Sturbridge Orthodontic treatment is constantly evolving and creating new ways to address all kinds of dental issues. This means that every patient has the opportunity to achieve the smile of their dreams, even if they are missing a few teeth. In these cases, orthodontists will prepare their patients to fix the alignment of the remaining teeth and plan for the eventual replacement of the missing teeth.

Once orthodontic care is over, some patients consider cosmetic dentistry. A new popular trend involves adorning teeth with little diamonds to make their smile shine brighter! In this article, we will explain how orthodontic treatment addresses cases of missing teeth and everything patients need to know about dental jewelry.

Orthodontic Braces with Missing Teeth

Have you ever wondered if you can get braces when you have a few missing teeth? Well, the answer is yes! Orthodontic braces remain an excellent option for patients with spaces between their teeth. You first need to book an appointment with an orthodontist, who will create a treatment plan for you.

Then, your orthodontist will focus on moving the remaining teeth to their proper positions using orthodontic appliances. This process improves the alignment and spacing of the existing teeth, preparing the mouth for potential tooth replacement.

Once the teeth are in their correct position, you can explore options for replacing the missing teeth. Your dental professional might recommend dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. These prosthetic solutions will fill the spaces left by the missing teeth.

How Do Braces Work with Missing Teeth?

The biomechanics behind orthodontic appliances, such as metal braces or clear aligners, are very interesting. The braces exert gentle but consistent pressure on your teeth, slowly moving them into their ideal positions over time. But what happens when you are missing teeth?

Well, orthodontists have two approaches to address this situation. The first option is to close the gaps left by the missing teeth through precise adjustments and tightening the wires. Consequently, the teeth gradually move closer together until they eliminate the spaces.

The second option is installing braces to move the teeth while preparing the empty spaces for future dental work, such as implants or bridges. The orthodontic appliances will create the proper space to ensure the new teeth fit perfectly within your smile.

In exceptional cases, patients go beyond getting implants or bridges and get a personalized “diamond teeth” option. Usually, dental professionals don’t recommend this option due to potential hygiene concerns. However, we think it is worth talking about this trendy option.

Diamond-Adorned Teeth After Orthodontics

After completing orthodontic care, some patients decide to adorn their teeth with diamonds, a popular decoration. This represents a trendy way to add more sparkle to their smile.

The process of placing these gems into the teeth is pretty safe for oral health. The dental professional uses a specialized, oral-safe adhesive to add the diamonds to the teeth’ surface carefully. Typically, the pieces of diamonds are so small that they won’t interfere with their bite and oral function.

Are There Any Benefits to Having Diamond Teeth?

It is important to remember that diamond teeth are a cosmetic choice, and it doesn’t provide any benefits to oral health. However, this form of decoration can be appealing because you can choose to place the little diamonds on any tooth you want. The most common choices are the upper incisors or canines since they are the most visible.

Are Diamond-Adorned Teeth Safe?

Yes, dental professionals consider diamond-adorned teeth to be a safe cosmetic option. The process of attaching the diamonds uses a dental adhesive that doesn’t harm the enamel or the tooth’s structure. Although the diamonds shouldn’t damage your teeth, there is a potential risk of plaque buildup around them. So, we recommend maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine that helps you avoid dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease.

How to Care for Diamond-Adorned Teeth

Caring for diamond-adorned teeth is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Just make sure you carefully brush and floss your teeth daily; this will prevent plaque buildup and other dental problems. We also recommend that you schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist to verify that the diamonds are securely attached to your teeth while monitoring your oral health.

Ready for a Dazzling Smile Makeover? Discover the Magic of Braces Even with Missing Teeth – Book Your Consultation Today!

If you still have doubts about missing teeth, we have the expertise to address your concerns and provide you with the best orthodontic solution. All you need to do is book your consultation today! At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we will happily answer all your questions and help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Your dental transformation begins with your initial appointment, where you can discuss treatment options with Dr. Sabelis. He offers fixed appliances, such as traditional braces, ceramic braces, and removable aligners like Invisalign. Furthermore, he will ensure that you understand each treatment’s pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

After undergoing months or years of orthodontic treatment, patients usually expect to enjoy a straighter and whiter smile. While treatment can help you reposition your teeth and jaws, it won’t have an impact on the color of your teeth. So, if you want pearly white teeth, you should consider combining orthodontics with teeth whitening!

Sturbridge Orthodontics treatment is essential to improve oral health. It goes beyond the aesthetics of having a beautiful smile, affecting the functionality of the mouth and enhancing oral hygiene.

