Two-Phase Treatment

Ensuring the Health of Your Teeth While Wearing Braces

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Are you working with an orthodontist in Bradenton, FL to help improve the look and function of your teeth? Braces correct alignment issues and gaps in the teeth, as well as bite problems, but they can also help with other general oral health issues. Just make sure that you do your part as a patient to ensure the health of your teeth and gums so when the braces come off you’ve got gorgeous pearly whites to look forward to.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing need to be a number one priority when you have braces, and honestly, it’s harder than ever, what with the brackets and wires getting in the way! Brush your teeth at least three times a day, preferably after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Use the Right Tools

This can be fun, though, because you can use specialized dental tools to help keep your teeth and braces clean. Consider using interdental brushes—you can find them at the drugstore—which can clean between brackets, and a water flosser, which uses a gentle stream of water to clean.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Your diet’s going to need attention, and not for weight loss, but to avoid eating things like sticky, chewy or hard foods that can get stuck in your braces or cause the wires and brackets to break.

Regular Check-ups and Cleanings

Don’t skip your regular orthodontic appointments. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor the progress of your treatment and make adjustments to the braces as needed.

By following these tips, you can maintain good oral hygiene and ensure the health of your teeth while wearing braces in West Bradenton, FL, helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile at the end of your treatment.

Invisalign Teen® Info

Braces Wire Causing Irritation? Here’s What to Do

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If the wire in your braces is poking the inside of your mouth, it can be painful and distracting. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage this discomfort right away. Here’s what you can do when you need quick relief.

Call Your Orthodontist

You need to call your orthodontist in West Bradenton, FL at Orthodontic Specialists so they can fix the problem properly. Braces wires aren’t supposed to be poking your inner mouth or lips. A quick, emergency visit is all that’s needed, and you’ll be right as rain!

Use a Ball of Wax

For immediate relief, you need to put something in between the wire and your soft tissue. A small ball of wax will work to blunt the tip of the wire. You can search for orthodontic wax at the drugstore, or you can use the wax in lip balm. Just cut off about a quarter inch off the tip of the lip balm and ball it up with your fingertips. Then gently apply to the end of the wire.

Use a Cotton Swab to Bend the Wire

If you can locate the offending wire and it’s causing major pain, use a clean cotton swab or the end of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place. This may not be a permanent fix, but it can offer immediate relief until you can see your orthodontist.

Pain Relief with Over-the-Counter Medication

If the pain persists and is too much to handle, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain. Just follow the recommended dosage and try to rest your mouth as much as possible.

Taking these steps will help you manage wire irritation and make the process of wearing braces in West Bradenton, FL a lot more bearable. Just remember, a little patience and a few quick fixes can make all the difference!

Two-Phase Treatment

Choosing Between Aligners and Braces

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Both traditional metal braces and clear aligners in West Bradenton, FL are effective in straightening teeth, but they come with their own set of benefits and considerations. Now, don’t get us wrong. The ultimate decision as to the best treatment for you is up to your orthodontist, because, depending on your circumstances, you might not respond to one or the other. But if given the choice, here are some things you should know.

Traditional Braces: Tried and True

Metal braces are a time-tested option for orthodontic treatment. Braces are great for patients with more complex dental issues, such as severe crowding, bite problems or major tooth misalignment. They offer precise control over tooth movement and are generally more effective for patients who require significant corrections. But one of the main downsides of braces is their visibility. although now you can get clear braces, or ones that attach to the inside of teeth where they don’t show.

Clear Aligners: Discreet and Comfortable

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are an ever more popular alternative to traditional braces. These aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic and are custom-designed to fit your teeth. They’re practically invisible, making them a great choice for patients who want a more discreet treatment option. Aligners are also removable, which means you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, making oral hygiene much easier than with braces. Clear aligners are best for those with mild to moderate alignment issues. They may not be the best option for more complex cases.

At the end of the day, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist in West Bradenton, FL. We can assess your dental needs so you get the best results possible!

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3 Reasons to Get Your Child Evaluated for Braces At a Young Age

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You think your child is perfect, and their teeth are too. But did you know that many children need braces to straighten their teeth? Your child’s orthodontist in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish FL can help. Getting your child evaluated for braces can help them get the care they need to enjoy beautiful teeth from a young age. Below are three reasons to get your child evaluated for braces early.

1. Early Evaluation Catches Problems Early

Early evaluation catches orthodontic problems in their early stages. By catching orthodontic issues early, your child’s orthodontist can get your child started with orthodontic care before it becomes more severe.

2. Early Intervention Can Save You Money

Early treatment of orthodontic problems can save you money because early orthodontic treatment can help your child avoid more serious (and expensive) problems.

3. Your Child Can Enjoy Confidence In Their Smile

Every kid deserves to love their smile. By getting your child early treatment for their orthodontic issues, you can help your child enjoy more confidence in their appearance. This can help your child make friends, speak up in school, and succeed later in life. There’s no telling how much your child can benefit from having confidence in their appearance.

Want to know more about early orthodontic treatment in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish, FL? Contact your child’s orthodontist at Orthodontic Specialists. We can help you decide whether your child is ready for an early orthodontic evaluation. Whether your child needs braces, Invisalign, or another form of orthodontia, we can help you determine which path is best for your young one.

Young person with short brown hair and braces smiles with hands beside face, posing against a solid pink background.

Orthodontics: What Are My Options?

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When it comes to straightening teeth, you have several different options to choose from. But no matter which route you take, orthodontics can leave you with the smile of your dreams!

In this post, we’ll discuss the various types of orthodontic treatments on the market today.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the traditional way to move teeth. Over time, these devices move teeth to their desired position with the help of brackets, wires, and bands. Made of stainless steel, these appliances are very effective at straightening teeth and fixing crooked smiles.

To learn if orthodontics is right for you, contact Orthodontic Specialists today! We’ll help you find the right orthodontic treatment in Bradenton, FL.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are nearly identical to metal braces. However, the brackets, wires, and bands are designed with tooth-colored ceramic instead of metal. This helps the appliance blend in better with your teeth, providing a better appearance!

Lingual Braces

This type of orthodontic device also straightens teeth, but the appliance is placed on the backside of your teeth instead of the front surface. This means people can’t even tell you’re wearing braces!

Self-Ligating Braces

Traditional braces have small bands that hold the archwires in place. With self-ligating braces, there’s a special built-in system that handles this job. Many patients love the appearance and comfort of these unique appliances.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are very different from any of the options above. Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, clear aligners are orthodontic trays made of a strong, clear plastic. With these devices, nothing is fixed to your teeth. Clear aligners are 100% removable and must be taken off before brushing, eating, and drinking anything other than water.

If you’re ready for straight teeth and a better-looking smile, Orthodontic Specialists is the name you can trust. Call us today to work with the top dentist in Bradenton, FL!