Teeth-friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 1: Apples

Many parents believe that the only way their children can maintain clean and healthy teeth is by brushing and flossing alone. Yet, the truth is that many different types of fruits and vegetables offer additional benefits.

Why Apples?

Unpeeled apples are one of the best teeth-friendly fruits that adults and children can eat.

Texture Benefits

Their crunchy, fibrous nature makes them a natural toothbrush that can remove other food particles, root-level plaque buildup and some yellow stains while stimulating the gums. Although their sugar content means that they can't replace a toothbrush, toothpaste, flossing and mouthwash, eating them as a snack can help keep the mouth healthy between morning and nighttime at-home cleanings.

Chewing Benefits

Whenever a person chews food, the salivary glands in the mouth immediately start to increase the flow of saliva. This fluid is important because it rinses away any stray food particles that can cause cavities. Saliva also contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that help rebuild tooth enamel.

What about Peeled Apples?

Peeled ones help to some extent, but to a far lesser degree than unpeeled ones. Without the fibrous peel and unprocessed crunchy texture, small particles act just like particles from non-beneficial foods. Their sugar content, when their made into sauce, juice and other processed foodstuffs, can also be a lot higher. As a result, the particles stick to teeth and braces far easier than larger, less sticky-sweet pieces. As peeled ones require less chewing, they also do not provide as many saliva-related teeth cleaning and repair benefits.

For more information about the benefits of these and other teeth-friendly fruits, contact the experienced orthodontist Stafford team of Beecroft Orthodontics at 540-659-6300 today!

Beyond the orthodontist Stafford can offer, Beecroft also has experienced teams waiting to answer questions in Fredericksburg at 540-898-2200 and in King George 540-775-2022.

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

Teeth-friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 1: Apples

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?