Orthodontics Archives - Navarro Dental Center

Category : Orthodontics

A Guide To Orthodontics Treatment: What You Need To Know

Posted on: September 13, 2023 by Auxo Innovations

The term ‘orthodontics’ sounds like a simple treatment procedure, right?

It might seem like a simple task where you visit your dentist in Navarro and tell them, “I want to straighten my teeth,” followed by a simple procedure that involves braces or Invisalign, and you’re all set with the perfect smile, right?

However, it’s not! The different stages involved in orthodontic dentistry make it a complex procedure. Orthodontic procedures require a lot of planning, precision, and care since they are extremely custom treatments.

This blog walks you through the different aspects of orthodontics treatment. So continue reading as we walk you through some insight into orthodontics treatment in the following sections of the blog.

Orthodontics: A Streamlined Approach To Correct Your Smile

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting your smile, aesthetics, and general health. Dentistry is a specialty area that identifies, avoids, and treats dental anomalies such as crooked teeth and bite disorders.

Once you visit your Navarro orthodontics experts, they examine your teeth’ alignment with your bite and look for anomalies or misalignments. With this knowledge, they may design a specialized treatment strategy considering your unique needs.

But when should you consult an orthodontist dentist? Let’s find out as we list some common conditions when you should visit an orthodontist.

Type Of Problem	Should You Visit An Orthodontist?
Gap between teeth	Yes
Speech alignment and chewing difficulties	Yes
Chipped or broken tooth	No
Excessive wear of teeth	Yes
Bleeding gums	No

Now that we’re clear about when to visit your nearest orthodontist, we’ll learn more about the different aspects of the treatment in the following sections.

Different Types Of Orthodontic Treatments

Like our fingerprints, every set of teeth is unique to different individuals. Even if two individuals had the same malocclusion (a fancy Latin term for a bad bite), they could be suggested any of the following treatment options:

Traditional Braces
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Clear or Invisible Braces
Removable Appliances Like Invisalign

In this section, let’s learn more about these orthodontics dentistry procedures in detail.

Traditional Braces

Traditional or metal braces are the first thing that comes to mind when considering braces. Using stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires, these braces softly move your teeth over time.

Each tooth will have a bracket attached by bonding (glue) during your visit to the orthodontist for braces. These brackets are later covered with a thin, flexible archwire to hold the wire firmly.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Your dentist can suggest you undergo an early orthodontic treatment based on your oral condition. This is an effective measure to minimize and prevent any infection from getting severe over time.

Clear or Invisible Braces

As the name suggests, ‘invisible braces’ are clear aligners that give you a natural smile. These orthodontics dental procedures are an excellent alternative to braces alternative.

Wonder why? This is because these invisible braces don’t use wires and brackets. They use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth over a specified period.

Removable Appliances Like Invisalign

Last on our list of braces, we have the removable appliances. As the name suggests, these braces are removable and can be taken out of your mouth for cleaning or eating.

Much like invisible braces, this orthodontic procedure is based on a different set of trays that align your teeth over time. Additionally, popular invisible braces like Invisalign allow you to enjoy your orthodontic treatment while living a regular life with your ordinary diet.

Takeaway To Orthodontic Emergency Care

Although uncommon, orthodontic emergencies can occur at any time. Trauma from accidents is the main cause of issues. Wearing a mouthguard when participating in any strenuous activity and maintaining good dental hygiene are the greatest ways to avoid an orthodontic emergency.

Real dental emergencies include damage, infection, or excruciating pain, requiring you to consult with your orthodontics services as soon as possible. But before you connect or consult with your expert, it’s important to get an overview of the different emergencies and how to navigate them.

Loose & Poking Wires: The wire connecting your teeth may get dislodged when they erupt into position. If this occurs, make an appointment with your dentist for a fix. Cover the region with orthodontic wax before your visit.
Loose Brackets and Bands: Connecting elastics or modifying bands independently is risky. Keep the bracket or band in position and secure it by covering it with orthodontic wax. Call as soon as possible to make an appointment so your dentist can properly fix your band or bracket.
Lost Retainers: It’s critical to contact your dentist when you lose a retainer so they can take impressions and order a replacement for you. Young adolescents can consider obtaining a permanent retainer that is not removable or ordering extra retainers in advance.
Lost Invisalign Aligners: If one of your prior sets of Invisalign aligners disappears, keep them all. Wear the previous aligner once more until a new one is manufactured.

