A confident smile shines in any room. It’s a reflection of one’s self-esteem and often the first thing people notice. While many elements make a beautiful smile, the brightness and cleanliness of one’s teeth are essential. Over time, our teeth can lose their natural shine for various reasons. Fortunately, teeth whitening procedures can restore that radiant look.
Every day, our teeth get exposed to various substances that can discolor them. Food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and berries, can stain the teeth’s surface. But beyond dietary choices, other factors like smoking, aging, certain medications, and even genetics can influence the color of our teeth.
Stains on teeth are typically placed into two categories:
Extrinsic Stains: These stains on the enamel layer of the teeth are often caused by foods, beverages, or smoking. Professional cleanings can usually remove these stains.
Intrinsic Stains: These stains are present inside the tooth and are caused by various factors such as medications, trauma, or excessive fluoride use during childhood. These stains are more difficult to remove than extrinsic stains and require professional treatment.
While there are countless products available for teeth whitening at home, ranging from whitening toothpaste to strips, they come with their own set of risks. Some of these include:
If you’re considering teeth whitening, turning to professionals is the safest and most effective choice. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we provide:
Once you’ve achieved that dazzling smile, it’s essential to maintain it. Here are some tips:
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
If you’re ready to show off a brighter, whiter, and more confident smile, reach out to the experts at Blue Ridge Orthodontics. We prioritize your dental health while ensuring you achieve your desired aesthetic results. Call our office at 828-585-6045 and schedule an appointment today.
Wisdom teeth are third molars located at the back of the mouth that were once essential but are now rendered unnecessary due to improved dental health and dietary changes. Myths surrounding wisdom teeth and orthodontic treatment abound, leading to excessive worry and expense. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone requires wisdom teeth removal, even when braces are necessary. This article aims to debunk prevailing myths and illuminate the truth.
F A C T Orthodontists evaluate wisdom teeth before treatment. Removal may be recommended if there isn’t enough space for them to erupt. However, if there is sufficient room, the orthodontist may suggest monitoring them during treatment. Reasons for removal include repeated gum infections, decay affecting adjacent teeth, irreparable decay, infections or cysts, and pain caused by wisdom teeth.
F A C T After investing in braces, it’s natural to be cautious about your teeth. While it’s important to schedule a check-up with your orthodontist after noticing wisdom teeth eruption, there’s no need for immediate panic. If you diligently wear your retainers as advised, the slight pressure exerted by wisdom teeth on surrounding teeth can be effectively countered. Wearing the retainer until the next appointment ensures that your teeth maintain proper alignment and position.
F A C T Braces can effectively treat impacted teeth, although not in every case. Sometimes, an orthodontist can create space or use braces to reposition an impacted tooth. However, limited jaw space can make it challenging to accommodate impacted wisdom teeth, often necessitating their removal due to lack of space. Even when braces cannot be applied directly to an impacted tooth, they can help reposition adjacent teeth affected by the impaction. By realigning these teeth, braces can restore proper alignment and reduce the risk associated with exposed roots.
F A C T Wisdom teeth typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, often after orthodontic treatment. It is a misconception to assume that braces automatically create space for wisdom teeth. In many cases, the jaw may not have sufficient length to accommodate these teeth. Patients who have completed orthodontic treatment should continue regular check-ups to monitor the progress of their wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth erupt, they can cause overcrowding and compromise the results achieved through braces. You can preserve the hard-earned progress toward a perfect smile by staying vigilant.
F A C T It is possible to have wisdom teeth removed during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend extracting the teeth and will coordinate with your dentist or oral surgeon to carry out the extractions. The timing will depend on individual circumstances and treatment needs before, during, or after braces. The coordination between orthodontic and dental professionals ensures the smooth progression of your orthodontic journey while addressing wisdom teeth concerns.
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
Are you seeking the perfect smile? Blue Ridge Orthodontics can help. After a thorough examination, we can develop a treatment plan to give you the dazzling smile you desire. Contact us at 828-537-5338 and schedule an appointment today.
