Archive for category: Orthodontics

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.

Myth: Wisdom Teeth Must be Extracted Before Braces

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.

Myth: If Wisdom Teeth Erupt After Braces, You Should Panic

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.

Myth: Braces Aren’t Considered for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

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.

Myth: After Braces, There’s No Need to Worry About Wisdom Teeth

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.

Myth: Wisdom Teeth Can’t Be Extracted While Wearing Braces

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.

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.

Corrective Orthodontics

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.

What are Aligners?

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.

Wearing Aligners

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.

Comfort

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.

Oral Hygiene

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.

Treatment Time Frame

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.

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.

Why Adjustments?

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.

What Happens During an Adjustment Appointment?

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.

How Often Do You Need Adjustments?

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.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Adjustments?

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.