Junction Orthodontics Blog

What to Expect From Orthodontist Care

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:03:40 GMT

Embarking on the journey to perfect your smile and improve your oral health can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Orthodontic care encompasses a variety of treatments aimed at correcting dental and jaw alignment issues. Whether you are considering braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic solutions, understanding what to expect can help ease your apprehensions and prepare you for the road ahead.

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Your orthodontic journey begins with an initial consultation. During this visit, the orthodontist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, mouth, and jaw. This may include digital X-rays, photographs, and impressions to create detailed models of your teeth. Based on these findings, the orthodontist will discuss your treatment options, estimate the duration, and provide a cost breakdown. It's important to ask questions and express any concerns you may have during this stage to ensure you are making an informed decision.

Treatment Planning and Appliance Placement

Once you decide to proceed with treatment, the next step typically involves the placement of your orthodontic appliance. Whether you opt for traditional braces, clear aligners, or another option, your orthodontist will explain the procedure and aftercare in detail. According to WebMD, braces usually remain on the teeth for one to three, depending on the complexity of your case. During this time, you will need to attend periodic check-ups to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and to make any necessary adjustments.

Maintenance and Oral Hygiene

It's essential to adhere to all guidelines provided by your orthodontist to achieve the best results. Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount, especially with braces, as food particles and plaque can accumulate around the brackets and wires. Your orthodontist will likely provide specialized tools, such as interdental brushes and floss threaders, to help you keep your teeth and gums clean. Additionally, avoiding crunchy, sticky, or hard foods can prevent damage to your braces and reduce the risk of extended treatment times.

Thorough preparation and understanding of the orthodontic process can make your experience more manageable and successful. From the initial consultation to the placement and maintenance of your appliance, being well-informed helps you make the best choices for your oral health. With dedication and compliance, you can look forward to achieving a beautiful, straight smile that boosts your confidence and overall well-being. If you're in need of professional orthodontic services, you can reach out to our team at Junction Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.

A Brief History of Orthodontics

Fri, 10 May 2024 14:19:42 GMT

When you or your children visit the orthodontist, you should marvel at how technology has made the experience so much simpler. Computer-guided imagery makes creating things like braces and Invisalign a snap. Let's compare that to the first time that dental practice became a field of study at universities. According to Byte, it was in 1580 — nearly 400 years before anesthetics like novocaine were invented to numb the mouth. The history of orthodontics stretches farther back. How far? Let's take a look.

The Ancients Did It First

The first attempts at doing orthodontic works were done by the Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, according to Colgate. The last group was the most refined, wrapping wires around teeth to straighten them over time. The other two, the Greeks and Romans, were a bit more extreme, and their methods likely left the patients wishing they had just kept their crooked teeth.

An 18th Century Frenchman Was a Key Player

We're going to jump ahead now through various centuries. It's not that the people who lived through these times didn't care about teeth, but they didn't make any appreciable advancements that impact the state of orthodontics today. It wasn't until the 1800s that a gentleman named Pierre Fauchard wrote a book called "The Surgeon's Dentist," which started the modern movement of orthodontics, according to Britannica.

There Was a Rapid Advance to Modern Times

According to the National Library of Medicine, in 1841, a gentleman named Joachim Lefoulon coined the term "orthodontics," which is still what we call this specialized field of dentistry today. It became a dental specialty in 1900 and Edward Angle, the founder of the American Society of Orthodontia, was known as the man who ushered it into the modern age, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Your orthodontist has Lefoulon and Angle to thank for their current job.

Over the years, many different materials were used to straighten teeth, including animal guts, gold, and silver, according to Ormco. Thankfully, today's materials for braces have been highly refined. In fact, the materials used in ultra-modern clear ceramic braces were developed by NASA, according to NASA.gov. Over the years, there have been many improvements in dental resin, which can keep the braces in place.

These are just a few facts about the history of orthodontics. Are you looking for an orthodontist in your area? Contact us at Junction Orthodontics today to learn more about our dental and orthodontic services.

Is Your Child Ready for Braces?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:55:06 GMT

Braces are standard treatments orthodontists use to help straighten the teeth to correctly align them. However, some children are ready for braces while others are not. The best way to tell if your child is prepared for this treatment is to speak with an orthodontist. This article will review a few things your doctor will consider.

Age

According to Healthline, orthodontic treatment plans usually happen when a child is nine to 14. Children younger than this typically aren't ready for something like braces. However, depending on the situation, they may be able to have other treatment plans that don't require the same level of care braces do. Preteens and older children are usually ready for braces.

Hygiene

Oral hygiene is always important, but it's especially critical for children who wear braces. Food can get stuck behind the wires. If the food is left there, it can breed bacteria, leading to decay and cavities. Children must be old enough to understand the importance of oral hygiene and listen to their orthodontist. Orthodontists will review a proper oral care routine with kids.

Obedience

Whether your child will follow directions is crucial in determining whether they can wear braces. Once your little one starts treatment, there will be a list of foods they can't eat. It can be challenging for parents to be with their children all the time, so children will need to follow directions and avoid certain foods while at a friend's house or school.

Communication

Children should also be able to communicate how they feel about braces, including physically. For example, a wire may poke into their cheek if a wire breaks. This can cause various levels of discomfort. If a child doesn't communicate this, it can delay their treatment plan because the braces will not work correctly with a broken wire.

Development

Your child's tooth development will be a crucial deciding factor. Some children may benefit from early treatment for issues like overcrowding. However, you may have to delay treatment until permanent teeth come in, which can result in your child getting braces as a teenager instead of earlier. Orthodontists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.

