Braces are still one of the most frequent and effective procedures for treating bite issues and misaligned teeth for both children and adults. Also, adults are becoming more interested in them because of the many options accessible nowadays.

Braces accomplish the same thing regardless of age: they move and straighten teeth and correct bite problems. But what are the differences between child and adult orthodontics? Well, today we will share them with you.

Adults Have Fully Developed Teeth

One of the most significant differences between orthodontic treatment for adults and children is that adult teeth and jaws are completely developed while children’s teeth and jaws are still growing. It is easier to make alignment changes to the teeth and jaws of younger patients since they are still in the process of oral growth.

Adults’ bones have calcified, and the tissues around their teeth have settled into their current positions by the time they reach adulthood. The process of realignment is made a little more difficult by these conditions, which are referred to as biomechanical limits.

Past Tooth Extractions

Several adults have had one or more teeth extracted before, which can sometimes cause orthodontist problems. Unless old extraction sites are restored with sections of prosthetic bone, they may not be viable places for teeth to shift into. Because adult bone does not respond to pressure in the same way that developing bone does, closing gaps between teeth produced by extractions – and keeping them closed – can sometimes be challenging.

Bite Correction

Correcting a malocclusion or inadequate bite is one of the most common reasons patients seek orthodontic treatment. In an older patient with a deep overbite, there is generally not enough space in the mouth to make room for the teeth to shift back without removing one or more teeth.

The orthodontist has additional possibilities to fix the bite in children and teenagers. The jaw will commonly respond to aligners and dental appliances. In the case of adults, the orthodontist may decide to fix the bite. Rather than aiming for perfection, the goal is to restore your smile as much as the conditions allow.

Adults’ Reaction to Braces

A great benefit that adults have when it comes to braces treatments is experience. Before scheduling a visit with an orthodontist, most adults have a good idea of what to anticipate. Previous dental procedures provided the information and exposure. And they can be relaxed and willing, which makes the procedure easier.

Children, on the other hand, are more hesitant to seek care. When working with children, an orthodontist may have to use a different approach.

Orthodontic treatment can vary significantly between children and adults, as you can see, but if you are an adult looking for braces, don’t worry! Although they may seem a little more difficult to work with older people, they’re nothing that good orthodontic practice cannot handle. Such as Invisalign and Braces in Buena Park. Here we are experienced and trained to handle any orthodontic treatment. We will work with you to provide you with the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today!

When patients get braces, they are often concerned about continuing to eat their favorite foods. Although it may be hard to put your favorite foods away, it is a crucial part of avoiding unexpected complications with your braces. We know that figuring out what you can and can’t eat might be challenging, so we want to share with you these general guidelines to keep your braces and teeth safe while eating.

Begin by Eating Soft Foods

Your teeth may be uncomfortable for a few hours after you get your braces on, which is very normal. It proves that your braces are working.

Begin by consuming soft meals like fruit smoothies, noodles, mashed potatoes, and rice. These foods are less likely to harm your braces or bring pain and discomfort to your sensitive, aching teeth since they are simpler to chew.

Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

Before you consume anything while wearing braces, think about how long it will be in your teeth. If the response is a prolonged time, such as in the case of hard candies, there’s a higher chance of harming your braces, so you should avoid it. This is also true for chewy candy, like taffy and caramel, which have a high chance of being stuck in your braces’ bands or wires for an extended period.

Avoid Gatorade and Soft Drinks

These beverages are highly acidic and full of sugar, both of which will permanently damage the enamel of your teeth. Water and milk are both healthier options. Soft drinks and Gatorade should be reserved for exceptional occasions. They should never be consumed for an extended time, and after drinking, we recommend brushing properly or rinsing with water to reduce the amount of damage.

Take Smaller Bites

Rather than chewing into larger bits, cut your meal into bite-sized pieces. To make an apple more manageable with braces, cut it into thin slices rather than biting into it. Taking efforts like these will help you manage discomfort and protect your braces while also providing you with additional nutritional alternatives.

Brush your Teeth After Every Meal

With braces, what you do after you eat is just as essential as what you eat. Even if you avoid all of the foods listed above, it is significantly more probable that food will become trapped in your braces. So, be careful and keep a toothbrush with you at all times so you may clean your teeth after each meal. It’s also a good idea to bring floss with you to remove all the food out from between the brackets so that any remaining food doesn’t sit on your teeth and cause harm.

