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.
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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 :-)
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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!
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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.