Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats, prevents, and diagnoses various dental problems. Orthodontics can help correct some of these issues by using either fixed or removable appliances.

Fixed orthodontic appliances must be bonded to the teeth. Removable appliances are different from fixed appliances because they can be taken out of your mouth. Removable appliances are often preferred because orthodontic care often involves multiple phases of treatment. There are several types of removable and fixed appliances available to those who are considering a specific treatment option.

Spark Aligners™

One of the most popular options is Spark Aligners™. This is a great choice for those who wish to straighten their teeth discreetly. Spark Aligners™ allow you to straighten your teeth without the use of fixed braces.

Our orthodontic office uses several removable aligners, so you won’t be forced to wear brackets and metal wires. Treatment with Spark Aligners™ can last up to 15 months, and you’ll need to use a series of aligners to achieve the desired results. New aligners are usually needed every two weeks. For example, Spark Aligners™ are easier to remove than fixed braces, so you can remove them while eating and drinking.

Retainers

After you have completed your treatment program, you will still need to wear retainers. Retainers are crucial for maintaining your teeth’s alignment after treatment ends.

The benefits of wearing retainers are much greater than they are perceived to be, and without them, your teeth could shift back into their original position. The use of retainers should be continued into adulthood by adolescents. Adults should wear retainers indefinitely.

Night Guard

Patients with bruxism, or teeth grinding, can wear night guards to protect their teeth when they sleep. Grinding can result in jaw trauma and teeth can begin to wear away. Patients who grind their teeth excessively should wear a nightguard to prevent future complications. 

Mouthguards

It is very important to protect your teeth with a mouthguard. Athletes commonly use them to protect their teeth from receiving damaging blows or being knocked out. Any forceful impact can cause serious damage to the teeth without a mouthguard.

Space Maintainers

Orthodontic appliances such as these are common for kids with premature tooth loss. By wearing space maintainers, your child can prevent their baby teeth from moving into an area where their permanent teeth will develop and grow.

When a child loses a tooth prematurely, the teeth that remain are likely to change position and block the area where permanent teeth should erupt. As a result, the upper and lower sets of teeth may become misaligned.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that widens the upper jaw. It increases the size of the bone to accommodate all permanent teeth, as well as to fix imbalances between the upper and lower jaws so that the teeth are properly aligned. In addition to addressing functional issues, a palate expander can also create a broader, more aesthetic smile.

Orthodontic appliances serve many purposes and are used to treat certain jaw and alignment issues. A patient’s unique orthodontic needs determine the type of appliance required. Please contact Caples & Robinson Orthodontics of Monroe to schedule a consultation appointment.

When you were a kid, braces were the coolest! It’s still the same now.

It’s never too late to improve your confidence and self-esteem by correcting any issues with your bite or the alignment of your teeth. Adults often seek orthodontic treatment for problems that extend beyond cosmetic concerns. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about changing your smile for aesthetic reasons or to fix long-standing bite and jaw alignment issues, specialized orthodontic treatment can give you a smile that looks and feels great!

With recent advancements in orthodontic treatment, there are more options available to adults. These treatments are effective, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist will discuss which options best suit your lifestyle, needs, and goals.

Conventional metal braces

Even though the thought of metal braces as an adult may not appeal to everyone, conventional braces for adults provide exceptional treatment outcomes and may be the best option for specific types of orthodontic concerns. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before, and more and more adults choose traditional metal braces because of their fast results.

Ceramic braces

For adults who desire the benefits of traditional braces but wish to receive treatment more discreetly, ceramic braces are also a popular option. With ceramic braces, metal braces are replaced with tooth-colored composite brackets, which mimic your natural tooth color. Ceramic braces are susceptible to staining just like your natural teeth are, so you must clean them thoroughly.

Spark Aligners™

Treatment with Spark clear aligners, the most popular option for adults, uses a 3D image of your teeth to create a series of custom-fit trays that gradually shift your teeth and jaw to the desired position. The most discreet form of orthodontic treatment could be the perfect solution if you’re concerned about the visibility of your orthodontic appliances.

In what ways does orthodontic treatment differ for adults?

As with children and teens, orthodontic treatment for adults involves gently pushing teeth into their desired positions over time using their orthodontic devices. In adults, however, teeth and jawbones are no longer developing, so treatment may take longer than it does for younger patients with less bone density.

Smoking, tongue thrusting when swallowing, and clenching or grinding your teeth can also affect the length and outcome of adult orthodontic treatment. For severe cases, your orthodontist may need to consult your dentist or enlist the help of a specialist.

Why should adults consider orthodontic treatment?

Is there value in having a confident, healthy smile in your everyday life, at special events like weddings, or in your career?

