You might think straightening smiles and align the teeth and jaws are a thoroughly modern affair, but it turns out humans have been trying to correct crooked smiles for thousands of years! As far back as ancient Greece, philosophers were debating over the best way to move teeth into better positions, and archaeologists have discovered mummies with bands on their teeth, so we know primitive versions of orthodontics existed.

Modern braces have come a long way, and are far sleeker and more comfortable than ever before, but there was a time when attempting a straight smile meant catgut or crude metal. Traditional braces, in particular, have come along in leaps and bounds, and are now available in several different varieties, from metal to lingual and of course, Damon braces. But we have to say, even the older, bulkier models sound better than the Medieval idea of orthodonture, which was heavy on extractions and blood-letting. Shiny brackets and colorful bands don’t seem so bad when you’re comparing them to animal innards, dirty wire, and leeches!

Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, we love to utilize the latest techniques and cutting-edge technology to create beautiful smiles that last, but it can be fun to take a look back at where orthodontics began. Before the days of self-ligating systems and clear aligner therapy, there were a few centuries of trying to correct misaligned teeth and jaws in order to improve chewing, speaking, and the overall appearance of patients. Let’s explore what some of these designs entailed, and how modern orthodontics evolved.

Getting back to the ancient origins of orthodontics

We mentioned mummies that were found sporting ancient orthodontic gear, but the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans were also in on the earliest days of orthodontic action. Remember Hippocrates? Besides inspiring the Hippocratic oath, it turns out the ancient Greek physician also wrote the first known description of tooth irregularities. This was in about 400 B.C.! The classical Greek philosopher Socrates also wrote about early orthodontic efforts when he described Etruscan women using gold bands to preserve the position of the teeth after death. Roman writer Celsus went one further when he actually recommended using fingers to push newly emerging teeth into the proper position. Considering what was known about the importance of washing your hands back then, we’re not sure how effective this was on a number of levels!

Interest sparked in the 18th century

There was a bit of a lull in orthodontics then, with no real progress made for many years. However, something happened in the 18th century to spark a real interest in dental techniques, resulting in a flurry of development. Progress is built on the mistakes that came before it, and there were certainly a number of questionable advances along the way to modern orthodontics!

One of these was the bandeau, which intrepid French dentist Pierre Fauchard wrote about using in 1728. This device was a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal that was placed outside the teeth, with string or wire used to tie the teeth to the arch. The bandeau was similar to modern braces in that it relied on steady pressure over time, but it wasn’t adjustable at all, and it was very difficult to use for moving individual teeth in different directions. Fauchard didn’t stop there, though. He also operated on patients with a set of forceps he called a “pelican,” forcibly realigning the teeth, then tying them to the adjacent teeth to hold them in place while they healed. Makes regular adjustments look like a walk in the park, doesn’t it?

In spite of its flaws, the bandeau managed to stay relevant until about 1819, when Christophe-François Delabarre developed the wire crib. This was essentially the birth of contemporary orthodontics. The crib was made of wires, often metal, that had been bent and then soldered together to make a “cage” that fit tightly over and around the teeth. There were strings or metal springs that could then be attached and used to apply a constant force to teeth. This pressure would slowly moving them into new, improved positions, in much the same way our current braces and aligners work. In fact, the wire crib is the precursor to several of today’s appliances.

Around 1880, Edward Hartley Angle was able to identify the true properties of malocclusions, or misalignments, of the teeth and jaws. This earned him the title of  “Father of Modern Orthodontics,” and his influence can be found even today, in the way orthodontic appliances continue to become increasingly effective over the years.

Modern orthodontics make an appearance

It took until the 19th century, but the United States finally began to see significant orthodontic contributions in the early 1800’s. In 1822, J.S. Gunnell invented “occipital anchorage,” a form of headgear that fastened to the jaw from the outside of the mouth and exerted gentle pressure on the teeth. In 1840, Chapin A. Harris wrote the first classic book on dentistry. “The Dental Art” outlined practices that were innovative for the time, like soldering knobs on bands to assist with tooth rotation and applying gold caps to molars to open the dental bite. When Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1839, orthodontists were quick to realize its potential. Just a few years, E.G. Tucker would become the first American dentist to use rubber in orthodontic appliances.

