UPDATED 31-12-18
How to Deal with Orthodontic Emergencies. We’ve been there before. Part of the orthodontic treatment is understanding that emergencies happen. This guide will help you know what to do if you or your child runs into any of these issues.
While many people use the terms interchangeably, there is actually a big difference between a dentist and an orthodontist that boils down to experience, education, and specialty. While both begin with a similar educational background, orthodontists choose to continue their training to become specialists in orthodontics, an area of dentistry focusing on correcting occlusion, bites, and the straightness of teeth.
Firstly, an orthodontist is a highly specialized professional who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. This dental specialist helps patients improve their oral health through orthodontic treatment designed to align teeth and improve bites with the help of corrective appliances and braces.
What are temporary anchorage devices (TAD’s)? Having crooked teeth is something that affects someone’s confidence especially when it comes to social situations. Earlier, such kind of teeth was fixed using bite blocks, high-pull headgear, elastics, and functional appliances. When someone had serious cases of crooked teeth, it was fixed through surgery. TAD’s or Temporary Anchorage Devices are now available in place of the earlier treatment methods. Instead of going for surgery, these minimally invasive implants are used, but not all TADs can correct all cases. There are situations where surgery is the only option.
UPDATED 29 – 07 -18
Wearing retainers after treatment. Getting your braces off is an exciting day for everyone who goes through the treatment. After months or years of having braces, they will finally be removed to reveal the straight smile you’ve been dreaming of. But treatment doesn’t end after the braces are off. While you may have the permanent fixtures removed from your mouth, you will probably still need to wear retainers to maintain the new straight smile that you’ve invested so much time – and money – into.
Is All Orthodontic Treatment the Same?You might think that all types of orthodontic treatment are the same, but each patient requires individualized treatment for tooth abnormalities. In addition, each orthodontist offers certain types of braces or corrective headgear to repair an assortment of malocclusions.
In order to know what type of treatment is required for repairing your misaligned teeth, you must have a thorough examination from an orthodontist. An examination for fixing your teeth will include collecting X-rays of your mouth and facial structure. Your orthodontist will also need to collect molds of your upper and lower teeth to determine what types of devices are required for repairing your oral cavity and teeth.
First, it is essential to determine what types of malocclusions you have, and you can have one or more of these varieties of misalignments:
An orthodontist will want to correct your bite so that you can chew food easily, and he will also want to make sure that you have an attractive smile.
In some cases, you may have additional misalignments that require other types of corrective devices, including palatal expanders, Herbst appliances, separators or retainers. Some of these devices are required before braces are attached to your teeth, but other appliances are necessary after your braces are removed. If you have a severe orthodontic issue, then you might need to wear headgear to shift your teeth into the correct positions, but these devices are often worn at night or on weekends to make your life easier.
Your orthodontist must determine if you have mild, moderate or major malocclusions to help you decide what type of orthodontic treatment is necessary. If you have minor problems with your teeth, then you can often wear clear removable aligners rather than wearing braces. However, only teenagers or adults can wear aligners because the devices are made to fit inside a mouth that has stopped growing. Children with minor to serious orthodontic issues must wear some type of braces instead.
Some adults and teenagers also require braces, and it can take two to four years to correct misaligned teeth. Today, there are numerous types of braces to choose from, so you can select a type that is in your price range or that makes you feel more comfortable. Here are a few of the different types of braces available at an orthodontic office:
If you have minor malocclusions, then plastic aligners are an excellent option for fixing your smile. However, you must wear the items most of the day and night. You can remove the aligners to consume food and to perform oral hygiene. In addition, you must care for your aligners properly to have the best outcome. While wearing aligners, you should avoid drinking or eating foods that can stain the plastic. It is vital to wear the aligners at night to keep your teeth from shifting back into the wrong positions.
You will receive 20 to 30 different sets of aligners for your teeth, but you will only have a few sets available at one time. When your orthodontist collects your X-rays and molds, a computer software program will design aligners in different configurations so that each set applies pressure to your teeth. You will wear one set of aligners for two weeks before switching to the next set. Keep the old set of aligners so that your orthodontist can check the items for abnormal wear and tear. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth occasionally to ensure that your aligners are working correctly, and you might need to have new molds taken to create aligners that fit better.
If you want to repair your malocclusions and facial structure, then visit an orthodontic specialist in Ohio. Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas offers orthodontic treatments in these cities:
• Parma
• New Brunswick
• North Royalton
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
***
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
https://drpapandreas.com/
Maybe you have been thinking about braces. Maybe your dentist has recommended you make an appointment. But either way, if seeing an orthodontist is on your list of things to do, before you schedule your appointment, there are a few things you should know.
