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!

How Can Invisalign Straighten an Adult’s Teeth?

Many people think of braces as an adolescent rite of passage. However, there is no need for adults to live with a smile that doesn't make them proud! Invisalign offers the perfect solution: effective orthodontia with no metal or visible brackets.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a completely different way to get the straight teeth you desire. Instead of metal, wires, and brackets, Invisalign gently straightens your teeth with clear aligners. Your orthodontist will take a mold of your teeth and scan it into a special computer program. They will then make a treatment plan with a desired end result. This computer program will create a series of molds that will gradually guide your teeth into a straight and attractive position.

How does Invisalign straighten an adult’s teeth? The Invisalign treatment process is meant to gently and painlessly guide your teeth to a more desirable position. It is not bad for your teeth at all. Teeth are constantly moving and shifting. In most cases, they shift even further out of the alignment as we get older. Fredericksburg Invisalign trays move your teeth to the desired position.

Aren't I Too Old for Braces?

Many people associate braces with children and teens, assuming that an adult with crooked teeth merely has to live with them. However, orthodontia for adults is becoming increasingly common. You may have missed the boat when other teens were getting braces in junior high, but this does not mean you have to live with a smile that is unattractive or unhealthy.

Many adults do not want braces because they don't want visible brackets or wires in their smile. However, Invisalign has none of these. As the name suggests, Invisalign is virtually invisible.

Will Invisalign Hurt?

Another major concern of adults looking into the Invisalign treatment process is the pain. Traditional braces are associated with a great deal of discomfort. However, Invisalign is actually completely painless. Because the treatment is very gradual, there is no discomfort involved. You can go to your Fredericksburg Invisalign appointments with confidence that your visit will be pleasant and painless.

Can I Wear Invisalign While I Eat?

While people who have traditional braces must avoid certain foods, this is not true for Invisalign. This is due to the design: rather than having brackets and wires attached to teeth, which provides many places for food to get caught, Invisalign is both smooth and removable. It only needs to be worn 22 hours a day, so people can remove it to eat, or even for occasional special events.

Because Invisalign can be removed to eat, you can continue to eat your favorite foods. You will only need to brush and floss your teeth before putting your Invisalign tray back into place.

Why Straighten My Teeth?

Many adults consider contacting an Invisalign Fredericksburg orthodontist and wonder if getting orthodontic treatment is necessary. After all, braces and Invisalign both require time and money. Gaining a beautiful and confident smile is definitely a good reason to use Invisalign; there are also other reasons to consider orthodontic work.

Misaligned teeth will likely become worse with time. In addition, they are more likely to get cavities or even fall out because it is harder to thoroughly brush and floss them. In addition, misaligned teeth can cause pain in the jaw and even make it difficult to chew your food thoroughly. While your misaligned teeth may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, they may shift further and cause problems in the future.

Beecroft Orthodontics - Invisalign - 1st Impressions

What to Expect From Invisalign

How does Invisalign straighten an adult’s teeth? In many ways, the process of getting Invisalign is similar to getting other types of orthodontic work such as braces. You will be examined by the orthodontist, who will decide if Invisalign is the right choice for you. If so, the orthodontist will make molds of your teeth and develop a treatment plan. The computer will generate models of the molds you need for your teeth.

After this, you will receive your trays. You should wear them as much as possible, up to 24 hours a day. Every two weeks, you will switch to a new tray. Gradually and painlessly, your teeth will become straighter. You will periodically visit your orthodontist to make sure your teeth are healthy and that they are progressing as expected.

What to Expect After Invisalign

As with all orthodontic work, there will be some aftercare and maintenance after you have straightened your teeth with Invisalign. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, you will need to wear a retainer as often as possible. A retainer is a small plastic piece that fits against the inner side of your teeth, gently exerting enough pressure to keep them in their straightened position. This will prevent your teeth from shifting back into the misaligned position.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether Invisalign is the right decision for you. First, Invisalign will only work for some types of orthodontic problems. Your orthodontist will be able to let you know if you are a good candidate.

Second, you should evaluate whether you are ready for the commitment involved in Invisalign. You will need to wear your tray whenever you are not eating, performing dental care, or cleaning the trays. Last, you will need to decide if you are willing to pay for Invisalign. Invisalign costs slightly more than traditional braces because of the new technology involved. However, many orthodontists offer payment plans and other options for defraying the cost.

Choosing an Orthodontist

It's important to choose the right orthodontist. You will be visiting them on a regular basis, so you will need to feel comfortable and able to talk with them. It is also important to select an orthodontist who has experience both with Invisalign technology and with adult orthodontics. If you are interested in an Invisalign Fredericksburg orthodontist, you are in luck. Beecroft Orthodontics is experienced both with Invisalign and with treating adults. Not only are we experienced, adult Invisalign is our specialty. We know how to work with you to get you the perfect, healthy smile that you deserve.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

How Can Invisalign Straighten an Adult’s Teeth?