Nowadays, there are several options to address dental issues, so you can choose between traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners. The purpose of these appliances is to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Consequently, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will be easier since straight teeth are easier to clean.

In addition, orthodontics can improve the functionality of teeth and jaws, fixing dental problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. This could alleviate any discomfort while chewing, eating, or speaking.

Orthodontic treatment has several benefits for your oral health, from enhancing the aesthetic aspects of a smile to addressing all kinds of dental issues. If you want to enjoy a functional and bright smile, we recommend that you seek professional help. Sturbridge Orthodontists will also help you understand all you need to know about cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening. What are you waiting for to get you a brighter and healthier smile?

How Will Treatment Affect a Patient’s Lifestyle?

We assure you that undergoing orthodontic treatment can do wonders for your life! It will not only improve your oral health and function, but also it can have a significant impact on social interactions and the way you perceive yourself. Let’s talk about the ways orthodontics can affect a patient’s lifestyle:

Improved Aesthetics:

Of course, one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment is that it will give you properly aligned teeth and a more aesthetically pleasing smile! Well, this can also increase your self-esteem and confidence in social situations since you may feel more comfortable when interacting with other people.

Enhanced Speech:

In addition, orthodontics addresses misaligned teeth and jaws that can affect speech, helping patients to have a more adequate diction. As a consequence, you will communicate more effectively. You will no longer experience the self-consciousness that is associated with speech difficulties.

Compliments or Positive Feedback:

Just imagine smiling without worrying about misaligned teeth! People will notice your bright and perfectly aligned teeth, and they will tell you all about it. Receiving compliments and positive feedback about your smile can boost your confidence!

Reduced Self-Consciousness:

When people are insecure about their teeth, they tend to avoid smiling or covering their mouth when they do. Sturbridge Orthodontics can help address these concerns, allowing patients to smile freely in social interactions.

If you want to enjoy all of these perks, we recommend that you seek professional help. Orthodontists will help you correct all kinds of dental issues affecting your lifestyle and oral health. After you finish your orthodontic treatment, you will be so happy that you won’t stop smiling!

Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics

If you are not sure what are the differences between orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, here we’ll explain everything you need to know about these two disciplines:

Cosmetic Dentistry:

The main purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. This does not necessarily include correcting functional issues. Now, you might be wondering what are the different types of cosmetic dentistry, so here’s a list of them:

Teeth Whitening:

This refers to the process where dental professionals remove those yellowish surface stains from your teeth, giving you whiter teeth and a brighter smile.

Dental Veneers:

To improve the appearance of your smile, you can ask for veneers. These are thin porcelain shells that go on the surface of your teeth, covering any imperfections and instantly creating a straight smile.

Dental Bonding:

Another way to address dental imperfections, such as cracks or gaps, is by applying dental bonding. This refers to the application of a tooth-colored material that can reshape or repair the appearance of the teeth.

Orthodontics:

On the other hand, orthodontics focuses on improving oral function and health. This discipline can diagnose and correct misaligned teeth, offering permanent results to orthodontic patients. Now, let’s explore orthodontics treatment options:

Traditional Braces:

Traditional braces are a great choice to correct severe cases of dental issues. These appliances gradually move teeth into their proper positions, and you can choose from several options, from metal braces to ceramic braces and wires.

Clear Aligners:

Clear aligners are a convenient and comfortable way to address dental problems. They consist of transparent and removable trays that reposition the teeth and jaws.

Although cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics both focus on dental care, their primary purposes are different.

Teeth with Braces and Whitening Treatment in Sturbridge

The combination of braces and teeth whitening can increase your confidence and self-esteem. Since your teeth become straighter and whiter, you are going to feel more comfortable smiling. Especially after your orthodontic treatment is over!

Remember that orthodontic treatment can help you achieve proper alignment of your teeth and bite. However, it won’t affect the color of your teeth. So, if you want to have a whiter smile, we recommend that you ask for an in-office teeth whitening.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth While You Have Braces?

The answer is yes; you can whiten your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment in Sturbridge. However, you should understand that many dental professionals recommend that you finish your treatment before thinking about whitening your teeth. This happens because the appliances, like metal brackets and wires, might interrupt the whitening gel, and it will not reach the entire surface of your teeth. As a result, you will have an uneven color on your teeth.

Consult with your Sturbridge orthodontist and dentist regarding teeth whitening options and timing. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and ensure that you whiten your teeth safely and effectively.

What Treatments Do Celebrities Undergo to Have White Teeth?

