"Fantastic service and treatment for our entire family!"
– Andrea
Orthodontic health plays a crucial role in overall dental well-being, offering more than just cosmetic benefits. By aligning teeth properly, orthodontics can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues, making oral hygiene more manageable and effective.
The long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment extend beyond aesthetics. A properly aligned bite can relieve stress on the jaw joints and reduce the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These treatments are not restricted by age, but the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that children have their first evaluation between the ages of seven and nine. However, the right time for a child to see an orthodontist depends on their dental maturity, which may differ from their chronological age. Even when the teeth look straight, a person can experience malocclusion problems that can benefit from braces treatment.
Maintaining an ideal orthodontic oral health routine is essential during treatment. This routine involves more frequent professional dental cleanings, ideally every 3 to 4 months, although this can vary. Factors such for increased cleaning include:
- Oral hygiene: How well you brush and floss at home
- Gum sensitivity: If your gums are particularly sensitive
- Plaque buildup: If your orthodontist notices signs of excessive plaque buildup
- Hereditary susceptibility: If you have a hereditary susceptibility for cavities
The regular cleanings will help remove plaque and tartar, maintain healthy teeth and gums, alleviate painful or swollen gums, and prevent cavities.
As Halloween approaches, those undergoing orthodontic treatment should be mindful of the candies they consume. Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, candy canes, toffee, brittle, Lifesavers, Jawbreakers, peppermints, Suckers, Gobstoppers, and Lemon drops pose a risk to braces and should be avoided to prevent damage.
This month, our practice is thrilled to highlight a new TMJ appliance developed by Dr. Estler. This appliance is designed to relieve the pain and headaches associated with TMJD. We are offering free consultations for those experiencing TMJ-related pain and headaches, providing an excellent opportunity for patients to explore effective treatment options.