Use your Back Teeth to Chew

Your back teeth are stronger and bigger than your front teeth. Using your front teeth to rip or tug at meals is not a good idea.  Place tiny portions of food toward the back of your mouth instead.

Drink Water

It is also beneficial to drink plenty of water while eating, as this will soften the foods and make them easier to swallow. Drinking water can also help you dislodge food stuck in your braces while you’re eating. You should always carry a bottle of water with you.

Chew slowly

Always eat more slowly and thoroughly. If your teeth are very sensitive, you’ll probably be doing this anyway, but if you’re hurrying, make sure to slow down and chew slowly.

All of these tips will make it easier for you to eat with braces, but remember that it is best if you always consult everything with your dentist, especially if you’re having any issues with your treatment. Here at the Invisalign and Braces in Buena Park, we are always ready to assist you and bring you excellent service with our exceptional group of dental professionals on our staff.  Contact us today!

Invisalign is a clear, comfortable, and discreet way to straighten your teeth in a short time. While you would never purposefully prolong your treatment, there are a few common bad habits that can cause significant delays or damage to your Invisalign. That’s why we want to share 6 things that you should avoid when you are wearing them.

• Wearing Invisalign Trays Without Brushing First

Brushing is especially necessary for people who are wearing aligner trays as part of their orthodontic treatment. If you don’t brush your teeth adequately before wearing your aligners after eating, food particles from your meal could become trapped between and against your teeth inside the trays. This increases the number of germs in the mouth and raises the risk of tooth decay.

• Leaving the Trays Laying Out

When you are not using your aligners, you must keep them in their case. If you keep them out in the open, you risk exposing them to airborne infections and bacterial growth. You’re more likely to lose or damage your aligners if you don’t keep them in their respected case.

• Changing your Aligners Late

When it’s time to switch to a new aligner, your dentist will let you know. Many patients, unfortunately, fail to replace their aligners on time, and it takes them an extra day or two to remember. While an extra day may not seem like a big deal, keep in mind that by the time you’ve worn the aligner for the recommended amount of time, it’s already shifted your teeth as far as it can. You’re not gaining much (if any) benefit from that extra day of wear. So, if you change your aligners late frequently, your Invisalign treatment may need to be extended by a month or two to adequately straighten your teeth.

• Forgetting to Remove your Aligners When Eating or Drinking

Except for pure water, you should avoid eating and drinking while wearing Invisalign aligners. The aligners aren’t designed to withstand the force of chewing. Food and drinks might also become stuck between the aligners and your teeth. This not only puts you in danger of cavities, but it also stains your teeth. Finally, eating or drinking while wearing Invisalign might discolor the aligners, defeating the purpose of the almost invisible treatment.

• Exposing your Aligners to Heat

Your aligners can wrap if you clean them in hot water, drink a hot beverage while putting them on, or leave them in a heated place. This will change the fit of your trays, potentially affecting your results. Make sure they aren’t exposed to excessive heat. If you’re rinsing them, make sure the water is lukewarm rather than boiling. When sipping a hot beverage, always remove them out of your mouth.

• Using Harsh Cleansers on your Aligners

Toothpaste can be abrasive, causing your aligners to scrape, this will make them stand out more. Also, stay away from harsh soaps, particularly those that are colored or scented. When you put your aligners back in, they may cause discoloration and won’t taste very good.

If you avoid these bad habits, your Invisalign treatment will go as smoothly as possible. At Invisalign and Braces in Buena Park, we will walk you through your treatment and provide you with advice; we want nothing more than to provide you with the best results possible. Contact us today!

Everyone who undertakes orthodontic treatment hopes to keep their teeth straight, healthy, and beautiful for the rest of their lives! Because many orthodontic treatments take a long time, patience, and money to finish and achieve the desired result, patients naturally anticipate their results to last. However, it is usual for people to overlook the retention phase, which is possibly the most important part of the treatment.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your teeth stay in their ideal position and condition after the treatment is completed.

Why do Teeth Move?

