Living with Braces

While modern braces can be comfortable and inconspicuous, there are some extra steps you can take in your central hygiene to look after them better.

Firstly, you need to continue brushing your teeth regularly – your dentist will show you the best approach.

You should also continue flossing daily and making regular visits to the dentist.

When you wear braces, it’s especially useful to limit any snacks between meals.

There are also some foods that your dentist may advise you to avoid such as nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum or caramel.

Some of these may interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires.

When you wear braces, you can still enjoy sports and other leisure activities.

Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth guard to cut any risk of injury to the mouth or jaw.

When you follow good oral hygiene practices, you can continue to wear braces comfortably while making a big difference to your smile and your dental health.

Definitions of Parts of Your Braces

Here are definitions of some of the key terms used for the different elements of braces.

Appliance: Something attached to teeth to move them or change the shape of the jaw

Arch Wire: Metal wire which is attached to brackets to move teeth

Band: Metal ring placed on teeth to hold on parts of braces

Bracket: Device glued on to teeth to fasten the arch wire

Orthodontic Chain: Used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth

Ligating Module: Small plastic donut-shaped device to hold the arch wires in the brackets

Lingual Appliances: Orthodontic devices fixed to inside of teeth

Mouthguard: Protects your mouth from injury during sports and other activities to limit injuries

Retainer: Device usually worn for some time after braces removed to hold teeth in position

Wax: Helps stop braces from irritating your lips especially in early stages

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of teeth and jaws that are misaligned. 

The word comes from the Greek words orthos meaning straight or proper, and odont meaning tooth.

It is concerned with the treatment of malocclusions or improper bites. These may arise from tooth irregularity, problems with the jaw or both. 

You may seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons or for health reasons. 

Cosmetic reasons are usually due to feeling low self esteem due to the appearance of your mouth or smile.

However more serious heath problems can include difficulties chewing, which can lead to digestion problems.

Issues with the alignment of your teeth and jaws can also cause sleep and breathing problems such as snoring or sleep apnea.

In addition, some orthodontists work on reconstructing the entire face rather than focusing exclusively on teeth. 

Orthodontic treatment will depend on the diagnosis of the orthodontist after taking x-rays and molds.

The treatment may include braces or other devices to realign teeth. In sever cases, surgery may be needed.

Some estimates say that more than half the US population has problems with misaligned teeth or jaws so orthodontics plays an important role. 

How Dental Braces Work

Dental braces are orthodontic devices which help realign the position of your teeth.

They may be used if you have bite problems (also called malocclusions), crooked teeth, gaps or other problems with your teeth.

Although they are mainly used on children and teenagers - as treatment is easier when you are still growing - adults can also benefit from braces.

Braces are made up of three basic parts: 
- Brackets
- Bonding (or band)
- Arch wire

The way braces work is that the teeth are moved through the use of force - the wires in the braces push the tooth in the desired direction.

When this happens, there is a biological response which leads to bone remodeling. Bone is created on one side and resorbed on the other side.

A tooth will usually move about a millimeter per month during orthodontic treatment but there are big variations depending on the individual and the exact treatment.

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces have become popular as an alternative to traditional braces as they are cosmetically more appealing.

They are known as "invisible braces" but they actually work in a very different way to the traditional approach.

Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses aligners to move your teeth into new positions. 

These aligners are clear and removable.

In order to use the Invisalign approach, you will have X-rays and molds taken which are then used to help an orthodontist plan your treatment.

The Invisalign aligners are built specifically for your mouth and each aligner is meant to be worn for two weeks. You then move on to the next aligner and the whole process can take about one year.

Pros
Virtually invisible so only you know you are wearing them

Easier to clean than traditional braces

More comfortable than traditional braces so less risk of irritation

Removable so can be taken out for eating or just for a break

Cons
Can be more expensive than traditional braces

Won't work for everybody

Must follow instructions exactly

Teeth are still being moved so some chance of pain

A Quick History of Orthodontics

While you may think braces are a modern invention, the fact is people have been using devices to move their teeth since the early days.

Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains where there were metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. 

As far back as 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle were both talking about ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions. 

However, despite all the evidence from early times, it was around the 1700s before the most significant developments began to happen in orthodontics.

In 1728, French Dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book called the "The Surgeon Dentist" with an entire chapter on ways to straighten teeth. He used a horseshoe-shaped metal device to help expand the arch. 

While teeth straightening has been practiced since early times, orthodontics did not really begin as a science in its own right until the mid-1800s. 