Dentists would continue making tremendous strides in understanding how the teeth and jaws work over the next century, yet braces themselves remained more or less unchanged. Most were made from materials like gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber, or vulcanite, but early orthodontists would sometimes turn to ivory, zinc, copper, brass, or even wood instead. Until the 1970s, orthodontists relied on winding wires around each individual tooth to anchor the brackets. With the invention of dental adhesives, they were able to switch to sticking brackets to the surface of the teeth instead.

Meanwhile, stainless steel began to replace gold and silver as the most popular choice for wires thanks to its shapeability. This significantly reduced the cost of braces, making them more widely available. Around this same time, lingual braces were developed. These were the first orthodontic appliance to address aesthetics by running along the inside of the teeth’s surfaces instead of being affixed to the outer surface.

From Socrates to Sacramento

As you can see, humans have been striving for thousands of years to create healthy, functional smiles. Well-aligned teeth and jaws are just as important today as they were when pelicans and catgut were in fashion! Szymanowski Orthodontics is proud to continue such an established tradition of improving smiles, oral health, and patient’s lives. Get in touch with our Sacramento office today and let us help you find your smile’s place in history!

Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, we design customized treatment plans for each of our patients, based on the specifics of their case, the desired outcome, and their lifestyle. After performing a thorough oral examination, Dr. Szymanowski will decide if the patient will require a special appliance in order to create the perfect smile. Not everyone will need a separate appliance, and every recommendation we make is based on a patient’s individual situation. However, when used alone or in conjunction with braces, these appliances can often speed up treatment times and improve overall results. Let us take a closer look at some of the appliances Dr. Szymanowski uses to produce the most beautiful smiles in Sacramento!

Rubber bands (elastics)

These tiny elastic bands are the primary mechanism we use to move the teeth so that they fit together correctly from top to bottom. They are attached using hooks that are part of the brackets or the bands with braces and can be worn in a variety of configurations. It might seem strange, but these humble rubber bands are actually one of the most important components of braces. Brackets give us a way to hold on to teeth, but it is the rubber bands and wires that move them into the desired positions.

The rubber band phase of treatment is generally the longest. It is important for patients to follow all of our instructions during treatment, and in most cases, this will include wearing rubber bands constantly. To make this part more fun and less stressful, we offer elastics in many fun colors that allow patients to show off their personality. Looking for something more subtle? We also have clear or tooth-colored bands to better blend in with the natural smile.

Separators

Separators are a little bit like tiny rubber doughnuts. These may be used in between the teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands can be placed at a subsequent appointment. Separators are attracted to sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss, and will pop out with these materials. Patients should avoid these while they have separators in. This tends to be a very temporary part of treatment, and any separators used will be removed before bands are placed.

Headgear

Orthodontic headgear can be a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear is used to not only create space for teeth and move them into better positions (or prevent them from moving,) it is also capable of creating a force to guide the growth of the face and jaws. To get the most out of headgear, it must be worn as directed. Failure to do so can result in longer treatment time and even changes to the overall treatment plan. Care should be taken, particularly when removing headgear. Reckless removal can lead to injury to the lips, cheeks, face, and eyes. For the safest treatment with headgear, patients should:

• never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected
• never lift the headgear over the face.
• never wear the headgear when running or playing sports
• bring the headgear to every appointment

Forsus appliance

A Forsus appliance works in conjunction with existing braces using continuous gentle force to effectively treat more serious Class II malocclusions. It can provide much-needed pressure and guidance while still allowing a full range of motion, and it can also reduce the need for external apparatus like headgear, or the extraction of permanent teeth.

Carrière Distalizer

The Carrière Distalizer is a newer system that gives us a method for correcting bite alignment before braces that do not rely on extraction. It is used at the beginning of treatment and is attached to the canine or molars, making it virtually unnoticeable for the most part. The overall effect is similar to headgear, without the external bulk. When used in combination with a lower fixed lingual arch space maintainer and elastics, it can help to correct an overbite without having to bring the lower teeth forward, and can also reduce the time spent in braces.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is often the first step to a straighter smile by easing crowding and making more room for the patient’s top and bottom teeth to fit together. It works to widen the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Szymanowski gives each patient-specific instructions on when and how to adjust the expander. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance is worn for several months to solidify the widening and prevent any regression. It is the first step to a straighter smile.

