Looking for braces or Invisalign near Pinellas?

ABOUT BRACES AND CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT ( INVISALIGN )FOR ALL AGES

Braces offered by Orthodontic Specialist

Treating Children, Teens & Adults with many options and types of braces, either metal or clear braces or with clear aligners.

The American Association of Orthodontists and our board certified doctors recommend a checkup with a orthodontic specialist by age 7! This allows monitoring or treatment of several conditions. It is all tailored to the individual and their stage of growth.

If either jaw is growing too much or not enough, too wide or narrow, or crooked it is usually best to correct as soon as it is diagnosed by the orthodontist or pediatric dentist. He will suggest either using expansion appliances, traditional braces, or Invisalign for those patient that does not want to have metal in their mouth.

Some habits are more easily corrected at a younger age before further problems occur. Your doctor can make a habit breaking, expander appliances or limited braces for your child once they are ready. Most phase I treatments or interceptive treatment start as early as 7-8 years old when the front teeth incisors show, this is a significant treatment to prevent any difficult teeth problem in the future.

Phase I “Interceptive” Orthodontics- limited treatment with braces or clear aligners

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, using advanced braces or clear aligners, focuses on early intervention to guide jaw growth and tooth development in children. Innovative technologies ensure precise alignment, correcting issues like crowding or bite problems, setting a foundation for future treatment.

These Limited Time Treatments Include
· Space maintainers to prevent space loss
· Tooth Removal of extra or stuck teeth or to make room for permanent teeth
· Correct Deep or Crossbite to avoid damage to teeth or gums
· Guide Natural Drift in the case of missing teeth, prevent rotations
· Expansion appliances that widen the Jaw Arch and Air Space

Interceptive Orthodontic Benefits
· Develop the upper and lower jaws to accommodate all the permanent teeth that prevents pulling permanent teeth during comprehensive treatment
· Correctly relate the upper and lower jaws to each other
· Improve chewing, swallowing and/or speaking ability
· Prevent & treat asymmetry, and/or traumatic injuries (especially wide overjet!)
· Improve hygiene due to easier plaque removal and prevent food impaction
· May decrease the time and complexity of Phase II Orthodontics or 2nd stage of braces

Phase II “Comprehensive” Orthodontics- full braces or clear aligner treatment

· Once most of the permanent teeth erupt and usually takes around 24 months of treatment and timed with remaining growth spurt
· Align & upright teeth in harmony with cheeks, tongue, jaws and other teeth
· Improve stability & function of the bite
· Straightens & improves the appearance of the smile

Treatment Modalities I
· Invisalign or clear aligner therapy
· Traditional  braces or custom braces

Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment. Foods to avoid:
Chewy foods — marshmallow, gum
Crunchy foods — popcorn, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods for Biting Into (to be cut into small pieces)— corn on the cob, apples, carrots

TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPLIANCES
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by Dr. Guloy.

PLAYING SPORTS WITH BRACES OR CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY
We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while in orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and appliance. Let us know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports injury, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax, closing gently on cool gauze, or rinsing with saltwater.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING
When you have braces, it’s very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

BRUSHING WITH BRACES OR CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY
Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, you can use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances. Invisalign trays should be taken out during brushing and rinse the tray before putting it back.

FLOSSING WITH BRACES
To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. If you find that your floss is not removing all of the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser!

For more information about orthodontics, click the links below:

For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at (727) 698-6684. We are happy to answer your questions.

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