Our teeth have good memories. They recall their previous positions before orthodontic treatment and frequently want to return to them. Known as ‘relapse’, it is more likely that teeth will come back to their pre-braces locations where there were spaces between the teeth or the teeth were very twisted. After braces are removed, teeth and gums can take years to settle. It is widely known that minor tooth movements occur in all people and that a variety of medical conditions can influence bone turnover and consequent tooth movement inside the bone.

Some other situations could occur that could turn straight teeth into crooked teeth.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching – It is an oral condition known as Bruxism. When people are stressed, they often grind their top and bottom teeth together or clench them tightly. The act of grinding and clenching the teeth can cause the gums to recede. Teeth aren’t as secure as they used to be with less gum tissue, so they can move about more easily.

Tooth Loss – When a tooth is lost, the teeth around it begin to shift towards the gap. The only method to prevent this is to get a partial denture or a dental implant placed by a dentist.

Wisdom Teeth – Wisdom teeth are usually extracted during adolescence because the new teeth can force the other teeth out of place. Anyone with braces before wisdom teeth appear should keep an eye on them so they can be extracted as soon as they become a threat to other teeth.

Gum Disease – This is also known as periodontal disease. It has the potential to damage the teeth, gums, and jaw bone. Teeth lose their foundation in the gums over time. This can lead them to shift around easily, resulting in a crooked smile.

Protecting Straight Teeth After Braces

Braces are an investment. Just by doing the following, you can extend the life of your investment.

• Wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Your teeth will not shift if you use a retainer. Wear it according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
• Make sure to see your dentist regularly. Every six months, you should see a dentist. The dentist will be able to detect indicators of wisdom tooth emergence as well as gum disease. If either of these scenarios occurs, your dentist can advise you on how to keep your teeth straight.
• If you have bruxism, wear a nightguard. Wear a nightguard, also known as a mouthguard at night if you grind or clench your teeth. A dentist can custom make one that fits your mouth and is more comfortable for you.
• Practicing good dental hygiene is important. After each meal, clean and floss your teeth three times a day. Your teeth and gums will be healthy and strong as a result of this.

If you see any changes in your smile, contact an orthodontist right away to see what can be done. Straightening teeth that are only mildly crooked is easier and requires less time.

When it comes to having braces its crucial to know how to properly clean and maintain your braces for the healthiest gums possible throughout the process. In some cases having cleaner gums and braces can actually speed up the process of the entire treatment plan; of course this is always up to the discretion of your orthodontist. The healthier the gums are the faster your teeth are able to move and reposition into a new straighter bite. Having poor oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment can result in decalcification, cavities, swollen tender gums, and permanent staining of your teeth.

Brushing Techniques

There are a few different ways you can go about brushing your teeth with braces and keeping up great oral hygiene. One of the best brushing techniques used to brush your teeth with braces is to brush around the wire above, under and as much surface area as possible. It’s best to always brush after any meal or after any sugary drinks to ensure that you are washing away any debris. If you aren’t able to brush immediately after eating, using an oral rinse is a great way to get any extra leftover food out of your mouth before you are able to properly brush your teeth.

Consider Investing in a Water Pik

Water Piks, also known as water flossers are an excellent way to remove any extra food and plaque out of your braces and teeth. A water flosser is a much more effective and efficient way of taking out the most possible amount of leftover food in your mouth without irritating your gums and allowing your braces to be free from any unnecessary poking and prodding.

Oral Rinses

After properly rinsing and brushing your teeth it’s highly recommended to use a oral rinse to maximize your oral health. Using oral rinses designed specifically for braces can help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and enamel, prevents white spots, and it soothes oral tissues and provides additional cleaning to remove debris left behind after brushing and flossing.

If you or your child is struggling trying to find the best brushing techniques that works for them, give any one of our offices a call where a specialist will be able to answer all of your questions and give your great pointers on how to maximize your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

You can make sure that your kid has healthy teeth by taking them for a visit to the orthodontist. However, some parents may wonder, “At what age do kids get braces?”

There are several factors to consider when determining the age for a child to get braces. Many parents are worried about their child’s overbite, or the way their teeth are growing.

