The process of putting on braces is nerve-wracking to many. The thought of the experience triggers anxiety. For beginners, this raises many questions like how long the process takes and how it is painful. The process only takes 1–2 hours approximately. This varies depending on the teeth and the type of braces. The process is not painful but can cause soreness and discomfort due to pressure. The first step is to set up the first appointment with the orthodontist. During this visit, the dentist will examine the teeth, ask a few questions, and may need to take some X-rays. From their findings, they will prescribe the mode of treatment which may take off immediately. The process of putting on braces varies depending on the type of braces.

Conventional metal/ceramic braces

Preparation 

For those whose back teeth are close together, the orthodontist places rubber bands or spacers between them for a week before bracing. This is to create adequate space for the bands to fit around the back teeth. The disadvantage of this is that it causes soreness on the back teeth & jaw when the teeth move to create space for the spacers.

Cleaning 

Before the process of putting on braces, the Orthodontist will clean the teeth with a cleaning paste, then ensure they are dried.

Attaching the brackets

Brackets are tiny metals/ ceramic materials that hold the wires in position on the teeth.

Glue /bonding cement is then applied to the center of every tooth. The dentist will then shine a blue light on the teeth to set the glue. Finally, place the bracket on the center of the tooth. The glue is distasteful but not harmful.

Placing the bands

To hold the brackets, metallic bands are put on the back molars. The band should be of the right size to fit the tooth. Orthodontist applies glue on the band. The blue light sets the glue, and the band placed on the molars. This placement can have a twitching feeling. If so, inform the orthodontist to adjust and make it comfortable.

Addition of archwires

When the brackets and bands are in place, the orthodontist connects the archwire to the brackets. To achieve this, wound a small rubber band around each bracket to attach the wire in position. For the rubber bands, you can choose the color of your choice. The final step is cutting the archwire’s ends to prevent it from touching the gums or the back of the mouth.

Invisible braces

This process of putting on braces is different from the rest as it does not require bands or wires. The orthodontist will make a mold to form an impression on your teeth on the first visit, to ensure that the trays fit perfectly. On the first day of treatment, you have to try on the alignment tray and make the required adjustments. The orthodontist will then teach you how to wear and care for the tray and teeth during the process.

Lingual braces

They have an almost similar process to conventional metal. The only difference is that it’s applied at the backside of the teeth or the tongue side close to the mouth. Since it’s a bit complex, the process takes a little longer than conventional braces, and only a trained Orthodontist should do this bracing.

Other attachments

When placing the alignment tray, it is important to note that some teeth require special attention because if their positioning. To ensure that all teeth will move to their rightful positions, the orthodontist will stick some tiny attachments similar to the tooth color. They may also attach tiny tooth-colored mounds close to the back of the mouth. This meant connecting the upper and lower part with small rubber bands. This also helps the teeth move into position.

Regular appointments

After 1 or 2 weeks, schedule an orthodontist appointment to check on progress and get new trays. New trays like metal braces make the teeth and its surrounding mouth region sore for days.

The after feeling

The whole process will cause a feeling of discomfort in the mouth. It’s only when you eat that you’ll experience pain. In the first few days, you can only eat soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, soft vegetables, mashed potatoes, and others. Some people may experience headaches for some days. In this case, you can get over the counter pain killers or oral anesthetic to ease the pain. It might also cause soreness where the brackets or wires touch the inside cheek. You can use wax provided by the orthodontist to cover the areas on the braces causing soreness. You can also use salty water to rinse your mouth or apply topic anesthetic to the affected parts. After a month, the mouth will have adjusted to the new additions, and soreness will no longer be a problem.

Dental care after bracing

Putting on braces comes with extra dental care. The orthodontist will guide you through a new way of brushing and flossing to avoid stains and cavities on teeth. It would help if you brushed your teeth several times a day, even when away from home. After eating or drinking anything sugary, swish water to get rid of the particles left behind. Tools like water flosser or an interproximal brush get underneath the archwire to clean the teeth. After some time, the teeth will start aligning itself as expected.

