Dr. King Answers: Are Sports Mouthguards Needed After Orthodontic Treatment?

Q: Does my son need a sports mouthguard even after he finishes orthodontic treatment?

A: Although the teeth and cheeks are more susceptible to trauma during orthodontic treatment, a sports mouthguard is very important -- even after braces treatment is completed. Without braces present, contact sports such as football, wrestling and basketball can still cause severe damage to the teeth and soft tissues.

Dr. King recommends post-orthodontic treatment custom
sports mouthguards for maximum protection of the teeth.

After completing orthodontic braces care, I am always extremely saddened when a beautiful new smile is destroyed from a sports-related injury -- especially so if a sports mouthguard was not worn! Such patients often end up back in braces. Furthermore, after orthodontic treatment is completed, a sports guard can serve as a form of retention if properly make.

At King Orthodontics, I recommend a custom pro-style mouthguard after braces for maximum protection of the teeth and preservation of perfect alignment. During braces treatment, I provide free sports guards in team colors -- with carrying cases included!

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation.

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Dr. King Answers: How Often Would I Have to Wear Invisalign® Aligners?

Question: How often would I need to wear Invisalign® aligners to get a good result? Do I need to wear them at night?

While Invisalign aligners are clearly a great alternative to
metal braces, they do require dedication and discipline in
order to achieve good orthodontic outcomes.

Answer: Great question!

Invisalign® aligners are clear trays that gradually straighten teeth over time. The average treatment duration is 6-12 months. It is important to remember that not all patients are good candidates for Invisalign®, and I provide free consultations to see if it would work for you.

When Invisalign® is an option, I like to discern whether a patient has the dedication and discipline to properly wear the aligners. Twenty-two [22] hours of wear per day is required to achieve nice results. Aligners are worn at night and throughout the entire day, as well; they are only removed for eating and brushing/flossing. 

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation.

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SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Would Orthodontic Treatment Slow My Periodontal Disease?

Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease,
and should be treated before seeking orthodontic treatment.

Q: I'm an adult who is starting to get periodontal disease. Would getting my teeth straightened help to slow the progression of periodontal disease?

A: Great question! If you have an active periodontal infection or inflammation, then orthodontic care would not be recommended. However, if your general dentist or periodontist has the periodontal disease at bay, you might be a candidate for orthodontia.

Sometimes, straightening extremely crowded teeth or correcting an uneven bite can greatly improve the health of the bone and gums surrounding the teeth.

Stop by for a free consultation at King Orthodontics to see if you are a candidate for braces or Invisalign®. Keep smiling, and see you soon!
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SOURCES: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: How Will My Daughter’s Negligence Affect Her Outcome?

Patients need to comply with all
orthodontic treatment instructions
-- e.g., the wearing of rubber bands.

Q: My daughter is not wearing her rubber bands, as she has been told. How will this affect her treatment?

A: I often say that successful orthodontic care is a team effort. The doctor, staff, parents and patients are all members of the team, and work together to create a healthy and beautiful smile.

My staff and I are very responsible, as are the parents, but the most important member of the team is the patient. Patients must brush and floss regularly to prevent white spots and tooth decay. Plus, patients are responsible for wearing elastics/rubber bands and other appliances, like retainers, as instructed by the doctor.

Poor compliance with rubber bands will certainly lead to a less-than-ideal outcome. Although rubber bands are the tried-and-true, most effective corrector of the bite, if they are not worn, the correction cannot occur.

I do understand that teenage patients are often very busy with social, academic, athletic and other endeavors. So, at King Orthodontics, we try very hard to educate, motivate and empower our patients to achieve great results!
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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Is an Expander, and What Is It Used For?

Q: My friend’s young son recently got an “expander.” What is this, and what is it used for?

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen
the patient's upper jaw bone. [Wikimedia Commons]

A: Great question! A palatal expander -- also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander -- is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the patient's upper jaw bone.

The classic expander used a turn key, and is quite bulky and painful. At King Orthodontics, we use a more modern, streamlined, custom and comfortable expander -- with no turn key needed.

As an expander works, the maxilla [upper jaw bone] and arch of teeth are slowing widened.  Expanders are superb for growing patients, but will not safely work for non-growing adults.  Expansion usually takes about 6-9 months, and the results are often dramatic!

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]