braces

October is Orthodontic Health Month

We’re super excited over here at Lakewood Park Orthodontics for our favorite month of the year; October is Orthodontic Health Month! To us, orthodontics encompasses more than just putting brackets on teeth. Through orthodontics we bring confidence, health and joy to our patients. To help give someone the confidence to smile (a real, big smile) is irreplaceable. This confidence extends into our patients daily lives and enables them to feel comfortable with who they are. So yah, Orthodontic Health Month is a big deal around here ;)

There are many blog posts about the benefits of a straight, healthy smile (decreased risk of oral disease, tooth decay, injury, jaw problems, confidence…) this is not one of those posts.  If you’re reading this blog you likely have already researched the benefits or orthodontic treatment and are considering starting treatment. Today, I want to help you break down any barriers that are keeping you from moving toward your goal of a healthy, straight smile. So let’s discuss some common barriers that patients face when deciding to start treatment.

1. You don’t think you have time for appointments: It’s true, at the beginning of treatment, there is usually a longer appointment needed the day we put the braces on or get started with Invisalign. After the initial appointment you are usually in only every 6-8 weeks with braces and every 10 weeks with Invisalign. These appointments can easily be scheduled in advance in order to make sure they are convenient for your schedule. At Lakewood Park we also offer evening appointments on Tuesdays and Saturday morning appointments one Saturday a month. You are sure to find something that works with your schedule!
2. You don’t like the way braces look: Technological advances in orthodontics have come so far! Now we have clear aligners (like Invisalign) and ceramic braces that are just as effective as regular metal braces but with the advantage of being barely noticeable. Many adults and teens are taking advantage of these new technologies.
3. You think you are too old for braces: The number of adults pursuing orthodontic treatment is rising. In fact, it increased by 40% between 1989 and 2012. As of 2014 there were 1.4 million adults in orthodontic treatment and this number has likely risen. At Lakewood Park we have patients in there 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s! Adults are realizing the benefits of orthodontic treatment. A study conducted on behalf of the AAO found that 75% of adults who had orthodontic treatment reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved post-orthodontic smile. Citing their newfound self-confidence, 92% of survey respondents said they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. Many of our adult patients were not motivated by the aesthetic benefits of treatment but for the health benefits that come along with a proper malocclusion (bite) like the ability to keep your teeth clean, prevent decay, recession and gum disease! (for them, a dazzling, straight smile is just an added bonus!) Whatever your reasons are for pursuing orthodontic treatment as an adult, know that you are in good company.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment are far reaching. Improving your smile can bring you a new found confidence that will last a lifetime (no matter what your age)! At Lakewood Park Orthodontics, we believe that the benefits of a healthy smile outweigh any of the barriers that might be holding you back.

What do you think? You’ve been considering it for long enough – it’s time to take the next step. Come in and ask your questions, confront your barriers and learn what treatment options are right for you at your free consultation. Call us at (508) 319 1545 or email us at smiles@lakwoodparkorthodontics.com

We hope to talk to you soon!

Summer is in full swing …the sun is warm, the days are longer and we are enjoying being outdoors. Summer is a great time of year, not only for cookouts and beach trips, but it’s also a great time of year to start orthodontic treatment. With the kids out of school and many parents on vacation, appointments can be much easier to schedule. But there are other good reasons to start treatment in the summer too.

No missed school: The first orthodontic appointments are usually the longest (as well as when treatment ends). The initial exam is an hour. (This is your first visit to our office when we do a full evaluation and present your individual treatment plan.) If braces are in your future you can expect the banding appointment (placement of the braces) to be ab out 1 ½ - 2 hours. When starting in the summer there are no worries about missing school.

Time to adjust: The first few days of treatment may bring some discomfort as your teeth begin to move and shift. This discomfort usually lasts a few days and then subsides. Most people are fine to return to work and school immediately. However, those who are more susceptible to pain may like a few days to just stay home and relax.

