Do Braces Make the Roots of Your Teeth Shorter?

One of the many common questions among many orthodontic patients regarding the process of getting braces is whether or not the treatment with braces makes the roots of a person’s teeth shorter.

Braces work by creating tiny cramps around each tooth which cause an old bone to disappear. In turn, a new bone grows and develops taking the place of the dissolved old one. This is an entirely normal process and what mainly causes the teeth to move into the desired alignment.

But, do braces shorten the length of the roots of a person’s teeth? This may be a common concern, but is rarely an issue among patients who undergo treatment with braces. Approximately 1 – 2 % of all the patients experience symptoms of shortening of the roots of the teeth or “root resorption”, as commonly termed. Typically, root resorption happens to patients who are genetically susceptible to such case. In very seldom cases, this condition can also occur when the teeth are moved either too quickly or too slowly.

Seeing that genetics plays a major role in this condition, it is crucial for the orthodontist to know their patient’s family medical history records. Orthodontic experts usually use x-rays to determine the level of susceptibility and possible location of root resorption before the commencement of an orthodontic treatment.  With the help of the Fredericksburg orthodontics experts who are adequately equipped with professional skills and techniques, root resorption can be predicted, prevented, and treated.

If a family member is experiencing root resorption symptoms and for more information and details regarding root resorption, call Fredericksburg Orthodontics and set up a consultation appointment right away. With your Fredericksburg orthodontics professional, regularly monitoring and analyzing your oral status with the use of modern orthodontic technology, root resorption and all other risks of an orthodontic treatment will be prevented and managed well.

Benefits of an Orthodontic Treatment

There are numerous benefits of orthodontic treatments. One of the most obvious physical improvements is the changes in the patient's smile which significantly affects his/her self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as his/her overall self-image. For people who have their teeth misalignment problems fixed by undergoing orthodontic treatment, smiling becomes easy and natural and is no longer a conscious effort. Studies have shown that people who smile more often genuinely enjoy more fruitful social lives and are less likely to get depressed than those who smile less.

Aside from an enhanced smile and general physical appearance, there are also other important benefits orthodontic treatment has to offer including an improved oral health and  prevention of problems associated with bite or jaw irregularities. Patients who suffer from misalignment of teeth and jaw irregularities have difficulty maintaining their dental hygiene making them more susceptible to oral disease.  Improperly positioned and overlapping teeth easily wear and are hard to clean. This increases risks of tooth breakage or injury, tooth decay, gum problems and other health problems.

Beecroft Orthodontics - Invisalign - 1st Impressions

Orthodontic treatments

go beyond giving the patients a beautiful a smile, boosting their personal confidence, and helping them maintain proper oral hygiene. Orthodontic treatments also improve the patient's ability to function, like eating, talking and sleeping. Crooked teeth and incorrect bites can interfere with proper chewing or biting and pronouncing certain words correctly. Another problem associated with having misaligned bite is a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea in which breathing stops periodically during sleep. In worse cases, misaligned teeth and jaw irregularities can lead to Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ disorders which cause severe pain in the head, neck, face and along the jaw lines. Undoubtedly, an orthodontic treatment is also, in many cases, medically necessary in order for a patient to properly perform their routine functions and to prevent problems that could lead to more serious complications later on in life.

Orthodontic Treatment Cost

While orthodontic treatments undeniably yield great results, the cost is a separate issue to worry about. This is what sometimes hold the patients and the parents back from considering orthodontic treatments. However, financial concerns should not stand in the way of an outstanding smile, excellent overall health condition, and exceptional well-being. Crooked teeth and jaw irregularities, if ignored or not treated early, could lead to higher risks of heart problems and more severe symptoms, such as mouth infections, serious gum diseases, and tooth decay or loss. These problems can cost more money than getting orthodontic treatment in the long run. Indeed, investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health - physical, mental, and emotional.

If you have dental condition issues, such as the above-mentioned problems, do not hesitate to visit an orthodontic expert in Fredericksburg who is always committed to help you with your orthodontic concerns. Personally discuss with the orthodontist your dental issues and full medical history in order for him/her to determine the best option suited for you.

Getting the Right Orthodontist

Fredericksburg Orthodontics experts understand how costly orthodontic treatments are. It is our goal to provide our patients with quality orthodontic treatments that fit their budget. While treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the patients’ dental issues, Fredericksburg Orthodontics ensure more manageable and more convenient payment schemes. Call Fredericksburg Orthodontics now to discuss about the best orthodontic treatment for you, the payment methods, dental insurance and plans.

 Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

Do Braces Make the Roots of Your Teeth Shorter?

