Orthodontics (also known as dentofacial orthopedics) is a branch of dentistry that focuses on detecting, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities.

An orthodontist is a dental professional with additional training and experience of two to three years. Straightening teeth, correcting incorrect jaw structure, and improving the function of your smile are all things that your orthodontist can help you with.

If you want to enhance the appearance and comfort of your smile, any age is a good time to visit an orthodontist. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist around the age of seven; nonetheless, orthodontic treatment is not limited to kids and adolescents, and about 1 out of 5 orthodontic patients are beyond the age of 21. Any time is an excellent time to visit the orthodontist if you contemplate treatment for yourself or your child.

Here are some steps with how you can take care of your teeth if you have braces or retainers on:

• Always clean your teeth after each meal and floss at least once every day.
• If you remove your retainer before eating, ensure to clean your teeth, floss, and store it safely in its case so it does not become misplaced or broken.
• Brush your retainers lightly with a toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain cleanliness. You can also soak it in a denture cleanser if your orthodontist recommends it. Do not put your retainer in the dishwasher or boiling water.
• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste, and consult your orthodontist if you require a fluoride rinse. This will aid in the prevention of cavities!
• During your treatment, prefer to avoid foods that include a high amount of sugar, as this can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth, which will lead to increased plaque and possibly cavities.
• Avoid foods that are sticky or chewy (caramel, gum, gummy bears), hard (tough candy, nuts, ice cubes), or could become stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Make an appointment with your orthodontist for your regular checkups. It is suggested that you see the orthodontist every six months.

Your orthodontist will use braces to help you develop the appearance and feel of your smile. There are various types of braces to select from, such as:

• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Clear braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

Since every person reacts to treatment individually, the length of time spent in braces will vary from patient to patient. The length of treatment might vary from six months to thirty months. However, most typical treatments last around 22 months.

Braces are rarely painful, though you may experience discomfort for a few days as your teeth, gums, cheekbones, and mouth adjust to your fresh braces.

Brush your teeth at least three times a day while wearing braces to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy. Cleaning your teeth regularly will assist remove any food that has become stuck between your braces. In addition, you must floss every day to get in between your braces where your toothbrush can’t. Once your braces are in place, your orthodontist may instruct you how to brush and floss correctly.

Yes! People undergoing orthodontic treatment should see their orthodontist frequently. Food can become caught in places your brush can’t reach with braces. Bacteria develop, as a result, leading to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your orthodontist will work to keep your teeth clean and healthy while you wear braces.

When you initially acquire the braces, playing an instrument or engaging in a contact sport may need some adjustment, but braces will not prevent you from engaging in your school activities. If you participate in a contact sport, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

Contact us at our dental office in North Miami Beach, FL! Our front desk personnel will gladly assist you in scheduling your next appointment with our orthodontist in North Miami Beach, FL.