Orthodontics in McKinney
Orthodontics are an excellent way to straighten your teeth. While orthodontic treatments are used to straighten teeth for an enhanced smile, they can also help restore functionality to teeth, jaw, and bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children should have an evaluation with an orthodontist by the age of 7 regardless of how many teeth have erupted.
This is because orthodontists are able to predict any structural changes that may occur as your child gets older. Addressing such structural changes with braces can save your child’s smile and also prevent any additional dental issues down the road.
We also offer Orthodontics for Adults
What Age Should I Get Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic screenings for children by the age of 7 years old. Patients of all ages from 7 years old through adulthood are candidates for orthodontic treatment. Treatment started at an early age can help prevent need for surgical procedures during adulthood in order to fix severe over and under bites.
What Is An Open Bite, Over Bite, Deep Bite, Under Bite, Cross Bite?
Over Bite:
A broad term describing the relationship of upper teeth to lower teeth. People normally have a mild over bite and this only becomes a problem when patients have a very deep overbite
Open Bite:
Upper teeth and lower teeth do not cover each other
Deep Bites:
Upper teeth cover too much of a lower tooth
Under Bite:
Lower teeth in front of upper teeth
Cross Bite:
Upper teeth bite on the inside of lower teeth
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can stem from a variety of factors including genetics, thumb sucking, poor breathing, and premature tooth loss.
Why Can’t I Get Invisalign?
Invisalign technology can treat many cases however, very severe or special cases cannot be treated with Invisalign technology. Conventional braces are still a highly recommended treatment option and will never be completely replaced by Invisalign.
How Long Do I Need To Wear Braces Or Invisalign Retainers?
Each case is different and will be evaluated fully by our team to give you an accurate estimated treatment time during the consultation appointment. Patients can react differently to treatment so doctors may recommend slowing down or speeding up the process depending on many factors.
Will Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?
Mild to moderate discomfort is expected during orthodontic treatments. Teeth are being moved with moderate amounts of pressure being placed on them which may cause discomfort. This usually last for 24-72 hours and can be controlled with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Typically, orthodontic treatment is an elective treatment with cosmetic goals. However, there are many cases that maybe recommended due to malocclusion, incorrect bites, and jaw growth deficiencies.
Request An AppointmentOrtho Treatment Options
Invisalign
An effective treatment option for mild to moderate cases where the esthetics of traditional braces is not sufficient. Patient compliance is crucial for Invisalign to yield results. Retainers must be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Retainers are replaced approximately every 2 weeks.
Conventional Braces
The most effective treatment option for complex cases. Patient compliance is not needed to get straight teeth due to the fact that braces cannot be removed by the patient. These lead to another problem. Patients have to spend more time committed to with oral hygiene in order to clean teeth and braces.
Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Straight teeth with cavities is never a goal. When our doctors notice declining oral hygiene, patient will be recommended options to improve oral hygiene like water picks, floss threaders, and interproximal brushes. If oral hygiene continues to decline our team will be forced to removed braces until oral hygiene is improved. This can be costly and time consuming.
Patients with braces should be seen for a professional cleaning every 3 months. Patients should also be brushing their teeth 4 times per day and flossing a minimum of once per day.
Ortho Emergencies
Poking Wire:
Place a ball of wax in warm water and mold it around the pointy part of the wire or try cutting the wire with a nail clipper or cuticle cutter
Loose Bracket:
Avoid playing with the loose bracket and try to remove it. Make sure you save the bracket and bring it in to your appointment
Missing O-Ring:
Place a ball of wax in warm water and mold it around the bracket missing the band
Sore Teeth:
Sore teeth are normal when starting treatment, making adjustments, and changing wires. Typically, this will last for 24-72 hours and can be controlled with Tylenol or Ibuprofen
Ortho Terms
Spacers
Rubber donuts used to make space between teeth
Brackets
Small attachments that are stuck to your teeth and the orthodontic wire is placed on to move your teeth
O-Rings
Rings used to hold wires to brackets
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Rubber bands that correct your bite and must be worn consistently
Headgear
Used to correct protrusion of upper or lower jaws and are typically worn at night time
Space Maintainer
An appliance used to save space for permanent teeth when baby teeth are prematurely lost
Palatal Expander
An appliance placed in the roof of the mouth to expand the upper jaw
Retainers
An appliance used after orthodontic treatment to maintain teeth in their new position. Teeth will move if they are not retained in their new positions. It is incredibly important to wear and maintain your retainer as directed
Types of Orthodontics:
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common form of braces. They are highly efficient at correcting complications with a smile.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
They are clear in color, removable, and can work as effectively as traditional metal braces. They are removable and easy to manage in terms of maintenance, brushing, and flossing.
Learn more about Invisalign.
Discuss Your Options Today!
Based on your budget and needs, we will be able to guide you in the right direction so that you are one step closer to obtaining the smile of your dreams. If you have any questions regarding Orthodontics in McKinney or if you want to schedule an evaluation or appointment, then please call our office at 972-532-3635.