Orthodontic Expanders and Lower Teeth Extractions

No one likes to lose teeth. However, in some cases, a patient's lower jaw isn't wide enough or positioned correctly to accommodate all 32 teeth. Faced with having teeth removed, many people ask Fredericksburg orthodontics experts if orthodontic expanders can be used instead of pulling the teeth. Orthodontists commonly use expanders on the upper arch of the mouth. Can they be used on the lower arch? The answer depends on the patient's age and their dental problem. Plus some are candidates for the Invisalign Fredericksburg orthodontics use.

The Mid-Palatal Suture

Expanders have long been successfully used to expand the mouth's upper arch. This is possible because the upper arch has a mid-palatal suture. In young teens, the suture hasn't completely hardened and is somewhat flexible. If the patient's suture is soft, it can be gradually expanded in very small increments over months or years.

Orthodontists have several options. They include:

• Dental Expanders

• Braces

• Uprighting

• Flaring

• Extraction

• Sagittal Appliances

• Lip Bumpers

Expanders and Teens

In young patients, a gap sometimes develops between the two upper front teeth. This is a sign that the suture has been opened. In some cases, instead of the suture opening to accommodate the new teeth, the crowns of the teeth are tipped outward. In patients where the suture has already closed, there is no space between the front teeth. For an orthodontist to create space in the mouth, they have to tip the teeth outward, towards the cheek. To do this, the orthodontist may employ an expander with an expansion screw. This puts constant pressure on the teeth and forces them to tip outwards. However, if your interest is in Invisalign Fredericksburg, Stafford, and King George has to offer several good orthodontists can help.

Dentist V Orthodontist | Beecroft Orthodontist Specialists in Fredericksburg

The Lower Arch

The lower portion of the oral cavity is constructed differently from the upper portion. There is no suture to which you can apply pressure and cause it to open. In the lower arch, the growth plates are near the joints and far away from the teeth. In order to create space for the growth of new and expanding teeth, orthodontists commonly move the teeth outwards or straighten them if they are growing at the wrong angle. However, this is only possible if there is enough gum and bone around the base of the tooth to be moved.

Uprighting and Flaring

If the teeth are tilted inwards and are causing a problem in the lower arch, the orthodontist can use a process called uprighting to straighten the growth path of the tooth and eliminate the problem. A process called flaring is used to force the lower teeth outward to correct the problem in the lower arch. Orthodontists have a variety of processes they can use to upright or flare teeth in the arch in the lower part of the oral cavity and eliminate the problem of crowding in the mouth. Some use removable retainers which have a built-in expansion screw. These are called sagittal appliances. The use of lip bumpers is another option orthodontist have for uprighting or flaring teeth in the lower arch.

Other Options

There are a number of other methods orthodontists use to change the direction in which teeth in the lower arch of the oral cavity. Some use the Invisalign Fredericksburg, Stafford, and King George orthodontists offer. A number of orthodontists simply place a piece of wire behind the tooth with a spring attached. Still others employ banded expanders fitted with jackscrews similar to the ones used in the upper arch. While all of the dental appliances and techniques create space in the lower arch, most of them do so by tipping the teeth in one direction or another and not by moving the bone.

Fixed Dental Appliances

Many orthodontists agree using braces or other fixed dental appliances is the most efficient way to both tip the teeth and align them simultaneously. The wires and springs in the braces are threaded over the teeth and create the expansive force that is used to move the teeth apart. This is a tacit acknowledgement that in order to resolve the problem of crowding in the lower arch, tipping or extraction are the only options for some young people and most adults. The supporting bones and gums around the teeth that need to be realigned or removed determine which method will be used.

The lower arch's size and shape are determined by the genetics of the patient. The role of the orthodontist is to carefully consider the options and make a determination as to which method will produce healthy, attractive, stable teeth and oral arches. Orthodontists today can draw on a number of technologies to aid them in making this decision. Many use 3D imaging to see the bone which overlays on the teeth's roots and measure its height and thickness. This enables them to make the best decision possible as to how the creation of space in the oral cavity will be done.

Helpful Software

There's a software which can be used to create digital models of the teeth, supporting bones and surrounding gums. These models can then be used to show what will happen to the teeth and the lower arch over time based on the orientation of the teeth in question. This enables the orthodontist to consider several scenarios and treatment options and make an accurate decision as to which is best suited for the dental patient. These simulations also save people from unnecessary dental surgery and enable them to keep their teeth when tipping, which proves to be the best option.

For the average adult, those expanders are not a viable option. The expanders can be used in some cases to prevent extraction, but not in every case. Your orthodontist can do an examination and let you know if you are fortunate enough to be able to use orthodontic expanders to solve the problem in your oral cavity's lower arch. Call Beecroft Orthodontist now to see is you’re a candidate!