Now You Know!

Orthodontics treatment can add to your life in more ways than one! Once you know the different benefits of orthodontist procedures, it’s only a matter of time before you reach out to your nearest professional. However, while at it, don’t forget to look for clinics that cover you with different dental savings plans.

Let’s Re-Design Your Smile

Looking for orthodontists just got easier with Navarro Dental Center. Our professionals are experienced and equipped with the latest equipment to give you a healthy life and a radiant smile. Visit our clinic today!

Orthodontics For Adults: Is It Never Too Late To Get Braces?

Posted on: February 19, 2023 by Auxo Innovations

Simply put, when it comes to orthodontics treatments, age is just a number. Orthodontic devices like braces and aligners are no longer necessary for children. Nowadays, more and more adults are resorting to orthodontic appliances for better aesthetics and mouth and jaw function.

For instance, a recent study shows that among the 4 million Americans using braces, 25 percent are adults. Such a magnanimous number reveals the pertinence and popularity of orthodontics for adults in the United States. If you are contemplating opting for orthodontic devices, getting in touch with the Navarro Dental Center of Texas might help.

Orthodontic Treatments For Adults: A Brief Overview

In the last ten to twenty, more and more adults are resorting to braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Maybe it is because some people’s parents could not afford dental devices for them when they were young, and now they have the money to do it for themselves, or probably some develop teeth spacing issues later in older age. Nonetheless, whatever the specifics might be, adults are taking affirmative steps to achieve a hale and healthy smile.

Although the pre-teen and teen years are the ideal time to correct teeth alignment, adult braces can be very effective. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. However, before delving into misaligned teeth braces for adults, it is essential to be aware of some disclaimers.

Orthodontic treatment for an adult may take longer than it does for a child or teen. Even though the length of time it takes to straighten teeth differs from case to case basis, the treatment will likely take two years.

As an adult, your bones have stopped growing. Thus, you can’t have some structural changes sans surgery.

Before opting for orthodontic appliances, adults should consult their general dentist and periodontist to ensure that the treatment is not complicated by loss resulting from gum diseases.

Now that you know the disclaimers, let us glance at some of the most common orthodontic devices that adults can take advantage of.

Three Most Common Orthodontic Devices For Adults

Aligners – They are incredibly popular, especially among adults, due to their inconspicuous appearance. Clear aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect help mend mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Aligners co-opt customized clear aligner trays to straighten a person’s dental problems. The person using opting for an aligner has to wear a tray set for one to two weeks, then move on to another tray set.

Braces – Braces help correct a bad bite (underbite or overbite). They are fairly common among adults and help straighten and change a person’s teeth into the desired position. Nowadays, many traditional braces are available, such as metal, ceramic, lingual braces, and more.

Retainers – They are customizable dental appliances that secure teeth into their appropriate positions. Retainers are mandatory elements for people who have had braces or aligners. An orthodontist Corsicana, can advise you on the types of aligners and ways to use them to ensure that your teeth are in their optimal state post-orthodontic treatment.

Top Three Reasons Why It Is Never Too Late To Get Braces

Health is Wealth at Every Age

One of the significant reasons why it is never too late to get malocclusion braces is that our life expectancy has increased by leaps and bounds. Sixty is the new forty, and it is imperative that we look and feel our best for as long as possible. Misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth make it difficult to brush and floss, leading to oral health problems. Moreover, as a person gets older, their natural teeth experience depreciation. Thus, opting for braces or aligners to straighten and fix bite problems can help prevent years of dental work and suffering.

Confidence is the Key at Every Age

Poor oral and dental health can make people more self-conscious as they age. If you want to excel in your career even at the ripe age of 50 or 60, and maintain close, intimate, and amicable relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, self-assurance is imperative. If your smile makes you feel embarrassed and leads to social anxiety, opting for orthodontic assistance from the right experts, such as the Navarro Dental Center of Texas, is advisable.

Multiple Options and Comparative Affordability

One of the major reasons age is no bar to getting braces is the plethora of options available. Besides traditional metal braces, there are braces resembling teeth, ceramic braces, and very popular clear aligners. Likewise, when it comes to affordability, the situation regarding orthodontic treatments has gotten better. For instance, orthodontic processes with restorative benefits are now a part of some dental insurance, as well. So, more and more people can reap the benefits of braces and improve their quality of life.