It’s every person’s wish to have a perfect set of aligned teeth. This enhances their facial appearance and enables them to smile with confidence. The problem is bracing in adults is a costly venture. However, all hope is not lost as there are platforms established to offer financial benefits for orthodontic treatments in adults. The following are affordable offers to solve your financial worries and pay for braces easily.

Dental insurance

For years, dental covers were only available through the employer, but now insurance companies offer the same. It is not all insurances that cater to adult orthodontic services; in fact, very few companies cater to this. Most companies give a 50% payment offer to their clients. Dental Care USA PAA48 is one of the few companies that offer orthodontic treatment for adults. The annual premium is $105 and an expense of 24 months is $2500. This is half the normal price. To get this offer so as to pay for braces, you must choose a doctor who partners with Delta Dental.

Employer sponsored insurance

A majority of employers offer dental covers to their employees. Not all plans cater for orthodontic treatment, and If they do, it is mostly for children. On the other hand, some employees offer orthodontic treatment insurance in their dental covers. Some are very specific on the type of braces they cover. If as an employee, you are uncertain about the plan, consult the Human Resource. The insurance can be annually or provide a lifetime cover. It is also important to understand after working for how long can the company insure your orthodontic treatment. It would help if you worked with an orthodontist that is within the company’s network. Under this, you can also consider placing the maximum amount provided by the employer’s insurance into flexible spending accounts. This category of income is not taxed and is a way of saving money to cater for costs not covered by insurance such as orthodontic treatment.

Dental saving plans 

It is also known as discount plans. It is not a part of the dental insurance package, but it allows you to get dental services at a subsidized price. The discounts given are by a dentist’s program, which is becoming quite popular. Such services are common to procedures such as orthodontia and cosmetic surgery that are pricey. Careington Care 500 Plan is one of the programs that offer a 20% discount. As a member of this program, you pay a $30 processing fee and $75 annual fee. It is a good alternative if you have exhausted your yearly and maximum covers, or if your dental insurance has no orthodontic cover.

Opt for traditional braces

Traditional/ metal braces are always a cheaper alternative compared to lingual braces or invisible braces. They are still effective in their end goal. It consists of a variety of designs, tooth-colored ceramic, gold-colored or stainless steel. They require adjustments after 6 weeks, and the price ranges from $3000- $5000.

Search for suitable dental plans

This is searching for the best plans that are within your budget range. Dental plans contain different limitations, waiting periods, costs and discounts. These plans consist of different dentists; it is preferable that you find one that has a dentist in your locality. If you find a plan that meets your needs but has no dentist in your locality, you can talk to one of them asking if they can join the program. Organizations such as Dental Plans have over 40 discount plans that help you compare annual fees, dentist networks and discounts. National Association of Dental Plans is also a good platform to search for group/ individual discounts.

Orthodontic schools

Instead of a clinic, you can visit a dentist school for treatment. Most states have an open forum to take in patients on particular days. This is a form of students practical. Students offer treatments to the patients under the supervision of a specialist as part of their learning process. To find a dentist school open for such an opportunity, you can check with the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is always considered a cheaper alternative. It is only a small amount of payment needed to cater for the costs of equipment and materials used.

Loans and credit cards

You can also talk to your bank to offer you a loan to cater for the cost of your treatment. This is a good and fast way to acquire finances, but the disadvantage to it is the high interest rates offered by the banks. You can also use your credit cards for the treatments offered, then pay them off in 1-2 years.

The cost of orthodontic treatment should never be a hindrance to enjoy the feeling of having a perfect set of teeth. As the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way. If you want to undergo orthodontic treatment, nothing should stop you to pay for braces. You can explore any of these financial options for a successful outcome.

Your dental health expert recommends braces to you. So, what next? One of the most important questions you will ask yourself is how long the braces take to straighten your teeth. The period for wearing braces varies from one patient to another. However, it mainly depends on the dental problem one is facing.

The short answer? It depends

Several factors like age, type of problem, and type of treatment affect the duration of wearing braces. For instance, patients with severe issues such as jaw misalignment should wear braces for a more extended period than patients who have minor problems.

After thorough examination and evaluation, most orthodontists will inform you of the exact period you will require to have your braces on. Besides, the specialist will help you understand the procedure. They will also provide you with information on the lifestyle changes you will need to make.