With the holidays quickly approaching, the opportunity to indulge in popular holiday foods is also getting closer. Holiday foods can be hard to turn down, but some of these staple treats can cause unwanted difficulties with braces. So what holiday foods are braces-safe and which treats should you skip until you get your hardware off?
As your Western NC orthodontic specialists, Blue Ridge Orthodontics is excited to provide you with a braces-safe and non-safe holiday food guide so that you can plan ahead and enjoy this fun-filled time. Here is your comprehensive guide of foods to enjoy or avoid during the holiday season:
As you can see, there are many holiday favorites that you can enjoy while wearing braces! However, there are still some holiday treats you should avoid. Here are a few holiday snacks you should steer clear of while wearing your braces:
It is important to take care of your smile over the holidays with many tempting treats around. While there are a few items you should steer clear of, for now, just remember that soon you will be able to enjoy all of these tasty treats with your beautiful, straight, and healthy smile designed by Blue Ridge Orthodontics. Check out our other braces-safe snack guide. For any questions regarding how we can help you through your journey to a bright and healthy smile, check here for more info.
Nearly everyone has some orthodontic alignment issue. These issues can be the result of genetics or lifestyle. While most misalignments don’t require correction, some do, such as crowding, impacted teeth, or other uncomfortable ailments.
Wire braces were the most common form of teeth straightening until recent decades. Braces can work wonders, but in the early 90s, aligners were created to serve the same purpose. Some orthodontists will still recommend wire braces in specific scenarios, but overall, Invisalign aligners have become very popular. Not only are they virtually invisible, but they take less time to correct some orthodontic issues.
Aligners are a set of transparent, plastic orthodontic devices that are molded to fit over one’s teeth and used to correct their alignment. The aligners progressively shift the teeth using gentle force. They are available for all ages. So let’s look at what using aligners is like.
To get the desired results, aligners must be worn for 22 hours daily. These convenient teeth-straightening tools are removable for eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, etc., but must be reinserted when done. The most prominent problem orthodontists encounter with aligners is self-discipline. Therefore, if you choose Invisalign, make sure you are prepared to wear your aligners for the suggested time.
Aligners are shifting your teeth into a new place, so naturally, there will be pressure. After your initial set, you will be changing your aligner trays bi-weekly. Your teeth will become accustomed to the shifting, and you won’t notice the pressure as much.
Unlike traditional braces, aligners make it easy to keep up with oral hygiene and maintenance. You can still brush, floss, and whiten your teeth as usual.
As far as maintaining your aligners, it’s simple. Brush them just as you do your teeth, at least once daily. Use non-abrasive cleaner or toothpaste; you could even purchase the brands explicitly made for aligners. Also, take into account the importance of your final retainer, which will keep your teeth in the desired position you worked so hard to achieve.
Also, as mentioned, there is a possibility that invisible aligners can reduce your treatment time. This may not be the case with more severe cases, but as far as simple straightening, you can see results fairly quickly and sometimes even wrap up your treatments within a year.
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
Are you concerned about your teeth alignment? Blue Ridge Orthodontics can help. We can evaluate your teeth, discuss your concerns, and then develop a treatment plan to make the corrections needed, including using Invisalign aligners. Contact our office at 828-537-5363 and schedule an appointment.
If your child has good dental hygiene habits, you may think they are safe from needing braces or aligners. However, over four million people in the U.S. wear braces, approximately 75% of whom are children under 18. This article will discuss when a child needs to visit an orthodontist and how the orthodontist analyzes the problem.
Several signs may show that a child needs to see an orthodontist. Some of the most common issues are:
An orthodontist can assess your child’s dental and facial growth and suggest the best approaches to addressing any issues.
An orthodontist diagnoses a child’s dental problems through a comprehensive examination. During the consultation, the orthodontist checks the child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure to determine if anything is problematic or needs to be cared for.
