Why You Need to Wear Your Elastics in Orthodontic Treatment

 Why You Need to Wear Your Elastics in Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re going through orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist might have given you tiny rubber bands, called elastics, to wear with your braces. These elastics are a small but powerful part of your treatment, and wearing them as instructed is super important for getting the best results. Let’s dive into why these little rubber bands matter so much and how they help your teeth and bite get into perfect alignment.

What Are Elastics?

Elastics are small rubber bands that are often used with braces to help move your teeth and jaw into the right position. Unlike the bands that are attached to your braces to hold the wire in place, these elastics are connected to tiny hooks on your brackets and can be easily taken on and off. They come in different sizes, colors, and strengths, depending on what your orthodontist needs to achieve with your treatment.

Why Are Elastics Important?

1. Aligning Your Bite: One of the main reasons elastics are used is to correct the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, which is known as your bite. If your bite isn’t aligned properly, it can cause problems like difficulty chewing, jaw pain, or even speaking issues. Elastics help by applying gentle, constant pressure to your teeth and jaw, guiding them into the correct positions over time.

2. Speeding Up Your Treatment: Wearing your elastics as directed can actually help shorten the overall time you need to wear braces. Because elastics provide continuous pressure, they help move your teeth and jaw more efficiently. This means that if you wear them consistently, you could finish your treatment sooner than expected. On the other hand, not wearing your elastics could make your treatment take longer than necessary.

3. Achieving the Best Results: Your orthodontist has a plan for how your teeth and bite should look at the end of your treatment. Elastics play a crucial role in making that plan a reality. By following your orthodontist’s instructions and wearing your elastics, you’re helping ensure that you end up with the best possible results: a healthy, well-aligned smile that will last a lifetime.

How to Wear Your Elastics

1. Follow Instructions: Your orthodontist will tell you exactly how to wear your elastics, including where to place them and how often to change them. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist to show you how to put them on again.

2. Consistency is Key: To get the best results, you should wear your elastics for the recommended amount of time each day, usually 24 hours, except when eating or brushing your teeth. If you take them out for too long, your teeth can shift back, slowing down your progress.

3. Replace Them Regularly: Elastics can lose their strength over time, so it’s important to replace them regularly, usually at least once a day. Always carry extra elastics with you so you can replace them if one breaks or if you need to take them out for any reason.

What Happens if You Don’t Wear Your Elastics?

If you don’t wear your elastics as directed, your treatment could take longer, and you might not get the results you’re hoping for. Your teeth and bite might not move into the correct positions, which could mean you’ll need to wear your braces longer or even require additional treatment later on. Wearing your elastics as instructed is the best way to make sure your orthodontic treatment is successful.

Conclusion

Elastics might seem like a small part of your orthodontic treatment, but they play a big role in helping you achieve a perfect smile. By wearing your elastics consistently and following your orthodontist’s instructions, you’re taking an important step toward having a healthy, well-aligned bite and beautiful teeth. Remember, the more you wear your elastics, the sooner you’ll be able to see your amazing new smile!

Why Retainers Are Important After Orthodontic Treatment

Why Retainers Are Important After Orthodontic Treatment

Congratulations! You’ve finally finished your orthodontic treatment, and your teeth look amazing. But your journey to a perfect smile isn’t quite over yet. After your braces or aligners come off, your orthodontist will give you a retainer to wear. While it might be tempting to skip wearing it, your retainer is just as important as the braces you wore to get your teeth straight in the first place. Let’s explore why retainers are so important and how they help keep your smile looking great.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made device designed to keep your teeth in their new, straight positions after orthodontic treatment. There are different types of retainers:

1. Removable Retainers: These are made of plastic and wire or clear plastic. You can take them out when you eat, brush your teeth, or for special occasions.

2. Fixed Retainers: Also called bonded retainers, these are wires that are permanently attached to the back of your teeth. They can’t be removed, so they stay in place all the time.

Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?

1. Preventing Teeth from Shifting: Even though your teeth are straight now, they have a tendency to move back to their original positions. This is because the tissues and bones around your teeth need time to adjust to the new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth could slowly start to shift back, undoing all the hard work your braces or aligners did. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions while your mouth adjusts.

2. Maintaining Your Bite: Your orthodontic treatment wasn’t just about making your teeth look nice; it also helped improve your bite, which is how your upper and lower teeth come together. A properly aligned bite makes it easier to chew, speak, and even breathe. Wearing a retainer ensures that your bite stays aligned, preventing any issues that could affect your overall dental health.