Have you ever wondered how celebrities have beautiful white smiles? Well, they use a combination of professional treatments that can include in-office teeth whitening and dental veneers. Here are some reasons why celebrities choose these dental procedures:

Veneers:

As we explained before, veneers are tiny porcelain shells that dental professionals place in the front of the teeth. Many celebrities choose to wear them because they provide an almost immediate transformation of their smiles. Usually, celebrities and patients decide to use veneers once their orthodontic treatment is completed. This way, they can cover all of the small imperfections that they find after they remove their braces.

In-Office Teeth Whitening:

Professional teeth whitening is a very effective procedure that consists of applying whitening gel to the teeth, and then the dentist will activate it with a special light. The best moment to have your teeth whitened is after you remove your Sturbridge braces. This happens because when you remove your orthodontic appliances, you might notice tooth discoloration, like white spots. Professional whitening can effectively address this issue, giving you a perfect white smile!

What Are the Best Teeth Whitening Options?

To properly understand your teeth whitening options, we recommend that you book an orthodontic appointment. Dental professionals will provide guidance about procedures for whitening your teeth and also diagnose and treat any dental issue you may have. Scheduling an appointment is the first step of your orthodontic journey, and it will help you achieve a more confident smile!

Contact Our Sturbridge Orthodontics Office For Free Consultation

The team of Sturbridge Orthodontics is ready to help you achieve the beautiful smile that you deserve. They offer all kinds of orthodontic treatments, but make sure to ask about Invisalign since they are preferred providers. In the practice of Dr. Sabelis, you will find a comfortable and safe environment where they will address your dental issues. So, do not hesitate to ask for an initial appointment!

It may be hard to know what you can eat with braces. Following your orthodontist’s advice during your braces treatment is the best course of action you can take if you want quick and good results. That includes not only brushing and flossing properly and consistently but also avoiding dangerous foods. Following these recommendations will lead to expected results, better oral health, and fewer orthodontic emergencies.

Foods to Can’t Eat With Braces

One of the most important factors that could affect your orthodontic treatment, next to a good brushing routine, is your diet. If you are going through braces treatment, you’ll have to respect your orthodontist’s instructions on dietary restrictions. Failure to follow their guideline and remove some foods from your diet can result in longer treatment times, white spots on your braces, cavities, infections, and much more.

Here are the types of foods that you should avoid during your times with braces.

Crunchy Food

Crunchy foods like potato chips, hard-shell tacos, popcorn, and crackers can all damage your braces if consumed. While braces are more durable than ever, brackets can still loosen, and wires can still bend. As mentioned, repetitive occurrences can lead to delays in the treatment or even allow your teeth to move into a non-intended position.

Hard Foods

Much like crunchy foods, hard foods can and will damage your appliances if you eat them without care. Hard fruits, hard vegetables, thick cuts of meat, ice, nuts, and pizza crust are just a few examples. However, If you are careful and cut them into small pieces, then you and your appliances should be safe to eat them. As a general guideline, avoid anything that you need to bite into. The motion of taking a bit out of something puts your braces under severe stress, and it’s here where they generally break.

Sticky Foods

Aside from the pulling and pushing motion they exert on your braces, which could make the brackets or archwires break, they are also obviously very sticky, meaning that they will get stuck in the most hard-to-reach places in your teeth and braces. They will make brushing and flossing much more difficult, and not cleaning at all will have even worse consequences in the form of tooth decay and cavities.

Sugary Foods

While you can have foods like pancakes, sodas, milkshakes, cakes, and ice cream occasionally without the immediate danger of damaging your braces, eating them too often is dangerous to your oral health. The sugar in sugary foods reacts with bacteria and food residues in your mouth to form acids which then mix with the bacteria and residues to form plaque. The plaque will stick to your teeth and gums and, if left undisturbed, will eat away the outer layer of your tooth, leaving you more exposed to cavities and infections.

What Fast Food Can You Eat With Braces?

As you can see, many foods can and will damage your braces if given a chance. Sadly, this makes people believe that during their time with braces, they won’t be able to enjoy most of the delicious foods normally available to them. Fortunately for them, there are many unexpected foods that they can still enjoy. For example, there are many braces-friendly fast food items that orthodontic patients can still consume to their liking.

Here is a list of fast food items you can consume and when to be careful around them.

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are great to eat as long as you cut them into little pieces. While the inside of the nugget is quite soft, it is the harder outside layer that could damage your appliances if you bite into it. Cutting them into little pieces should let you enjoy as many as you want.

French Fries

You can eat french fries, but you will have to be careful with some of them. Overly crunchy fries or fries heavily coated in sauces can represent a danger to your appliances. While most of the time, fries aren’t hard enough to cause damage, they or some heavy sauce accompanying them can still get stuck in your braces.