Now that you know the short answer let’s discuss the details

On your first appointment, your orthodontist will conduct a careful examination of your oral and facial features. This will help to pinpoint any problems as well as identify your exact requirements. Thus, your orthodontist can perform mammograms, digital impressions, facial photographs, and CBCT scans. Afterward, the professional schedules another appointment for you, say after a week. This is to help prescribe the ideal treatment. Before your second appointment, the specialist will assess and review all your test results and records to develop treatment options.

In your second meeting, he will present suitable treatment options for you. He will most likely show different types of braces and give you the freedom to choose among these. During this appointment, feel free to ask any relatable questions to go for the best treatment alternative.

On average, how long do braces take to work?

It is essential to know the average time required for braces to work. Most orthodontic treatment takes a period of one a half year to operate. Nevertheless, it might take up to two years or even more dependent on the patient and the dental condition. Be cautious of people who promise a four- or six-months treatment process. It may seem like you need mild treatment. However, this does not mean your treatment will take a shorter period. Despite a small gap that needs fixation and closure, it takes longer to fix the problem’s root cause. Therefore, ensure you seek dental services from a reliable orthodontist professional.

Often, adults stay longer while wearing braces compared to children. But as mentioned earlier, the duration depends on the type of condition, and patient needs orthodontists should meet. Adult teeth do not grow into another set; hence they are firmer than milk teeth. For them to be in their correct position, they will require more time and pressure, unlike baby teeth. As a result, adults can wear braces for up to three years.

Quite the contrary, some children wear braces for a more extended period. Occasionally, children could have a severe jaw misalignment problem or teeth growing in an awkward position. In such a case, the tooth might need extraction while waiting for adult teeth to become. Unfortunately, the wait means a more extended period.

Can I shorten the time for braces treatment?

Is it possible to shorten the treatment process? Well, yes, or maybe. Patients who adhere to all treatment instructions are more likely to reduce the duration of treatment. Observing proper oral hygiene practices and eating a healthy diet as recommended by your doctor plays a huge role in shortening the time. When wearing aligners and temporary appliances, among other oral devices, one should avoid hard foods like nuts, maize, gum, popcorn, and sugary foods. In turn, one becomes resistant to common problems accompanying braces.

Dental professionals prescribe that you wear rubber bands and headgear to prevent movements that would lead to injuries. These oral devices assist in shortening the treatment process as they increase the efficiency of the braces. Additionally, ask your orthodontist about AcceleDent. It is a tiny appliance that fastens the process of placing your teeth in the right position. Patients use it for 20 minutes a day to achieve the desired outcomes. AcceleDent helps shorten the treatment process, but it also decreases inflammation brought about by braces.

Ultimately, cleaning your teeth with braces is very difficult. Nonetheless, brushing your teeth is crucial during the treatment process. A right dental health expert will help you understand how to brush your teeth in the right way for quick recovery.

Furthermore, note that the time you will need wearing braces does not include the post-treatment process. Treatment, therefore, does not end with brace removal. Most orthodontists will suggest that you consistently wear a retainer for the first few months. The retainer is also worn during bedtime.

Consider Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces, and it can be used to treat a wide variety of dental problems, including crowding, gaps, and bite misalignment. In addition, Invisalign is virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you’re wearing aligners. And because they’re removable, you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth with ease. If you’re looking for a discreet and convenient way to achieve a straighter smile, Woodbridge Invisalign may be the right treatment for you.

Golden Pediatric & Orthodontics Provides The Following Services for Braces:

• Braces for Kids in Woodbridge
• Braces for Children in Burke
• Adult Braces in Woodbridge
• Braces for Adults in Burke
• Braces in Dale City for Adults
• Dale City Braces for Adults
• Invisalign in Dale City
• Woodbridge Dentist
• Burke Dentist
• Woodbridge Invisalign

Suppose you encounter severe dental health problems; it is advisable to seek specialized quality care from an orthodontist professional. However, before you trust an one, there’s some information you need to know. Thus, upon consultation, make sure you inquire about everything you would like to know. Below are some of the frequently asked questions orthodontists come across.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Besides health benefits, orthodontic therapy assists patients in boosting their self-esteem and getting the ideal smile. Braces vary in material, shape, size, and both adults and children use them. Today, we have different kinds of braces like invisible aligners, clear ceramic braces, and metal braces. From children to teenagers, all patients obtain numerous benefits from wearing braces. Luckily, most dental experts help their patients make the best out of this form of treatment. Braces help in solving many tooth problems. We will talk about some of the dental problems braces fix.