TAD

A TAD, or Temporary Anchorage Device, is a miniature titanium anchor that we position in the mouth as a way to achieve faster tooth movement with efficiency, comfort, and predictability.  screw that we position in the mouth. A TAD can eliminate the need for more cumbersome appliances like headgear, and allow us to treat certain cases better and faster than ever before.

The duration of the TAD implant treatment will be determined by Dr. Szymanowski, but in most cases will only be required for a short time, usually a period of a few months.

Retainers

Once the active treatment period is complete, braces are removed or the last aligner used. The patient then enters what we refer to as the “retention period,” which is critical to maintaining the long-term stability of a newly straightened smile. Retainers are designed to hold a patient’s teeth in their new and improved positions until the bone, gums, and muscles can fully adapt.

Retainers must be worn as instructed, or the teeth may return to their original positions, leaving a patient right back where they started. There are three types of retainers: removable, fixed, and invisible (Essix) retainers. Dr. Szymanowski will determine what type of retainer is needed and how long each patient will need to wear the retainer. Permanent retention may be necessary in some cases.

Creating lasting smiles in Sacramento with Szymanowski Orthodontics

The human mouth is a very complex system and requires the best orthodontic care. Dr. Szymanowski and the entire Szymanowski Orthodontics team are dedicated to providing the kind of professionalism and expertise that result in beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. For more information about how orthodontic appliances and treatment can benefit your oral health, get in touch with us to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Tweens and teens tend to come to mind immediately when we talk about braces and orthodontic treatment, but orthodontics can benefit younger children and adults as well, which often comes as a surprise to some parents and patients! Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, we offer the kind of quality orthodontic care that can achieve a beautifully aligned, fully functioning smile. We have devised this guide to orthodontics to make sure your curiosity is covered whether you are interested in learning about early treatment for your child, braces for your teen, or orthodontics for you as an adult.

Orthodontics for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age it easier for an orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery because most children still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:

• Create more space for crowded teeth
• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
• Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist, because we know that for parents, it is not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment:

• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth

Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.  So, please contact Szymanowski Orthodontics to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

Orthodontics for Teens

There are three words that every teen dreads hearing: You. Need. Braces.
But in this day and age, there is absolutely no reason to be scared of the word braces, because they now come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. Life with braces is much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than it was in the past.

There are a few key factors that determine the amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces. One is whether or not you are a candidate for early treatment. Early, or preventative treatment, allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment. Another factor is the amount of treatment needed to correct a problem. This determines how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect. Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!

At Szymanowski Orthodontics we offer a variety of braces, types and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:

• Lingual braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Invisible braces

Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.

Orthodontics for Adults

The American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21, which means that orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:

• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
• Treatment options for adults
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:

• Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces

Younger patients’  jawbones are still developing, which is the main difference to remember when discussing treatment for adults, or children and teens. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.

Szymanowski Orthodontics recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems. Remember, straight teeth are healthy teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back! Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it is needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end. If you are in the Sacramento area and would like to learn more about the benefits of orthodontics, stop by one of our convenient offices, or call today to schedule an appointment. We want to help you to have the smile you have always dreamed of!

Life is all a matter of preference, whether we like Coke better than Pepsi, the book better than the movie, or manual toothbrushes better than electric ones. Take a walk down the toothbrush aisle of any store, and you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices on display— there is sensitive toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, alcohol or alcohol-free mouthwash, manual or electric toothbrushes— so overwhelming! When it comes to toothbrushes, electrics have the edge over manual for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The team at Damon Smiles is here to help you keep your braces and teeth shiny and clean!

