Orthodontics & Invisalign Treatment AT MONASHEE DENTAL CENTRE
A good impression is made in seconds and a great smile makes all the difference. At Monashee Dental Centre, our orthodontics services diagnose, prevent, and treat the following dental irregularities:
We like to evaluate our younger patients by the age of seven so we can provide treatment that might reduce or eliminate the need for braces later.
Early intervention can provide the following:
Orthodontics can prevent premature teeth loss, speech impairment, stress or trauma to the teeth, headaches, facial or neck pain, or even bone damage. The benefits can include healthier teeth and gums, more confidence, a broader smile, enhanced facial features and clearer speech.
People of all ages want to straighten their teeth to look more attractive, be healthier or have a better bite. We are noticing that about half of our patients who are getting orthodontics treatments are adults.
Through x rays, a clinical exam and other evaluation methods, we will determine the best course of treatment for you or your child.
If you have any questions about how we can straighten your teeth, please ask us or call for an appointment.
Invisalign
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. Learn more about Invisalign® today by clicking here and ask us about Invisalign® as a treatment option for you.
Emergencies
At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isn’t uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it’s comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.
If you think you may have an emergency, however, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem: Is it an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, or a minor problem that you can take care of yourself, temporarily, until you can come in to our office?
A Major Emergency
There are only a few true orthodontic emergencies. They include:
- Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth
- Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face
- Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas
In any of these situations, you should seek help as soon as possible, either to your regular dentist or go to an emergency room, if that’s your best option.
Orthodontics - Some Minor Troubles
Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. Here are a few of the more common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home:
Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands or Wires
This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy or food, or playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don’t connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!
Misplaced or Poking Archwire, Bracket or Tie
As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire won’t move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol. Often, you can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that’s causing problems.
When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these types of problems, call our office and we’ll schedule a time to see you.
General Tooth Pain or Loosening
It’s normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment — that shows they’re moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse may also help: A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.