1. Overcrowding and Spacing

Overcrowding and irregular spaced teeth is a common problem faced by a large percentage of individuals. For instance, most people have space between their two front teeth called a diastema. This issue is common in children, and it carries on to adulthood at times. Besides a diastema, some have crooked and overcrowded teeth. Orthodontic treatment can solve both of these issues. You can use braces of all kinds to line up teeth in their correct position. Moreover, orthodontic experts will track your progress and point out any alterations required to get desired outcomes.

2. Misaligned Jaw

Other problems braces fix are jaws having an incorrect position occur due to either an underbite or overbite. If you have overcrowded or irregular shaped teeth, you likely encounter soreness and discomfort in the jaw area. Consequently, this can cause even more severe problems, especially with your temporal mandibular joint (TMJ), which leads to pain on your face. Orthodontic therapy helps correct this issue by aligning your teeth in their rightful position, thus placing your jaw in its proper place. Similarly, once you fix a misaligned jaw causes a beneficial effect on your facial features. Besides reducing facial discomfort, you will appear more attractive due to a regular-shaped facial structure.

3. Overbites and Underbites

Uneven bites, known as malocclusions, could be signs of a complicated issue. Braces help rectify malocclusions since the device places mild pressure on the teeth and jaw to align them in their rightful position. There exists a variety of orthodontic treatment alternatives used to treat malocclusions based on their complexity. However, problems braces fix include:

Overbites

What is an overbite? An overbite occurs when the top jaw has an augmentation compared to the bottom part. As a result, the chin may appear very small and can lead to issues with eating certain foods.

Underbites

Contrary to overbites, an underbite is where the jaw’s bottom part has an extension compared to the jaw’s top part. Consequently, the chin appears to have an abnormal look, and it becomes challenging to eat. 

6. Open Bites

An open bite occurs when there’s an excessively massive space between the upper teeth and lower teeth in the front part of the teeth. Open bites are not a malocclusion issue since it results from too much sucking of the thumb and use of a pacifier. The condition mostly happens in children who still use pacifiers and suck their thumbs. Many people thus grow out of it and do not encounter this with their permanent teeth. But in various cases, adults face open bites; these are problems braces fix.

7. Periodontal Problems

Misaligned teeth make it challenging for individuals to thoroughly clean and brush their teeth. As a result, gum problems like gingivitis could occur. Remember that overcrowded teeth make it difficult for one even to floss because there exist no spaces between the teeth. Luckily, braces assist in placing teeth in their correct position, enabling them to cleanse their teeth properly. It’s much easier to clean and floss your teeth when all teeth are regularly spaced hence promoting oral health. 

8. Unmatched Dental Midlines

Dental midlines are the cross-sectional line that divides your top and bottom jaw. At times, the line could be asymmetrical, thus affecting your jaw position and your facial appearance. Braces assist in aligning your teeth, which eventually create a symmetrical dental midline, thus enhancing intercuspation. Consequently, teeth become correctly aligned, creating comfortability and a beautiful smile.

7. Issues with Chewing and Speech

Any tooth misalignment significantly affect your pronunciation and the way you chew. Braces, therefore, play a massive part in helping you with pronunciation by accurately aligning your teeth. Through the use of braces, your jaw and teeth become aligned correctly, thus enhancing your speech and way of eating. 

8. Self-Esteem Issues Related to Misaligned Teeth

Braces carry along with many cosmetic benefits. They help in creating the perfect smile hence boosting your confidence. Having misaligned teeth causes individuals to avoid smiling as they become quite self-conscious about their appearance. Braces, therefore, boost your self-esteem and enable you to be comfortable in your own body. Consequently, this will improve your efficiency at work. Ultimately, the problems braces fix will help you improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual well being.