Norman W. Kingsley wrote the first article on orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to suggest the use of mild force at timed intervals to move teeth. 

In the early 1900s, Edward H. Angle devised the first simple classification system for malocclusions, which is still used today as a way for dentists to describe how teeth fit together. 

In the early 20th century, gold, platinum and silver were routinely used in braces and the bands wrapped entirely around the each tooth. They continued to wrap around the teeth until the mid 1970s, when direct bonding became possible. 

In the 1070s, systems were developed to place braces on the inside surfaces of the teeth - lingual or invisible braces. 

In the future, it seems likely that braces will be smaller, less visible, more comfortable and will be needed for much shorter periods of time.

Common Questions About Braces

Here are the answers to some common questions about what it like to have braces

What is it like having braces?,
When you have braces, you will probably find your mouth sore for a few days. It can also be uncomfortable when the braces are tightened. However, most of the time you probably won't even notice them.

Do braces hurt?
It can depend on which type you choose but usually modern braces will not hurt except for the first few days or when they are tightened.

While the manufacturers are always looking for ways to make them more comfortable, a little discomfort at the beginning is still common. You will be able to take some painkillers if necessary. The pain may be greater if you start orthodontic treatment when you are an adult.

Will it be embarrassing to wear braces?
Over 70% of teenagers wear braces and therefore most people have some experience of them so there is no need to feel embarrassed. If you start treatment when you are an adult, the proportion of people wearing braces is lower but you will still find most people supportive.

Will braces cause sores in my mouth?
Sometimes you might experience sores on your lips in the first few days. These can easily be rinsed in water or special solution and will usually heal within a week or so. You can also put wax on the braces to prevent the braces from rubbing and irritating the sore.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It varies a lot depending on exactly what changes need to happen in your mouth. When started young it may last a few months. From the age of 12, it can take a year or two and perhaps more for adults. However it depends very much on your personal situation and your orthodontists will be able to advise you.

We Are Now Doing New Patient Consult Virtually

Reopening Our Orthodontic Practice -COVID 19

May 7, 2020 Twin Oaks Orthodontics Reopens during Covid 19 Pandemic

                                     

As an essential business our reopening may have you wondering what precautions we are taking to ensure your safety.  While the appointment process may look a little different, don’t worry! We have always been on the front lines of preventing the spread of diseases.  From treatment and waiting room disinfection to the strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the safety of patients and staff members continues to be of utmost importance.  During the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, the safety of patients and staff continues to be a top priority:

Before, during and after treatment:

When it comes to preventing the spread of disease, rest assured that we will be strict on universal precautions.  Precaution include the use of masks, glasses, gloves, sterile instruments and devices as well as clean and disinfected environmental surfaces.

Additionally, frequently touched surfaces such a door handles, chairs, desks and bathroom are cleaned and disinfected often. Other surfaces that are difficult to disinfect, such as magazines, reading material and refreshments stations will be removed all together.

WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT HOME AND USE YOUR BATHROOM AT HOME BEFORE COMING TO THE OFFICE.  PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK AND RUBBER BANDS TO THE OFFICE.  THANK YOU!

The process may look a little different:

We are scheduling each patient for one hour initially.  Your check-in will involve a few extra steps to help ensure the safety of patients and staff.  The process will include screening questions, waiting in your vehicle versus the waiting room and following social distancing and infection control etiquette.  We recommend against bringing companions to appointments.  If parents do accompany patients, they may also be asked to wear mask and answer screening questions during the patient check-in. 

During your appointment, you will be asked to use a hydrogen peroxide rinse, which just helps bring down the amount of germs and viruses in the mouth to a lower level.  There will be fewer patients in the office at one time to promote social distancing.  If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Wiley and Keila are available to provide answers.

Rest assured we will be following any recommended precautions to treat all orthodontic patients safely.

TRUST AN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ORTHODONTIST:  DR. EVELYN R. WILEY

During this pandemic we have adopted an Online Smile Assessment Protocol.  We can now set up new patient consultations on line, so please refer us to your friends and family for this NO RISK way to get started with braces and a great smile.  IT’S A FREE, SIMPLE AND QUICK WAY TO SEE IF BRACES CAN HELP!

Jade Air Purification System

We use the most effective commercial air sterilization and purification system ‘Surgically Clean Air 301F’ air purifier. This air purifier combines six stages of sterilization and purification to remove dental office odours, toxins, pollutants and other airborne microbial contamination in the office. The six stages of sterilization and purification includes four capture stages and two kill stages for volatile organic compounds, bacteria and viral infectious agents.

