Dr. King Answers: How Often Should Patients With Braces Change Toothbrushes?

Q: Both of our kids have braces. How often should they change toothbrushes?

Dr. King recommends that patients with braces
change toothbrushes every one to two months.

A: Most dentists recommend changing to a new toothbrush every three months. Studies have proven that, after about three months of normal usage, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque.

The key point is under "normal" usage. With braces, toothbrushes break down much faster from the added friction of orthodontic brackets and wires. Germs, such as fungus and bacteria, can hide in the worn-out toothbrush bristles. Also, worn and bent bristles are much less effective at keeping braces and teeth clean.

I personally recommend a new toothbrush every one to two months for my braces patients. It really does make a difference!

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

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SOURCES: American Dental Association, Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Is the Difference Between Rubber Bands and Rubber Chains on Orthodontic Brackets?

Q: What is the difference between the rubber bands and the rubber chains that are on orthodontic brackets?

Orthodontic rubber chains, or connected chains, are
placed among teeth on the same arch. This results
in closure of gaps between a patient's teeth.

A: Great question! Rubber bands are also known as elastics and are typically worn from the upper braces to the lower braces. There are many different ways of putting them on the braces, so I figure out which particular connection points will most benefit a patient. Elastics are used to correct the occlusion, or bite, by creating an overall movement.

Rubber chains, or connected chains, are placed among teeth on the same arch. So, for example, several or all of the upper teeth may be connected together with rubber chains.  This results in closure of gaps between teeth.

Often, rubber bands and rubber chains are used simultaneously in an effort to create a functional and beautiful smile!

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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: I’m an Adult. Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment...AGAIN?

Q: I had braces as a teen. Now, as an adult, I’ve had some relapse, giving me crooked teeth again. How common is this, and can you help?

When left untreated, overly crowded teeth
can get worse over time, and result in
severely crowded teeth. This crowding can
lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay
and an increased chance of gum disease. 

A: This situation is not entirely uncommon. Many teen patients from the 1980s did not receive bonded retainers, as the technology was not widely accepted or developed. As a consequence, without lifetime removable retainer wear, shifting and relapse were inevitable for many patients.

The solution is often a simple course of braces or Invisalign® to correct the re-crowded areas. Sometimes, treatment can be as brief as 6 months. And, yes, at the end, I almost always insist on a bonded retainer :-)

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

____________________

SOURCE: Invisalign®

Dr. King Answers: Is Invisalign® OK for Young Teenagers, Too?

Q: Can my younger teenager achieve straight teeth with the clear aligners -- i.e., Invisalign® -- rather than braces? Or, is Invisalign® a teeth-straightening process just for adults?

Invisalign® can be a successful orthodontic
treatment alternative for adults and teens, as
long as patients responsibly comply during
the entire treatment process. 

A: Teenagers can often be excellent candidates for Invisalign®!

First and foremost, a teenager considering Invisalign® instead of braces needs to have a high level of dedication. Invisalign® clear trays need to be worn 22 hours per day to be effective. If a young person is not responsible and diligent with aligner wear, the entire process fails, and they end up in braces.

Also, with the many activities teenagers participate in -- such as sports, dance, band, etc. -- there are many opportunities to lose the aligners. Even during school lunch, aligners are often forgotten. But, with care and persistence, even teenagers can be successful with Invisalign®.

Stop by for a free consult to see if Invisalign® is right for you or your teen. Keep smiling.

____________________

SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Q:  My dentist told me that I am developing periodontal disease around my crooked and crowded teeth. Can straightening my teeth help me avoid the negative effects of periodontal disease?

Orthodontic treatment can help patients avoid
the unhealthy, unsightly effects of periodontal
disease -- AKA periodontitis or pyorrhea. 

A:  Periodontal disease is the inflammation of tissues that surround the teeth. The supporting bone and gums can become severely damaged or lost from periodontal disease.  Negative consequences -- such as gum recession, tooth mobility and impossible-to-clean areas -- often result.

Straightening crooked teeth can often improve the odds of preventing periodontal disease.  Ultimately, diligent oral hygiene will be the most effective preventive means, Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean, which is the main benefit of orthodontics when periodontitis -- AKA pyorrhea -- is a concern.

Thanks for another great question! Keep smiling, and see you soon.

____________________

SOURCE: Wikimedia [image], Wikipedia

Dr. King Answers: What Do Archwires Do?