Wrapping It Up

So, a crisp answer to the question if it gets late to opt for braces is a clear no. Of course, there are reservations and considerations for adult braces. An orthodontist, in Corsicana, can help you through the process.

Understand the Invisalign Braces Dental Treatment Process

Posted on: January 23, 2023 by Auxo Innovations

We know you are keen on getting that aesthetically beautiful smile you dream of and are planning to book an appointment with your cosmetic dentist to opt for braces. However, the not-so-appealing look of metal braces may want you to step back, even though you are well aware of its benefits. But Invisalign braces aligners can come to your rescue, thanks to their “invisible” appearance and comfort.

Before signing up for an Invisalign treatment procedure from a professional dental center of texas, you need to know a few things. Additionally, we have mentioned the benefits of Invisalign braces compared to traditional metal ones.

What is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment aiming to straighten a person’s disorganized teeth without using metal braces. The Invisalign braces are custom-made and transparent enough to go completely unnoticed when put on. These clear braces can cover your teeth and aid in putting together your teeth in a proper position and shape over time.

Invisalign comprises a series of transparent plastic aligners fitted over one’s teeth. After the treatment period, which usually lasts for around 6–12 months, you can enjoy well-aligned, straight, and aesthetically beautiful teeth. This results from gradually shifting your individual teeth’ positions to the desired position, rendering a charming smile.

While both Invisalign aligners and dental veneers help improve your smile aesthetics, the former focuses mainly on correcting your teeth alignment and bite, and the latter addresses other cosmetic issues like the shape, color, size, and texture of your teeth. You can visit a certified team specializing in Invisalign aligners for all cosmetic dentistry treatment solutions.

How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Braces?

This cosmetic dentistry procedure usually lasts between 6 and 12 months, or even more, depending on your severity or other dental conditions. Also, your dentist recommends you wear each aligner for a certain time (around 2 weeks) before moving on to the next set of aligners. Between each shift, your dentist will monitor and examine your progress and ensure that your teeth alignment changes as expected.

You need to be aware that every patient has different tooth alignment issues and cosmetic choices, so the same treatment that takes only 6 months for one individual may take around 9–12 months for another. Because it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, your braces Texas dental clinic will decide which duration best suits your needs and personal choices.

Your dental team will start your dental examination process by performing x-rays, taking pictures of your teeth, and creating a 3D model to design a personalized treatment plan per your requirements. The plan also determines the suitable treatment duration to correct teeth alignment issues. Your 3D teeth model also lets you track your progress with Invisalign braces.

Are Invisalign Aligners Better than Traditional Braces?

Many individuals checking out different teeth straightening options may want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign aligners versus traditional metal braces. So, here are some of the advantages you can have with Invisalign braces over traditional metal braces. We hope it helps you make a more informed decision regarding your dental treatment processes.

The Invisalign teeth straightening braces are easy to put on and remove while brushing, flossing, or eating. Unlike metal braces, it’s relatively easier to maintain your clear aligners, thus enhancing better oral health.

As the name suggests, Invisalign braces are clear and transparent, making them go unnoticed in public or group gatherings. Contrastingly, we all know how odd the traditional metal braces look, due to which many people even shy away from exposing their teeth while smiling.

With Invisalign braces, you will feel more comfortable to wear as they don’t irritate your gums or teeth. However, with metal braces, people often complain of feeling uncomfortable.

You will start noticing results quicker than metal aligners since the teeth movement with Invisalign is faster, easier, and more precise.

With Invisalign, you can save time with fewer clinic visits and routine checkups instead of frequent office visits with metal aligners. Besides, the treatment time is shorter and quicker too!

Am I a Candidate?

While you might be keen on getting your first Invisalign braces, it’s important to know whether it would be the right choice. These clear braces suit adults and teenagers willing to close those unappealing gaps between teeth. Apart from teeth straightening, you can get Invisalign aligners if you want to correct your bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or overcrowded teeth. After performing a tooth x-ray scan, your orthodontist will decide what’s right for you.

Are There Any Risks?

Besides, these clear braces are safe since they contain medical-grade polyurethane resin. Moreover, the FDA has approved Invisalign aligners since 1998.