Many health issues arise from the air that we breathe every day. Allergies and asthma plague a large percentage of the population due to poor air quality.  We care about our patients health and we are proud to offer Surgically Clean Air purifying system.

What is Surgical Clean Air system?

The Surgically Clean Air system is a world-class medical-grade indoor air cleaning system, equipped with a 6-stage filtration process that’s designed to remove Chemicals, Toxins, Germs, Odors, and most importantly kill airborne Viruses, to help reduce the spread of illness.

How Does it Work?

https://youtu.be/0h8FQCzkEAY

Surgically Clean Air For Our Patients

It’s a matter of life and breath: Downtown Dental is the first dental practice in the southeast to invest in Surgically Clean Air purification system for patient care

Hospitals, Medical Labs, Dental Clinics and Surgery Centers throughout North America are using Surgically Clean Air Purifiers to improve the quality of their Indoor Air for their Patients and their Staff.  These world-class medical-grade air purifiers remove Chemicals, Toxins, Germs, Odors, and most importantly they kill airborne Viruses, to help reduce the spread of illness.

DENTAL OFFICE AIR QUALITY: WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW WILL HARM YOU

Dental offices are high traffic spaces: our regular, daily interactions with patients can introduce bacterial, viral, and fungal infections into the air. The indoor air within dental offices contains unhealthy and often infectious airborne pollutants. The ultrasonic instruments we use, along with the constant cleaning and disinfection of contact surfaces can create bio-aerosols that can contaminate the indoor air and increase the unhealthiness of the dental office. These pathogens can stay airborne for hours, even days.

WHAT SETS SURGICALLY CLEAN AIR APART?

The system doesn’t just filter pollutants, germs, and other damaging toxins: it destroys them.

Dental procedures inadvertently generate aerosols, containing organisms and debris from each patient’s oral activity, and these can be harmful to everyone present in the clinic…. air filters result in the significant reduction of viable particles in the air. Hazardous bioaerosols created during dental procedures can be significantly reduced using an air cleaning system.

6 STAGE FILTRATION & STERILIZATION PROCESS

The purification system incorporates six (6) distinct stages that remove particles including Odors, Gases, Mold, Allergens, and Viruses.

BOTTOM LINE: HEALTHIER AIR, HEALTHIER PATIENTS + STAFF

Microbial air pollution is a real health issue and this is where technology helps makes us a better, healthier practice. Air purification systems can play a role in significantly reducing transmittable bio-aerosols.

We invested in a Surgically Clean Air system because we believe that paying attention to the quality and purity of the air in our office creates a win/win situation for our patients and team members. 

The air inside any building can get stale. The reason is that most buildings, in addition to holding in the heat during the winter and the AC during the summer, can also keep in airborne toxins, molds, and germs that can cause illness and infections.

While clean air is important in any workplace, but it's absolutely essential in dentistry, where patients from all walks of life spend a significant amount of time sitting with their mouths wide open.

An Elevated Standard of Air Filtration

When it comes to our patients' health, we don't take chances. We know that it's worth the extra investment to get the best equipment on the market, and our Surgically Clean Air system is the best of the best.

Standard air systems have simple filters that can take a lot of the debris out of the air, but their filters tend to be too simple to catch the various types of airborne dangers, and they often don't have nearly enough power to properly circulate clean air throughout the entire office, sometimes creating just a pocket of clean air in an otherwise contaminated space. It might suffice for some, but the average air purifier falls short of our standards.

The Surgically Clean Air system is a surgical-grade indoor air cleaning system, equipped with a 6-stage filtration process that's designed to grab all harmful particles, big and small, and packs enough power to constantly scrub every inch of the office.

Breathe Easy at Waterloo Smiles

We want every patient to walk in our office with absolute peace of mind that everything in our office, right down to the very air they breathe, meets even the most rigorous of patient health and infection control standards.

Surgically Clean Air

As part of our commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment, Sun Valley Dental Group PLLC offers Surgically Clean Air. Surgically Clean Air is a premium indoor air purification industry which not only filters pollutants, but destroys them. Surgically Clean Air features:

·        A six-stage filtration and sterilization process to remove odors, gases, mold, allergens, viruses and other particles

·        A sound dampening design which operates at a comfortable level no louder than your kitchen dishwasher

·        Large capacity airflow management to clean large spaces

·        Smart control features for ease of use – these features also prompt us when things need to be done to give you the comfort of a worry-free environment

To learn more about Surgically Clean Air in Ketchum, Idaho, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Galbraith, call us today at 208-726-4711. Our dentist and team are committed to your smile, oral health and comfort.