3. Keeping Your Smile Beautiful: After all the time, effort, and possibly discomfort you went through to get your teeth straight, you’ll want to keep them looking great. A retainer is like the final step in your orthodontic journey. By wearing it as instructed, you’ll keep your smile looking beautiful for years to come.

How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?

The length of time you need to wear a retainer depends on your specific case. Most people start by wearing their retainer full-time (except when eating or brushing) for a few months to a year after their braces are removed. After that, your orthodontist might let you switch to wearing it only at night. But keep in mind that some people need to wear their retainer at night for many years, or even for life, to keep their teeth from shifting.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Retainer

1. Clean It Regularly: Just like your teeth, your retainer needs to be kept clean. If you have a removable retainer, brush it gently with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, or soak it in a retainer cleaning solution. If you have a fixed retainer, be sure to brush and floss around it carefully to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

2. Don’t Lose It: Removable retainers can be easy to misplace, so always keep it in its case when you’re not wearing it. And remember, pets love to chew on retainers, so keep yours out of reach!

3. Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions: Your orthodontist knows what’s best for your teeth, so follow their advice on when and how to wear your retainer.

Conclusion

Wearing a retainer might seem like a small task, but it’s a crucial part of maintaining your newly straightened teeth. By wearing your retainer as instructed, you’re protecting your investment in a healthy, beautiful smile. Remember, your retainer is your best friend when it comes to keeping your teeth in their perfect new positions!

Understanding TMD: Causes and Treatments

 Understanding TMD: Causes and Treatments

Have you ever heard of TMD? It stands for temporomandibular disorder, which is a condition that affects your jaw and the muscles around it. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to talk, chew, yawn, and move your mouth in different ways. When something goes wrong with this joint, it can cause discomfort or pain. Let’s dive into what causes TMD and how it can be treated.

What Causes TMD?

TMD can happen for several reasons, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why someone develops it. Here are some common causes:

1. Jaw Injury: If you’ve ever been hit in the jaw or had an accident that affected your face, this can damage the TMJ or the muscles around it. Even if the injury happened a while ago, it can still lead to TMD later on.

2. Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Some people grind their teeth or clench their jaws, especially when they’re stressed or while they’re sleeping. This puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ, which can lead to pain and stiffness.

3. Arthritis: Just like other joints in your body, the TMJ can develop arthritis, which is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Arthritis in the TMJ can make it difficult to move your jaw smoothly.

4. Jaw Misalignment: If your upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly, this can cause strain on the TMJ. When your bite is off, the joint has to work harder to move your jaw, leading to discomfort.

5. Stress: Believe it or not, stress can play a big role in TMD. When you’re stressed, you might unknowingly tighten your jaw muscles or grind your teeth, both of which can contribute to TMD.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

If you have TMD, you might notice some of these symptoms:

• Jaw Pain: This is the most common symptom. You might feel pain around your jaw, ears, or even your neck.

• Clicking or Popping Sounds: When you open or close your mouth, you might hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds. This can be a sign that your TMJ isn’t moving smoothly.

• Difficulty Moving Your Jaw: You might find it hard to open your mouth wide or close it completely. In some cases, your jaw might even get stuck in one position.

• Headaches: TMD can sometimes cause headaches or make existing headaches worse.

How is TMD Treated?

The good news is that TMD is treatable. There are several ways to manage and relieve the symptoms:

1. Home Care: Sometimes, simple home remedies can help. Applying ice or heat to the jaw, eating soft foods, and avoiding chewing gum can reduce stress on the TMJ. Gentle jaw exercises can also help improve movement.

2. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, doctors might prescribe stronger medications or muscle relaxants.

3. Mouthguards or Splints: If teeth grinding or clenching is causing TMD, wearing a mouthguard while you sleep can protect your teeth and reduce pressure on the TMJ.

4. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles and improve your jaw’s range of motion. They might also use techniques like ultrasound or massage to relieve pain.

5. Stress Management: Since stress can worsen TMD, finding ways to manage stress, like practicing relaxation techniques or talking to a counselor, can be very helpful.

6. Surgery: In rare cases, when other treatments don’t work, surgery might be needed to correct the problem in the TMJ. This is usually considered a last resort.

Conclusion

TMD might be uncomfortable, but it’s a condition that can be managed with the right care. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take steps to protect your jaw and find relief from any pain or discomfort. If you think you might have TMD, it’s important to talk to a doctor or dentist to get the proper treatment. Taking care of your TMJ will help you keep smiling, talking, and eating comfortably for years to come!

Why Extractions Are Sometimes Needed in Orthodontic Treatment

Why Extractions Are Sometimes Needed in Orthodontic Treatment 

When you think about getting braces or other orthodontic treatment, the idea of having teeth pulled, or "extracted," might sound a little scary. But don't worry! Extractions are sometimes necessary to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Let's dive into why this might be the case. 