Through specialized orthodontic treatment with braces or Spark clear aligners, individuals can achieve an improved smile that will improve their quality of life and psychological well-being. Researchers have shown that healthy, straight smiles inspire confidence and self-esteem in relationships, social settings, business, and your career and that individuals who are embarrassed by crowded or crooked teeth don’t smile as much as those with perfect teeth.

The result of a bad bite, known as malocclusion, can cause abnormal jaw pain and pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, difficulty chewing, and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel. In addition, you may experience headaches, migraines, and pain in your jaw. These problems are alleviated with skilled orthodontic treatment, which eliminates the tension that causes pain.

Additionally, orthodontic treatment may be able to improve your ability to chew and speak, as well as help with sleep apnea. Straight teeth and proper jaw alignment are essential to your overall health and well-being.

By investing in orthodontic treatment, you can drastically reduce the amount of money you’ll spend on dental and health care throughout your lifetime. You’ll get to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable bite, avoid lifelong pain, and smile with confidence.

How will braces change my appearance?

Braces typically affect facial structure less in adults than in teens who are still growing, although you will notice a more balanced appearance after treatment. The greater the imbalance at the start, the greater the result will be. Rest assured, you will still look like yourself!

When planning your treatment, it’s vital to work with a highly qualified orthodontist. The specialized expertise and precision of our Monroe LA orthodontist will ensure that you get both aesthetic and functional benefits. Contact Caples & Robinson Orthodontics of Monroe today to schedule a consultation appointment.

When your child needs braces, you’ll discover there are many different ways orthodontists can make sure your child has the perfect smile. A two-phase treatment encourages gradual changes that correspond with a child’s different growth phases. As a result of early intervention, this treatment method can help reduce the need for invasive corrections, such as extractions of adult teeth.

Age plays a significant role in determining your child’s eligibility for two-phase orthodontic treatment. The majority of children who need early orthodontic care will need to be referred to an orthodontist around age seven or eight to assess their treatment options. When it comes to braces for kids, their rate of growth can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of the treatment. 

With two stages of treatment, an orthodontist can use noninvasive devices to promote healthy jawbone growth before fitting braces. The process allows for earlier treatment of problems identified during dental exams.

Phase 1

During this first stage, your child will receive any care that is needed to properly prepare the teeth and jaw for braces. To support proper jaw growth, your orthodontist will determine the best approach. The goal of this phase is to ensure the upper and lower jaws grow large enough to accommodate the permanent teeth. Additionally, the first stage of treatment centers around eliminating issues that could affect your child’s bite, tooth spacing, and overall dental health. For example, a palatal crib can be used to prevent your child from developing an abnormal bite from thumb sucking, which may still happen at a young age.

Using proven dental appliances, your orthodontist can intervene in developing bite issues. In some cases, your child may need palatal expanders to correct bite issues by widening the upper jaw. An orthodontist can adjust the upper jaw width correctly by using these adjustable expanders based on your child’s growth. Patients with underdeveloped jaws and crowded teeth are often treated with palatal expanders in phase 1. Other indications for phase 1 treatment are less common and should be evaluated by an expert.

Your child may need to wear a retainer to maintain his or her results after completing the first phase of treatment.

Phase 2

Phase two begins once your child’s adult teeth have fully erupted. As part of phase two, orthodontists adjust the spacing between teeth. To achieve this goal, braces are usually placed on the upper and lower teeth to facilitate their gradual movement into the correct position. Depending on your child’s orthodontic treatment goals, braces may need to be on their teeth for up to 24 months. 

As your child’s braces or aligners move teeth into their correct positions, they will periodically need to be adjusted. We will arrange regular adjustment appointments for your child to ensure treatment progress. During this phase, please make sure that your child is properly caring for their braces. Many children need to wear retainers to keep their teeth in their new positions after braces are removed. Depending on your child’s needs, it may be necessary to wear the retainer around the clock or only at night.

Two-phase orthodontics gently corrects your child’s bite and tooth spacing issues. Your child will feel less discomfort during and after an orthodontic adjustment if there are gradual shifts in tooth placement and jaw width. As a result, the patient experience improves across the board, which leads to your child remaining focused and enthusiastic about the outcome.

We want your child’s experience with braces to be positive. To schedule an appointment, please contact Caples & Robinson Orthodontics of Monroe today.

Keeping your teeth straight is crucial in the period following the removal of your braces. Maintaining the smile you have worked so hard for is best achieved with a retainer worn as directed by our team. Wearing your retainer may help keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. What can happen if you do not wear a retainer after braces treatment? Learn more in the following paragraphs.

Within one week.

Once your braces are removed, your teeth will move back into their original positions. There are different rates of tooth movement, and even slight shifts in your teeth can affect how your retainer functions. It is essential to wear your retainer at night during the first week to prevent any relapses. 

A month later.