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Moms, have you made the decision to get you or your son or daughter’s teeth straightened? Have you typed “Dentists Near Me” into your favorite search engine, attended an appointment and gotten a recommendation for orthodontics? Have you erased that “Dentists Near Me” search and entered “Orthodontists Near Me,” and found Invisalign Teen Stafford or Invisalign King George? If so, you probably have many questions about what to expect from your consultation. Undoubtedly, two of those questions in the back of your mind are these: should I get Invisalign aligners, and how is Invisalign different from traditional braces?

What Are Traditional Braces?

• Regular braces are made of metal (usually silver) brackets and wires. They are glued directly onto the patient’s teeth and tightened using wires and small rubber bands.

• The default color of the wires is silver, but enamel color is available at an additional cost.

• Once the braces are installed they can only be removed by an orthodontist, and only at the end of the treatment.

• Treatment time is an average of two to three years, depending on a number of factors determined by the orthodontist.

• Daily maintenance is required. The brackets and wires that make up traditional braces can be brushed along with your teeth, but additional tools like floss and a water pick are helpful to dislodge stray food particles from the metal.

• Follow-up visits are required monthly. Every four to five weeks you will have to go back to the orthodontist for cleaning, inspection, and to have the brackets adjusted.

• Follow-up: Individuals who use traditional braces have to continue to use a removable retainer, but hopefully only at night or on an as needed basis.

What are Invisalign Aligners?

• The Invisalign system uses advanced 3D computer imagining technology and X-rays to identify the ideal position of the aligner in the patient’s mouth. Each aligner is built custom made for your teeth!

• Invisalign aligners are not semi-permanently attached to the teeth. They are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic that will not irritate the patient’s tongue, cheeks, or gums. The person wearing them can remove them at any time!

• The treatment time period is less. Some patients only need to use them for twenty-two to twenty-four hours a day for six months, while others require closer to eighteen months.

• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are completely transparent. As the name implies, they are invisible!

• Maintenance is simple. The aligners come with the Invisalign Cleaning system and can also be cleaned using brushing and rinsing trays with lukewarm water.

• Follow-ups with your orthodontist are on a similar time schedule with traditional braces: every four to six weeks. In addition, aligner trays must be changed every two weeks.

• After the treatment is complete, a positioner or retainer will likely be required. The patient may only be required to wear one while they are asleep.

FAQ: An Orthodontic Specialist | Beecroft Orthodontics | An Orthodontist in Fredericksburg, VA

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Both traditional braces and Invisalign aligners achieve the same goals: bite issues are resolved, and teeth are straightened and aligned to ideal positions for both proper use and the best look. They differ in their means – in how they achieve that goal. The patient’s task is to determine if the advantages of Invisalign outweigh the disadvantages of traditional braces. Invisalign differs from traditional braces in the following ways:

The Pros

• Aligners are not permanent! They can be removed as needed by the patient. This is an important benefit because it means that the patient is not restricted by their orthodontics. Brushing their teeth is as easy as ever. Teenagers playing contact sports do not have to worry about forgetting their mouth guard and causing damage, or about eating incorrect food. Prom and yearbook photos are not ruined by metal wires. You can eat anything you want when you remove the Invisalign aligners, including licorice, popcorn, ice, caramel, gum, nuts, carrots, apples, and corn on the cob.

• Invisalign is invisible! Invisalign is superior over traditional braces for the anxious teenager and the self-conscious adult. You are smiling before and after the treatment, so you should get to smile at it as well!

• Invisalign is comfortable! Traditional braces can sometimes cause sores on the insides of the cheeks and, in extreme cases, even a small abrasion to the tongue or inside of the lips. The teeth are sore, especially after the orthodontist tightens the brackets that move them. Although saltwater, pain relievers, and wax over any sharp parts can help, with Invisalign the mouth is not irritated by the metal or adhesives, and speech is not impaired.

The Cons

• Braces are better for more complex issues. Adjusting someone’s bridgework, back teeth, rotating canines or bite is more difficult with Invisalign.

• Self-discipline is critical! When braces are glued to the teeth there is no chance that they will be lost. You or your child may forget to put them back in after eating or brushing.

• Insurance issues. Most dental plans cover orthodontic treatment, but because Invisalign is new compared to traditional braces, it is possible that your insurance may not cover it yet.

• Additional maintenance. If you have traditional braces you can brush your teeth twice a day as normal. Invisalign users must clean their teeth after every meal to avoid staining.

• Traditional braces are still cheaper then Invisalign aligners.

Are you ready to get the smile you or your teenager have always wanted without having to hide the one you have now? Join the other one million patients who have enjoyed Invisalign since 2000. The Beecroft Orthodontics teams of Invisalign Teen Stafford and Invisalign King George will give you the best Invisalign treatment around! Call for a consultation today!

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?