Orthodontic treatment requires planning. To understand the process, orthodontists have spent hours training and perfecting specialized techniques to master the biomechanics rules at the core of orthodontic results.

In fact, biomechanics understands the forces of physics and their impact on the human body. To do so, orthodontists project a healthy and beautiful smile and use customized mechanical devices specially made for each patient.

However, sometimes things come in the way. For example, patients’ poor compliance with the specialist recommendations or differences in the patient’s body’s response to mechanical stress might impact the projected planning.

Also, sometimes, patients have concerns about how wisdom teeth affect orthodontic treatment outcomes. Although wisdom teeth seem to be something coming in the way that could affect orthodontic planning, they might not be as bad as we think.

This article addresses some frequent questions patients have about wisdom teeth and the challenges of Sturbridge orthodontic treatment planning.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Some questions we have from patients include, “When do wisdom teeth come in?” Or “Should I get Braces After My Wisdom Teeth come in?” However, before answering those questions, we first need to know what wisdom and impacted wisdom teeth are.

Wisdom teeth, as their name implies, develop at a more mature age than the rest of the teeth, which is associated with sound judgment. However, in a professional setting, they are known as third molars.

Third molars erupt following a pattern to the back of the second molars. Therefore, they are at the rear extreme of the jaw. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, others develop some of them, and in some cases, patients don’t have any wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are useless. You can’t bite or chew with your wisdom teeth, which could become a problem in many cases. In addition, sometimes, patients don’t have enough space in their jaws for wisdom teeth.

When there is not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt, they might sprout partially, angled, or just never erupt and remain below the gums. These are what we know as impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth usually sprout between ages 17 and 25 during orthodontic treatment or before a patient considers getting into it, placing a significant concern regarding extraction.

The good news is that regularly, you don´t need to have your wisdom teeth removed before or during orthodontic treatment. This is because wisdom teeth do not exert enough strain to produce a misalignment over the rest of the teeth. In fact, an orthodontist could also cement brackets on wisdom teeth.

However, the not-that-good news is that wisdom teeth might develop impacted. Depending on the specialist evaluation, a patient might require extraction to avoid an infection or damage to other teeth.  

For instance, impacted wisdom teeth might sprout partially and angled, producing a perfect space for food to get trapped and difficult to remove mechanically by brushing.

In some cases, the gum might partially cover a wisdom tooth from above, and food might get stuck between the tooth and the gum. In both circumstances, tooth decay, gum disease, or an infection might occur that could spread, damaging a second molar.

A wisdom tooth might sprout, producing a cyst or an infection, and wisdom teeth might remain below the gums, impacting the lower part of a second molar to the pulp, and damaging a fully functional tooth.

However, the extraction of wisdom should follow a pathology associated with it. This is because the extraction of wisdom teeth might require a surgical procedure with some risks. For example, during an extraction, there is a slight possibility of damaging the ID and lingual nerves. 

Therefore, before considering the extraction of wisdom teeth, a patient must pass an evaluation by a professional.  

Can I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed During Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes, you can. However, as previously stated, you must seek a specialist to perform an evaluation that includes getting a panoramic X-ray to determine the suitability and need to get an extraction.

Patients often ask how long does wisdom teeth removal take? The removal of wisdom teeth takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and it requires the administration of local and sometimes general anesthetics. 

Also, a common question from the previous one is, how long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal? In most cases, patients experience lesser pain and discomfort after the third day after surgery. 

However, you can expect a full recovery two to three weeks after surgery; it all depends on a patient following the medical prescription and oral surgeon’s recommendations. 

Can Wisdom Teeth Shift My Teeth?

No, wisdom teeth themselves cannot shift your teeth. However, there are circumstances where wisdom teeth do not sprout and remain below the gums producing a cyst that could debilitate the jaw bone.

A weak jaw bone might be prone to a fracture that could affect the position of surrounding teeth. Also, wisdom teeth might contaminate a second molar with caries, resulting in losing not a single but two dental pieces.     

Although these events rarely shift other teeth, they harm orthodontic treatment outcomes. Finally, in many cases, shifting is attributable to aging, but patients might relate teeth shifting to wisdom teeth.

