Three Common Questions about Visiting an Orthodontist

Taking care of your teeth is important for overall jaw and tooth health. Obviously, good oral health care includes the basics of brushing, flossing, and using fluoride. However, good dental care should also include working with an orthodontist. Following are three common questions about receiving orthodontic care:

• Why should I visit an orthodontic dentist?
• What age should a child first see an orthodontic dentist?
• Can adults get their teeth straightened?

Reasons for Visiting an Orthodontic Dentist

Most people think that orthodontics is simply a procedure needed to straighten crooked teeth. Therefore, they evaluate the situation based on how crooked the teeth are and whether or not a person will fit in socially with his or her current state of teeth. Orthodontics is so much more! One of the most important reasons to visit a dentist who has knowledge of orthodontics is to ensure the individual’s bite is correct and that the teeth align properly. This is important to maintain overall gum and jaw bone health as well as healthy teeth.

Age for First Visit

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit to an orthodontic dentist when they are seven years old. This recommendation holds even if the child is showing no signs of problems. The reason is because the jaw is still developing at this young age, and the dentist can evaluate whether or not any problems might be developing. Early detection can make it possible to correct problems before they become extensive.

Adults and Correction

Although you might see adults with braces, many individuals wonder if it really is okay or even effective for adults to get their teeth straightened. The answer is yes. It is true that younger children have an easier time getting corrections made. This is because their bones are not completely developed. However, correction is effective for adults. More than one orthodontist has patients who are between the ages of 26 and 45. They may even have a few patients who are in their 60s and 70s. There are many different types of procedures and appliances that can be used that are helpful for adults, including those that are clear and not as noticeable to others.

How to Care for Dental Veneers

One popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry is installing veneers in Oklahoma City. Dental veneers are designed to enhance the appearance of the teeth, particularly when one smiles. Patients who suffer from tooth discoloration as well as damaged, chipped, crooked, or gapped teeth use veneers to cover up these features. A dentist will remove half a millimeter of enamel from the teeth before fitting in new veneers that will bond to your existing teeth. After the installation, be sure you as a patient understand how to care for the new veneers.

Cleaning

Although veneers do not easily discolor, you should regularly brush and clean them so the porous bonding agent does not retain stains. Brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste to avoid this problem, since this type of paste is known to prevent film and plaque stains from accumulating. Brush and floss as you would on regular teeth. Gum disease and cavities can form on the teeth beneath the veneers, so work on maintaining your oral health. Remember that if the layer of teeth under the veneers becomes discolored, so will the dental veneers. If you’re unsure how to floss, ask your dentist. He or she can inform you on proper techniques so pressure won’t be misapplied. Too much pressure in the wrong spots can result in fissures and chips. A recommended technique is to floss sideways instead of up and down. Flossing is important for gum health since it can prevent gum recession. Gum recession is linked with veneer replacement, so be sure to avoid this by flossing regularly. Last, remember to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Other Tips

There are a few other ways to maintain your veneers other than cleaning. For one, know when to use them for biting. Stick to chewing food, and avoid ice, nuts, and other hard foods when you have veneers in Oklahoma City. Biting too hard on things can cause the bonding agent to loosen and the teeth will fall out. So don’t be tempted to use your teeth to open up a bag or another container. Tearing and ripping things with your teeth won’t be worth it. If you have a nervous habit of biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth, be sure to refrain from these harmful activities. One last tip is to wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. You don’t want your veneers knocked out this way.

How to Prep for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

In many cases, teenagers often feel pain in the gums in the back of their jaw when they reach a certain age. This pain is related to wisdom teeth coming in. The name comes from the fact that you have to be older, closer to adulthood, to have these teeth emerge. These teeth need to be removed since they will only partly erupt at an angle or remain embedded in the jaw. If you are about to undergo wisdom teeth extraction, take comfort in knowing this is a safe procedure, especially when you prepare for it accordingly.

Food and Drink

There are certain rules that come with what you can eat and drink, particularly if you’ll be experiencing anesthesia. You will not be able to eat after midnight the night before the procedure. This is a rule because patients who eat too close to the surgery often throw up or experience asphyxiation thanks to the anesthesia. The only thing you can consume is medication, taken with water. If you expect the procedure to occur within a week’s time, be sure you eat a healthy diet full of vitamin C to boost your immune system.

Tooth and Mouth Care

During this week, you should also remember to carefully brush and floss your teeth. Following surgery, you won’t be able to clean your teeth for some time, so now is your chance to clean them up. Some even recommend visiting the dentist for a cleaning. The night before the surgery, think about wiping out the bacteria in your mouth. Mix in a cup 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water. Pour this combination into your mouth and swish it around for a minute before rinsing your mouth. One other tip is to apply petroleum jelly to your lips before you retire the night before. This will prevent your lips from chapping and cutting as your mouth will be open for an extended period of time.

Dressing

Keep in mind how you should dress for the surgery. It’s advised that you wear comfortable and loose-fitting attire. Many people choose to wear sweats and t-shirts. Make sure your sleeves on your shirt are loose enough so the professionals can easily put in an IV. Don’t wear sneakers since these are not permitted; you may wear flip-flops instead. Long hair needs to be pulled back in a ponytail, and headbands are often helpful when undergoing wisdom teeth extraction.