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What Should I Expect During My Initial Exam?

During your first consultation, we’ll start by taking photos and, if necessary, an X-ray. Dr. Hughes will then conduct a thorough examination. Our Treatment Coordinator will explain the recommended treatment plan and discuss the financial aspects with you. We’ll make sure to answer all your questions and prepare you for the start of your treatment.

Do Braces Hurt?

Braces typically don’t cause pain during treatment. However, you may feel some discomfort after they are initially placed. This soreness usually lasts a few days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth adjust to the new braces.

Why Do I Need to Brush My Teeth More with Braces?

It’s crucial to brush your teeth four times a day and floss daily when you have braces. This helps prevent plaque buildup and bacteria from becoming trapped in your gums. Neglecting this can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and stained teeth.

Can I Floss with Braces?

Yes, you can—and should—floss daily! Flossing with braces is a bit different; you’ll need to maneuver the floss behind the wire between each tooth to effectively reach the gums. Tools like floss threaders and super floss can make this process easier.

What Should I Do if I Break a Bracket?

If a bracket or band becomes loose or falls off the wire, it’s not an emergency. Simply call our office as soon as you notice, and we’ll schedule an appointment to fix it. If the loose bracket is causing discomfort, you can apply orthodontic wax to relieve the irritation.

Why Do I Have to Change My Elastics Throughout the Day?

Orthodontic elastics function like regular elastics; repeated stretching will cause them to loosen. Activities like talking and chewing can stretch the elastics, making them less effective. By changing your elastics throughout the day, you ensure they remain tight, helping your treatment progress as planned.

Why Do I Have to Wear a Retainer After My Braces are Off?

After your treatment is complete, your teeth may try to return to their original positions. Wearing a retainer full-time for the first year and then at night indefinitely will help keep your teeth in place.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

Absolutely not! There’s no age limit for orthodontic treatment. We encourage everyone aged seven and older to schedule an orthodontic consultation to explore the best treatment options for them.

What Foods Should I Avoid While Wearing Braces?

Don’t worry—you’ll be able to enjoy popcorn and gum again soon! In the meantime, it’s essential to avoid foods that could damage your braces, such as crunchy, sticky, or hard items. Foods that require biting into, like corn on the cob, apples, and carrots, should also be avoided unless cut into smaller pieces.

With nearly a decade of experience in the dental field, Kat has truly found her passion in orthodontics. As an orthodontic assistant, she loves helping patients achieve their dream smiles and enjoys the dynamic environment of the practice.

When she’s not at work, Kat is all about adventure! From trying out new restaurants to thrilling activities like skydiving and target shooting, she embraces life to the fullest. And when she wants to relax, you can find her indulging in a spa day.

Family time is also important to Kat. She treasures moments spent with her 13-year-old son and her fiancée, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's exploring new hobbies or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, they make every moment count.

If you see Kat at Lakewood Park Orthodontics, don’t hesitate to say hi! Her warm smile and positive energy are sure to brighten your day.

If you’ve ever had a child with braces or been in orthodontic treatment yourself, you might have come across the term "space maintainer." But what exactly are these devices, and why are they so crucial in orthodontics? Let’s dive into the details of how space maintainers work and their significance in dental health.

What is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a dental appliance designed to hold the space left by a prematurely lost tooth. It’s a common tool used in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, especially when a child loses a baby tooth too early, either due to decay or trauma.

Why Are Space Maintainers Necessary?

Losing a baby tooth before its natural time can lead to several issues:

Shifting of Adjacent Teeth: When a tooth is lost early, the surrounding teeth can start to drift into the empty space. This can lead to misalignment and create problems when the permanent tooth erupts.

Crowding of Permanent Teeth: If the space isn’t maintained, there might not be enough room for the permanent tooth to come in properly. This can lead to overcrowding, bite issues, and the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later on.

Improper Alignment: If the adjacent teeth move into the gap, the alignment of the incoming permanent tooth can be affected, leading to further orthodontic complications.

Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers come in different designs, depending on the specific needs of the patient:

Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented to the teeth and can’t be removed by the patient. Common types include:

Band and Loop: This is a simple device consisting of a metal band attached to the back of the neighboring tooth with a wire loop extending into the space left by the missing tooth.

Nance Appliance: This is used for the upper arch and includes a metal plate with a wire that sits against the roof of the mouth, holding the space open.

How Space Maintainers Work

Placement: The dentist or orthodontist places the space maintainer after ensuring that the space where the baby tooth was lost is appropriately prepared. This often involves a thorough examination and sometimes a mold of the patient’s mouth.

Function: Once in place, the space maintainer holds the gap open, preventing the adjacent teeth from moving into the space. This allows the permanent tooth to erupt correctly and ensures that the dental arch remains properly aligned.

Monitoring: Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the space maintainer’s effectiveness. The device will be adjusted or replaced as needed, especially if the child’s mouth grows or if the permanent tooth begins to come in.

Caring for Space Maintainers

Caring for a space maintainer involves maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Patients should:

Brush and Floss: Brush thoroughly around the space maintainer and floss to prevent plaque buildup.

Avoid Certain Foods: Sticky or hard foods can damage or dislodge the space maintainer.

Attend Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to the orthodontist ensure that the space maintainer is functioning correctly and that no issues arise.

Space maintainers are unsung heroes in orthodontics, playing a crucial role in maintaining dental health and preventing future complications. By preserving the necessary space for permanent teeth and preventing misalignment, these devices help ensure a smoother transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. If you or your child are in need of one, rest assured that this small but mighty appliance is working hard behind the scenes to maintain dental harmony.

Understanding and following your orthodontist’s advice on space maintainers can make a significant difference in achieving optimal dental health and avoiding more complex treatments down the road. So, whether it’s for a child or an adult, these appliances are key players in the journey toward a well-aligned smile.