For these reasons, we recommend an evaluation from a specialist to determine whether wisdom teeth affect orthodontic treatment.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The general consensus about a diet after wisdom teeth extraction is to avoid chewing with the back part of the mouth to the fullest possible. Consequently, to minimize this possibility, you can try eating blended foods, soups, or easy-to-byte foods like mashed potatoes for the next 24 hours after a surgical procedure.

Contact Your Sturbridge Orthodontist

Our caring staff will guide you through the entire orthodontic treatment process, following a procedure that will help you understand the complexity of your malocclusion, including an exhaustive evaluation of your wisdom teeth. We invite you to set an appointment and have a smile that rocks!

The majority of patients who walk through our door come in looking to straighten their teeth for cosmetic reasons. Some don’t like how their smile looks in pictures, while others hide their smile altogether. At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we understand your desire to feel confident and secure with each smile that you flaunt; however, there are other reasons why orthodontics in Sturbridge might be necessary. Aside from visiting an orthodontist to achieve straight teeth, you should also schedule an appointment if you have bit alignment issues. Let’s review some of the reasons why you might need orthodontic care.

A bite adjustment procedure may be needed when tiny interferences keep teeth from coming together properly. As a result of normal tooth development, following an injury, or even because of dental treatments, these tiny interferences develop, making it so that the jaw no longer slides into its correct position.

Now you might wonder why to bite alignment is so important; well, when all teeth are aligned, and the upper teeth gently overlap the bottom teeth, the teeth fit best. Thanks to a good bite, dental crowding, periodontal repercussions, and tooth wear concerns can all be a thing of the past. A healthy bite also helps to prevent jaw disorders.

Because a bite alignment problem can cause other health issues, you must get checked out by your Sturbridge Orthodontist as soon as possible. Let’s look below to help you stay informed about bite alignment. 

What Causes Jaw Misalignment?

Eating, sleeping, talking, and breathing can all be affected by an uneven jaw. A variety of factors can cause an uneven jaw. Physical therapy can help to treat and improve several conditions.

Others, however, may require surgery to remedy such problems. With orthodontics, we want to provide patients with a non-surgical option to fix their dental alignment problems.

Jaw function necessitates the cooperation of tendons, bones, and muscles. These structures can become out of balance, causing the entire jaw to become uneven.

Your jaw may be uneven for various reasons, including

Trauma or a Fractured Jaw

Trauma can occur as a result of an accident, a fall, an assault, or a sports injury. Your jaw might be shattered, cracked, or dislocated due to trauma.

In most cases, a minor fracture will heal on its own. A significant jaw break may necessitate surgery to help the jaw recover properly. Surgical stabilization of a displaced jaw may be necessary.

Congenital Complications 

It’s possible that you were born with a jaw problem. You may, for example, have a naturally crooked jaw. A “faulty jaw” is another term for this condition. Specialists, such as an orthodontist, can help fix crooked jaw, and oral surgeons can surgically attend to the problem or help manage it with supportive care and lifestyle adjustments.

Teeth Alignment

Teeth misalignment could be the cause of an uneven jaw. Your teeth may be preventing your jaw from settling into its proper position. Problems with uneven tooth alignment, even with primary teeth, can lead to problems with your permanent teeth. Correcting this is easy with dental braces or retainers. The results could take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to appear. It may take longer in severe cases.

TMJ Problems

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease) is a relatively frequent problem. We can associate TMJ with trauma or arthritis. However, the symptoms can appear without a clear cause in other cases.

TMJ treatment could look like any of the following:

• To relieve pain and inflammation, apply ice to your jaw.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, which are both over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil).
• Strenuous jaw motions should be constantly avoided by patients who suffer from TMD.
• Wear an orthopedic dental device to realign your jaw and elevate your bite.
• TMJ exercises might help to relieve pain and enhance jaw movement.
• To relax your jaw, manage and reduce tension.

Symptoms of a Bad Bite

Now that you know the importance of having an aligned bite, and the causes of jaw misalignment, you are ready to learn some of the common symptoms of a misaligned bite.

Any deviation from a normal bite is a sign of malocclusion. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience with a bad bite:

• Your teeth are improperly aligned. This is formally known as tooth misalignment.
• Regularly biting your tongue and inner cheeks.
• Difficulty biting down on food without doing damage to your teeth.
• Problems with your speech.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• An awkward appearance to your smile.

Reasons Why a Jaw Adjustment Is Necessary

Malaligned teeth can result in a lot of bad consequences for you.

