Friday, September 23, 2011

Why Orthodontic Treatment for Children?



Orthodontic treatment can provide permanent and comfortable solutions for children suffering from severe orthodontic problems. Through effective orthodontic treatment procedures for children, irregularities of the teeth, jaws and face can be corrected. Properly aligned teeth can be hygienically maintained, which in turn would ensure good health.

Orthodontic Treatment to Correct Major Teeth Disorders in Children

Orthodontic treatment rectifies dental disorders in children such as crowded teeth, protruded teeth, widely spaced teeth and bad bites including crossbites, overbites, open bites and underbites. These orthodontic problems, when left untreated can lead to gum diseases, irregular wear of tooth surfaces, speech impairments, chewing and digestion problems and more. Orthodontic treatment provided at an early stage, when the jaws and teeth are still developing would give quick and positive results, without putting the children through any major discomforts.

Core Procedures Involved in Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment for correcting teeth abnormalities in children are carried out in two stages, known as the active phase and the retention phase. In the active phase, corrective appliances such as orthodontic braces, including ceramic braces and metal braces are used for adjusting the alignment of the teeth and bites. In the retention phase, the braces are removed and treatment procedures using retainers for firmly fixing the teeth in the new position are performed.

By examining the condition of your child’s teeth, jaws and face structure through x-rays and photographs, the orthodontist suggests the right treatment procedures. Orthodontic treatment, apart from correcting the teeth disorders, will also boost your child’s self-confidence.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Will I have to have teeth extracted prior to getting braces?

Many patients initially consult with a Long Island orthodontist to address excessive crowding in the teeth. When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, the teeth can come in crooked or overlap with their neighbors.

In such a case, an orthodontist may need to extract a single tooth or even multiple teeth to create the room needed to move all of the teeth into the proper alignment. The need for this procedure varies on a case-by-case basis.

If the orthodontist intervenes early enough, tooth extraction may be avoided. In adolescents, the shape of the jaw may be altered through a device called a palate expander, which creates additional space in the upper jaw. In children, baby teeth may be removed strategically to encourage permanent teeth to drop in the proper position.

If you are an adult orthodontics patient, teeth extraction may be likely. The jaw is fully formed and the palate has closed by early adulthood. The palate cannot be expanded without a surgical intervention, so it is easier to create room in the jaw by removing a few teeth. During the course of treatment, the orthodontist will use certain techniques and devices to close the gaps left behind by the extracted teeth.

Fortunately, dental extractions are straightforward procedures, and patients typically heal within a matter of days. Furthermore, an extraction will not present a significant delay in your orthodontic treatment. Following the extraction, you can have the braces placed on the teeth within a matter of days.

Wisdom teeth present another potential concern for orthodontics patients. If you still have your wisdom teeth and are about to commence orthodontic treatment, you should consider having them removed before the braces go on. If the wisdom teeth are left in place, they could cause crowding during treatment, resulting in the patient spending additional time in braces. The wisdom teeth could also knock the teeth out of alignment after the braces come off, requiring the patient to undergo a second course of orthodontic treatment.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Adult Orthodontics on Long Island


The field of orthodontics has witnessed great advancement and now there are a range of orthodontic procedures that can significantly improve your facial appearance. Adult orthodontics involves the treatment options available for adults who wish to correct their dental abnormalities. Efficient orthodontic procedures are offered at leading orthodontic facilities on Long Island.

Adult Orthodontics to Rectify Major Dental Malocclusions
Through adult orthodontic procedures, patients in Long Island can correct teeth abnormalities such as protruded teeth, overcrowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, openbites, underbites, crossbites and overbites. Once these dental anomalies are corrected, you benefit from a charming smile and healthy teeth. Moreover, issues such as tooth loss, gum diseases, irregular wear of tooth surfaces, speech impairments, chewing problems and digestion disorders are held at bay.

Uncomplicated Orthodontic Solutions that Ensure Excellent Results
For suggesting precise orthodontic solutions, expert orthodontists in Long Island thoroughly examine the structure of your face, jaws and teeth by taking bite impressions, photographs and X-rays. Based on the severity of your teeth disorder, orthodontic procedures with dental braces such as conventional metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign invisible braces are recommended.

Orthodontic procedures with Invisalign are much preferred by adults. These clear plastic aligners are custom-designed using advanced computer imaging technology according to your teeth structure. The patient has to wear a set of aligners for two weeks and then replace it with a fresh set; this is done to accelerate the teeth-straightening procedure. In normal situations the whole treatment can be completed within 9-15 months and the patients have to use around 18-30 sets of aligners. During the treatment phase, patients are usually advised to consult the orthodontists periodically so that they can evaluate the level of progress achieved and make necessary alterations accordingly.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Is flossing possible with braces?





For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Long Island, keeping the teeth clean can be a major challenge. Both the brackets and the wires associated with braces present obstacles to toothbrushes and floss. The appliances also can serve as a collection point for bacteria-laden plaque.

Of course, a clean healthy mouth is just as important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment as it is for anyone. So, these patients must take extra steps to ensure that their oral hygiene routine is effective.

It is possible to floss with braces, although it will require you to adopt a different technique than traditional flossing. Your orthodontist can give you special floss threaders that will help you work around the wires. These threaders have thin plastic loops in which you place the floss. Then you insert the other end of the threader between your teeth near the gumline and pull the floss through the teeth. You will need to repeat this process with every tooth.

You can purchase floss threaders in the dental care section of your pharmacy. Some stores even sell pre-threaded pieces of floss that are useful for orthodontic patients.

Yes, flossing during your orthodontic treatment will take more time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Flossing will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your treatment, and it will go a long way in preventing future problems if you keep up the habit. Keep in mind that you’ll only be in braces for two years or so, and then you can return to your normal routine.

If you don’t feel that you have the time or patience to make such adjustments to your oral hygiene routine, you may opt for a clear tray alignment system, such as Invisalign, to straighten your teeth instead. The trays can be removed for brushing and flossing and require no accommodations whatsoever.

Regardless of the method of orthodontic treatment you choose, it’s essential to keep your mouth clean during treatment. Contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman at 516-626-2060 for advice and instructions on how to accomplish this important goal.