When I was a young girl, my mom told me that I should wear braces as early as high school because I will not be able to have one when I become an adult.

One of the misconceptions of other people about braces is that only kids and teens can visit a dentist to inquire about it. The job of an orthodontist is to analyze what kind of treatment is needed to properly align the teeth. We know that you want to wear a perfect smile and no matter which age bracket you are from, it is never too late to get your own braces. It has actually been popular amongst the adults for the past few years.

You would need to have no bruxism issues (clenching and/or grinding the teeth). Such a habit would damage the teeth which met the veneered teeth when your mouth was closed. That’s because porcelain is stronger than tooth enamel. You would also need to have no decayed teeth or periodontal disease. Most problems can be overcome; however, with veneers attached as an ending procedure.

The Procedure

1. An impression is taken of your teeth and gums and sent to the lab
2. You are given temporary veneers to wear until the permanent ones are ready
3. The lab models your veneers on the impression (also called a mold) and sends them to your cosmetic dentist
4. In a second visit, your dentist temporarily attaches the veneers and with your input, makes any small adjustments needed
5. Your cosmetic dentist bonds the veneers permanently to your teeth

There are many habits children have that can develop into bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites during their teenage years. These habits are sucking on thumbs, grinding teeth or jaws (usually occurs while they sleep), biting fingernails, and biting lips. Once you spot your child with these habits, do your best to intervene and stop before it leads to a more serious bite problems.

Children who have bite problems should get orthodontic treatment as early as ten years old because at this age, their jaws are still more soft and malleable. Braces usually help correct bite problems but more serious cases require expensive surgical treatment. You may use insurance to cover the costs of surgery but some companies view this as a cosmetic operation and won’t cover it unless you have proof that it’s a medical issue.

Porcelain veneers are about as thick as a contact lens. Despite the slimmest of profiles, and despite the fact that by itself, porcelain is brittle, they are extremely strong and durable when bonded to the teeth. And because of their glass-like ceramic composition, which adds a lustrous translucency to them, they ressemble tooth enamel.

Porcelain veneers are a speedy way to remedy some orthodontic problems that once took many months, even years to resolve. Gaps and misalignments that once could only be fixed with a mouthful of metal braces can now be made to disappear “instantly.” In only a few visits over a span of two to three weeks, the entire process can be completed and you can look into the mirror at a stunningly beautiful new smile.

The Instant Orthodontics procedure is, simply, a porcelain veneer procedure specially designed to create a straighter, more even appearance to the teeth.

During your first visit, your teeth will be shaped and a precise impression taken of your teeth that will be used to fabricate your custom porcelain veneers. You will also be fitted with temporary veneers to wear until your final veneers are complete.

At your second appointment, your permanent veneers will be tried in and checked for fit and appearance. Then the veneers will be permanently bonded to the surface of your teeth.

You can take better care of your teeth and braces by using a specialty product like a braces toothbrush. If you’re wearing braces right now, you probably already know difficult it is to maneuver a regular toothbrush around the bands and wires of your braces. It’s essential for your treatment to keep your teeth and braces clean but you can’t do this as thoroughly with a regular toothbrush.

Braces toothbrush have an angled handle and head for easier maneuvering, as well as softer, finer bristles with round ends that are perfect for brushing your gums. Brushing with a braces toothbrush might take longer than using a regular toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush against the gums then wriggle the head in small circles to remove plaque or food bits that get stuck at the base of the teeth. Then brush under the wires starting from above before moving down.

Missed a dental check-up appointment or had it rescheduled the next day? Such situation is called a broken appointment. It is important that you inform the secretary of your orthodontist twenty four (24) hours before the scheduled appointment to allow other waiting patients to use the time. Be human enough to reschedule your appointment in a good manner. If you wish to take it after office hours, you better leave the necessary details and confirm.

If you keep on cancelling appointments, this will prolong you or your child’s treatment. The dental clinic cannot monitor your child’s development due to a large number of clients.

One time while I was in class, a good friend of mine asked me “Am I going to wear retainers after braces?”

The answer is YES.

Why you ask? Our periodontal ligaments and bone might take months or years to recall or get used to the new position of the teeth and stay in place. The retainer is a big help in forming the new positions. You should follow the instructions of your orthodontist regarding on how frequent you should use your retainers because if you won’t do that, your teeth may go back to its old self. Isn’t sad if you spent three years with your braces on but ended up looking the same because you don’ want to wear the retainers?

A patient wearing retainers must have self-discipline . Your mouth is the safest way for your retainers so don’t have to remove it unless you are told to do so. Eating out with friends or play sports can still be a valid excuse for not wearing them for an hour. Always bring your retainer case with you. Don’t you ever put it in a paper napkin or tissue for the reason that other people might misinterpret it as trash and throw it in the garbage can. This scenario usually happens after dinner. You will be forced to get a new one again – unless you don’t really care about your teeth anymore.