Teeth that protrude, for example, are at an increased risk of chipping, and an overbite or underbite can wear away the enamel on your teeth or possibly cause a tooth fracture. Furthermore, a high-set dental crown or filling might result in an uneven bite, which can lead to tooth pain, hypersensitivity, and migraines.

Finally, when you bite, one or more teeth touch down before the others, putting extra pressure on those teeth. This increased pressure can cause soreness and severe inflammation around the tooth’s root.

Below are five reasons you should have your malocclusion corrected as soon as possible. 

1. An incorrect bite puts you at risk of overworking your jaw and developing TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), a painful condition that makes talking and chewing difficult.
2. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria thrive in additional pockets created by misaligned teeth. Cavities and gum disease might result as a result of this. Gum disease can cause uncomfortable, bleeding, inflammatory gums, as well as oral infections and tooth loss in severe situations.
3. A bad bite wears down the enamel on your teeth’s crowns and overstresses them, causing them to become uncomfortable or even loose. Teeth may crack as a result of it. Even mild cases result in teeth that are too sensitive to heat, cold, and specific foods.
4. If left untreated, malocclusion can cause chronic migraine headaches or pain in other areas of your body, such as your jaw and neck.
5.  A “poor bite” can cause dentures to wear on your alveolar ridge, causing ulcers and eventually causing your dentures to no longer fit properly. A poor bite can potentially harm bridges, dental crowns, and other dental equipment in your mouth.

Common Orthodontic problems

Dental issues or malocclusions are more common than you might think. Some of the most common issues we see at Sturbridge Orthodontics include

Crossbite

When biting down, your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth. The front outer layer of your upper teeth will grind against the inner layer of your lower teeth as you bite down, producing wear and tear.

Overbite 

Occurs when your top teeth protrude too far from your bottom teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease might result as a result of this.

Underbite

When biting down, the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw; thus your lower teeth are in front of your upper teeth. This might put a lot of strain on your jaw joints.

Deep Bite 

When your upper front teeth cover the bottom teeth too much because your bite is closed. This means that your upper teeth may irritate your gums by biting into them.

Dental Crowding

One of the most prevalent orthodontic issues is crowded teeth. Crowding occurs when the jaws do not have enough room to accommodate all teeth. Aside from feeling self-conscious about their smiles, people with crowded teeth may experience uneven wear and tear and gum problems, as overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean than straight teeth.

Tooth Gaps or Diastema

Spaces between teeth, often known as gaps, can occur anywhere in the mouth. There are a variety of reasons for mouth spacing. Some issues, such as a mismatch between a patient’s jaw bone and the size of their teeth, could be the result of genetics. It’s also possible that one or more teeth are missing or excessively tiny, causing the adjoining teeth to shift, causing a space.

How to Fix Your Bite

As you can see, there are many types of dental issues but don’t worry; your Sturbridge Orthodontist has the perfect solutions for all dental problems. At Sturbridge Orthodontics we offer:

Damon® Braces

Self-ligating brackets reduce friction, allowing for faster tooth movement and allowing patients to go longer between orthodontic appointments. Damon® braces also use lesser forces, making modifications more comfortable and your teeth less painful afterward.

Another advantage of self-ligating brackets is that they help with dental hygiene. Plaque magnets are the o-rings utilized in traditional treatment. Damon® braces make dental hygiene a breeze throughout the treatment process.

Invisalign Clear Aligner Trays

Invisalign is a system of clear braces that cover your teeth and gradually move them into the right position. They are less obvious than typical metal braces because they are clear, and you could take them off at will.

Surgery for Uneven Jaws

Surgical correction of your jaw position could be ultimately required to fix your jaw problems. The type of surgery you receive will be determined by the underlying reason for your jaw misalignment. Some of the common types of jaw surgery are:

Maxillary Osteotomy

Maxillary osteotomy is a surgical procedure that removes the upper jaw bone.

This is an upper jaw surgery that can help to repair open or crossbite. The lower jaw and teeth remain aligned with the upper jaw and teeth by moving the upper jaw and teeth forward.

Osteotomy of the Mandible

Overbite and a projecting lower jaw can both be a thing of the past with this procedure. To relocate the lower jaw forward or backward, your surgeon makes a cut in the rear of your mouth.