Coming to the risk factors, using Invisalign aligners for more than a year may chip your teeth or cause other dental damages, such as exposed tooth roots or gum recession. So it’s wise to consult your cosmetic dental team to get the best advice on the right treatment duration. Also, learn about the possible side effects with your dentist before getting Invisalign aligners.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you are eligible for Invisalign clear aligners, dive in without a second thought. It’s one of the best and most advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures and is successfully correcting millions of smiles! So, talk to your Invisalign professionals to start your journey toward improving your facial aesthetics!

Your Complete Guide To An Orthodontist

Posted on: July 19, 2022 by Auxo Innovations

You might often wonder what orthodontist do or what orthodontic treatment is all about! Relax, It is not a surprise as the lengthy name can leave anyone confused. Not everybody has the same idea about oral health conditions as others.

Experts at Corsicana dentistry suggest that an orthodontist is the one who aligns your lower teeth and jaw to give you a perfect smile. People struggle with hundreds of problems with their dental appearance. Unfortunately, most people are not born with a perfectly aligned set of teeth, and these wellness professionals help you re-create your smile to perfection.

You might feel sick of your crooked or misaligned teeth. If this is true, you can schedule an appointment with your orthodontist today!

This piece of information might have given you some basic information about the job of an orthodontist. However, that is not all, and there is much more to the services of dentists of this specialization. Let’s understand the steps involved in the process before you visit an expert for Invisalign in Richardson, TX.

What Is An Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a person who will analyze how your teeth look, understand your tooth decay, and try to make your smile better. They specialize in treating jaw irregularities and any existing issues that might lead to problems with your oral health.

This branch of dentistry helps you fix your smile, so your self-esteem rises. Now that you know the orthodontist definition, let us tell you what Invisalign Richardson, TX, dentists can do for you.

Orthodontics: What Do They Do?

If you have ever had a sitting with an orthopedic dentist, you would know what they do. Fixing and aligning the crooked teeth might sound like an easy task. However, it is otherwise. It requires enough patience as it involves a long process. But, an experienced dentist can make it less troublesome for you.

Now that you know what an orthodontist is, let’s understand the different branches of orthodontics treatment.

Using fixed and removable dental devices like braces, retainers, and bands
Fixing bites and misaligned teeth, enabling better chewing
Making crooked-looking teeth orderly
Treating any jaw problems or irregularities

Next time you think of ‘what are orthodontics’ – you can imagine someone who specializes in treating your bite. For example, if you have straight and aligned teeth, you might sometimes face the problem with biting, as they might oppose other teeth.

Thus, it creates a tense situation as you chew your food. It is a common dental problem in many teenagers and children. However, the orthodontist’s meaning is not limited to treating small children or teenagers. People of any age can sit with an orthodontist to get the best smile and fix their bite.

Education And Training Of An Orthodontist

All dentists attend primary school, high school, and dental college at Corsicana dentistry. After dental college, they spend two to three years training in an orthodontic residency program. They learn how to guide the teeth, jaw, and face development.

When To See An Orthodontist?

You won’t necessarily have to see an orthodontist if you have a perfect set of teeth. However, You can consider this option if you struggle with misaligned or crooked teeth or malocclusion.

Usually, these dental issues are hereditary. For instance, Malocussion, which causes overcrowding of teeth in your mouth, might come with your genes. This problem could also affect your jaw leading to irregularities.

Generally, your orthodontist might use any of the widely available orthodontics procedures to correct it.

They might give you a set of metal braces. These braces apply pressure on your teeth and fix the irregularities and the misalignment.
If you don’t wish to make the appearance of the braces too obvious, you can opt for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign Richardson, TX, the dentist will provide you with a pair of transparent aligner trays.

Other than these, there are various kinds of cosmetic dentistry an orthodontist can perform on your teeth.

What Happens When You See An Orthodontist For The First Time?

If your dentist believes you need the service of an orthodontist, he will suggest the same. On your first visit to the dentist, you can expect him to

Examine your mouth
Take digital photographs of your mouth and x-rays
Get impressions of your teeth to prepare the adept aligners.

These tasks will allow him to pick the most suitable dental treatment for you. Then, once you feel satisfied with the choice, you can initiate your dental treatment.

Thus, an orthodontist has a very challenging task to perform. In addition, your treatment with him usually takes a long time because, after every dental visit, you would have to give some time for your mouth to heal.

