by Drew Ellenwood | Mar 13, 2017 | Beautiful Smile, Blog, Braces, Straightening Teeth
Do braces straighten teeth in one fell swoop? No. Braces move teeth in stages. Here are the braces stages for the Tip-Edge technique used by Dr. Ellenwood.
Stage I
The first stage of braces is concerned with straightening the front teeth and opening the bite for more effective movement of teeth. Stage I lasts from four to eight months. Adjustment appointments arrive every six weeks and are 30 minutes in length. All adjustments of all stages are included in the Orthodontic Fee.
Pre 2
Just before Stage II, the premolars, or side teeth, are brought into alignment. This takes about one to three months depending on the severity of crowding in this area. Adjustment appointments in Pre-2 are about every six weeks, 30 minutes in length. If there is no Stage II, this stage is Pre 3 by default.
Stage II
The second stage concentrates on closing any spaces behind the front teeth left after Stage I. In cases without extractions, this stage is usually not necessary. Stage II is about three to six months with adjustments every six weeks.
Stage III
Stage III focuses on moving the roots of the teeth to their final positions for better stability and finished appearance. Until the third stage, the tops of the teeth have been tipping through the air; during Stage III, the roots must be moved through bone. This obviously requires more time, usually making Stage III as long to get out of as it was to get to, approximately six to twelve months. Adjustment appointments are around every eight weeks and about ten minutes long.
Retention
When braces are removed, retainers are worn nightly for at least one year actively and one night a week thereafter to prevent relapse. The initial set of retainers is included in the Orthodontic Fee. Don’t lose them or let the dog eat them. Replacement retainers can be expensive.
Your beautiful smile is a few stages away!
by Drew Ellenwood | Mar 13, 2017 | Beautiful Smile, Blog, Braces, Straightening Teeth
Orthodontics is the art and science of straightening teeth.
Why straight teeth?
For better function and easier cleaning? Yes.
For a more appealing smile and appearance? Definitely yes!
Whether you are considering orthodontics for your child or yourself, an improved smile is easily within your reach. Orthodontics can upright tilted teeth, bring together spaced teeth, pull in protruding teeth, and align crowded teeth. We would be happy to discuss your particular desires and concerns with you and determine if we can help you or if you would need the attentions of a specialist.
Adults, having discovered braces are not limited to children, are using orthodontic treatment get that smile they’ve always wanted. Don’t hesitate to ask us about what could be done for you!
And we’ve made it so easy to ask. Contact us to schedule a complimentary Orthodontic Opinion and explore the options and potentials for enhancing your smile with orthodontics.
Here are three appointments to get started toward your new smile:
The Orthodontic Opinion
At this appointment, Dr. Ellenwood will provide a general overview of possibilities. The Orthodontic Opinion is at no charge.
The Orthodontic Work-Up
The Orthodontic Work-Up includes an orthodontic examination, two x-rays (Panorex and Cephalometric), orthodontic photos, and impressions of both upper and lower teeth. The Panorex is an x-ray around the head; the Cephalometric is from the side of the head. These x-rays show the relation of the jaws to each other, to the teeth, and to the skull. The Work-Up will provide enough information to correctly diagnose and treatment plan your particular orthodontic problem.
The Orthodontic Consult
The Orthodontic Consult is two weeks after the Orthodontic Work-Up. At this appointment, Dr. Ellenwood will inform you of the results of analyzing your case, recommended treatment, and treatment objectives. If you are a teenager, your parent or guardian will need to attend, also.
This is a great time for answering any specific questions and exploring what in particular will be needed for your teeth. Our staff will review an Informed Consent to discuss any limitations or risks to treatment. The front office staff will help you with payment arrangements for your future braces. The Orthodontic Consult is included in the charge for the Work-Up.
Your beautiful smile is within reach!
by Drew Ellenwood | Mar 7, 2017 | Beautiful Smile, Blog, Healthy Smile, Prevention
Okay, here’s a dental statement to hang your hat on:
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that when used correctly is both safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
Safe
Yes, fluoride is safe when used correctly.
So is water. But too much water is called drowning.
Too much fluoride can make you sick. This is based on your weight and concentration of fluoride. But it has to be an awful lot of fluoride before this happens. This is why we don’t want toddlers swallowing their toothpaste or eating it directly from the tube.
So much for the short term. What about the long term?
Let me say it again: Fluoride is safe. It does not cause a list of diseases or even an item of disease.
It help prevents disease, and the disease it prevents is dental decay, the most prevalent disease among mankind.
Effective
Does fluoride really work to prevent decay?
Yes!
For children, the optimal amount of fluoride – whether in fluoridated water or from a prescribed fluoride vitamin – can greatly lower the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride-developed teeth are strong and hard. Ask me your child’s optimum dose.
For teens and adults, a fluoridated toothpaste used regularly can beef up the tooth’s defenses against decay-causing germs. For those people particularly susceptible to decay, we have a special prescription toothpaste that really helps.
How do I know these things?
One: Scientific studies.
Two: More than 25 years of dental experience.
Believe me: Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that when used correctly is both safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