What is Orthodontic Treatment? Orthodontic treatment is a way to straighten your teeth, fix bite issues, and improve the overall health of your mouth. Braces, retainers, and aligners are some common tools orthodontists use to do this. The goal is to make sure your teeth are properly aligned, so they work well and look great.

Why Would Teeth Need to Be Pulled? Crowding of Teeth: One of the main reasons an orthodontist might recommend extractions is because of crowding. This happens when there isn't enough room in your mouth for all of your teeth to fit comfortably. When teeth are crowded, they can overlap, twist, or even push other teeth out of place. This makes it harder to clean your teeth properly and can lead to cavities or gum disease. If your mouth is too small for all your teeth, the orthodontist might decide to remove one or more teeth. This gives the remaining teeth the space they need to move into the correct positions. 

Improving Your Bite: Your bite is how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Sometimes, the way your teeth line up can cause problems. For example, if your upper teeth stick out too much (called an overbite) or if your lower teeth stick out too far (an underbite), it can affect the way you chew, speak, and even breathe. In some cases, removing teeth can help fix these bite problems. By creating more space, your orthodontist can move your teeth into better positions, so your bite works the way it should.

Tooth Damage or Decay: If a tooth is damaged or has severe decay, it might need to be removed to keep your mouth healthy. This is less common, but sometimes a damaged tooth can cause other problems, like making it harder to align your remaining teeth properly. Removing the damaged tooth might be the best option for your overall dental health. Improving Appearance: While the main reason for orthodontic treatment is to improve the function of your teeth, it also helps make your smile look better. Sometimes, extractions can help create a more balanced and attractive appearance. For example, if you have teeth that stick out too much, removing a tooth might help bring the other teeth back into place, creating a more even smile. 

What Happens After an Extraction? If you do need to have a tooth pulled, your orthodontist will make sure it's done safely and with as little discomfort as possible. After the extraction, your orthodontist will continue your treatment plan to move your remaining teeth into their new positions. This might involve braces, aligners, or other tools to guide your teeth as they shift into place.

While the idea of having teeth pulled might seem a little daunting, it's important to remember that extractions are sometimes necessary for the best results in orthodontic treatment. By creating the right amount of space, fixing bite issues, and improving the appearance of your smile, extractions can play a key role in helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.

We want to see your kids at age 7!

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or earlier if necessary! Early Evaluation gives us the opportunity to intervene before a small problem becomes a big one. Dr. Jarrell can monitor your child's growth and development and begin treatment when necessary!

Call us today to schedule your consultation! 765.453.4261

JARRELL ORTHODONTICS' FACT SHEET: TWO PHASE TREATMENT

JARRELL ORTHODONTICS' FACT SHEET

TWO PHASE TREATMENT

You have had your child’s orthodontic consultation (at age 7), the orthodontist has studied your child’s diagnostic records and has recommended “two-phase” treatment.  If you have never heard of two-phase treatment, your initial reaction might be that he is suggesting that your child go through braces twice.  This is, in fact, not the case.  The purpose of this Fact Sheet is to explain Two-Phase Treatment and why it may be the best approach to treat your child’s orthodontic condition.

During Phase One treatment, an orthodontist is primarily concerned with creating enough space for the permanent teeth as well as establishing the proper relationship between the child’s teeth and jaws so that they work correctly. 

Our goal with Phase One is to:

·        regain lost space and correct crowding,

·        improve the front-to-back relationship of the upper and lower jaws,

·        correct the side-to-side relationship of both jaws,

·        prevent future extraction of permanent teeth,

·        improve esthetics by widening arches and eliminating the dark spaces that so often appear at the corners of the mouth,

·        provide good airway flow which eliminates mouth breathing that can negatively impact growth.

One thing is certain, a child who has crowding at age seven, eight, or nine years of age will have crowding at age twelve, thirteen, or forty-two.  Lack of space for permanent teeth does not improve on its own.  Once the issues with the alignment and growth of the jaw are corrected and the remaining teeth are in the appropriate positions, “Phase One” treatment is complete. 

Our goal with Phase Two is to:

·        move the permanent teeth into their proper or final positions

·        finish the tooth/jaw alignment begun during Phase One treatment. 

Most, but not all, patients who go through Phase One treatment will need Phase Two treatment.

Protect those braces and pearly whites!!! If you are active in sports- wear a mouth guard! Stop by our office to pick yours up! We have a lot of fun colors to choose from! #protectyourteeth #jarrellortho#mouthguards