Orthodontists are different from dentists because they are medical specialists who align their patient’s teeth through the use of braces, retainers or trays such as Invisalign. Patients are often referred to an orthodontist through their family dentist.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is highly-skilled at using various techniques to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.
While most patients are always eager to start treatment, they are even more eager to get them off. Even though each patient is given an estimated treatment time wearing braces when they start, patients always hope we can wave our magic wands and complete the process sooner.
Orthodontic procedures are complex procedures that require a great deal of care and precision. They are intricate processes that may affect you as a client for many years. For that reason, the specialist has to gather as much information as possible about you before he begins the treatment. He’ll want you to complete a paper that describes your current and past dental challenges and your desires. He will examine you personally by reaching in and looking into your mouth in-depths. He will talk to you personally and ask you about your expectations. Additionally, he may take several sets of X-rays. Here are some of the things that the orthodontist looks for when he performs an X-ray.
We’ve been there before. Part of the orthodontic treatment is understanding that emergencies happen. This guide will help you know what to do if you or your child runs into any of these issues.
If you want to repair your malocclusions and facial structure, then visit an orthodontic specialist in Ohio. Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas offers orthodontic treatments in these cities:
• Parma
• New Brunswick
• North Royalton
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
***
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
https://drpapandreas.com/
LAST UPDATED: APRIL 24, 2018
How effective a patient’s orthodontic treatment turns out to be is largely dependent upon the anchorage method employed. Previously, orthodontists used intraoral auxiliary appliances like braces and extraoral auxiliary appliances like headgear with the teeth to control anchorage. These posed many problems that interfered with ideal results being achieved. For example, the effectiveness of extraoral anchorage devices demands that patients participate fully in their use, which is sometimes an unrealistic expectation. Fortunately, the field of implants, and miniature implants, in particular, have yielded the solution to many of these problems.
Implants have become one of the most reliable forms of anchorage in orthodontics. Implants are devices made of alloplastic that an orthodontist surgically affixes onto or inserts into the jawbone. The introduction of miniaturized implants has revolutionized the orthodontics field. One such form of miniaturized implants is temporary anchorage devices.
Temporary anchorage devices (TAD) are biocompatible devices that are fixed to the bone in order to facilitate movement of the teeth. They do this either by supporting the teeth being used as the anchorage points (ie. the “reactive unit”) or by preventing the need for such a reactive unit in the first place. These miniature implant devices can be adhered to the bone either biochemically (using a procedure called “osseointegration”) or mechanically (through cortical stabilization). These TADs can also be positioned in a number of regions of the jaw, depending on the anchorage and movement needed. After treatment is completed, these devices are then simply removed from the mouth.
Upon introduction of temporary anchorage devices into the field of orthodontics as an alternative to standard anchorage methods, it was shown to be possible to overcome the previous limitations of the anchorage. Numerous case reports emerging since the early 2000s about the promise of this new technology attest to this fact. Perhaps the greatest contribution temporary anchorage devices have made to the field of orthodontics is that they make what’s known as “infinite anchorage” possible, which means that no movement (i.e. no loss of the anchorage) is sustained during the treatment.
A TAD is a tiny titanium screw, generally between 1 1/2 and 2 millimeters in diameter, that’s been engineered specifically to be compatible with human tissue. Orthodontists then place this screw into a patient’s gum and jaw in order to serve as an anchor that supports the movement of the teeth.
Before an orthodontist inserts a temporary anchorage device, he or she uses local anesthesia to numb a small section of the gum where the TAD is to be placed. Therefore, when the implant is inserted, you should feel only a light sensation of pressure, if anything at all. There may some slight discomfort after the anesthetic wears off and for the first 24 hours following the procedure. But acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be enough to alleviate it.
When the temporary anchorage devices are no longer needed, their removal is simple and generally painless, requiring no anesthesia. Within just a few days after a TAD’s removal, the site typically heals with no residual pain.
Each patient is different, and every orthodontist will base his or her determination of the duration of TAD treatment on the specific needs and conditions of each respective patient individually. In most instances, a temporary anchorage device is kept in place for about a few months, unlike braces which are generally left in the mouth for 18 months to two years or longer.
Research has shown that temporary anchorage devices cause no damage to the teeth, gums or other tissues of the mouth. Furthermore, most remain rigidly in place for their duration, although occasionally a TAD can come prematurely loose. If this occurs, it’s generally painless and all that’s likely needed is for a replacement to be issued.
