Variety Of Patient Education From hiremathortho.com

1. Variety Of Patient Education From hiremathortho.com

2. Why should malocclusions be treated? According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile it creates a healthier you. Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening? By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

3. The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is by brushing you teeth and flossing your teeth. Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth after every meal to prevent the accumulation of food particles in between your teeth and braces: • Morning’s after breakfast • After lunch or right after school • After supper • At bedtime You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to your appliances. As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. It may be difficult for your toothbrush to reach some areas under your archwire. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride treatment throughout your orthodontic treatment and beyond for optimal oral hygiene.

4. Brushing and Flossing Brushing Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride containing toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush upwards for the lower teeth, downwards on the upper teeth and the outside, inside of each tooth and chewing surface of your front and back teeth. Also brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse. When is the best time to begin orthodontics? Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the best time to begin treatment.

5. Flossing For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day. Use the reusable floss threader provided by our office to floss under your archwire daily (you can also find floss picks at your local grocery store and most pharmacy’s for convenience of flossing). Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader and slide it up and down along the front of each tooth.. Use care around your archwire and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it. After you floss between your archwire and braces, floss between your other teeth and gums. Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little.

6. What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables.

7. Foods to Avoid For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided. It's important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, save your broken pieces and bring them with you to your appointment and call our office immediately to arrange for a longer appointment for repair.

8. Orthodontic Treatment Phases Orthodontic treatment is highly predictable and immensely successful. There are many benefits of correcting misaligned teeth. Straight teeth are pleasing to look at and greatly boost confidence and self-esteem. More importantly, properly aligned teeth enhance the biting, chewing and speaking functions of the jaw. There are several types of irregularities, including: Overbite – The upper teeth protrude further than or completely cover the lower teeth. Under bite – The lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth causing the chin to look prominent. Cross bite – Some of the upper teeth may close inside the lower teeth rather than on the outside. Overcrowding – Insufficient room on the arch causes some adult teeth to erupt incorrectly and become rotated.

9. In Case of Emergency What To Do in Case of an Orthodontic Emergency? Most orthodontic concerns can wait until the office re-opens. However, in case of an emergency you can always reach us after hours. Please review the suggestions below. If you are still in need of after hour assistance, please call our office and you will be instructed on how to reach Dr. Hiremath or the on-call orthodontic clinician. Injury If you have a traumatic injury resulting in cuts to your lips or gums or if you have a loose tooth, please contact our office immediately. If you have broken any part of a tooth, you will need to contact your family dentist. If you suspect that your jaw has been injured or notice that your teeth have been moved by the accident, contact us, you may also need to be seen by an oral surgeon.

10. For more information please visit us online at, www.hiremathortho.com Hiremath Orthodontics 151 Ridgepoint Parkway Suite 100Keller, Texas 762487748 Denton HwyWatauga, Texas 76148Phone: 214-293-0356