Your child's age, ability to follow directions, and development are crucial when deciding if your little one is ready for braces. However, if your child needs help and isn't ready for braces, other treatment options may be available. Contact Junction Orthodontics today to learn more.

4 Questions to Ask During Your Orthodontic Consultation

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:33:54 GMT

Are you looking forward to having properly aligned teeth? The first step to doing so is finding the right orthodontist for you. When you make an appointment for a consultation, here are four questions for your local orthodontist.

1. How Long Will Treatment Last?

There is no set period for orthodontic treatment. According to Healthline, braces treatment typically lasts for around 24 months. When it comes to Invisalign aligners, you may finish in a year or see results in as little as six months. We've seen that if you must wear retainers after completing braces, you can expect to wear them for a few months or up to a year.

2. What Services Do You Offer?

Your orthodontist may have various types of braces for you to consider. In addition to traditional braces, they may also offer ceramic braces that closely match the color of your teeth. They may also offer lingual braces that go behind your teeth, so they aren't visible. Speaking of visibility, more orthodontists are offering clear aligners or Invisalign. After braces, you can expect to wear retainers, which can help keep your straightened teeth in place after you have completed your treatment.

3. When Can I Bring My Child In?

Is your child showing signs of crooked teeth? Did you know that you can bring your child in for a first orthodontic appointment as young as seven years old, according to the American Orthodontist Association? Check with your local orthodontist to see if they provide pediatric orthodontics.

4. How Do I Practice Oral Hygiene?

Are you worried about the potential state of your oral hygiene once you have braces? Your orthodontist can give you the best recommendations based on the type of treatment you're going through. A good rule of thumb is to use an interdental brush and use it gently with traditional braces. However, if you have clear aligners, you can remove them to brush your teeth regularly. You should also clean any removable orthodontic device, such as your retainers or clear aligners, so they don't harbor bacteria.

Your local dentist has the expertise to provide straight teeth for adults and children alike. A straight smile can make your mouth healthier and give you the confidence you need. Don't let crooked, misaligned teeth or extra spaces get you down. Contact Junction Orthodontics today for a consultation.

Do I Have to Get Invisalign from an Orthodontist?

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:30:00 GMT

How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women as they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family. However, it’s essential to remember that pregnancy can also affect your oral health, leading to issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. To gain a deeper understanding of how pregnancy impacts your oral health, continue Read More

A Spa Day for Your Pearly Whites

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Give your teeth the spa day they deserve! Your teeth work hard every day to help you to eat and do many other things. All that hard work definitely deserves some TLC. Your skin isn’t the only thing that deserves a spa day! Next time you go to the store, take a stroll down the Read More

Can Orthodontics Fix a Speech Impediment?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:30:00 GMT

If you’re a reader of our blog, you know that orthodontic treatment benefits our patients in many ways that may not be immediately obvious. Most people who seek orthodontic treatment focus on a crooked bite, crowded teeth, or a smile they are generally unhappy with. While we certainly love giving every one of our patients Read More

Whitening Your Teeth

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Having a pearly white smile is often a top concern our patients bring to our office. One of the most common questions we get as orthodontists during braces treatment is whether white spots on the teeth are to be expected. Even our patients who don’t have braces are concerned about maintaining a clean white smile. Read More

What Should I Ask my Orthodontist Before Braces?

Sat, 27 May 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Getting braces, or any orthodontic appliance is a daunting life change. At the end of your appointment or evaluation, your orthodontist, such as the experienced team at Junction Orthodontics, including Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins, will ask you if you have any questions, and as a new patient, it’s sometimes hard to know what exactly you should Read More

Vitamins for Healthy Teeth

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 13:30:00 GMT

If you read health blogs or follow a fitness influencer, you know that vitamins and minerals are essential for your health. However, vitamins are not only beneficial for keeping your energy up or gut health, but they are also crucial for good oral health. Vitamins serve as preventive measures for common oral health problems. Improving Read More

Getting Braces: Surviving the First Week

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:09:00 GMT

The first week with new braces can be tough. You may experience some pain and discomfort as your teeth and mouth adjust to the new hardware. It’s important to take it easy and give yourself time to adjust. We want to make your journey to a beautiful smile easy and painless, so here are a Read More

What to Know About Mouthguards and Braces

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:30:00 GMT

We’ve all heard horror stories of sports injuries, or even worse, suffered one ourselves. After getting braces, you may be even more worried about a blow to the face during practice or a big game. The best way to protect your mouth from a painful fate is to invest in a mouthguard. Mouthguards protect not Read More

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:30:00 GMT

So, you’ve finally gotten your braces off, finished your Invisalign, and you’re done with the orthodontist. Not so fast – after treatment, you’ll be fitted with a retainer to keep that smile perfect for years to come. Get the answers to frequently asked questions about retainers and maintaining a healthy smile after receiving orthodontic treatment Read More

How to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:30:00 GMT

At some point during your treatment, something will go wrong with your braces. At home, on vacation, or running on a sports field, it can spark fear to feel your braces start to break. These orthodontic “emergencies” are actually relatively minor, even if they don’t seem that way at the moment! Your orthodontist is well Read More

Food and Your Braces

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:30:00 GMT

One of our most common questions from patients is “What can I eat with my braces?” or “What foods do I have to give up?” and we have a few simple guidelines to share. Getting braces is a big change, and on top of the wires, brackets, or Invisalign trays, there’s a whole new set Read More

Everything You Need to Know about Your Expander

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:30:00 GMT

A common first step of orthodontic treatment is an expander. Expanders, or palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances that increase the space between the halves of the upper jaw. While that sounds scary and painful, expanders are very common and relatively painless! Many young, growing orthodontic patients have expanders, and they can help make sure you Read More