Genioplasty

A chin that is too tiny or crooked can be fixed by genioplasty. The jaw and chin are remodeled by severing the chin bone in the front of the jaw.

Wiring of the Jaw

Jaw wiring is used to support a fractured or broken jaw or to put it in a specific posture.

No matter what issue keeps you from achieving a straight, healthy, and beautiful smile, the Drs and staff at Sturbridge Orthodontics have the perfect treatment for you. Schedule your FREE initial consultation with us today, and take the first step towards the smile you deserve.

The Invisalign brand of orthodontic aligners has become as common a household name as Kleenex and Netflix. But aside from the name and the general concept, what do you know about this modern alternative to traditional braces? One popular Sturbridge orthodontist has created these 10-point Invisalign facts to provide more insight into the world of Invisalign in Sturbridge.

1. The customized Invisalign aligners are removable but must be worn for at least 22 hours each day in order to be effective.
2. You must remember to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners in after a meal or snack.
3. Talk to your orthodontist about setting realistic expectations for the final result. You can view virtual images of how your smile will look before starting Invisalign in Sturbridge. Just ask your orthodontist!
4. Moving your teeth with Invisalign aligners is not typically painful or uncomfortable as compared to conventional braces.
5. Invisalign cannot resolve every orthodontic condition. The orthodontist can evaluate your bite and jaw function to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
6. Watch out for staining! Foods and beverages with deep pigments, such as teas, coffees, tomato-based foods, and red wines, can stain your teeth as well as your clear aligners.
7. Clean your aligners properly. You should avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners and opt for less abrasive cleansers such as plain water or an orthodontist-approved cleaning product. Incorrect cleaning could result in damage to your aligners.
8. Invisalign could help to break your bad snacking habits. Is that cookie worth the extra work of removing your aligners, brushing, and putting them back in? Many Invisalign users tend to snack less and eat healthier.
9. The aligners are practically invisible! It isn’t a gimmick. Many adults love the idea of straightening their teeth in such a discreet manner.
10. Choose a qualified and experienced Sturbridge orthodontist for a healthy and attractive outcome.

For more answers to your Invisalign questions, call to schedule a consultation today.

The Hidden Health Risks of Crooked Teeth

Crooked or poorly aligned teeth can threaten the health of any child or adult. That’s why, the way that the teeth fit together is more than a cosmetic issue, and without treatment, the problems can eventually harm your overall health. One top orthodontist in Sturbridge shines a light on the hidden health risks that are associated with some very common orthodontic problems:

Crowding- promotes the accumulation of plaque and tartar, contributing to progressive periodontal disease.

Spacing and gaps- encourages food impaction between the teeth, which irritates the gums and promotes gum disease.

Deep bite- the edges of the lower teeth can press into the roof of the mouth, traumatizing the soft tissue and leading to the premature wear of the permanent teeth.

Crossbite- causes the teeth to chip or wear down prematurely, while also leading to notches along the gum line, receding gums, and bone loss.

Excessive overjet- protruding front teeth are more vulnerable to chips, fractures, and accidental trauma.

Edge-to-edge bite- leads to rapid wear and erosion of the front teeth, causing the teeth to appear shorter and subjecting the jaw joint to severe, chronic stress.

Open bite- When the front teeth do not come together, the back teeth are subjected to excessive biting forces and stress. The front teeth become more vulnerable to tartar accumulation. Also, chronic dry mouth and speech problems are likely to be of concern.

There is an even greater health risk:

The problems associated with an unbalanced or misaligned bite can become quite severe when they are left unaddressed. Preventable problems such as periodontal disease and premature wear can eventually result in tooth loss. Even worse, periodontal disease increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or hardened arteries.

Parents can prevent or reduce the risks of these health problems by ensuring that their children are evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7, with annual visits for monitoring each year thereafter. To schedule your child’s appointment with a Sturbridge orthodontist, call today.

As a musician with a long-time passion for 1980s rock, Dr. Sabelis isn’t just the most unique orthodontist in Sturbridge—he might also be among the smartest. That’s because he understands that music isn’t just about cool sounds, studies show that music also offers some pretty incredible dental health benefits as well. If you are about to get braces or are somewhere in the middle of the process, it’s possible that you could improve the outcome of your treatment by embracing the sweet sound of music.