In very rare cases, some irritation may occur. If this happens, simply place a bit of orthodontic wax over the TAD’s head until the irritation disappears. If it doesn’t disappear, then contact our office immediately.
After temporary anchorage devices are inserted, it’s recommended to rinse the mouth twice each day for the first five days with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. For the remainder of the treatment period, dip a toothbrush into the same type of solution and gently clean the area around the top of the implant each day. Don’t use an electric toothbrush while TADs are installed in your mouth. And don’t fidget with the implants either.
While Invisalign braces are becoming more and more widespread due to their improved aesthetics, hygiene, durability, and comfort, they do present an anchorage issue. Fortunately, temporary anchorage devices solve that anchorage issue. Therefore, more and more orthodontists are starting to use Invisalign and TADs in tandem with one another to improve results over using either on its own. There are multiple ways to use these two technologies in combination with one another, depending on the individual patient’s specific situation and needs.
Dr. Samuel Papandreas provides expert orthodontic care for adults, teenagers and children at his facilities in:
• Brunswick, Ohio
• North Royalton, Ohio
His patients are fitted with customized orthodontic devices that include:
• Braces – color-matching ceramic or metal devices
• Retainers – worn at night when your braces are removed
• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices
• Palatal expanders – worn before your orthodontic treatment begins
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
***
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
https://drpapandreas.com/
What are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD’s)?
Why Does the Orthodontist Need to X-Ray?Orthodontic procedures are complex procedures that require a great deal of care and precision. They are intricate processes that may affect you as a client for many years. For that reason, the specialist has to gather as much information as possible about you before he begins the treatment. He’ll want you to complete a paper that describes your current and past dental challenges and your desires. He will examine you personally by reaching in and looking into your mouth in-depths. He will talk to you personally and ask you about your expectations. Additionally, he may take several sets of X-rays. Here are some of the things that the orthodontist looks for when he performs an X-ray:
Impacted teeth are teeth that are hidden and have not fully emerged from underneath the gums. Your orthodontist needs to see if you have these teeth because they can potentially cause a problem. For example, an impacted tooth may decide to emerge once your braces are in place. That could cause you extreme pain, and it could cause the orthodontist to have to remove them, which could potentially reverse all the progress that you made. He takes an X-ray of your mouth to prevent that from happening. By checking for impacted teeth early, he can develop a plan to work his way around it, or he can perform surgery to remove the teeth if you agree and if the removal is crucial to the progress of the alignment treatment.
Infection is another thing that X-rays can reveal. It’s not good for an orthodontist to perform a procedure if you have an infection. Opening your mouth up like that could cause severe issues for you and make an existing infection worse. If the X-rays show that you have one, your orthodontist can write you a prescription for antibiotics so that you can heal and get well before you have him do the procedure.
Dental x-rays can show advanced diseases such as periodontal disease. It will be challenging for you to get braces if you have advanced stages of periodontal disease. However, it is not impossible. Your orthodontist may suggest that you see a periodontist before he continues your treatment. The other specialist can help you to get the condition of your mouth in order so that you can have your orthodontic treatment.
X-rays can reveal oral cancer, which is something major that you should know that you have. You can still get braces in such a condition, but you may have to take certain precautions and undergo certain procedures. Cooperate with the specialist so that he can discover any abnormalities.
The x-rays that the specialist takes can reveal tooth decay. Tooth decay will not stop you from getting braces, but it will alert the orthodontist of his need to take action. He may suggest that you get a filling before he does the orthodontic work. In some cases, he may recommend extraction of the tooth. The recommendation will depend on the complexity and seriousness of the condition.
X-rays can show the orthodontist whether you have a problem with your bones. The advanced phases of the periodontal disease can destroy the bones, but the pictures will let the specialist know what challenges he is facing exactly. The two of you can then decide the best route for treatment and the best way to get amazing results despite the challenges.
X-rays show the orthodontist which teeth you have fillings in if you forget because they are white ceramic fillings. The X-ray will pick up on them and help the specialist to develop a plan that is mindful of your vulnerable areas. Filled teeth are vulnerable because of the process of filling the tooth most definite involved removal of some of the tooth.
Strategy development is another reason that orthodontists feel the need to take X-rays of the teeth before they do anything else. Braces and other forms of teeth alignment devices require careful strategic planning. Your specialist is going to want to maximize the amount of alignment correction that he can get from the procedure he’s going to do for you. To do that, he’ll have to get a whole picture of your situation. He’s going to want to see every part of your teeth so that he can visualize how they will move.