Today, orthodontic services are available to both adults and children, seeking to improve their dental health. There are a variety of techniques that can help patients with dental problems. They include the installation of braces, temporary oral devices, and alignment devices. All these methods strive to meet customer requirements while improving their oral health for the best results.

Several patients find it challenging to manage other dental conditions with braces on. But orthodontists make it easier for patients to manage their braces. But here’s a little information you need to know about problems with braces.

Gum disease

Globally, people having problems with braces face an increased risk of acquiring gum infections. Gum disease results from the accumulation of bacteria along the gingival margin. As a result, patients encounter swelling, redness, and bleeding due to bacteria trapped in the gums. When this situation does not get treated, it may cause gums to retreat in the tissue. This leads to severe inflammation, bone erosion, and dental caries. Patients with braces are at risk for gum disease because they find it challenging to clean their gum areas.

Cavities

People wearing braces find it challenging to clean their teeth. For this reason, they face increased risk for contracting a dental hole. Once most patients are aware of this information, they get discouraged from wearing braces. There are various measures orthodontists recommend to help patients clean their teeth after they get their braces installed.

Brace wires and metal brackets have room for accommodating bacteria and other harmful organisms. Orthodontic experts prescribe specific brushes and equipment to help patients clean the area around their braces. Additionally, patients should take their time when cleaning and brushing their teeth to ensure there are no bacteria in the spaces. Moreover, to ward off dental caries, teeth should be frequently cleaned.

Staining

Tooth staining can occur for a variety of different reasons such as diet – coffee drinkers and smokers frequently suffer from stained teeth. An adverse reaction to swimming pool chlorine can cause teeth to turn yellow. Tooth staining is a common problem caused by wearing braces. When individuals do not clean the bracket areas properly, food particles are likely to stain the area. Additionally, most people end up with a white trail where the brace was initially fixed after removing the braces. Thus, the other teeth will appear yellow compared to this line. This scenario is more familiar with little ones since they cannot look after their teeth with proper care. After brace removal, it advisable that individuals go through a tooth whitening process to eliminate any discoloration that may have occurred.

Bad breath

Remember that having braces makes you more vulnerable to oral infections, which lead to bad breath. Furthermore, certain types of food like garlic lead to bad mouth odor, especially when wearing braces. So, it is vital to avoid too much garlic and go for a thorough dental cleaning. This will help remove any bacteria or plaque stuck between teeth spaces.

Demineralization

Orthodontic professionals assist patients in avoiding regular problems with braces like demineralization. Demineralization is an infection resulting from the build-up of acid in the teeth. The acid attacks the teeth and leads to discoloration. The condition mostly affects individuals who consume acidic foods or those already having acid reflux. It leaves white marks where the braces once were. Furthermore, the condition can also cause tooth sensitivity since the erosion of the enamel has already occurred.

Loose bracket

At any given point, individuals wearing braces will most likely experience loose brackets at some point. Brackets are usually tightened using resin elements and fall off or get loose when one chews hard foods like nuts and sugarcane. When this happens, patients encounter severe discomfort in the cheek. Using a particular type of wax to ease the pain is advisable before seeking medical attention. Orthodontic experts equip you with more information on how to handle loose brackets as well as explain the importance of the wax.

Broken wire

A broken wire is another common problem faced by people wearing braces. It is usually caused by chewing or biting something hard. When the wire becomes loose or completely breaks, it might jab you, leading to pain in the cheek area. In such a case, it is tempting to destroy and cut the loose wire by yourself, although this is not the best way to handle it. Instead, ensure you consult your orthodontist to help you fix the problem and reduce the risk of other complications.

Broken rubber bands

When the rubber bands encompassing your brackets are loose, make sure to pay a visit to your orthodontist. They will have the rubber bands swiftly replaced to avoid affecting other parts of the braces.

Loose bands or spacers

If you have loose bands or spacers, ensure you seek medical attention first before trying to fix the problem on your own. Bands and spacers enable teeth to get into their rightful place and can be unstable, depending on what the person eats. Orthodontic experts are the only ones able to fix this problem, so make sure you seek medical care.

As seen in this article, most brace related issues result from an unhealthy diet and improper observation of oral hygiene. As a result, a sugar-free and healthy diet goes a long way toward avoiding teeth problems. Additionally, ensure you avoid chewing hard foods if you have braces on.