An orthodontic archwire is a wire conforming to the alveolar
or dental arch that can be used with dental braces as a source
of force that can be used in correcting irregularities in the
position of the teeth.

Q: What do archwires do?

A: There are three basic components to "braces" as we know them: a bracket, a wire, plus a small rubber loop that holds the bracket and wire together.

The wire is known as an archwire because of its unique curved shape that follows a perfect ellipse, mimicking the shape of an arch of teeth. Archwires are used to straighten the teeth by applying gentle force on accurately and artistically positioned braces.

Some archwires are thin and flimsy, while others are thick and stiff. In fact, archwires also vary in cross-sections: some rectangular, some square and others round.

Archwires are made of a variety of metals, each for a specific purpose. Stainless steel and titanium are the two most popular.

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

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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Offer Any Year-End Deals on Orthodontic Care?

Q: With the holidays fast approaching, our funds are tight -- but we want to pursue braces. Are there any special offerings you provide that could help?

King Orthodontics offers multiple
payment plans and free processing
of health-insurance claims.

A: Great question! It is our mission at King Orthodontics to provide our patients with not only the best possible excellence in care, but also the best possible fee.

We accept most insurances, and even process the claims for you. There are many payment plans to choose from -- including one with no down payment.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free smile analysis!

Happy Holidays!
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SOURCE: Flickr [image]

Dr. King Answers: Does It Take Longer to Straighten Teeth in an Adult?

Q: Does it take longer to straighten teeth in an adult than in a child/teen who is still growing?

Exceptional orthodontic results are possible for adults, too.

A: Great question! All things considered, the answer is yes: An adult patient would take longer. But orthodontic care with exceptional results is still a sure-fire possibility in adults.

It is important to remember that younger patients have softer jaws that are more agreeable to tooth movement. Also, growing bone cells help the process be more efficient and comfortable. Adult jaws are firmer and have a tendency to resist tooth movement.

Although orthodontics is possible at ANY age, I see greater corrective changes and long- term stability in growing teenage patients.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation -- young or old!
____________________

SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Ever Use a “Wait It Out” Strategy When Treating Kids?

Q: Do you ever use a “wait it out” strategy when treating kids? Is there a benefit to waiting until almost all of the adult teeth are in before trying to correct some issues?

A: Great question! The answer is yes. For the most part, I like to wait until all of the adult teeth are grown in before starting orthodontic braces treatment. Even so, it is important to know that some issues are best cared for before full eruption of adult teeth.

Underbite can occur when the lower
teeth protrude past the front teeth.

For example, crossbites, narrow jaws, and underbites [see image] should be corrected between ages 8-9 years. Research has shown that overbites are best left untreated until 11-13 years. Crowding and spacing, unless disfiguring, should also wait until the patient is about 12 years of age.

The wait-and-see approach is great in most cases, as a lot changes over time. Patients grow and mature; so do their teeth and jaws.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation!
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SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can I Use Flex-Spending Dollars on Braces or Invisalign®?

In most cases, patients can use medical flex-
spending account dollars for orthodontic treatment.

Q: Can I use my medical flex-spending account [FSA] dollars on braces or Invisalign®?

A: In most cases, yes! Braces and Invisalign® are covered as dental expenses.

There are some differences in how the accounts pay. For example, some plans want you to pay over the time of treatment, which may mean applying those dollars in two separate benefit years. Some plans, however, will allow payment of all the expenses in one benefit year.

At King Orthodontics, we can help you determine the amount to set aside for a benefit year and also assist you in making the most of those pretax dollars! We take great care in helping our patients’ families maximize their pretax benefits. Call us for a free consultation!
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SOURCE: Visa Inc. [image]

Dr. King Answers: Is There More to Orthodontia Than Just Braces?

Q: Is there more to orthodontia than just braces?

A: Although orthodontics is known for braces, there are many other aspects and types of care to help straighten your smile.

Invisalign® is popular among teens and adults.

One example is Invisalign®, which has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Patients really like the clear aligners and brace-free treatment options whenever possible.

Palatal expanders are another type of care used to widen narrow jaws, making more space for crowded teeth and improving the bite.

Habit appliances help patients stop sucking on fingers and thumbs. This often reduces the need for more invasive surgical care in the future.

Another aspect of care is retention. We make bonded and removable retainers that are very comfortable and effective. 