When you don’t wear your retainer for one month, you may find your bite has changed, and your teeth have begun to move back into their previous alignment. A second appointment will need to be scheduled to get you fitted for another retainer at this point. Additionally, you may be required to wear your retainer during the daytime and at night. 

One year later.

If you skip a retainer, your teeth will have returned to their original position, and maybe even be crooked after one year. You might need to restart your orthodontic treatment. You can prevent this from happening if you wear your retainer as instructed. 

Wearing a retainer after removing your braces can help keep your teeth straight. If you stop wearing your retainer, the smile you worked hard to achieve will disappear. In the long run, you will see that it is worth the effort to get into the habit of wearing a retainer.

If you want more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Caples & Robinson Orthodontics of Monroe.

If you have uneven teeth, you may be considering orthodontic options to improve your smile. Straightening your teeth can do more than just boost your confidence. It is important to consult with an orthodontist if your teeth are not aligned properly. 

People often fail to realize how the health of their mouths affects the health of their bodies overall. Poor oral health puts you at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, illnesses, miscarriages, and more. Having misaligned teeth makes it harder to take care of your mouth properly, increasing your risk of oral health problems. The following are some of the most common problems caused by misaligned teeth: Contact our office today if any of these symptoms affect you.

Gum disease

In comparison to straight teeth, it is harder to keep uneven teeth clean. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you are more likely to get gum disease. In many adults, plaque buildup can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. When your gums are swollen or inflamed, bacteria may be released into your bloodstream, which can cause inflammation and increase your risk of strokes, heart attacks, etc.

Make sure you see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations and maintain good oral hygiene. 

Jaw discomfort/TMD TMJ

If you have misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite, your chances of developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) may be increased. Even though most TMD cases are caused by teeth grinding and clenching, a misaligned bite can also contribute to the condition. In addition to jaw pain and discomfort, TMD can also cause headaches and other symptoms such as clicking sounds while chewing. 

You may need TMD treatment if you have been experiencing jaw pain. An orthodontist can help determine if this condition requires treatment. By correcting a misaligned bite, TMD patients can experience less pain.

Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is a complex and thin coating covering the surface of the tooth that prevents it from being chipped or worn away. Grinding your teeth is a common cause of enamel loss, but various environmental factors contribute as well. Simple actions such as speaking and chewing can grind your teeth together if they are uneven and your bite isn’t aligned correctly. Eventually, this will wear away your teeth’s enamel, making them appear discolored, more sensitive, and more likely to crack and chip. The enamel of your teeth can be protected at home in many ways, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessively acidic and sugary foods, and brushing and flossing as directed by your dentist. The alignment of your teeth may limit your ability to prevent enamel erosion on your own.

Orthodontists can help you improve the alignment of your teeth and smile. Please contact our orthodontics office to find out whether orthodontic treatment is right for you.

Are you going days, or even weeks, without cleaning your retainer? A retainer has the same bacteria as your mouth and, if not cleaned daily, is almost equivalent to not brushing your teeth for weeks. You accumulate bacteria throughout the day, which can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and cavities. If you want to practice good oral hygiene, your orthodontist recommends following these tips.

Clean your retainer with toothpaste.

You should brush your retainer at night when you brush your teeth. Once it becomes a habit, brushing it won’t seem like an extra step. To achieve the best results, use non-whitening toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Maintaining the integrity of your retainer acrylic is essential through the use of soft toothbrushes and the avoidance of abrasive toothpaste, as repeated scrubbing can cause it to scratch, allowing bacteria to grow. 

It is not enough to just wash it with water.

A simple wash with water won’t get rid of bacteria. Bacteria can be reduced by using water throughout the day, but distilled white vinegar is the best solution. Combine one part vinegar with three parts water in a cup. Soak your retainer for approximately 15 minutes, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush.

Use baking soda.

Aside from whitening retainers, baking soda restores the pH balance in retainers. A paste can be made by mixing half baking soda and half water. When applied to the toothbrush, it will be similar to a light toothpaste. Gently brush your retainer to ensure it is clean. 

Quick mouthwash soaks

In most cases, orthodontists do not recommend mouthwash as a primary way to clean your retainer. However, you can give it a quick soak to kill bacteria and freshen its smell. Mix equal parts of mouthwash and lukewarm water. Alcohol can damage acrylic, so make sure the mouthwash is alcohol-free.

A retainer cleaner bought at the store is an option.

If you decide to use a cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. Stores sell cleaners specifically designed for cleaning retainers. Your orthodontist can recommend a cleaner, and you should follow the directions on the packaging.

By keeping your retainer clean, you are maintaining your oral health. Maintaining your retainer using the methods we have discussed above will help you avoid potential health problems caused by bacteria. Consult your orthodontist about which cleaning option would be best for you. We invite you to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist today.