People with braces should clean their teeth thoroughly and regularly daily. Furthermore, they ought to go for a professional mouth washing process at least twice a year. In conclusion, it is essential to take proper care of your teeth to avoid problems with braces and further complications.

We all know that braces straighten our teeth, but do you know of other health benefits that come with them?

Having a beautiful smile is crucial for your looks and confidence. Besides cosmetic benefits, braces boost your self-esteem and improve your physical and emotional health. Braces also impact on your relationships and enhance your productivity at work.

Furthermore, the health advantages of orthodontic treatment are numerous.

Can having bad teeth affect your health?

Individuals are exposed to several health risks when they have tooth problems. Having tooth problems is usually associated with dental cavities, cephalalgia, gum infections, and jaw inflammation. Even worse, it may lead to severe disorders like cardiac diseases, strokes, and respiratory system disorders.

Additionally, if malocclusion areas are not cleaned properly, they may cause tension on your jaw muscles and crooked teeth as well. Orthodontic therapy can correct regular tooth issues such as crowding of teeth, underbite, and overbite.

Besides cosmetic benefits, we will discuss the benefits of braces at an in-depth level.

Braces prevent gum disease

If the spaces between your teeth are relatively small, food particles are likely to get trapped. This can cause increased risks of gum infections. How do braces prevent gum disease? Braces lead to the appropriate positioning of all teeth. This enables you to clean your teeth and gums properly. Additionally, it makes it easier to floss your teeth.

Prevention of dental cavities

Dental cavities result from inadequately cleaning your teeth. It is often caused by bacteria trapped in spaces between teeth that cause the production of acid. The acid then builds up and destroys your tooth enamel, thus causing dental cavities. Braces lead to the healthy spacing between teeth, leading to proper cleaning and brushing of teeth.

Prevent bone erosion

Bacteria is often trapped in between teeth spaces and causes bone erosion. Braces foster proper cleaning of teeth. If teeth are adequately cleaned, this will not occur since no bacteria will be present in tooth spaces.

Help with Digestion

If you have crooked teeth and your teeth are not correctly placed, you may not be able to chew food properly. As a result, your stomach will have a hard time digesting food and may cause digestion problems.

Prevent injury

Misaligned teeth are prone to get injured during accidents or sports. Braces help in aligning teeth, thus causing teeth to be more resistant to injury.

Assist with speech

Misaligned teeth will affect your pronunciation of words. Braces straighten your teeth and, in turn, enhance the way your way of speaking.

Are braces worth the cost?

Orthodontic treatment decreases your chances of getting infected with other health infections. But does it offer value for money?

It depends on your perception and problem. Let’s say; you find it challenging to cleanse your teeth thoroughly because of malocclusions. You will likely spend lots of money trying to fix this problem as it may lead to pain, cracked teeth, and jaw disorders. In most cases, dentists will address your problem’s symptoms more than the source of your problem. However, it is advisable to go through orthodontic treatment and solve your problem once and for all.

Moreover, you can undergo orthodontic treatment even though your malocclusions are not causing severe symptoms. This form of therapy will deal with the root cause of the issue, thus preventing further problems.

Your health insurance will often cover the costs, making it easier for you to pay for treatment.

Moreover, orthodontic treatment has a lot of long-term benefits. It is thus important to discuss your dental health with your orthodontist and figure out the way forward.

Do braces hurt? 

The process of braces installation usually takes about one or two hours. You likely experience soreness, discomfort, and spasms after some hours of installation. The pain will last for a maximum of one week until the braces appropriately adjust in your mouth.

Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines can soothe the pain away. Additionally, to ease the pain, you should avert hard foods that require chewing. Alternatively, ensure you take soft foods or blend foods so that you avoid chewing. Also, eat healthy foods, mainly those free from sugar, to prevent any other inflammation. Ultimately, it is crucial to note that you’ll take some time before you get used to the braces, and discomfort may occur occasionally.

Conclusion

These are among the many health benefits of braces. Therefore, it is now clear that they offer not only cosmetic benefits but also numerous health benefits. However, the thought of the brace installation process can be intimidating, but do not get frightened. Once you have the proper information, you’ll realize it’s not as daunting as you thought. You have to be aware of some of the things about braces that will help you prepare for them.

