Image Orthodontics Sacramento

Basic Terms Every Orthodontic Patient Should Know

Do you or your child require braces? If so, you’ll likely be taking a visit to your local orthodontist in the near future for treatment. Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on how the teeth are aligned within the jaw. Before visiting your orthodontist for a treatment consultation, take a look at these basic terms that you should be familiar with:

Crowding
Crowding occurs when the teeth do not have enough space in the mouth, which results in dental irregularities. Another common term for crowding and other forms of teeth misalignment is malocclusion. A person’s appearance, bite, gum tissue, and speech can all be affected by this condition. Treatment generally includes wearing braces and a retainer.

Overbite
An overbite is a relatively common condition that occurs when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth significantly. Orthodontists typically refer to overbites in terms of percentage—the higher the percentage, the worse the overbite. This condition can be treated using a variety of orthodontic appliances.

Retainer
A retainer is a device that is used to correct orthodontic problems or to keep teeth straight after braces have been taken off. Often made of either plastic or rubber that is attached to metal wires, retainers are custom-made to fit the shape of each patient’s mouth. The amount of time that a retainer must be worn depends on the specific treatment.

Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is generally used to treat overbites. Headgear attaches to the back of the head and to the upper jaw. It is designed to stop the upper jaw from moving forward so that the upper and lower jaws are in alignment. Usually, headgear needs to be worn 10 to 14 hours a day for 6 to 18 months in order to be effective.

There are many conditions, treatment options, and appliances that orthodontic patients may encounter. If you have questions about orthodontic treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact Image Orthodontics. Call us at (415) 752-0654 to schedule an appointment at one of our Sacramento locations.

Five Links About Orthodontic Treatment and Care Tips

Your dental health affects your overall health. Stay informed on the latest dental care tips to maintain your braces and improve your smile through orthodontic treatment by reviewing the links below. Schedule an appointment at Image Orthodontics Sacramento by calling (415) 752-0654 to assess your orthodontic options.

• ModernMom.com offers some great ideas for braces-friendly snacks that kids will love.
• Are you wondering what foods should be avoided while wearing braces? Find out with this article from WebMD.
• Find out how often you should visit your orthodontist while wearing braces by reading this orthodontic information.
• Learn everything you need to know about wearing braces and successfully transforming your smile with this article from the Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center.
• The American Dental Association provides additional information about the benefits of orthodontic care.

Reasons to Invest in a Better Smile Through Braces

Determining if you should undergo orthodontic treatment is an important decision. Although it requires a monetary investment, treatment with Invisalign or braces provides important benefits to your physical and mental health. Scheduling a consultation with your Sacramento orthodontist is the beginning of an exciting journey that can provide many benefits, including:

Better Oral Health
Many orthodontists recommend braces for both adult and pediatric patients when it becomes necessary for their oral health. Having misaligned teeth can make proper oral care very difficult. Hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth are vulnerable to food particles. If ignored, these particles will develop into plaque and begin wearing down the enamel of your teeth. Protect your dental health by aligning your smile through braces or Invisalign treatment. After orthodontic treatment, you will find it easier to maintain your dental health and avoid costly dental treatments in the future.

Cosmetic Enhancement
Many people choose orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smiles. Several problems can be solved through orthodontic treatment, including gaps and crowding. If you work in a professional environment where the appearance of your smile is essential, consider investing in dental correction. Invisalign treatment discretely straightens your teeth while you wear clear aligners. You won’t have to sacrifice the appearance of your current smile to permanently improve your dental alignment.

Improved Confidence
Investing in orthodontic treatment can also improve your confidence. Instead of avoiding family pictures or dreading photo opportunities, having a straight smile will help you embrace these moments. Having severely misaligned teeth can also affect your chewing and speaking abilities, which can make you reluctant to participate in social activities. After orthodontic treatment, you may be better able to share dinner and hold conversations with confidence.

If you’re ready to begin your orthodontic treatment, call Image Orthodontics Sacramento today at (415) 752-0654. We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options, making it possible for you to invest in the smile that you want. During your consultation, your orthodontist will create a custom plan for your traditional braces or Invisalign treatment.

Facts About Braces

Beginning orthodontic treatment for your child is an exciting step in providing him or her with a beautiful and healthy smile. However, there are many different orthodontic treatment options available that you should know about. Watch this video to learn about traditional braces.

Braces are the ideal orthodontic tool to reposition your child’s teeth. Children and adults alike can become insecure about a gap between teeth or a misaligned smile. Along with providing a straighter smile, braces can improve your child’s bite, speech, and dental health. Find out more with this video.

To schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in the Sacramento area, call Image Orthodontics Sacramento at (415) 752-0654. Our office offers Invisalign, clear braces, and Sure Smile treatment, in addition to traditional braces.

Four Delicious Braces-Friendly Snacks

While your child has braces, he or she still requires a diet enriched with essential vitamins and nutrients. It may be simple to remember what foods the orthodontist recommended your child avoid, but you may have trouble coming up with snacks that are both braces-friendly and delicious. Consider using the following snacks to keep your child satisfied:

1.Quesadilla

For a delicious meal that your entire family will love, make quesadillas for dinner. Even your child with braces will be able to enjoy this appetizing, soft meal. You can also make small quesadillas for the perfect mid-afternoon snack. Be careful not to make your quesadillas too crunchy, as this can cause damage to braces.

2.Pasta

Another quick and tasty option for your child with braces is pasta. Cooked fettuccini noodles or spaghetti are soft enough for anyone wearing braces to eat without discomfort. While pasta is soft, it may become stuck in your child’s braces. Be sure to recommend a thorough tooth brushing after your child has finished the meal to ensure that food particles don’t remain in his or her brackets.

3.Fruit Smoothie

For a nutritious and braces-friendly snack, blend your child’s favorite fruits into a smoothie. You can add a variety of fruits and berries, such as bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, as well as frozen yogurt to make a satisfying and delicious snack. If you add some ice to the smoothie, it can even help relieve any discomfort that your child may experience after an orthodontic adjustment.

4.Ice Cream

Although your child shouldn’t consume sugary foods on a regular basis, ice cream is a delicious treat for children with or without braces. Providing your child with a bowl of ice cream is a treat that will satisfy his or her sweet tooth without risking damage to braces.

To ensure that your child receives the best orthodontic care, schedule an appointment at Image Orthodontics Sacramento by calling (415) 752-0654. Our Sacramento office provides orthodontic care for both adults and children. We also offer a range of orthodontic options, including Sure Smile and Invisalign treatment.