Before your visit, please review our COVID-19guidelines: 

COVID-19 Guidelines

We're in this together

·          

Surgically Clean Air's JADE Air Purifier is a Medical Grade Air System that is One of the Most Advanced on the Market. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure our office is free from viruses and bacteria, two JADE units have been installed.

What are Braces and How do They Work?

Braces are devices which are used to straighten teeth, correct bite problems and fix irregular teeth. 

They are made of three basic parts: 
- Brackets
- Bonding (or band)
- Arch wire

The bonding is used to fix the brackets to the teeth. 

The arch wire goes through the brackets and is held in place with small rubber bands.

The brackets and arch wire work together to move the teeth into new positions to straighten the teeth.

The arch wire works by putting pressure on the brackets to help move the teeth into the desired new position. 

When pressure is applied to your teeth like this, they loosen slightly from the gums. Bone grows in to support the tooth in its new position but this takes time so the process needs to be done slowly.

That's why you may have to wear braces for about two years and adjustments are only made every few weeks.

The arch wires work because they want to keep their original shape and will exert a great deal of pressure to do this. It is the combination of this aim of the arch wire and the person’s body heat that puts pressure on the teeth.

Braces are not always enough on their own to complete the task so the orthodontist may also use rubber bands or other devices to help pull the teeth in the correct direction. 

After you have finished with the braces, you may need to wear a Retainer for a few months to hold the teeth in position until the bone has fully grown into place.

Overcoming Problems with Braces

Most people get used to braces quickly and wear them for as long as they need to with no problems.

However, occasional problems can arise and taking the right steps enables you to resolve them quickly.

Here are some examples of problems that may arise.

Allergic Reaction: Some people can have an allergic reaction to the elastic or the metal used in braces. Alternative materials can normally be used so it is important to let your orthodontist know of any allergies.

Mouth Sores: There may be irritation due to some parts of the braces. This is more commons in the early stages but there are many products available such as oral rinses and dental wax that help heal sores quickly.

Build Up of Plaque: It is important to keep up your regular oral care routine of brushing and flossing to prevent food building up around braces as this can lead to build up of plaque which can cause tooth decay and bad breath.

Damaged Braces: Braces can be damaged if not cared for properly. Certain hard or sticky foods can cause damage as can mouth injuries when playing sports. If damage occurs frequently, it can mean the treatment takes longer.

Arch Wire Movement: If the arch wire becomes displaced, it can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. Dental wax helps but it is usually best to have the damage fixed by an orthodontist.

Discomfort: Pain and discomfort may occur after first installation and also after any adjustments but these usually pass quickly.

Adult Braces and Self esteem

A lot of effort is made to help teenagers feel better about having braces.

However as around 70% of teenagers need braces, it's a very common experience.

Yet adults can also need braces and it is less common amongst their peers so adults often have more issues about what other people think of them when they go to work and to social events with braces.

Feedback suggests many men feel a bit geeky with braces while women often feel unattractive. 

Of course, some adults don't care what other people think but many do.

The fact is the braces may seem like a big deal for you, especially at first because they are in your mouth. However, most other people barely notice or may just mention it in passing.

Many adults wore braces as kids or have kids who are in braces.

They are likely to be sympathetic and may even admire you for taking action to improve your appearance.

Several high profile actors and musicians have also worn braces as adults and this makes it much easier.

Of course, you may need to be prepared to answer questions - especially when some people meet you for the first time. So you may need a plan for dealing with certain events such as important business meetings.

What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

The early stages of orthodontic treatment can be a little harder for adult patients than for teenagers. 

Teenagers have the benefit of getting treatment while they are still growing and their mouth is more flexible.

In some cases, adults will need to have teeth removed or will require surgery to expand their jaw to make room for moving the teeth. This may not be fun but anaesthetics and painkillers make this a short-term concern compared to the long-term benefits.

When the orthodontist actually puts in your braces, your mouth may be tender for a few days though this should clear up quickly.

Beyond that, the only time you are likely to notice your braces is when you have them tightened.

Some adults say that they feel like their teeth have come loose at the beginning. 

The reason is that when you are older your teeth are more firmly anchored into your jaw.

The orthodontist needs to loosen the little filaments that anchor your teeth before the teeth will move. 

This can mean your teeth feel loose. However, the feeling is no reason for concern. They will tighten again after the orthodontic treatment.

Beyond that, the basics of orthodontic treatment are the same at any age. Your mouth will feel tender for a few days after you first get the braces and you will experience some discomfort when your braces are tightened.