Time to develop new habits: Beginning orthodontic treatment will require some changes. Brushing more frequently (about 4-5 times a day with braces) is a must. There may be dietary changes that need to be made as well. Some foods (hard and sticky) need to be avoided when braces or appliances are worn because they can cause damage. Starting treatment in the summer gives kids time to make these adjustments and form good habits more easily than when they are busy with school and sports.

Summer is the Season for Ice Cream and Smoothies: There is nothing more soothing than a cold treat after the braces go on. New braces are the perfect excuse to indulge.

For more information on orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment visit our website http://www.natickorthodontics.com/

One of the first things Dr. Hughes will look for during a consultation of a teenager/pre-teen is the presence of primary (baby) teeth. If a thirteen year old still has baby teeth it may mean that the dental development is delayed or it could mean that something is not right. The 12-year-molars are a good indicator as to what exactly is going on. If the 12-year-molars have not erupted, chances are that development is just behind schedule. Another indicator is whether or not teeth are being lost in the appropriate sequence. If they are, it is likely that things are just delayed. However, if for example, one primary second molar remains and it isn’t loose and all of the others are gone with their replacements in, it may indicate an issue and warrant investigation.
In some cases the patient would benefit from having the primary teeth extracted and starting braces. There are several factors to consider when determining if the patient would benefit from extractions of baby teeth. The first is the patient’s age. If the patient is 14 or 15, Dr. Hughes will usually recommend having the baby teeth removed and starting braces in order to have the treatment finished before they graduate from high school. The formation of the roots of the un-erupted permanent teeth are considered. If the roots are 2/3 formed and the associated baby teeth are not loose, extractions are recommended. Another factor is the status of the 12-year-molars. If the 12-year-molars are erupted and baby teeth remain, Dr. Hughes will usually recommend extracting the primary teeth and starting the braces.

In general, starting treatment after all of the primary teeth are gone minimizes treatment time and reduces the chance of any negative effects of orthodontic treatment such as white spot lesions, puffy gums and root resorption. But there are some situations that would warrant starting braces when the patient still has baby teeth. For example, if a tooth has become impacted because there is not enough room for it to come in, we may make room for the underlying tooth with hopes that the baby tooth will become loose on its own. If it does not, we would then have the baby tooth removed by the patient’s dentist. Certain malocclusions may also benefit from starting treatment before all the baby teeth are gone. For example, in underbite cases we often start treatment before the lower baby molars are gone. Also, in large overbite cases it is ideal to start before the upper baby molars are lost. Also, if we are keeping a baby tooth because its underlying permanent tooth is missing, the remaining baby tooth will have no impact on when the braces should be started.
Many times we are told that patients had postponed their initial consultation because of the presence of baby teeth. In many cases this is OK. However, we do recommend coming in for a consultation even if there are some primary teeth left (especially if they have been hanging around for a while) in case one of the factors mentioned above are present.

One of the more frequently asked questions at the initial consultation is whether or not braces will hurt. Although every patient is different and has a different threshold for pain, there are some general guidelines as to what can be expected when it comes to braces and discomfort…
At your first appointment, (the ‘records’ appointment) an impression (mold) of your teeth will be taken. The impression is easy and painless. ‘Separating elastics’ will be placed at this appointment as well. The seperators create room between your molars for the metal bands to be placed at the following appointment. You may feel some pressure when the seperators are placed, but it is usually not painful until a few hours later when the teeth start to move.

At the next appointment the braces will be put on. The process of getting the braces put on is relatively painless. Although, the retractors used to hold back your cheeks are not the most comfortable things. The first step is to get the brackets glued to the teeth. Then, the wire is placed and ligature elastics are added to hold everything together. You may feel pressure after the braces are put on, but it really isn’t painful until a few hours later.
Three to four hours after the braces are put on you will start to feel uncomfortable. Braces work by creating inflammation around the roots of the teeth. The force placed on the tooth cuts off the blood flow to one side of the tooth creating a buildup of lactic acid (the same thing that creates a ‘Charlie horse’ or makes your muscles sore after exercise.) Over the next one to two days your body will dissolve the bone in the area where there is pressure which causes the tooth to move. Depending upon how much force was placed on the tooth the process may repeat itself. Once the force is used up the tooth will relax into the new position and any discomfort will subside. You can expect this process to occur every time your braces are tightened (about every five weeks).