An electric toothbrush actually promotes better oral hygiene for those with dental braces, according to studies by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. An electric toothbrush outperforms a manual toothbrush before, during, and after orthodontic treatment for numerous reasons. Good oral hygiene can sometimes be a challenge for orthodontic patients in braces because food becomes easily trapped around the brackets and under the archwires. To get the best results from your dental hygiene routine, you should be:

• replacing your toothbrush or brush head every 3-4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear, or if you have a cold or any other illness
• making it a point to look for clean and shiny braces, with the edge of the brackets clearly visible, as fuzzy or dull-looking metal can indicate poor brushing habits
• flossing at least once per day to remove bacteria and any food that has accumulated, taking advantage of tools like floss threaders and waterpiks if you are having difficulty getting into the tighter spaces
• using antimicrobial and fluoride mouthwashes such as ACT mouthrinse
• using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles
• brushing at least three times per day, after breakfast and dinner as well as after getting home from school
• brushing gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and around the top and bottom of the braces, moving the toothbrush in a small circular motion across all surfaces of the teeth in order to effectively remove bacteria, as well as any trapped food particles

Whether it is done with a manual toothbrush or an electric one, daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. In many ways, brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is very similar to brushing with a plain one, but there are quite a few ways using an electric toothbrush can help you get a little extra out of your oral hygiene routine.

Having settings like timers and brushing intensity for better control, make electric toothbrushes easier to manage brushing. They are ideal for metal, ceramic, and lingual braces. Most electric toothbrushes have a built-in 2 minute timer that alerts the patient when it is time to stop brushing. Often ties children and adults who use a manual toothbrush use it for just a few seconds and think that the full 2 minutes has passed. A timer helps patients brush for the full recommended times. Electric toothbrushes make it easier for those who do not brush long enough or brush incorrectly, and for those who have limited dexterity or arthritis. An electric toothbrush will make your teeth feel less fuzzy and filmy because it removes stains and plaque better. You definitely want to avoid plaque, with or without wearing braces.

Cavities and gum damage can be avoided just by cleaning your mouth the right way. Many people are surprised to learn they are not brushing their teeth in the correct manner. The timers, sensors, and modes of electric toothbrushes make the most of each brushing session because it take most of the guesswork out of it.

You want to look for an electric toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles when brushing your teeth with braces. Allow the toothbrush to do the work for which it was intended by gently applying pressure. Remember to brush below and above the armature of the braces and to take care around bands, brackets, and wires to ensure healthier gums.

A manual toothbrush will work just fine with braces, but they can possibly lead to poor brushing in some people. People tend to brush for shorter periods of time when using a manual brush, according to some studies. You should always brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time, twice a day. Learn to love your toothbrush!

When it is all said and done, the best toothbrush for braces is an electric toothbrush. An interdental brush can help you reach the backs and interproximal areas of your teeth. These brushes reach the hard to get to areas and all those nooks and crannies that either an electric or manual toothbrush may miss. Dr. Damon will always keep you up-to-date on the best methods of brushing teeth with braces!

Always look for the ADA Seal (American Dental Association) when purchasing a toothbrush, whether electric or manual.  A toothbrush with the ADA seal means it has been studied and tested for safety and effectiveness and is guaranteed to perform as promised. While you are undergoing orthodontic braces treatment it is important to remember to replace manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrush heads more often. The braces can be a little tougher on the bristles, so it is a good idea to replace them more often to ensure the best possible performance.

Whatever your preference, Damon Smiles is here to help support you as you work towards a more healthy smile. Dr. Damon is happy to answer any and all questions you may have about brushing, flossing, and your health in general. If you are in the Sacramento area, stop by or call to setup your appointment. We want to help you have the smile you have always dreamed of!

There is more to taking good care of your mouth than the big bright smile that everyone wants and hopes for. Your overall health can be drastically improved with good oral hygiene. Whether you hope to preserve your cognitive skills, or reduce your inflammation, studies have shown that there is a number of ways that oral health impacts our entire body. The team here at Damon Smiles has put together this list to let you know that it is never too late to start having good oral hygiene habits, and how having healthy teeth and gums can benefit your body’s total health. Read on to learn more about how orthodontics can help you make the connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Let Your Self-Confidence Skyrocket

Everyone knows your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you, so if your mouth is in a state of disrepair, this can be bad news for the old ego. An unsightly mouth and very bad breath are produced by decaying teeth and gum disease. Your self-esteem, self-image, and confidence level can be easily affected by these issues. Your quality of life is guaranteed to improve if your mouth is healthy and free from gingivitis and cavities. You will find that you eat, sleep, and concentrate better with no aching teeth or mouth infections to bother you, besides being able to look into the mirror and see a big bright smile.