Your Brain and Body’s Response to Music

Music doesn’t just go in one ear and out the other—it influences your brain and has some surprisingly positive effects on your body, too. There are receptors in the brain that respond to the musical soundwaves which travel through the air and into the ears. As the brain interprets these sounds, we enjoy a number of valuable benefits, and many of these are related to our oral health—especially when we have braces:

• Music improves our language skills, creativity, and happiness.
• Music decreases anxiety.
• Music speeds healing.
• Music increases optimism.
• Music helps to control and decrease pain.
• Music has been found to help in the management of autism, Tourette’s syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and anxiety disorders.
• Music encourages the body to release serotonin (the hormone that makes us feel happy!)
• Music helps to improve the quality of sleep and mediation.

What does this have to do with braces and orthodontics?

Getting braces isn’t always easy, but the orthodontist makes every effort to provide you with a positive experience and a healthy outcome. Adding more music to your life, both in the orthodontist’s office and at home, can actually enhance your experience and improve your health. You can use music to get yourself in a good mood before your orthodontic appointment, keep yourself calm and relaxed during your appointment, and help your body to heal faster after your treatment.

There’s at least one orthodontist in Sturbridge who believes in the power of music. Find out more by calling to schedule an appointment today.

It’s normal to interview a prospective orthodontist before you make the decision to get braces or Invisalign. Asking questions and getting to know the orthodontist is the best way for you to find the orthodontic office that will be the best fit for you. After all, once you get started, you could be visiting the same Sturbridge orthodontic office for many years.  But, your questions shouldn’t end after the initial consultation. Asking questions throughout your treatment will help you to learn more about your health and keep you engaged in your orthodontic progress. Ask your orthodontist these 5 questions during your next visit:

1. Are you comfortable with my progress? Even if you haven’t seen a huge change in your smile since your last visit, your orthodontist has a strategic plan for your smile, and he’s got a timeline in mind as to how things should be moving along. To understand more about your orthodontist’s strategic plan for your smile, ask how he feels about your progress.
2. What can I do between appointments to help? What you do between your orthodontic appointments can either help or hinder your progress. Make sure you are doing all that you can to help (and find out if you’re doing anything that is slowing you down).
3. How is my oral hygiene? Poor oral hygiene can hinder your progress and harm your health. Ask the orthodontist and assistants if there are any areas that you might not be cleaning well enough.
4. What oral health products should I be using? The right products will keep you healthier and more comfortable. Find out if you should be using extra fluoride, special rinses, or electric toothbrushes during your normal routine.
5. Is there anything that my general dentist needs to know? You should continue to see your general dentist during your orthodontic process. Ask if your orthodontist has noticed any issues that should be brought to your dentist’s attention. Keep the lines of communication open if you want to receive the very best care.

To speak with an orthodontist in Sturbridge who’ll be glad to answer your questions, call to schedule your appointment today.

You might think that orthodontists only care about one thing– straight teeth. While orthodontists are certainly concerned about straightening your teeth, their primary passion is to promote healthy teeth. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can challenge you significantly as you try to keep your teeth and gums healthy, so top orthodontists in Sturbridge recommend these 4 tips to keep you on track:

Invest in a power toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have come a long way in the last decade. Today’s power brushes can polish the teeth, reach further under the gums, and get into the crevices of most orthodontic appliances. It is possible to do a thorough job with a manual brush, but power toothbrushes can take the guesswork out of the process.

Rinse well and rinse often. Loosely attached plaque and food particles are notorious for causing bad breath and staining. If this residue is allowed to remain on the teeth and braces for too long, then the risk for cavities and gum diseases begins to rise considerably. Flushing the mouth out with water or mouthwash can help to keep you cleaner and healthier throughout the day.

Choose the right foods. A healthy diet is essential to good oral health, but when you have braces, your food choices become even more crucial. Sugary foods and drinks, sticky foods, and carbohydrates can create an acidic environment within the mouth, making the teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. Even after you brush, your orthodontic appliances can make it difficult to reach some areas. Opting for fruits, vegetables, and water will make the cleaning process less challenging.

Keep your dentist nearby. Your routine dental checkups are more important than ever during the orthodontic process. Maintain a normal schedule with your general dentist and make sure that there is clear communication between the general and orthodontic offices.

For other oral health tips from the top orthodontists in Sturbridge, call to schedule your appointment today.