Because permanent teeth begin to fully emerge between the ages of 9 and 13, this is the best time for your child to start wearing braces. It’s a good idea to take your child to their first orthodontist appointment when they’re between the ages of 7 and 12. When a child of this age goes to the dentist, they may be checked for a few things. The orthodontist may examine the jaw to see whether there is a misalignment that can be corrected with braces. They may also look for overcrowding, which may necessitate tooth removal to have braces to rectify the alignment.

The orthodontist may also ask if their child is a thumb sucker or a mouth breather. Both of these things can affect a child’s teeth. X-rays may be taken by the orthodontist to ensure that the teeth are aligned properly. X-rays can also be used to determine how the permanent tooth will emerge and whether braces are needed. By the time your child is seven years old, the most common orthodontic problems will become visible. These can include:

• Overcrowding
• Uneven bite
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Protruding teeth

Why do Kids Need Braces?

Many people mistakenly believe that braces are only for cosmetic purposes or that they can only correct crooked teeth. Braces are helpful not only to one’s dental health but also to one’s general well-being. Apart from crooked teeth or gaps, your child may need braces if they exhibit or suffers any of the following:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Trouble chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other poor oral habits
• Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude, or are recessed
• Difficulty speaking
• Cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that fail to meet normally or at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Teeth grinding or clenching

This list, however, is not exhaustive. If you have doubts about your bite or your child’s potential need for braces, contact us today for a free consultation at any of our locations.

How to Tell if a Child Needs Braces?

Keep in mind that as teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt, those new teeth don’t always grow into their assigned positions. They frequently come in at an angle and then straighten out as your child (and their mouth) grows. So please don’t worry or presume your child will need braces based on the early appearance of adult teeth.

However, if you find that your child’s teeth are still crooked or out of position, or if your child shows any of the other indicators listed above, it’s a good idea to have him or her checked by an orthodontist sooner rather than later.

What Happens If My Kids Don’t Get Braces?

Now that you know why braces are important and when you should get them, you should also know what happens if your child doesn’t receive braces although they need them. Some of the consequences of opting out of braces involve jaw or teeth pain when your child chews their food. This can last till adulthood, and surgery may be needed in severe cases. Avoiding braces can also result in widening gaps in your teeth. These gaps can make you more self-aware of your smile. Another negative outcome of not using braces is that your teeth may shift permanently. For instance, if you need to remove certain teeth to wear braces and choose not to do so, your teeth may shift and cause pain in your jaw. This shift can result in the lower or upper jaw protruding. It can result in pain.

From eating to having better teeth, braces can change a child’s life. When you learn what age children get braces, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when you take your child to the orthodontist. You can also explain to your child what to expect from the orthodontist so that they are not afraid of braces or the prospect of braces.

Some of the advantages of getting braces are chewing food is easier, it’s easier to brush and floss teeth, less grinding of teeth, and reducing cavities. By the time their braces are removed, your child will enjoy these benefits and have a healthier-looking smile.

Overall, having braces fitted for your child between the ages of 9 and 13 can help your child avoid future pain and suffering. This can make them feel more confident in their smile and their teeth. It may also help in the prevention of gum disease and plaque buildup.

Braces are a temporary solution to crooked, misaligned or gapped teeth. They serve as a cosmetic solution that straightens the teeth and jaw and makes your teeth look good so that they can make an excellent first impression when meeting someone else for the first time. There are many components to braces including brackets, straps, wires, elastics, and rubber bands. These components differ in shape and material depending on what type of brace you get and also depend on your needs in terms of comfort or aesthetic appeal.

How to Clean your Braces

In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should clean your braces regularly. You can use a toothbrush, floss or mouthwash. Braces are an important part of most people’s daily lives and can also help to improve the appearance of your teeth. It is important for one to maintain braces and clean them properly every day or you can be highly susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Braces, on the other hand, are not only important for your smile but also for your oral health as well. Braces should be brushed and maintained after every meal or snack to maintain their effectiveness. Braces are essential tools for a healthy smile for someone who has misaligned, gapped or protruding teeth. However, over time, food and other substances can get stuck between your teeth and gum where the braces cannot reach. Using a toothbrush can be quite tedious and tedious for cleaning out the small spaces. Some dentists recommend using mouthwash to clean your braces between visits to the dentist because it is gentle enough to remove plaque and food particles without damaging your teeth or gums. It also helps to freshen breath as well as provide remineralization of teeth enamel so that they become stronger and harder. Brushing should always be done in an up-and-down motion with a slow, gentle pressure on each tooth for at least two minutes per day so that you can effectively remove plaque buildup.