Memory Makers

The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, while its more advanced stage is referred to as periodontitis. There is a definite link between gum disease and cognitive function according to reports published by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Adults who had healthier gums and mouths performed much better on cognitive and memory skills tests than those with gingivitis. Older adults with periodontitis were associated with cognitive impairment. To help reduce the buildup of bacteria in your mouth that can cause gum disease, practice regular brushing, flossing, and visits to us at Damon Smiles. Make sure to use an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste.

Decrease Infection and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints that research has found to be associated with gum disease. Experts have found that the mechanism that destroys connective tissue in rheumatoid arthritis  is similar to the mechanism in gum disease that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Practicing excellent oral hygiene helps reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Eating a well-balanced diet will help keep inflammation and infection to a minimum in your mouth.

More Than Just a Pretty Smile

There is a misconception that the only benefit of orthodontic treatments is a straighter smile. Chewing, swallowing, nutrition, and speech can be impacted by health problems that stem from oral issues. Tooth decay, TMJ pain, and chronic headaches stem from misaligned teeth and jaws. Lasting cosmetic and health benefits are provided by orthodontic treatments that are functional with today’s busy lifestyles. The many benefits that properly aligned teeth and jaws offer are often overlooked by people who only think of orthodontic treatment in terms of straightening the teeth for a more perfect smile. Dental injuries and decay can be prevented by jaws and teeth that are aligned. Aligning the jaws and teeth also lends itself to chewing and processing food in the most effective manner.

Happy Teeth, Happy Tummy

Chewing your food is the first and most crucial step of the digestion process. Some of us barely chew our food before we swallow it, neglecting this essential step altogether. Smaller particles are more easily digested which is why chewing thoroughly is so important because it converts larger pieces of food into more manageable ones. As these pieces pass through your system, your intestines are able to absorb nutrients more easily the smaller these pieces are. The misalignment of the teeth and jaws makes it hard to properly chew up food which then will not digest as well in your stomach, and so your body has to use more energy to absorb the nutrients. You are also in danger of choking when you cannot properly chew food while you eat.

Do Not Damage Those Pearly Whites

Is biting the inside of your cheek a problem when you chew, speak, or swallow? Do you get a jarring sensation throughout your jaw and face because your teeth collide when you chew or close your mouth? Jaws that repeatedly sustain force are suffering and can cause you term problems. When teeth continuously collide they can be chipped or injured. These issues can be addressed with orthodontic treatment. Let Damon Smiles provide you with the results you need to protect your teeth, your jaws, and your smile for a lifetime.

Prevent Decay Today

Plaque accumulates easily on teeth that are overcrowded because food gets trapped between them. The enamel gets eaten away and cavities form. Because the cavities form in between teeth, they are often hard to see and are only detected after they become a big problem. A ripple effect of problems is felt throughout the mouth due to a weakened, decaying tooth’s effect on the adjacent teeth. Gum disease can develop due to the plaque build-up. To preserve the health of your gums and mouth, it is important to make it harder for plaque and cavities to form by addressing overcrowding issues.

If you are in the Sacramento area, let Damon Smiles help you achieve better oral and overall health with one of our orthodontic treatments. Our talented and experienced team can help provide you with a healthy, attractive, and functional smile. Call one of our offices today!

Your braces and you: a good dental hygiene routine

If you’ve got braces, then you’ve got to maintain a good oral health routine. If you don’t, you run the risk of accelerated tooth decay and uneven staining. You’re going to want to ensure you’re happy with the results of your treatment at Damon Orthodontics, so let’s go over the extra steps you need to add to the beginning and end of your day.