This process may include taking X-rays, photographs, and teeth impressions. After the examination, the orthodontist provides a customized treatment plan for the child’s needs. Then, the child’s progress must be monitored and checked to ensure the treatment works correctly.
Children should generally have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This may seem young, but it’s essential to catch any potential orthodontic issues early on while the child’s jaw and teeth are still developing.
At this age, the orthodontist can assess the child’s bite and jaw growth patterns to determine if any problems may require intervention. Early detection and treatment can often prevent more serious issues from developing later.
Early orthodontic care for children can have numerous benefits. Primarily, it helps the orthodontist detect potential problems before they become severe, saving time and money and preventing discomfort in the future.
Here are some potential benefits of early orthodontic care for children:
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
For more information on pediatric orthodontics, contact Blue Ridge Orthodontics. We provide care for all ages. Contact us at 828-585-6045 and schedule an appointment today.
Nowadays, there are many things that you can do on your own. With the internet, we live in the age of DIY. Some DIY products even boast that they can do as good of a job as professionals or better. While we can’t speak for every DIY product in every field, we can tell you that in-office teeth whitening will always be better than an at-home teeth whitening kit.
First, you should whiten your teeth at Blue Ridge Orthodontics instead of at home because you will see results right after your appointment. We use Phillips Zoom Whitening products and White Speed Light-Activated Whitening System to whiten patients’ teeth in around two hours. While most DIY methods and products tell you to expect results within two to three weeks, we will encourage you to look in the mirror directly after your appointment.
A DIY method or product doesn’t provide an actual professional to look at your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. We offer a free consultation with an orthodontist to make sure your teeth are in good condition before moving forward. Examining your teeth before whitening is crucial because we want the best possible results.
Most whitening products and methods whiten the surface of your teeth. While surface whitening is excellent, it doesn’t target the discoloration inside your teeth. Our teeth whitening methods work better and last longer because they penetrate within your teeth. Zoom whitening also has a higher whitening percentage than over-the-counter products which is why it must be handled with care in our office.
An extra perk of completing your zoom whitening treatment at BRO is that we include a set of retainers and a whitening syringe in your take-home kit! This gives you the option to further whiten your smile after your treatment. We also include a sensitivity relief gel in your take-home kit to help with any post-treatment sensitivity.
Arguably the best benefit of coming to our office for teeth whitening is the insured safety. DIY methods such as hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can cause damage to your teeth. Also, people using these methods without supervision can suffer from increased teeth sensitivity.
We understand that the biggest reason for using DIY methods and products is budget, but we encourage you to save until you can visit us! Our teeth whitening methods use the latest technology to brighten your smile in around two hours. We want you to stay safe and smile with great teeth, so make your teeth whitening appointment today!
Although usually teens get braces, more and more adults are deciding to correct crooked or misaligned teeth by getting braces. If you recently got braces, you may wonder why you must return to the orthodontist for adjustments. After all, don’t braces straighten your teeth automatically? The truth is that braces need regular adjustments to ensure that they’re working effectively and that you’re on track to achieve the desired results. This article will explore why braces need adjustments and what you can expect during your appointments.
Your teeth are not static objects. Instead, they shift and move in response to pressure. Braces apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. That’s why the orthodontist must regularly adjust the braces to ensure that the pressure is applied correctly and that your teeth are moving in the right direction.
Additionally, as your teeth move, the wires and brackets of the braces can loosen or be damaged. Adjustments allow your orthodontist to tighten or replace these components, ensuring your braces function correctly.
During an adjustment appointment, your orthodontist will examine your braces and teeth to determine what changes must be made. In addition, they may take x-rays or other images to see how your teeth are moving.
Once they clearly understand your progress, your orthodontist will make the necessary adjustments to your braces. This may involve tightening or loosening wires, replacing brackets, or making other changes to the appliance.
