or a jaw way out of position. The priority before teeth straightening is to address the jaw problem, and try to correct the bite before any more stress is added to the situation. So in the end you'll finish your orthodontic program with healthier gums, rejuvenated bone, a better bite, and a great smile to boot.

+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.