What you eat

You know you have to avoid certain foods when you have braces. As annoying as this can be, it’s for a good reason. Sticky foods like gum and caramel get caught in the wires and brackets, and lead to hard-to-remove build-up. Avoiding these foods in the first place will cause you less headaches down the road.

You should still be wary of hard foods like nuts even though they don’t pose the same risk of gumming up your appliance. Chewing nuts or ice damages your braces. Avoid the hassle by cutting these kinds of foods out all together, or by eating them in softer, smaller forms.

You should watch your intake of highly acidic foods like soft drinks, citrus fruits, salsa, and vinegar, whether you’ve got braces or not. You don’t have to cut these out completely, but be aware that acid damages tooth enamel over time. So the less acid you subject your teeth to, the better.

Building a routine

Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day should be a priority, whether you have braces or not. Regular brushing leads to fresh breath, eliminates stubborn food particles, and keeps the mouth healthy.

Easy access

You should remove any elastic bands before you begin brushing. This allows for easier access, and you can give the rubber bands a once over while they’re out to make sure they’re staying clean.

Take a good look

Take a second to check your braces in the mirror. Examine every angle you can. You’re looking to make sure that there are no glaring issues and that everything’s looking right. Eventually this becomes second nature and you’ll have a quicker time spotting anything out of the ordinary. Stay on top of it because broken brackets and wires can cause slow-downs in your treatment.

Brush, brush, brush your teeth

Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Brush your teeth the way you normally would but pay extra attention to the areas behind your wires and around your brackets. Don’t be too rough, but make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies. Take a little extra time to get all over your braces in addition to the normal two minutes you should brush. Place the tips of the bristles so they’re flat against your teeth, and gently brush them using small circular motions. Move on to the areas between the gums and the braces, and tilt the brush towards the gum line while continuing the circular motions. Glide the bristles in a firm back-and-forth motion to clean the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Thoroughly brush the inside surfaces of the teeth using those same small circular motions.

Flossing

It may seem difficult to maneuver dental floss around your appliance at first, but having  braces doesn’t make flossing your teeth impossible. It’s very important to floss when you’ve got braces on because there are too many areas where food becomes trapped.

Make sure to use waxed dental floss because unwaxed floss can sometimes get caught on brackets and shred, leading to an annoying clean-up process. Snap off a thread of about 18 inches or so. Place the thread between the teeth–be careful around your wire–and gently move it up and down. Move slow to prevent snapping, discomfort, and bending of your wire. A floss threader helps make flossing with braces easier. It’s a tool a lot like a threading needle, simply pull one end of the floss through the threader and feed the threader under the archwire. Then grab the floss on each end and slide it up and down the sides of both teeth and under the gums. If you hear a squeaking sound it means it’s time to pull the threader out and move on to the next section of teeth.

A quick fix

You might find yourself with food particles caught in your braces between your morning and evening hygiene routines.It will be much more comfortable to dislodge them as soon as you can instead of harboring them throughout the afternoon. Having a waterpik is a handy way to get into those hard to reach places using a safe, high-pressure stream of water.

If you’ve got further questions about how to care for your braces, don’t hesitate to contact us at Damon Orthodontics. Open communication and patient understanding is the foundation for good healthcare. Visit our Sacramento location today!

There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into orthodontic treatment, whether you’ve spent years in braces or have been wearing Invisalign aligners for a number of months. The day you say goodbye is always an exciting day. It’s been a tedious, hard road to a beautiful smile, and you’ve sacrificed much. But don’t go spiking the football just yet – you’ve got a little further to go! Maintaining your beautiful smile is just as important as creating it. Retention is how you maintain that smile – the second phase of treatment.

The success of your orthodontic treatment depends upon you diligently wearing your retainer. Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, our patients hear us talk a lot about why retainers are an integral part of keeping their teeth in their new and improved positions. In order to help you understand why retainer use is so essential to preventing your teeth from drifting back into their old placements, we’ve put together this helpful guide.  

Gum and bone alignment

After completing your orthodontic treatment, your teeth will naturally want to move back to their pre-treatment positions. Each tooth is held in its socket by elastic ligaments that attach the roots to the bone. The ligaments and bones in your mouth will need to align to these new positions, too. The soft and hard tissues around the teeth can sometimes take a little longer to align to a different position. Additionally, the jaw performs its last growth spurt around the age of twenty, which can cause teeth to move to undesired positions. By wearing your retainer as directed, you help to keep that beautiful smile in place.