Braces are not just for aesthetics, they play an important role in ensuring we have straight teeth and good overall oral health. In order for them to function properly, they need to be adjusted and tightened on a regular basis by your orthodontist. In addition to checking the tightening the braces regularly, it is also important to keep an eye out for signs that indicate you need more care than usual such as discoloration or plaque buildup on your brackets.

How to Maintain your Braces

When it comes to picking up food particles from between the brackets, dental picks for braces do a great job at cleaning between teeth. They are easy to use with little effort required by the user – especially for braces which can cause limited dexterity when cleaning between the wires and brackets. There are many tools on the market that can help you manage maintaining braces like dental picks and wax. However, if you have any immediate trouble with your braces or brackets such as them falling off or painful wires then you should visit your orthodontist right away. Maintain your braces by brushing them at least twice a day with toothpaste or baking soda. If you need stronger toothpaste, use one that has whitening properties. Additionally, mixing in some peroxide into the paste will make it more effective as well as help remove plaque from between your teeth.

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Sometimes, you just need a little help in life. Orthodontic treatments help you smile with confidence and socialize with ease. We offer the best orthodontic care in the industry, at affordable prices. Request your appointment today, and let us help you realize your full potential! All of our tooth straightening solutions are made of the highest quality materials and are guaranteed to produce amazing results. We’re proud to offer affordable pricing for all types of orthodontic Invisalign care with in-house financing and payment plans available. We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.

There are a lot of benefits of getting braces whether you’re an adult or a child. They are obvious advantages, such as straighter teeth. However, they also have their cons as well, such as discomfort, food limitations and additional oral care that’s needed daily. When you have crooked or crowded teeth, braces can help make everything look a lot better and help you to have less or more space between your teeth. Opting out of braces can allow bacteria and cavities to grow causing decay so it’s important to see your dentist or orthodontist to see if you’re a candidate for getting braces.

Braces can Fix Jaw Misalignment

An advantage of braces is that they can fix jaw misalignment problems such as overbite or underbite. This can be fixed by using additional wires and brackets on the teeth to train them to move in the opposite way of your bite. Which in turn, moves the teeth to a more ideal position for chewing, biting, and being less susceptible to cavities, decay and poor oral hygiene. It can also fix problems with overlapping teeth, crooked teeth or large gaps between the teeth. Teeth can become misaligned for numerous reasons, which include things like improper eating habits, sucking a thumb at an early age, teeth damage from biting, and gum disease.

Some adults have jaw disorders such as overbite or underbites, which make getting braces mandatory in order to eat, chew, talk and smile normally. For people with crooked teeth, wearing braces is more difficult and can be more uncomfortable than the traditional metal braces while the teeth shift into place. After your treatment is over it is crucial for a patient to wear the retainer given to them by their orthodontist. Not wearing your retainer gives teeth the opportunity to become misaligned again and make it more likely that they will shift or move resulting in a completely new orthodontic treatment plan to get your teeth straight again.

Bruxism Can Misalign Teeth

Bruxism is another issue that can lead to teeth misalignment. Bruxism occurs when you grind or clench your teeth while you are asleep during the night. Clenching and grinding are usually the result of stress, tension or a hard bite and should be treated with a nightguard if you’re aware that you are clenching and grinding you teeth at night.  Having a nightguard prevents the teeth from touching and in result does not allow the teeth to grind or clench. In addition, severe bruxism can also cause TMJ which can be extremely painful so it’s important to see your orthodontist if you think you may be suffering from Bruxism so you can start your orthodontic treatment and get your teeth and jaw aligned correctly to prevent any further damage to your teeth.

We Can Help!

At The Orthodontic Center of Orange County, we offer multiple different orthodontic treatments such as braces or even Invisalign to help straighten your teeth and give you a straighter and healthier smile. If you are wanting to learn more about how braces could benefit you but aren’t sure where to start- give our office a call and we will set you up with a consultation where we can go over any questions or concerns that you may have, such as which orthodontic treatment is right for you.