While adjustments can be uncomfortable, the discomfort typically lasts only a short time. Your orthodontist will work quickly to make the necessary changes and then check to make sure everything is functioning correctly before you leave.
The frequency of your adjustment appointments will depend on your treatment plan. However, most patients visit their orthodontist for adjustments every 4-8 weeks. However, it’s important to note that every case is unique, and your orthodontist will determine the best schedule for your needs. In addition, they will determine the frequency of your appointments based on how quickly your teeth are moving and how much correction is needed.
If you don’t get regular adjustments for your braces, your treatment may take longer to complete or may not be as effective as it could be. Additionally, if your braces become damaged or broken and you don’t get them fixed, it could lead to other dental problems.
It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s recommended treatment plan and attend all of your scheduled appointments to ensure the best possible outcome for your orthodontic treatment.
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
Do you want to correct your crooked teeth? Blue Ridge Orthodontics can help. Our team will evaluate your teeth and develop a correction plan to improve your smile. Contact our office today at 828-585-6045 to make an appointment.
If left untreated, orthodontic issues can progress, so they should be addressed as soon as possible. By the age of seven, children have developed enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine if there will be an issue with their teeth or alignment. However, if an issue is evaluated by the age of seven, a child can be seen to ensure their jaw and teeth are correctly aligned. By bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation, you may be able to address any orthodontic uncertainty before it becomes a more significant issue.
When you and your child arrive at our orthodontic office, you will need to fill out some new patient paperwork, provide your insurance information, and provide your child’s medical and dental history so that we can treat your child with the most personalized care. The orthodontist will look at your child’s jaws and mouth to note the alignment, position, and spacing.
The orthodontist will also need to get a good look below the surface of the gums. The orthodontist will take x-rays of your child’s mouth to do this. While your child may have had x-rays at their dentist’s office, the x-rays at the orthodontist’s office will examine the teeth and the jaws to help determine what action needs to be taken, if any.
If treatment is deemed necessary, the orthodontist may take impressions of the child’s bite. These impressions help the orthodontist develop a treatment plan and support the orthodontist in customizing the treatment options for the child’s mouth.
After the orthodontist has completed the examination, they will review their findings with you and share their thoughts on what treatment options are available.
If you have any questions about how to be prepared for your child’s first appointment, call us at 828.585.6045. Fill out our free consultation form to set up your child’s first examination
Many people associate Invisalign Treatment with an adult age group because of its discreet nature. Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign has become increasingly popular among all ages. Offering fewer appointments, a sleek and concealed design, and minimal food restrictions, it has become attractive for teens with hectic schedules and a desire for an unnoticeable treatment option.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. With its removable technology, teens can take them out as needed. Playing sports or eating their favorite foods? No problem, just have your teen remove the aligners when they need to! With no metal and wires in their mouth, there is also a reduced chance of needing to come in for orthodontic emergencies.
Your teen’s Invisalign treatment is tailored specifically for them. Their treatment starts with an assessment and the advanced technology of the iTero Scanner. With the iTero Scanner, the guesswork is taken out of their treatment plan. This tool, utilized by our board-certified orthodontists, is used to map out the path to your teen’s new smile. The iTero scanner allows doctors to simulate the course of the patient’s treatment through a 3D simulator. Our doctors precisely predict and plan for even the tiniest shift in your teen’s teeth.
Once your teen’s smile is transformed, they can continue to maintain their new smile in a discreet fashion. Maintaining their smile is one of the most critical aspects of the whole process. The great news is the maintenance required to ensure their smile lasts a lifetime is just as comfortable, clear, and discreet as their Invisalign treatment!
You may still have some questions regarding whether Invisalign is the right choice for your teen. Luckily, Blue Ridge Orthodontics is among the top 1% of providers in North America. BRO has treated many patients in Western NC and offers a free consultation to help you understand the details of treatment options.
Schedule a free consultation to see if Invisalign is the right option for your teen, or give us a call!