A retainer

A retainer is simply a device that keeps teeth aligned after a patient has completed orthodontic treatment.  Retainers are custom-molded and designed to fit each individual patient’s mouth. Retainers keep teeth in their desired position (or retain them) using guidance and pressure.

Types of retainers

There are a variety of retainers that can be used at the end of orthodontic treatment.  That said, there are two basic types: fixed and removable.  

When we remove braces, we give patients two retainers (in most cases). The upper retainer is usually removable and the lower retainer is usually “fixed” or glued to the inside of your front teeth. We take several factors into consideration before deciding which kind would best fit you and your lifestyle, including your specific treatment and the overall compliance expected.

A fixed retainer usually consists of a thin wire positioned across the interior surface of the lower or upper front teeth. This is then bonded into place with a glue similar to the one used to attach braces to teeth. Although a fixed retainer can take a little more work to keep clean, it does tends to have the best outcome overall.

A removable retainer is made up of a wire going across the front teeth, held in place with an acrylic material and clasps. The clasps wrap around the back teeth to keep the retainer stationary. This can also be referred to as a Hawley retainer, and it’s probably the most recognizable retainer. Cleaning your teeth is easier with these retainers, but you will have to remember to wear it daily.

Proper retainer usage

Since all patients have unique needs, we customize post-treatment plans specifically for you. Most orthodontists agree that some type of retainer be worn part-time for the rest of your life after the teeth have been straightened. This is because our teeth begin to show some signs of general wear and tear and may begin to naturally drift as we age. It sounds overwhelming at first, we know! But with a little patience and practice, your retainer will become a part of your daily routine before you know it. Eventually, wearing it two to three nights per week while you sleep should be all you need to maintain your hard-won results.

That said, the usual procedure is to wear the upper retainer full-time for at least 6 months. After that time, you should plan on wearing your retainer EVERY NIGHT for the first year, during which we will be keeping an eye on your retention. We will schedule two appointments 3 months apart and your last appointment 6 months later to evaluate your teeth and bite. Further retainer wear will be instructed at this time.

If you skip wearing your retainer, especially within the first year after removing your braces, it can cause issues. Like we said earlier, teeth can move back to their original positions without a retainer to provide guidance and pressure. Excessive time spent away from your retainer can reverse the results you sacrificed for during treatment. The most common cause of a retainer not fitting anymore is simple: people don’t wear them as instructed. If you lose or damage your removable retainer, or if your fixed retainer comes loose in any area, please contact the office as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to see your smile and ensure it remains so beautiful.

Summing up

As you can see, the success of your orthodontic treatment depends upon you diligently wearing your retainer. It prevents teeth from moving into their desired pre-treatment positions, and there are a variety of retainers and a variety of retention options to fit the unique needs of each patient.

Why Szymanowski Orthodontics?

Dr. Szymanowski is an experienced professional who prides himself on providing a caring and honest approach to orthodontic treatment for his patients. The team at the Szymanowski office is committed to giving you the smile you’ve always wanted and deserved. We are a family here and work as a unit to make sure our patients receive top quality care in a professional, comfortable environment. This is our goal with every patient we see!

If you’re in the Sacramento or surrounding area, get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to get your child started on the path to the very best smile!

Planning orthodontic treatment for your child can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Here at Damon Smiles, Dr. Damon agree with the American Association of Orthodontists that all children should have their first orthodontic consultation by around the age of seven. This allows us to detect many common dental issues before they have a chance to become a more serious problem, potentially reducing the need for more complex orthodontic treatment at a later age.

Being proactive rather than reactive where orthodontic treatment is concerned can be summed up in two-phase treatment, something you may hear us mention once your child has completed their complimentary orthodontic evaluation with us. But what exactly is this, and how can it benefit your child?

What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?