Pizza

As long as you don’t have any hard, crunchy, or sticky toppings, pizza is mostly safe for you to eat, except for the crust. The pizza crust is either too chewy or too crunchy for your braces to handle. If you want to be able to eat pizza at all, you’ll have to make the sacrifice of leaving your crusts on the side until you finish your treatment.

Burgers

Burgers come back to the biting into food situation. You’ll want to avoid that motion as much as possible, so consider cutting the whole burger into small bite-size pieces. This way, you’ll be able to avoid damage to your braces while still getting to eat the deliciously greasy treat.

Enjoy Your Treatment With Profesional Help

While we insist you enjoy delicious meals as much as possible, we remind you to always space out your fast food outings to avoid health complications. If you have more questions regarding your oral health or decide it’s time for regular professional cleaning, contact us here at Sturbridge Orthodontics.

Everyone knows that orthodontic treatment can help reduce pain and prevent cavities, infections, and even tooth removals, but did you know that two-phase orthodontic treatment can make your future procedures simpler and, on some occasions, prevent orthodontic issues completely?

Child patients can avoid invasive treatment in the future by going through two phases of treatment instead of going only through one.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?

Interceptive treatment, also known as Two-phase orthodontic treatment, is a treatment plan that involves two stages at two different periods in a patient’s life, one at around 7 years old and the other at around 13 years old. The goal is to simplify or completely eliminate any treatment necessary in the future by discovering the existing and developing orthodontic issues at hand and intervening when possible.

Two-Phase treatment is more common and recommended than you may believe. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends parents take their children to visit an orthodontist when they turn 7 for an examination. Here is where orthodontists will decide whether a patient needs two-phase treatment or not. Some patients will need early treatment, while others will have to wait until they are older to get any type of treatment. As with many things in healthcare, it will ultimately depend on their specific case.

Phase One

Phase one occurs while a children’s teeth and jaws are still developing. The mix of permanent and baby teeth allows the orthodontist to plan ahead to avoid and fix issues such as overcrowding and misaligned teeth. The orthodontist in charge will determine if a patient needs phase one treatment only if the procedures available have an actual impact on their mouth’s structural development.

During phase one, patients can wear regular appliances like traditional braces or more specialized orthodontics such as palatal expanders and quad-helixes. The expected treatment during phase one is shorter than the ones in phase two, with treatments lasting from 9 to 12 months.

After the treatment ends, there is a resting period for the patients. This allows the dental structures to heal before the next phase begins.

Phase Two

Phase two is where patients use the more common appliances like braces and Invisalign. Given that it starts after the end of the resting period that comes after phase one, almost all permanent teeth have developed, making the upcoming treatment time last anywhere from 12 to 20 months.

If you went through phase one treatment, the necessary treatment in phase two is much simpler than for those who didn’t. Shorting your treatment times and possibly avoiding uncomfortable surgeries. Whether you suffer from overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crooked teeth, or anything else, your orthodontist will fix it during this stage. Allowing you to finally come out of the treatment with a beautiful smile that took years to make.

Braces or Invisalign? Can Patients Carry On Two-Phased Orthodontic Treatment With Invisalign?

Yes, patients can carry two-phase orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Fortunately for many, Invisalign technology has come a long way since its creation and is now available for kids to use even in the first stage of their interceptive treatment. The specific name for this early treatment is Invisalign first.

Before comparing braces and Invisalign together, we must remember how Invisalign works. First, orthodontists take a scan of your upper and lower set of teeth and then proceed to order a pair of clear plastic molds that fit your teeth perfectly. These molds, also called trays, apply light, constant pressure on your teeth to move them into their desired position. The patient must wear them for around 20 to 22 hours a day, only removing them to either clean or eat. Finally,  every few weeks, your orthodontist will give you a new set of trays that will push your teeth even further.

To decide between traditional braces and Invisalign, you must first ask your orthodontist if you are eligible for the clear aligners treatment. While Invisalign is able to fix a variety of orthodontic issues such as underbite, overbite, gaps in teeth, and more, there are still some severe cases that require more force than the aligners can generate.

If you are eligible, however, you will find Invisalign very attractive because of its lack of strict diet, its removable nature, and its virtually invisible look. Additionally, It is much more comfortable than regular braces, and your smile keeps its natural look. It comes at a cost; however, not only can it be more expensive than regular braces, but it also requires a high level of compliance on the side of the patient. Failure to use the appliances for the 22 recommended hours a day will result in longer treatment times.

