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]

Dr. King Answers: What All Is Included in a Free Consultation?

Q: What all is included in a free consultation?

A: It is important to know that the consultation is completely free with absolutely zero pressure. Basically, it is an information-gathering appointment for the parent/patient.

First, I review your dental history and see what your specific concerns are regarding possible orthodontics. Although a referral from your general dentist is not required, I will also address any concerns or questions your family dentist has.

At King Orthodontics, each free orthodontic consultation includes a free
panoramic radiograph [x-ray] and exam. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]

At King Orthodontics, we provide a completely free panoramic radiograph [x-ray, pictured] and exam. I will let you know, in easy-to-understand terms, what the problems are. I will review all of your options -- including the option of doing nothing, which is sometimes the best route. 

Insurance and payment options -- including no-down-payment and interest-free financing -- are also discussed. Most importantly, I will let you know exactly and honestly what I would choose if your child were my own son or daughter.

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

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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Are Separators, and Why Don't You Use Them?

Q: What are separators, and why don’t you use them?

A: There are two basic types of braces: the traditional metal bands that encircle the entire tooth, and the modern small brace that is bonded directly to the tooth’s front surface.

Separators are small rubber rings that are wedged between adjacent teeth
around their point of contact. Dr. King prefers to use the modern bonding
method, which affords much greater patient comfort and easier tooth brushing.

Separators are small rubber rings that are wedged between adjacent teeth around their point of contact. The compressed rubber expands over time, creating a small gap between the teeth. After the separators are removed, the small gaps remain between the teeth, allowing for the band-type brace to be fit around the entire tooth.

At King Orthodontics, we almost exclusively use the modern bonding method. This allows for much greater patient comfort and a much easier tooth brushing. When patients ask me why I don’t use separators, I often joke, “1980 called and it wants its braces back!”

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCE: YouTube [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Are Low-Profile Braces?

Q: What are low-profile braces?

This graphic illustrates the size difference between standard
orthodontic brackets and low-profile brackets. [3M Unitek] 

A: Great question! Standard braces are, on average, about twice as large as mini-braces. Standard braces protrude, or stick out, from the teeth surfaces about twice as much as low-profile braces. [See example, right.]

At King Orthodontics, I only use mini-low-profile braces to improve the comfort and outcomes of my patients. Mini-braces allow a more gentle curvature of wire between crooked teeth, resulting in a less-intense force and greater comfort. Low-profile braces protrude much less, resulting in fewer cheek and lip irritations.

Smaller braces are easier to brush and also come loose a lot less often. At King Orthodontics, we use some of the very smallest and highest-quality braces available.

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

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SOURCE: 3M Unitek [image]

Dr. King Answers: Does Our Child Need a Referral to See You?

Q: Should we wait for our general dentist to tell us our son should seek orthodontic care and when to do so --- OR can we just come in to your office? We just don't want to have orthodontic care if it is not needed.

A: Great question! Your general or family dentist can provide great perspective on the timing or reason for an orthodontic consultation. Your doctor may offer the advice of having an orthodontist evaluate your child's teeth. Sometimes, your general dentist will give you a King Orthodontics referral form detailing the areas of concern. However, a referral from your dentist is NOT required.

We often have concerned parents that would like an evaluation. They can simply call the office and schedule the free consult. [See office locations and contact information in right sidebar/column.] Doing so can often give great peace of mind and is completely free.

Patients and staff in clinic bay of King Orthodontics' new
Rochester office location at 2769 Superior Drive NW.

At King Orthodontics, we do a complimentary panoramic radiograph, and spend whatever time is necessary to answer all of your questions plus those of your child's. Always remember, we will treat your son or daughter exactly as we would treat our own sons and daughters. So, no unnecessary care is ever done and all options are fully explained.

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

P.S.: Click here to see before-and-after images that reflect Dr. King's expertise.

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Dr. King Answers: What Happens If a Tooth Grows in Out of Normal Position?

Q:  What happens if a tooth grows in out of normal position? Is it common?

Class I case of malocclusion with severe crowding and
labially erupted canines.

A: Yes, this is a serious concern. Often, if a tooth grows in out of the normal arch form, it’s a sign of severe crowding [see image, left]. Although it is better than having an impacted tooth, it can be quite detrimental:

* Teeth without enough space will detour outward or inward.

* If a tooth grows towards the cheek or lips, it can often cause sores or accidental cheek biting.

* If a tooth diverts to the roof of the mouth, awkward biting can occur.

* Teeth far out of the arch are difficult to brush and floss.

* Snaggleteeth are correctable, and the results can be dramatically great!

See you soon for a free consult -- and keep smiling.

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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Is Invisalign Teen®?

Q: What is Invisalign Teen®?

A: Invisalign® is a great alternative to braces for many patients, including some teenagers. Because teenagers' teeth are constantly growing and changing -- unlike adult teeth -- a special form of Invisalign®, called "Invisalign Teen®," is available. The differences are often subtle, but important.

Each Invisalign Teen Compliance Indicator reflects how
well a patient is adhering to his or her treatment regimen.

There are small wear indicators that change color when the aligners are worn for the correct amount of time. Younger patients are often less disciplined than adults and, thus, the indicators are a great gauge of compliance.

Also, Invisalign Teen® takes into consideration teeth in the process of jaws completing eruption, as well as jaws in the process of completing growth.

All in all, Invisalign Teen® is a great method for many teenagers to improve their smile without traditional braces.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consult -- perhaps, for Invisalign Teen®!

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SOURCE: Invisalign® [illustration]