Whether you’ve ever wanted to learn how to floss your teeth or floss your child’s teeth, this video is for you. This video is also a perfect primer for parents to watch before bringing their child in for their first dental visit to our office. Our practice places a strong emphasis on preventive dental hygiene methods. Dr. Herschel L. Jones, one of the Pediatric Dentists here at Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics covers a variety of important topics pertaining to our preventative program. Chrissy, Dr. Jones’ dental assistant will also give you a brief introduction on how to properly floss your child’s teeth.

1. Demonstrating in the mirror where children are missing when brushing and flossing their teeth
2. Brushing grades & gum health grades during dental evaluations
3. Flossing and using a floss with fluoride on the floss
4. Assessing dextertity of brushing & flossing on their own
5. Important factors to consider about toothpaste
6. Adolescents with tooth discoloration (fluorosis)
7. Dental sealants as a prevention method against cavities

Watch This Video To Learn How To Floss Your Childs Teeth

This video should provide parents with some terrific insights on the importance of flossing and demonstrates the correct flossing technique to use on your child’s teeth. Chrissy shows the proper method of flossing your own teeth as well so it’s a perfect refresher for adults that wish to learn the right way to floss as well.

We know that flossing can be a chore, and when you’re a parent it’s twice the chore. Here’s why it’s so important to floss your teeth and your childs. Brushing alone can’t reach everything – here’s the top reasons why you should be flossing your teeth at least every day.

Top 5 Reasons To Floss

1. Avoid Tooth Decay
2. Prevent Gum Disease
3. Avoid Tartar Build-up
4. Prevent Bad Breath
5. Brighten Your Smile

Visit our offices:

• Burke Pediatric Dentist
• Woodbridge Pediatric Dentist

One frequent question parents ask when they bring their child in for their dental appointment is “Can an adult go to a pediatric dentist?”. Which in all honesty, is a fair question – because not all pediatric dentists will see adult patients. It’s an earnest question because parents are looking to save time whenever possible. Having a family dentist that can see both children and adults is beneficial. For busy parents trying to juggle work, school AND dentist appointments can be exhausting. It’s reassuring to know that our family dentistry practice sees both children and adult patients. So in answer to the question, some pediatric dentists do see adults, and some don’t.

Can Adults See A Pediatric Dentist?

Not every pediatric dentist is willing to see adults. Some will only treat children as a rule and will refer adult patients to another dentist. Each of our 3 offices treat adult patients. So whether you’re looking for a Dentist in Woodbridge, Burke, Dale City, or Dale City – if you’re a parent in need of a dentist, why not schedule yourself an appointment at the same time as the kids? One of the best ways to save time and know that all your dental records are in one place for the entire family is just simplifying life.

Our Family Dental Practice Makes Life Easier

It’s convenient and smart to have the whole family see the same dentist. Parents are all too familiar with the headaches of having to run back and forth from one doctor to another for their kids. It’s enough that parents frequently have to see a pediatrician as well their regular doctor for medical issues. The convenience of a family dentist that treats both adults and children means less hassle, and more time to spend productively on other thing. Like getting the kids do to their homework!

The 2 Big Questions Adults Have When Seeing a Pediatric or Family Dentist

1. Are pediatric dentists familiar with adult dental issues ?Absolutely.  Pediatric dentists comprise 1/3 of all dental specialties. All pediatric dentists receive EXTRA training for dealing with children and early development issues with teeth. The extra training they receive is in ADDITION to the normal training regular dentists receive. So yes, as an adult you’re in perfectly capable hands seeing a Pediatric or Family Dentist.
2. Do pediatric dentists cost more than a normal dentist?No, as an adult you’ll pay the normal rate for checkups, preventive care, and restorative dental work that you would at a regular dentist. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of knowing if your child has to accompany you on a dental visit that they’ll be entertained and find things like books and games to occupy themselves while they wait.

What Is The Difference Between a Family Dentist & A Pediatric Dentist?

Odds are that you’re here today wondering what are the best alternatives to braces? You can’t ignore the fact that folks in general, are concerned about their appearance. According to  Business Insider, people with an attractive smile just exude more self-confidence, get better jobs, usually have higher salaries and at the end of the day are just more successful people.