Start the Journey for a Better Smile

If you wish to know if your child is eligible for two-phase orthodontic treatment, contact us at Sturbridge Orthodontics and schedule your appointment with us here. We are happy to help you and your family get the smile you deserve.

A lot of people still feel insecure about how they would look if they had braces. And let’s face it, traditional metal braces may not be the biggest favorites regarding appearance. But it is also true that metal brackets have been changing through time, and they have evolved.

Setting that aside, the looks shouldn’t matter if we are talking about orthodontic appliances because the whole point of orthodontic treatment is to make you feel better, whether it is about the physical aspect of your smile or dental health issues.

The oral hygiene habits you maintain will definitely improve how you look and feel as an orthodontic patient. A clean and bright smile is always a great presentation card, no matter what.

Is It Difficult to Brush With Braces On?

If you currently wear Damon self-ligating braces, or if you are planning to, you should know that most orthodontic appliances can suppose difficulty in the cleaning and brushing process. Having metal wires all across your mouth and metal brackets attached to your teeth will make it harder to wash your teeth.

This is why your orthodontist puts such emphasis on dental hygiene. Flossing becomes almost impossible for a great number of patients with braces. You have to be very thorough with the process of brushing your teeth, so you leave zero rests of food or drinks.

There are foods you can happily eat, as well as there are some dishes you should avoid for the sake of your orthodontic treatment and your denture’s health. If food gets stuck on your brackets or wires, oral bacteria will start to grow and thrive.

And you know what happens when dental bacteria stay in your mouth for too long:

• Tooth decay and cavities.
• Gum disease.
• Tooth loss.
• And bad breath appears.

Since we are sure you don’t want any of those, we prepared a quick guide on correct brushing and cleaning your teeth if you have orthodontic braces.

How to Brush With Braces?

First things first: don’t worry. You can brush your teeth as usual when you are wearing traditional braces. Twice a day and all that. It would be good for you to add a third time daily.

Try to use toothpaste with fluoride because it helps to fight dental bacteria and maintain control of Ph levels in your mouth.

Keep in mind that being thorough does not mean that you have to put more pressure or use more strength while brushing your teeth. Doing this can cause bleeding in your gums which is bad for your teeth and breath.

What Else Can I Do to Thoroughly Clean My Teeth While Wearing Braces?

Brushing your teeth is not the only thing you can do to get an A from your orthodontist on cleaning your teeth. Nowadays, we can count on fabulous inventions that our lives easier in this matter.

Water Irrigator

A what? A water irrigator, yes. But this one doesn’t belong in the garden. A water flosser is a mechanical device that you can use at home. Its sole purpose is to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth.

It works with common water in the form of pressure steam, and it’s perfect for reaching the harder spots of your denture.

Interdental Brush

You have probably seen these at the supermarket or your local pharmacy. They look like a brush intended to clean a baby bottle, except for the fact that they are tiny. Interdental brushes are designed to fit the spaces in between your brackets and archwires.

They are normally used without toothpaste, but putting some on is also okay. These do not substitute a normal toothbrush, though; you’ll need both.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is fantastic for various reasons.

• It contributes to having a nice breath.
• If specialized, it can help combat plaque dental biofilm.
• It can have whitening components.

After you have brushed your teeth and used floss, it’s recommendable to use a specialized mouthwash to help the chemical components of your cleaning routine to eradicate bacteria and even heal mild issues you could have with your gums or breath.

Floss Threader

Everyone says the same two things: brush and floss. And yes, they are paramount for your dental health, but something nobody is saying is that flossing can be hard when you have brackets.

You should use waxed floss to prevent tearing when flossing. The real game changer is floss threaders. They are inexpensive and can be found in supermarkets and pharmacies.

This is a tool that can make the flossing process so much easier and save you lots of time in your oral hygiene routine. They are designed to enter the space in between your teeth without touching your archwires.

Customize Your Braces

Just as you can do with your nails or clothes, you can add a little fun and personality to your braces, and this is something you can only do with traditional brackets.

Since you will have to wear rubber bands in your mouth every two to three weeks, you can get creative and make combinations to make statements about your taste. The color variety is immense, and there are even different shapes, like flowers or bats!

Need more ideas? Check this article.

How to Keep My Teeth Clean With Clear Aligners?

One of the main differences between traditional braces and clear aligners is the comfort they suppose for the cleaning process. You can take off your orthodontic appliances and wash your teeth with invisible aligners without further complications.

What Is the Best Orthodontic Treatment for You?

Make an appointment with our dental office if you have doubts about what would be the best treatment plan for you. Braces or clear aligners?

If you are having trouble keeping your brackets clean, our team can help and provide personalized advice to solve your problem.