It might sound a little intimidating, but two-phase orthodontic treatment is actually a pretty simple, if specialized, process. It consists of two separate phases, or times, when a child receives orthodontic treatment, combining straightening the teeth with bony physical, facial changes if needed. There will also normally be a break in treatment in between the phases, .

The first phase of treatment will usually begin while the child has a mix of their baby teeth and adult teeth. The second phase then takes place once the child has most or all of their permanent teeth. We may or may not suggest braces or other orthodontic appliances during the first phase of treatment, depending on the nature and severity of each specific case.

For some children, two-phase treatment can really maximize the chance to give them a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. The goals of two-phase treatment are:

• To ensure a proper, working relationship between the teeth and jaws
• To correct the alignment of the teeth, resulting in a straighter smile
• To position the teeth and jaws for more pleasant facial symmetry

Who qualifies for two-phase treatment?

Since the goal of two-phase treatment is to create a better environment for your child’s permanent teeth to grow in, the first phase of treatment may be suggested to:

• prevent a problem from developing (preventive treatment)
• intercept a developing problem (interceptive treatment)
• guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth (growth modification)

By timing the first phase of orthodontic treatment to the predictable stages of dental development, we’re are able to take advantage of normal childhood growth and development. Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other well, as this provides the most potential for improving or correcting any suspected orthodontic issues early on.

Some problems that can be treated relatively easily in a growing child may require more intensive treatment if most growth has already occurred. Early treatment often turns severe problems into more manageable issues that can be treated with braces or other orthodontic devices at a later date.

How does two-phase treatment work?

In order to understand how two-phase treatment could benefit your child, it’s important to understand what happens with each phase, as well as in the resting period in between.

Phase one

Phase one treatment is initiated to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth, as well as improving the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.

This can benefit young patients by improving their ability to bite, chew, or even digest their food more effectively. It can also reduce the risk of broken teeth, due to crowded, crooked teeth or malformed jaws. Sometimes there are even emotional benefits, as a straighter, healthier smile can increase self-esteem and self-confidence.

The changes that result from first phase treatment can contribute to longer-term stability, meaning that the teeth stay where they are moved to. The second phase of treatment will help move the teeth into their final, preferred positions.

Resting Period

During the resting phase, we leave the remaining permanent teeth are alone as they continue to erupt. This allows them some freedom of movement, and oftentimes, we won’t recommend retainers or fixed appliances during this time. A successful first phase creates room for the permanent teeth to have a clear path to erupt in.

Phase Two

In the first phase, there is much to accomplish — orthodontic records are made, a diagnosis is established, and a customized treatment plan is created for your child. We may have used certain types of orthodontic appliances to realign the teeth and jaw.

The second phase is where all of these things begin to come together! This phase will typically begin once all permanent teeth have erupted. It will often requires braces on the teeth for a time. Once treatment is complete, retainers will need to be worn as directed to ensure your child’s straight new smile stays in place.

After discussing two-phase treatment for your child with Dr. Damon, you may decide to go ahead with it. During treatment, you can help your child achieve the goals set out by:

• following all recommendations and directions for maintenance and care
• keeping appliances, teeth, and gums clean by sticking to an excellent dental hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing thoroughly at least twice daily
• keeping all scheduled appointments so we’re able to closely monitor their progress
• visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
• avoiding foods that can damage the appliance and maintaining a healthy diet

At the end of phase two, we want to be sure each tooth has a precise location in the mouth where it can coexist with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this state of equilibrium has been achieved, your child’s teeth will be able to function together properly, resulting in a beautiful, healthy smile and a mouth that works the way it’s meant to!

Taking on two-phase treatment with Damon Orthodontics

Orthodontics is like most things in life, with no “one size fits all” option. Every patient we see is a unique problem requiring a unique treatment plan. What’s right for one child won’t necessarily be right for another. Damon Orthodontics is a patient-centered practice, providing customized care for a top-notch orthodontic experience. With two experienced and efficient orthodontists, skilled staff, and three conveniently located offices, we have everything your child needs for a happy, healthy smile. If you’re in the Sacramento or surrounding area, and are interested in what two-phase orthodontic treatment could offer your young child, get in touch with us today to schedule their free consultation. We’re here to get your child started on the path to their very best smile!