Orthodontic Expanders and Lower Teeth Extractions

Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

I Want a Perfect Smile When My Braces Come Off!

Both you and your child know that getting braces removed is a major milestone to look forward to after many weeks of treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for young patients to be a little overwhelmed when they first have their braces removed. Seeing such a big change in their appearance can be a shock, even when it’s a major improvement like a beautifully aligned teeth.

An appointment to get braces removed can go as smoothly as possible when you and your child are aware of a few simple ways to care for their smile during the weeks and months leading up to this big event.

Proper Tooth Care When Wearing Braces

Many patients can't wait to get out of their braces, but there's a lot your child can do while they’re still wearing them to ensure a perfect smile as soon as possible after the removal appointment. There are also a few ways to help kids and teens feel a little better about their smile during the time they’re in braces. If they’re facing a longer period in braces based on the recommendations of your Stafford orthodontist, see if you can choose from some different options that will work with their teeth and their treatment plan. Metal brackets are more noticeable, so consider taking look at examples of ceramic braces pictures - these clear brackets blend in better and stand out less.

Another advantage to ceramic brackets is that it may be easier to notice the staining that can occur if the patient is not taking proper care of the area around the bracket. While cleaning teeth around braces can be tough and time-consuming, it’s important to establish a thorough routine so your child doesn't have to face the extra effort of removing built-up stains or tartar after that long-anticipated removal appointment. Taking off braces only to see temporary staining can be a big disappointment for teens. Mouth rinses and specialized brushes that can fit behind wires and closely clean around brackets are just a few options that can help them feel great about a perfect smile as soon as their braces come off.

FAQ: How to Get Affordable Braces in Stafford?

Caring for a New Smile

The surfaces of your child’s teeth will be completely exposed for the first time in a while, and along with your Stafford orthodontist's efforts to carefully clean extra glue and residue off the teeth during the removal process, your child will probably experience extra sensitivity. Help them ease into adding new or more challenging foods into their routine, and take note of anything that creates sensitivity. Typical culprits are very cold or hot foods and drinks, acidic foods and drinks like juices, or extremely crunchy or chewy foods. While there are probably some favorites they’ve missed out on while wearing metal or ceramic braces, encourage them to take time reintroducing new elements back into their diet.

Likewise, while a follow up dental cleaning can be a good idea after a long period of time in braces, you’ll want to give their teeth and gums time to recover and re-acclimate before getting a dental cleaning, or, if needed, bleaching and whitening procedures. Work with your orthodontist to determine the best schedule for follow-up treatments that can perfect the look of their smile without exacerbating the sensitivity of those newly-freed teeth.

Wearing a Retainer

In most cases, your child will be fitted for a retainer at the removal appointment, and given a schedule of how often to wear it. Initially, they’ll probably need to wear it throughout much of the day to help their teeth maintain the position set by the braces. As time passes, they may only need to wear them nightly or less frequently.

Just as you helped them care for their braces to avoid staining and other issues, retainers also need to be properly cared for. Retainers should be rinsed and cleansed regularly with the right products to prevent build up and keep them fresh.

Teens and kids can find it a bit frustrating to transition into a new appliance immediately after getting out of braces. A lower retainer in particular can feel very obtrusive and make it difficult to talk. Take time to practice talking with them at home where they feel comfortable so they can get used to the feel of the retainer and feel more confident when they wear it out. While it may not be immediately comfortable, avoiding wearing the retainer can undo all those efforts put in by their braces by letting the teeth move back out of alignment. Help remind your kids that they’ve done a lot to create their new smile, and following through with a retainer will put the finishing touches on it

Celebrate Your Smile

It might have been several months since your child last saw or pictured themselves without braces. Be sure to acknowledge the journey they’ve been on and the important step you’ve taken to promote great orthodontic health. Your Stafford orthodontist will likely have taken a ‘before’ picture when your child first started treatment. Both of you will be amazed when you compare the ‘after’ and see how far they’ve come. After they’re out of their metal or ceramic braces, pictures taken professionally are a great way to reward them and celebrate their new smile. For teens getting ready for senior pictures, it will be a great feeling when they can enjoy their new smile and see how they look without braces.

Take the First Step to a Perfect Smile

Whether your child is intimidated by the idea of wearing braces, or your teen isn’t feeling confident about their smile, Beecroft Orthodontics can help you discover the right treatment plan. Contact our offices in Stafford, Fredericksburg and King George and set your appointment. We’ll help you find the right treatment options and care for their smile so both you and your child can feel confident and happy with the results.

Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

I Want a Perfect Smile When My Braces Come Off!