As I mentioned, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Some patients say they hardly feel a thing while others report severe pain (although this is uncommon). Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil and Tylenol can usually help through the first couple of days.

When you get your braces on our staff explains all of the ways you can help keep your mouth healthy and make your treatment move faster. We tell you to avoid hard and sticky foods that cause broken brackets and to floss every day.  We also tell you to brush five times a day - after every snack or meal. However, there are some times when it is better to not brush after your meal or snack… Actually brushing your teeth after certain meals can hurt your enamel!

When you eat foods that are highly acidic like citrus fruits, soda and sugary foods it changes the PH balance in your mouth from alkaline to acidic. After eating highly acidic foods your teeth are susceptible to damage. When you brush your teeth in this weakened state you can damage the enamel because the bristles can wear away the surface.

Now, for all of you who hate brushing, don’t get too excited – you still have to brush five times a day. However, after eating highly acidic foods it’s best to wait an hour before brushing. Other preventative measures you can take after eating acidic foods include rinsing or drinking water and concluding your meal with milk, cheese or another non-acidic food. After you have given your mouth time to return to a healthy PH balance continue to brush as normal.

Today it seems children are starting orthodontic treatment earlier than ever before - It’s not uncommon to see braces on elementary school children. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommends that all children be screened at age 7. This recommendation is based on the fact that the severity of many problems can be reduced by starting treatment at an early age. Many parents wonder whether early treatment is beneficial or necessary for their child.

When treatment is started on a child who still has a number of baby teeth it is referred to as ‘phase-one’. The goal of Phase-One treatment is to eliminate serious damage to the teeth and/or reduce the need for extractions of permanent teeth and surgery in the future. Early treatment may involve a growth modification device, a habit appliance, a functional appliance, a headgear or multiple appliances. These appliances help the jaw develop in a way that will help accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Early expansion and growth modification can often convert surgery cases into mere extraction cases. Early treatment can convert some extraction cases into simple expansion or non-extraction cases. A few patients are even able to avoid full braces as a result of early care. However, this is definitely the exception to the rule - If a child has a condition serious enough to call for treatment at age seven, it is almost certain that he or she will need to have their treatment finished in a second phase as a teenager.

Starting Orthodontic treatment at an early age can also benefit the gum tissue. The appearance of the gum tissues around the teeth is affected by where the permanent teeth grow into the mouth. If a child has a lot of crowding and the canines come in very high, the tissue over those teeth often will stay higher than the surrounding teeth, even if grafting is performed. Expanding the dental arches so that there is enough room for normal eruption helps avoid most of these gum problems.

Children who may be candidates of early orthodontic treatment include:
• Those who exhibit early signs of jaw problems, such as a crossbite (when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth)
• Children with severe crowding
• Children who have to have baby teeth extracted.
• Those with habits such as thumb sucking

It is Dr. Hughes’ belief that it is best to limit treatment length when possible. However, there are many cases when early orthodontic intervention is necessary. If you are wondering whether early orthodontic treatment would be beneficial for your child call Lakewood Park Orthodontics to schedule a complimentary consultation.

November 1, 2012
One exciting part about wearing braces is getting to choose the colors of your rubber bands. Orthodontists place elastic bands, or ligatures, over each bracket to secure the archwire in place. These rubber bands may be individual or connected, depending on your mouth’s needs. You have the option of choosing the color of your elastics, which are changed about once every month at every visit. Our office keeps a color wheel handy to help you choose which ones suit you best!

