| The first steps in getting orthodontic braces |
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"What usually happens during an initial orthodontic exam?"
In order to determine your specific needs, an orthodontist will completely evaluate your mouth. This will likely include:
- Impressions of your teeth, from which models are made (these are useful for the orthodontist, and will remind you exactly how your teeth looked before correction).
- Photographs of your teeth, face, and smile
- X-rays of your head and teeth
- Your medical health history and dental health history
The doctor will then carefully evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a treatment plan for correction. Following the recommended plan is important for proper correction.
"What are spacers?"
Teeth normally fit tightly against one another. Spacers are inserted before placement of your braces to provide some space between teeth for attaching the bands. There are two types of spacers, small springs or plastic modules. In just a few days they gently move desired teeth slightly apart.
Spacers often cause some soreness, but this goes away in a few days. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve the irritation. Your normal chewing also helps to get your mouth feeling better.
"What do I do if a spacer comes out?"
Call your doctor immediately for a replacement.
That little spacer is making just enough room
for a comfortable fit for your braces and
plays an important role.
For more information about how we can help
you with dental braces, call us at
619-446-6345 or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020(
From Tijuana/ Mexico) , we will be
happy to talk with you.
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| Foods to avoid while wearing orthodontic braces |
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You can eat just about anything, but there
are some exceptions. At our TRUST
DENTAL CARE TIJUANA Office, we feel
that getting used to braces also usually means
making a few adjustments in your eating habits.
This is because some food might damage your
braces or cause problems for your teeth. Here's
a list of items to avoid (or some ways they
can still be enjoyed with caution):
- Apples (don't bite into a whole one! Cut it into wedges first.)
- Bubble gum (some orthodontists allow sugarless gum, but check with yours for approval)
- Candy (caramels, taffy, nut brittles, fruit-flavored chewy candies, gummi anything!)
- Carrots (avoid sticks, cut into thin curls)
- Corn on the cob (remove the kernels from the cob, then enjoy!)
- Corn chips/crisp tacos
- Hard foods (they're tough on braces, causing bending and breaking)
- Ice (no crunching!)
- Lemon juice/lemons (pure lemon juice is very hard on your tooth enamel)
- Nuts
- Pizza crust/crusty breads (outer edges)
- Popcorn
- Pretzels (the large, hard varieties)
- Sticky foods (can bend wires and pull off brackets)
- Sugary foods (avoid these as much as possible; if you do eat them, brush your teeth within minutes or as soon as possible, or at least rinse your mouth with water)
For more information about how we can help you with
dental braces, call us at 619-446-6345
or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020( From Tijuana/
Mexico), we will be happy to talk
with you.
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| Orthodontic dentistry |
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"What is orthodontics?"
Orthodontics, also known as malocclusion or
"bad bite," is described by the American Association
of Orthodontics as the branch of dentistry
that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention,
and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
"What is an orthodontist?"
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone specialized training to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients.
Within Mexico, orthodontists are required
to complete a two- to three-year advanced
residency program in orthodontics following
the completion of their six-year dental program.
For more information about how we can help
you with dental braces, call us at
619-446-6345 or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020(
From Tijuana/ Mexico), we will be
happy to talk with you.
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| What causes orthodontic problems? |
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"What causes orthodontic problems?"
Most orthodontic problems are inherited,
including tooth size and jaw size, and may
lead to crowding of teeth or spacing of
teeth. Overbites, underbites, extra or missing
teeth, and irregularities of the jaws, teeth,
and face also are inherited.
Other orthodontic problems can be caused
from accidents, pacifier or thumb sucking,
dental disease, or the premature loss of
either the primary or permanent teeth.
"What habits contribute to bad bites?"
A number of childhood habits can lead to
orthodontic problems, such as thumb or finger
sucking, sucking on a pacifier, sucking
on a lip, mouth breathing (often caused
by enlarged tonsils and adenoids), fingernail
biting, and "tongue thrust".
For more information about how we can help
you with dental braces, call us at
619-446-6345 or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020(
From Tijuana/ Mexico), we will
be happy to talk with you.
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| Dental braces - How early? |
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At TRUST DENTAL CARE TIJUANA,
we use the simple guideline that children
should be examined at the time their permanent
teeth are beginning to come in. However, every
child is different, and the best starting
time for orthodontic treatment depends on
the type of problem and how severe it is.
So the answer really is: "It depends..."
If your child requires treatment, early intervention can make a real difference. We see the best results with treatments that would be impossible once your child's face and jaw have completely developed.
Also, when started early, completion of treatment at a later age is much easier.
During an initial examination, we will evaluate your child's facial growth, spacing between teeth, crowding, extra or missing teeth. And they will look for habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking that may hinder normal growth and development. These problems can change tooth alignment as well as alter facial appearance.
If your child doesn't require any early treatment, most dentists will schedule periodic follow-up exams while the permanent teeth are coming in and the face and jaws continue to grow.
Orthodontic treatment can bring your child's teeth, lips and face into harmony. And we all know that a pleasing appearance and beautiful smile give children -- and adults -- a big advantage in life.
For more information about how we at our TRUST
DENTAL CARE TIJUANA Office can help
you with dental braces, call us at
619-446-6345 or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020(
From Tijuana/ Mexico), we will be
happy to talk with you.
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| Dental care with braces |
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When your mouth is loaded with extras --
bands, brackets, and wires -- brushing your
teeth gets tougher and extra important.
Plus, braces interfere with the natural
chewing process that normally bathes and
exercises gums and helps clean teeth.
At our TRUST DENTAL CARE TIJUANA
Office we feel caring for your teeth and
keeping them cavity-free is a top priority
during orthodontic treatment.
While proper-fitting bands or brackets usually
protect the covered portion of your teeth,
the brackets and wires on the outside of
teeth make it harder for the toothbrush
to clean between teeth.
Trapped food particles and plaque are a
breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
Gum disease also can develop, causing swelling
and making cleaning even more challenging
and painful. Improper care can also stain
tooth enamel.
"How often do I need to brush with
dental braces?"
Preferably brush within five minutes after
you eat anything, whether you're snacking
or after a meal. Brushing away cavity-causing
bacteria helps keep your teeth cavity-free.
Carry a travel toothbrush in a backpack,
purse, or briefcase to always have on hand
for brushing away from home.
"How do I brush my teeth with braces?"
Brush between wires and gums to loosen any
food particles. There are special toothbrushes
for this, check with us for recommendations.
- Start on the outside of your upper teeth, positioning the bristles at a 45 degree angle, toward the gum. Brush two to three teeth at a time using a circular motion, about ten strokes.
- Next, brush the inner surfaces in the same manner.
- Brush the chewing surfaces.
- Repeat the same process for the lower teeth as for the upper ones.
- Rinse your mouth as well as your toothbrush. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure you've brushed all tooth surfaces.
- Floss daily between braces using a floss threader.
- Toothpicks, stimudents, and other interdental devices work well under brackets.
You may also want to use a water oral hygiene device that helps to remove food particles the toothbrush may not reach. It is used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.
While wearing braces, be sure to schedule regular dental exams every three to six months for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
For more information about how we at can help
you with dental braces, call us at
619-446-6345 or 213-291-3518 or 664-685-7020(
From Tijuana/ Mexico), we will be
happy to talk with you.
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