Variety Of Patient Education From hiremathortho.com

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Variety Of Patient Education From
hiremathortho.com
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Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association
of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can
result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth
are more difficult to properly brush and floss,
which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum
disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to
accidental chipping. Cross bites can result in
unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open
bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and
speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does
more than make a pretty smile it creates a
healthier you.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for
screening? By the age of 7, the first adult
molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During
this time, an orthodontist can evaluate
front-to-back and side-to-side tooth
relationships. For example, the presence of
erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite,
open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely
screening increases the chances for an incredible
smile.
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The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile
is by brushing you teeth and flossing your teeth.
Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush
your teeth after every meal to prevent the
accumulation of food particles in between your
teeth and braces

• Mornings after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school
• After supper
• At bedtime

You will need to replace your toothbrush more
often due to your appliances. As soon as the
bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your
toothbrush with a new one. It may be difficult
for your toothbrush to reach some areas under
your archwire. Do not swallow any toothpaste
rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you
finish brushing. It is important to floss and use
an antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride treatment
throughout your orthodontic treatment and beyond
for optimal oral hygiene.
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Brushing and Flossing
Brushing Always use a toothbrush with soft
bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride
containing toothpaste. When you brush your teeth,
move the brush in small, circular motions to
reach food particles that may be under your gum
line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush
slowly and carefully, covering all areas between
teeth, between braces and the surface of each
tooth. It will take you several minutes to
thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush upwards for
the lower teeth, downwards on the upper teeth and
the outside, inside of each tooth and chewing
surface of your front and back teeth. Also brush
your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth
before you rinse.
When is the best time to begin orthodontics? Thoug
h an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age,
there is an optimal time period to begin
treatment. Beginning treatment at this time
ensures the greatest result and the least amount
of time and expense. The American Association of
Orthodontists recommends that the initial
orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first
sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age
7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may
not be necessary, but vigilant examination can
anticipate the best time to begin treatment.
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Flossing For areas between the teeth that a
toothbrush cant reach, use dental floss to
remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes
more time and patience when you are wearing
braces, but it is important to floss your teeth
every day. Use the reusable floss threader
provided by our office to floss under your
archwire daily (you can also find floss picks at
your local grocery store and most pharmacys for
convenience of flossing). Pull a small length of
floss from the dispenser through the threader and
slide it up and down along the front of each
tooth.. Use care around your archwire and do not
floss too forcefully around it or put too much
pressure on it. After you floss between your
archwire and braces, floss between your other
teeth and gums. Floss at night to make sure your
teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you
first begin flossing around your braces, your
gums may bleed a little.
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What can you eat?
Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If
you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the
first week wearing braces is just your chance!
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods.
Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw
vegetables.
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Foods to Avoid For most situations, common sense
will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky
foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided.
Hard foods can break or damage wires and
brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between
brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods they
cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail
biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on
foreign objects should be avoided.
It's important to regularly check your braces for
bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of
a loose/broken wire or bracket, save your broken
pieces and bring them with you to your
appointment and call our office immediately to
arrange for a longer appointment for repair.
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Orthodontic Treatment Phases
Orthodontic treatment is highly predictable and
immensely successful. There are many benefits of
correcting misaligned teeth. Straight teeth are
pleasing to look at and greatly boost confidence
and self-esteem. More importantly, properly
aligned teeth enhance the biting, chewing and
speaking functions of the jaw. There are several
types of irregularities, including Overbite
The upper teeth protrude further than or
completely cover the lower teeth. Under bite
The lower teeth protrude further than the upper
teeth causing the chin to look prominent. Cross
bite Some of the upper teeth may close inside
the lower teeth rather than on the
outside. Overcrowding Insufficient room on the
arch causes some adult teeth to erupt incorrectly
and become rotated.
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In Case of Emergency
What To Do in Case of an Orthodontic
Emergency? Most orthodontic concerns can wait
until the office re-opens. However, in case of an
emergency you can always reach us after hours.
Please review the suggestions below. If you are
still in need of after hour assistance, please
call our office and you will be instructed on how
to reach Dr. Hiremath or the on-call orthodontic
clinician.
Injury If you have a traumatic injury resulting
in cuts to your lips or gums or if you have a
loose tooth, please contact our office
immediately. If you have broken any part of a
tooth, you will need to contact your family
dentist. If you suspect that your jaw has been
injured or notice that your teeth have been moved
by the accident, contact us, you may also need to
be seen by an oral surgeon.
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For more information please visit us online at,
www.hiremathortho.com
Hiremath Orthodontics 151 Ridgepoint Parkway
Suite 100Keller, Texas 762487748 Denton
HwyWatauga, Texas 76148Phone [phone]