Children and teens often enjoy picking different colors each month to express their creativity and coordinate their braces with outfits. Decorating your mouth with your favorite colors is fun and takes some of the stress out of wearing braces. Adults who wish for subtlety have color options that blend in with the metal brackets and archwire. Common choices for adults include silver, clear, and gray tones (but don't be afraid to go bold and choose color!)

Common Color Combinations for Rubber Bands:
With individual ligatures for each bracket, you may choose different color combinations for special events. You can have alternating colors or place an entire rainbow over your teeth. Here are a few options to consider:
• School spirit colors
• Favorite sports team colors
• Patriotic colors
• Holiday themes

Some patients choose only one color to match their mood, personality, or favorite outfits. The palette of choices allows you to make bold statements with your braces or go for subtler tones that blend in with the metal structures. Keep in mind that bright colors make your teeth look whiter, while lighter shades, such as yellow and white, may cause your teeth to appear less bright.

What Your Rubber Band Color Says About You
• Red tones indicate that you are ready for action and take charge of your life with aggressive, forward-thinking steps.
• Blue tones are calm and relaxing. You are conservative and exhibit integrity when dealing with situations.
• Green tones represent growth and balance. You are level-headed and look for opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually.
• Purple tones attract creative energies. You like to have fun and use your imagination in every aspect of your life.
• Orange tones indicate that you are optimistic and thrive in social situations where communication is open.
• Pink is a romantic color that represents a caring personality. You also enjoy having fun with silly games and endless laughter.

Think the way your teeth look doesn't really matter? Survey says: think again.

Without saying a word, your mouth is sending messages to everyone you meet. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), people often make snap judgments about individuals based solely on the condition of their teeth.

"This phenomenon was documented more than 25 years ago," says Dr. Don Joondeph, a past president of the American Association of Orthodontists, referring to an eye-opening study in which photos of young smiling individuals were altered to show varying orthodontic problems and then reviewed by focus groups.

"When the focus groups looked at the altered photos they used unflattering terms such as 'unattractive' and 'aggressive' to describe the individuals," says Dr. Joondeph. "However, when groups saw photos of the same individuals with a healthy, beautiful smile, they were more likely to view the individuals as 'intelligent,' 'attractive' and 'a friend I'd like to have.'"

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Dr. Joondeph believes that the original study, which was published in 1981, is even more applicable in today's image-obsessed world. "More than ever, young people and adults want to be perceived as healthy, attractive and appealing to their peers and others."

To obtain optimal oral health and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, the AAO recommends a team approach. In addition to seeing a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning, patients also should see an orthodontist to ensure that an orthodontic problem is not overlooked.

For children, an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven can identify potential problems and ensure that any future treatment is timed appropriately. For adults, an orthodontic consult may reveal that cosmetic dentistry is unnecessary. "Patients may be pleasantly surprised to learn that their unattractive teeth are generally healthy, just misaligned," says Dr. Joondeph.

In regards to the study, Dr. Joondeph believes that the first thing that people notice about his young and adult patients is obvious: "The confidence and sense of self-esteem that comes with their healthy, beautiful smiles is unmistakable to anyone they meet."

For more information about orthodontics or to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Hughes, please call 508-319-1545

Our Traveling T-Shirt contest is just in time for your summer vacations!

While traveling this summer, send us a picture of yourself wearing your LAKEWOOD PARK ORTHODONTICS t-shirt. The person wearing their shirt will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 AMC movie theater gift card. Don’t have a LAKEWOOD PARK ORTHODONTICS shirt and want one?   Call us at 508-319-1545 (contest is limited to patients of the practice)

Please submit photos with your full name, and where you’re pictured to Shannon at smiles@lakewoodparkortho.com.  The deadline for photo entries is Friday, August 31, 201. Happy Travels!

We want to congratulate Niamh who was our refer-a-friend contest winner! She received an iPod Touch- Enjoy!