Last, but not least, I sometimes offer mouthguards for patients involved in contact sports, and even special mouthguards to protect teeth from clenching and grinding.

See you soon for a free consult -- maybe for something other than braces. Keep smiling.

Dr. King Answers: Do You Offer Treatment Options for All Budgets?

Q: Do you offer treatment options for all budgets?

A: Yes, at King Orthodontics, we offer all available treatment options.

I am a firm believer that our role is to educate patients and parents about their specific orthodontic problems, and the various possible solutions. An educated and informed patient is best equipped to apply their own values, priorities and budget to the situation.

At King Orthodontics, we feel the best patients are active participants in their care. The doctor may “know best,” but, in reality, there are many factors at play. We will work with you to provide great care within your financial framework.

Keep smiling, and see you soon!

Dr. King Answers: After I Get My Braces Off, How Soon Will I Get My Retainer?

King Orthodontics custom-makes all retainers in its in-house lab.

Q: After I get my braces off, how soon will I get my retainer[s]?

A: Great question! At King Orthodontics, your retainers will be placed the exact, same day your braces are removed. We have an in-house lab and we custom-make all retainers.

This is important for two reasons. First, there is no delay between braces removal and retainers, resulting in no adverse shifting of the newly straightened teeth.

Second and, perhaps, equally important, this maximizes the convenience for our patients. There is less missed school or work as both appointments are the same day and close together.

Keep smiling, and see you soon....maybe for a new retainer!
__________________

SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: While Wearing Braces, Can Teeth Actually Get Worse Before They Look Better?

Q: When wearing braces, is it possible to have teeth get worse before looking better?

A: This is truly a great question -- and the answer, unfortunately, is yes.

One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontic care is that, start to finish, it's a  straight-line path, with everything getting continually better with each passing day. The reality is that orthodontics is a complex, multi-step process in which some things get worse in the beginning before they get better.

For example, sometimes spaces form between teeth that were never there before. Also, as the occlusion, or bite, changes, it can collide in an uncomfortable manner for a period of time. In the end, though, it all comes together for a beautiful smile and healthy bite.

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

Dr. King Answers: How Do You Charge Such Low Fees While Achieving Such Exceptional Results?

Q: You’ve won awards for “Best Orthodontist” in several publications [e.g., Minnesota Monthly, Post Bulletin, Southern Minnesota Scene Magazine], due to your low fees and exceptional results. How can you accomplish both, and what other factors make you and your team a reader’s favorite?

A: Thanks for a great question! We can accomplish the “Best Fee and Exceptional Results" guarantee due to a number of factors. 

First, and foremost, I focus on efficiency. I will never recommend treatment too early, or recommend treatment that is unnecessary. In fact, I will only recommend for your child what I would recommend for my own daughter.

Secondly, I place an extreme emphasis on precision. I personally place each and every brace. Also, I personally check every single tooth on every single patient at every single adjustment appointment.

By being “hands-on,” I can, in almost all cases, control the entire process. This leads to excellent results in a reasonable time frame. Yes, there are exceptions and unexpected circumstances. But, most often, my “high-touch” approach pays off for my patients.

Last, but not least, I offer the most high-tech, yet proven, treatment options. Fully digital x-rays, Invisalign, no headgear and fewer extractions all play a role in creating excellence at the best and lowest possible fee.

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

Dr. King Answers: Why Don't You Use Headgear in Treatment?

Orthodontic headgear was
popular during the 1960s, 1970s
and 1980s. Not so much now.

Q: Why don’t you use headgear in treatment?

A: Orthodontic headgear was an extremely popular treatment used in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The back of the head or neck is used as an “anchor” to move the upper jaw backwards for patients with protruding overjet [AKA horizontal overlap]. Patients were requested to wear the headgear for 12-16 hours per day for an effective change to occur.

As the art and science of orthodontia has evolved, many other treatment options are available to create similar change. Furthermore, the actual effectiveness and long-term stability of headgear results has been questioned by many leading practitioners.

In our modern era, young patients most often lead very busy schedules -- full of academics, athletics, arts, etc. -- leaving little time to actually wear a headgear. Night wear is exceedingly difficult, due to varied sleep postures, so it is virtually impossible. Plus, who wants to wear that crazy metal contraption to school?