The Different Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

Posted on: June 27, 2022 by Auxo Innovations

Your way to a perfect smile sometimes comprises wires and metals! Yes, we’re talking about braces. One of the traditional and most predictive orthodontic treatment numerous people go through involves aligning your upper and lower teeth to bring a flawless smile!

The process of acquiring braces is pretty much like following a how-to manual. Even though each orthodontic case is unique, the method that patients undergo is relatively consistent.

However, wearing braces isn’t only about visiting the professionals once! Experts Orthodontists in Corsicana suggest that it’s a treatment plan divided into two to three stages (depending on the patient’s condition).

Therefore, let’s walk through the different stages of braces treatment for straight teeth.

Different Phases Of Orthodontic Treatment

As mentioned earlier, the orthodontic treatment comprising upper and lower teeth takes anywhere between six to thirty months. While the treatment largely varies on the classification of the malocclusion, here’s a general overview of the three stages involved in orthodontic treatment.

Phase 1 – Get Ready For Wearing Braces

After evaluating the current position of your teeth, the dentist in Corsicana, TX, goes through the many available orthodontic treatment options. In addition, they’ll look at your gums and teeth to see how healthy they are. Here’s an overview of the process:

X-Rays

X-rays of your teeth will then be taken as part of the orthodontist’s clinical evaluation procedure. They can inspect the roots of your teeth and jawbones using orthodontic x-rays. This allows the discovery of any underlying oral health concerns.

The Next Appointment

Once you’ve advanced the X-ray stage, your dentist will also take diagnostic photographs and intra-oral scans of your teeth during this session (photos taken before treatment).

X-rays and information from your appointments and discussions will be part of a customized treatment plan just for you.

Describe the Treatment Plan You Have in Mind.

Many clinics prefer to welcome you and any other family members to the clinic to discuss the plan once it is completed. Your treatment plan will spell out all your options, and you or your parents will have the final say on whether or not to go through with treatment.

Expanders

If you fall into one of these categories, your orthodontist may suggest you begin your treatment using expanders (often for younger children). In addition, those with a palate that hasn’t fully developed might benefit from using expanders. But, again, this is important when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

See a Dentist

Orthodontic patients who don’t have crowding issues are a rare breed. The primary dentist will execute any necessary tooth extractions, on the other hand, as long as the patient needs one. Patients must wait at least two weeks after tooth extractions before installing braces.

Besides, it is wise for all patients to see their dentist and get their teeth scaled and cleaned before getting braces.

Separators

Before your braces are put on, you’ll need to visit the clinic for separators. On the day of your braces installation, these rubber bands will be stretched over your back teeth to make room for the metal rings put over your rear anchor teeth.

Phase 2 – The Active Phase

Here’s where the magic occurs in your treatment.

To begin with, those braces are finally here! If you’re going to the clinic, you’ll want temporary relief from discomfort before arriving. It should not hurt when the dentist puts your braces on, but your teeth may get sore within a few hours, so it’s a good idea to have pain medicine with you just in case.

Going for the stages of braces is also essential here:

Step 1: The first step is to remove the dividers if they haven’t already. As the last step, the dentist will remove any plaque and tartar from each tooth and then place a dental glue in front of each bracket to secure it (or back for lingual braces).

Step 2: The next step is to treat any biting issues that may have arisen after your teeth were aligned and leveled. If you have one of these issues, your braces may have to be changed to correct a crossbite, an overbite, or an underbite.

Some patients may need a second set of x-rays to verify the placement of their teeth’s roots and to aid in repositioning any brackets that need to be placed.

Step 3: The third step is here. A doctor will “fine-tune” the alignment of the teeth and the bite during the last few months of therapy with braces. Then, dental or orthodontic modifications will be made to ensure that your teeth are in the optimum position feasible.

Phase 3 – The Retention Phase

Retainers may be picked up from your dentist or orthodontist after removing your braces. Wearing your retainers 24 hours a day for at least three months is required until your teeth and gums have had a chance to recover.

Are You Considering Having Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child?

There are several advantages to commencing orthodontic treatment for children wearing braces at a young age. Lastly, no matter the braces, ensure that you always take proper care of your teeth to avoid gum diseases.

Contact today if you want to make your child’s smile even brighter!