Common Questions About Orthodontics

How does orthodontics work?
The job of an orthodontist is to help fix crooked teeth and jaw problems so that your teeth are in the right place in your mouth.

This may require the orthodontist to take action that helps stretch your jaw or move your teeth so that everything fits properly.

One action they can take is using tools such as braces to push on your teeth so they move into the right place.

If your top jaw is too small, they may install an expander to make it grow wider. Your jaw can be stretched or widened or moved to change its shape.

There are various other steps they can take to move your teeth or expand your jaw so that your teeth all fit comfortably and correctly in your mouth.

At what age should I start orthodontic treatment?
You can get orthodontic treatment at any age from toddlers to old age. The best and least painful time for orthodontic treatment is usually when you are between about 8 to 14.

Between 8 and 9 is usually when the jaw is growing fastest and so is the best time to reshape your mouth.

Permanent teeth usually come in between age 12 or 14 and that is the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

What happens if I wait until I am older for orthodontic treatment?
You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and may hurt a bit more. Nevertheless the benefits are still significant. 

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.

Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don't normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.

Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.

Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods. 

After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth. 

In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum. 

Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.

What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.

Why Modern Teenagers Need Braces

Many teenagers wonder why they need to wear braces.

Is it all about cosmetics or is there something more important?

Back in the days of the cave men, teenagers were only two or three feet tall.

But over the last 10,000 years, people have got bigger. While our mouths have got a little bigger, our teeth got a lot bigger.

As a result, teeth no longer fit correctly into most people's mouths. 

While improving your smile is a great reason for getting braces, there are more important problems that can arise if you don't deal with crooked teeth.

Digestion Problems: If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly and this can lead to stomach problems

Dental Problems: If you don't deal with crooked teeth early on, your teeth will be hard to clean, and you will face gum problems and greater wear on your teeth.

Breathing problem: As you get older the roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose making you snore loudly. The risk of this can be reduced by having braces.

Truth is about 70% of teenagers need braces and therefore having braces will not make you feel different to most of your friends.

Advantages of Adult Orthodontics

While many people think orthodontic treatment such as braces is mainly for children, it can help your health at any age.

Crooked teeth are harder to clean and the wear will be uneven. This can lead to inflamed gums and toothache which may even lead to you losing teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can therefore help prevent gum problems and tooth loss.

Another health benefit of having your teeth working effectively is that chewing is an important part of digestion. When you are not able to chew food properly, the rest of the digestive system has to work harder. 

An important benefit of orthodontic treatment is therefore that in can help solve and prevent digestion problems.

Orthodontic treatment in adults is similar to teenage treatment although it normally takes a bit longer.

The healing process takes a bit longer as you get older so the orthodontist will need to move your teeth more slowly for example.

The Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can fix problem with bad bite, crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.

One of the main benefits orthodontic treatment is cosmetic - you get a great smile that makes you look and feel better.

But there are real health benefits of orthodontic treatment too:

You will be able to chew your food easier: Chewing is an important part of digestion. Having crooked teeth means you don't chew your food properly and could end up with indigestion and other stomach problems.

You will have fewer dental problems: As crooked teeth are hard to clean, you could have more cavities and gum disease than people who have had orthodontic treatment. When your teeth are crooked there is extra stress on your teeth, gums and jaw which can lead to problems later on.

You have less risk of breathing problems: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose leading to breathing problems and snoring. Orthodontic treatment can reduce this possibility.

Some recent research suggests a link between oral bacteria and cardiovascular disease, where calcium in your mouth is dissolved and deposited in your arteries. 

Orthodontics helps prevent oral infections which may have a direct effect on heart disease.

Orthodontics not only gives you a great smile, it can lead to a healthier, happier and longer life.

How Braces Enhance Your Smile

Take a look in the mirror and smile. Do you like what you see?

Your smile is one of the things people notice most about you so it's one of your most important features.

Would you feel better if you had a more appealing smile?

Well it may be possible.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your smile.

But more than that it can improve your health too.

One of the most common treatments used in orthodontics is braces. 

If you are a parent, braces can be one of your best investments in your children's future.

It's a great way of improving their lifetime health and happiness. 

Research shows that people who have had braces look better and feel better about themselves. 

They even live longer and have a statistically lower risk of heart disease.

But braces are not only for kids. 

Around 20% of orthodontic patients are over 18 and people in their 60s, 70s 80s and even older have had successful orthodontic treatment.

It could make a big difference to your life at any age.

Think about how a better smile could improve your life or those of your children.