Keep smiling, and see you soon -- but not for a headgear!
__________

SOURCES: Dictionary.com, Pinterest [photo], Wikipedia

Dr. King Answers: If My Daughter Has Crooked Baby Teeth, Will She Need Braces When She Gets Older?

Q: If my daughter has crooked baby teeth, does that mean she will probably need braces as she gets older?

A: Crooked baby teeth do not always mean that adult teeth will be crooked, too. It is important to distinguish between crooked teeth and overly crowded teeth.

Crooked teeth are just not straight; perhaps they are twisted, flared or tiled. But, typically, there is enough room for them to fit in the mouth.

Overly crowded teeth [see image] are almost always crooked -- but the key difference is that there is not enough room to fit them all in the mouth. Crowded baby teeth are never followed by straight permanent teeth.

Stop by for a free consultation, and I”ll help you figure it out. Keep smiling, and see you soon!
__________

SOURCE: Invisalign [illustration]

Dr. King Answers: Can Treatment Time Be Cut by Tightening Braces More Often?

Q: If braces are tightened more often and more rigorously, will treatment time be reduced?

A: Fantastic question! There are many factors that contribute to total treatment time in braces. The singular, and most important, factor is accuracy of brace positioning on the teeth.

I personally place each and every brace on every patient for this reason. Artistically and technically, correct brace positioning is, by far and away, the best way to create efficient and beautiful results. In fact, it is our No. 1 focus at King Orthodontics.

In the beginning of treatment, more frequent visits and more intense tightening are actually detrimental. There are not gains and, in fact, only potential harm by damaging the roots and creating unnecessary discomfort. Perhaps, at the very end of treatment, more frequent visits and/or more rigorous tightening can help close stubborn spaces.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consult!

Dr. King Answers: How Long Do Retainers Need to Be Worn?

Q: How long after braces removal will my son need to wear a retainer, so that his teeth remain straight?

A: This is a great question! For a young person that completes orthodontic care around age 14-15, retainer wear is very important. I recommend full-time day and night wear for 3-6 months. Exceptions to wear are eating, brushing and sports.

Thereafter, a retainer should be worn only at night while sleeping until about age 22. At this time, we can be reasonably certain that growth is complete and the retainer can be worn on a reduced schedule.

The only way to be certain of maintaining alignment is, unfortunately, lifetime wear. But a retainer is an easy insurance policy to maintaining a healthy and great-looking smile.

See you soon for a free smile analysis.
__________

SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Is the Importance of a Sports Mouthguard?

Q: What is the importance of a sports mouthguard?

A: A sports mouthguard is important for children and adults who participate in contact sports, such as wrestling, hockey, lacrosse, football and basketball. Sometimes, mouthguards are even worn in non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or skateboarding. 

Sports mouthguards help to prevent injuries to the teeth, tongue, gums and cheek tissues. There is even some evidence that they help reduce the severity of concussions and/or prevent other injuries.

All King Orthodontics offices offer free sports mouthguards for our braces patients during treatment. We also offer custom-fitted, professional-style sports mouthguards for our patients after their orthodontic care is complete.

Keep smiling, and see you soon...for a mouthguard :-)
__________

SOURCE: PubMed.gov

Dr. King Answers: What Do You Mean by, "We Specialize in Non-Extraction Techniques"?

Q: What do you mean by, “We specialize in non-extraction techniques”?

A: Great question! In the 1970s and 1980s, orthodontists would have most patients get two upper and two lower bicuspid teeth -- AKA premolars -- removed prior to braces.

As you can imagine, the same treatment for almost every patient did not provide the best long-term results for many patients. Unfortunately, some practitioners still, perhaps, excessively recommend removal of teeth.

At King Orthodontics, we try to explore all options to avoid unnecessary extraction of teeth. In fact, we are firm believers in allowing the baby teeth to exfoliate naturally in most cases. 

With special techniques, such as jaw/arch expansion, we are often able to extract no permanent teeth. In some situations, extractions are unavoidable -- but we strive to keep the maximum teeth possible.

Keep smiling, and see you soon!
__________

SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can You Customize an Orthodontic Treatment Plan to Meet Our Budget?

Q: Can you customize an orthodontic treatment plan to meet our budget?

A: Great question. At King Orthodontics, we take great pride in listening to our patients' real concerns. Perhaps only one tooth is the issue, and a patient doesn't want a comprehensive treatment. We always consider all orthodontic care options, and let you know the risks and benefits of each.