How Can I Avoid Braces?

There are a few different alternatives to braces that you need to be aware of that we discuss in this article. Maintaining a healthy smile is one of the best ways to enhance your appearance. However, not everyone has the genetics for beautiful straight white teeth. It can especially difficult to achieve for those with crooked or protruding teeth to achieve the ideal results that they’re looking for.

Sometimes Braces Aren’t The Best Solution

There are a few different reasons why braces might not be right for you or your child. An Orthodontist may advise against – and recommend alternatives to braces if they notice any of the following issues:

• Minor crowding or spacing issues
• Insignificant bite alignment problems
• Length of time required for treatment too long for the patient
• Financial cost of braces is too much for the patient

Does any of this apply to your or your child? If so, there are alternatives to braces that your Orthodontist may recommend as an effective form of treatment.

Alternatives to Braces

Retainers

Retainers are normally a removable dental device used to correctly position the teeth before or after treatment with braces. There are transparent versions which fit over the entire arch of the mouth.

Retainers such as the Essix Retainer are a perfect example of how to achieve correct positioning in lieu of braces. Orthdonists are able to achieve minimal tooth movement using these devices. They are often less expensive and easier to maintain than braces.

Headgear

Headgear gets a bad wrap because it’s the most visible form of orthodontic treatment. Normally used to correct extreme overbites in patients, this device works by exerting pressure on the upper teeth and jaw to hold the teeth in a certain spot.

Dental header is not a favorite among patients due to the restrictive nature of the device, but it only needs to be worn for a few hours a day. Typically patients wear the device while they sleep at night. Headgear must be removed for playing sports, brushing your teeth, or eating.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners such as Invisalign are the most popular alternative to braces for adults. Invisalign can fix anything from minor overbites and underbites to serious malocclusions. An orthodontist will provide a series of clear, removable “molds” that go over the teeth.

Patients are required to wear the aligner for at least 20 hours a day for 2 weeks til they can move on to the next series of molds. Each aligner slowly adjusts the teeth a little more as you move through the series. Patients with good strong teeth with gaps are perfect candidates for Invisalign. If your in the area, contact us about Invisalign in Woodbridge, VA.

Six Month Smiles

The six month smile is a dental device on a clear bracket with a wire that goes across the teeth. It’s not really visible and works best for mild corrective issues. Patients are typically on the program for about six months, sometimes longer depending on the patient. Prime candidates for this device are patients whose main focus isn’t alignment or bite issues.

Veneers

Veneers are popular with celebrities, athletes, and successful people. If you’ve ever heard of the term “capped teeth” then you’re already familiar with veeners. They are ideal for dental patients with gap, fractures and poor shape or contoured teeth.

The dentist typically will remove a layer of the enamel from the tooth and then affix a veneer in place using UV light sensitive resin. There are other options available for applying veneers that don’t involve removing the tooth enamel – called “No Prep Veneers” – acoording to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Accelerated Orthodontics

Accelerated Orthodontics will fast-track your orthodontic treatment. The process involves a system called micro-osteoperforation that weakens the bones in the jaw. This allows the teeth to loosen just enough so they can can move when the dentist exerts pressure.

How Accelerated Orthodontics Works

The process causes an increase in cytokine production – which allows teeth to be positioned quicker. It’s usually used in tandem with clear aligners or a retainer for optimal results. Adults are prime candidates for Accelerated Orthodontics because they come without the limitations and drawbacks normal with traditional metal braces.

Golden Pediatric & Orthodontics Provides The Following Services for Braces:

• Braces for Kids in Woodbridge
• Braces for Children in Burke
• Adult Braces in Woodbridge
• Braces for Adults in Burke
• Braces in Dale City for Adults
• Dale City Braces for Adults
• Invisalign in Dale City
• Woodbridge Dentist
• Burke Dentist
Woodbridge Invisalign

This article is was written by the Dentists and Orthodontists of Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as an informative guide to alternatives to braces. This is legitimate medical advice provided by an authority source. Always make certain that the medical advice you are receiving is supplied by a trusted medical professional.