He’ll need to analyze the obstacles and challenges so that he can estimate the length of time that you will have to wear your braces. In other words, teeth alignment is a highly involved process that demands accuracy as well as precision. If you want it done right, you’re going to have to provide the specialist with the X-rays that he requires. They will make the results come out better, and in turn, you’ll be a happier customer.
Dr. Samuel Papandreas provides expert orthodontic care for adults, teenagers and children at his facilities in:
• Brunswick, Ohio
• North Royalton, Ohio
His patients are fitted with customized orthodontic devices that include:
• Braces – color-matching ceramic or metal devices
• Retainers – worn at night when your braces are removed
• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices
• Palatal expanders – worn before your orthodontic treatment begins
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
***
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Getting your braces off is a moment to celebrate! After all, you can now see the results of all your hard work every time you flash that beautiful smile. While this is an exciting time, it is important to remember that your treatment plan involves using a retainer to keep your teeth in proper alignment.
For most people, the retainment period lasts for about a year, but it could be longer or shorter depending upon your needs. At first, you will probably have to wear your retainer for most of the day and night, but you may be able to wean down to only wearing it at night as you progress through your treatment. Since your retainers are critical for keeping your teeth aligned, you will want to take special care of them throughout this time.
While your orthodontist will tell you to wear your retainer for the majority of the day, there are times when it will be necessary to remove it from your mouth. Typically, you will need to remove your retainer when you eat, yet you can drink without having to remove it. If you play sports, then it is also essential to remove your retainer before practice or competitions since it could cause injuries to your mouth if it is hit. Your retainer should not be worn during swimming, either. You can, however, wear your retainer during mild forms of exercise that do not pose a risk of objects coming in contact with your mouth such as jogging.
Almost everyone has heard the horror story of parents who end up searching through the elementary school trash bin because their kid threw their retainer away. Unfortunately, this does happen all too often due to kids wrapping their retainer in a napkin during lunch. We understand that leaving your retainer on full display may be embarrassing, so just bring your storage container with you anytime you know that it will need to be removed. Keeping your retainer in your storage container not only keeps it safe, but it also keeps it clean so that you will not put as many germs into your mouth.
Retainers are fairly durable, but they are made of plastic that is sensitive to the effects of heat. Make sure to avoid placing your retainer in the dishwasher, and use lukewarm water when you are cleaning it. A retainer should also never be left in a hot car, especially on the dashboard where the heat levels tend to be the highest. For the most part, wearing your retainer as outlined by your treatment plan will ensure that it does not come into contact with many heat sources, but you need to be careful if you leave it on the bathroom counter along with heat styling appliances. Sitting too close to curling irons and straighteners have ruined many retainers.
Sure, a dishwasher may seem like a hygienic way to sanitize your retainer, but the hot water and strong water movement can damage it beyond repair. Cleaning your retainer properly should become a part of your normal oral hygiene routine, and the extra step will ensure that bacteria and food debris do not stay in contact with your teeth when you place your retainer in your mouth. To clean it, simply use your toothbrush along with some toothpaste and warm water to brush it like you would your teeth. Remember to use gentle strokes, and take your time if you see obvious debris. Your retainer should be cleaned at least once a day, but it may need to be cleaned more if you notice that it tastes odd or looks dirty.
Similar to the effect of heat, drying out can warp the plastic used to make your retainer. When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it wet by storing it in your container. If you are wearing your retainer and notice that your mouth gets dry, then simply drink some water to rehydrate it.
It is important to use a gentle touch when you insert or remove your retainer. This is because using too heavy of a touch can result in broken wires. Many kids think it is cool to use their tongue to flip the retainer in place, however this is one of the most common causes of damage to retainers so please use the technique your orthodontist has showed you in their office.
Sometimes, kids will delay telling their parents about a broken retainer because they are afraid of getting in trouble. However, doing so can have serious consequences for your teeth. A broken or ill-fitting retainer will not hold the teeth in the correct alignment, and all that hard work done by the braces will go to waste. Broken wires on a retainer can also lead to mouth injuries. For this reason, it is important to schedule an appointment quickly if damage is suspected. Your orthodontist may be able to simply repair the retainer in the office so that no delay in your treatment occurs.
Dr. Samuel Papandreas provides expert orthodontic care for adults, teenagers and children at his facilities in:
• Brunswick, Ohio
• North Royalton, Ohio
His patients are fitted with customized orthodontic devices that include:
• Braces – color-matching ceramic or metal devices
• Retainers – worn at night when your braces are removed
• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices
• Palatal expanders – worn before your orthodontic treatment begins
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
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Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
***
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
https://drpapandreas.com/
How to Take Care of Your Retainers