I am a firm believer that our patients [and parents of patients] are the boss, and our role is to facilitate their care how they see best fit -- given their concerns and budget. Knowing all of your options is powerful indeed.

Our mission is to deliver affordability and excellence, because our patients deserve both. As noted on our website's FAQ page, we offer the best and most convenient payment plans available. Simply stop by for a free consultation to find out what your options are, and to learn more about our Best Fee Guarantee.

Dr. King Answers: Are Kids' First Orthodontic Evaluations OK After Age 7?

Q: I read that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation should occur at age 7. What happens if my child is older than 7?

A: Ideally, I would like to evaluate patients at about age 7, because the permanent molars and incisors are beginning to erupt. Missing teeth, extra teeth and overall bite issues can also be identified at this early age.

The honest truth is, most children will not need orthodontics at age 7-8. But the evaluation can give parents peace of mind and more information about their child’s smile.

If you happen to be a bit late -- say, age 9-10 -- no worries; we can still help with a complete, no-cost evaluation. I begin to worry if patients are first evaluated at age 12-14, as irreversible problems may have occurred, such as impacted teeth, enamel wear or impaired jaw development.

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

SOURCE: Terri Heisele [photo]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Ever Do Fixed Retainers?

Q: Do you ever do fixed retainers? Wouldn’t they be better than removable retainers in keeping teeth in place after braces treatment?

A: Yes, I do fixed retainers for many patients. The standard of care is a removable upper retainer, and a fixed or bonded retainer on the lower.

The reason that bonded retainers are not used more frequently on the upper teeth is very simple: The lower teeth may have food collide into them, leading to breakage.

It is also important to consider other factors when choosing between fixed and removable retainers. Excellent oral hygiene is required for fixed retention, as plaque and calculus are more likely to build up.

Also, the patient’s original problem is an important consideration. For example, a gap between the upper front teeth would best be retained with a bonded lingual wire. However, gaps on the lower teeth are sometimes better held with a removable retainer.

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

Dr. King Answers: What Is the Most Common Orthodontic Problem You Encounter?

Q: What is the most common orthodontic problem you encounter?

A: Great question. The most common problem I encounter and treat is crowded, crooked teeth.

Crowding [see image, right] results when the jaw bone is not large enough to accommodate all of the teeth in their natural, straight positions. As a result, teeth grow in twisted, sideways, angled, tipped, and sometimes do not grow in at all. Crowding can occur at any age, and the solutions are the same -- regardless of the patient's age.

The treatment concept is simple: find a way to make more room for the crowded teeth. Sometimes, I can expand the jaws to make the amount of available space increase. Other times, teeth need to be removed to make more space.

I decide on the proper treatment by analyzing the patient’s facial proportions, facial profile, lip posture, angle of the front teeth and interdigitation, or interlocking, of the back teeth. There is always a solution to provide a beautiful and healthy end result.

Keep smiling, and see you soon.
__________

SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can I Begin Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?

Q: I am pregnant and want to begin orthodontic treatment. Is this OK?

A: Yes, absolutely. Orthodontic treatment is very safe during pregnancy -- however, some special precautions are required.

Traditionally, dental x-rays were avoided during the first and third trimesters. However, with modern digital x-rays and lead apron protection, recent medical recommendations allow for diagnostic x-rays during pregnancy. If a reasonably new x-ray is available from your family dentist, that can also be used to limit exposure.

In addition, you should know that pregnancy tends to increase gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Special attention to oral hygiene is required during pregnancy -- especially with orthodontics. At King Orthodontics, we recommend a Philips Sonicaire toothbrush and special flossing instruments.

Pregnancy and braces/Invisalign® can go hand in hand. Keep smiling, and see you soon.
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SOURCE: Benjamin Earwicker [photo]

Dr. King Answers: What Is an Orthodontic Expander?

Q: What is an orthodontic expander?

A: This is a special appliance used to widen a narrow jaw.

Some patients are born with a narrow or constricted upper jaw that results in crossbites and crowded teeth. Crossbites are when the upper teeth bite inside of the lower teeth.

An orthodontic expander, also known as a palatal expander [see image], is used to gradually widen the narrow jaw over the course of about 6 months. This is usually done between the ages of 7-9 years, while the bone is soft and growing.

At King Orthodontics, I custom-make expanders to fit the exact size and shape of a patient's jaw. This results in a more comfortable and efficient process.

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

SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]