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: 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.
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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: Why Are Rubber Bands Necessary?

Q: Why are rubber bands necessary?

A: Rubber bands are not only necessary -- they are often the difference between great results and mediocre results.

I use braces and wires to straighten the teeth and create beautiful arch forms. This gives patients what they want: an awesome-looking smile. But the bite, or how the upper and lower teeth touch together, is probably more important.

Rubber bands, also known as elastics, help shift the upper and lower teeth into a healthy and comfortable bite. Patients who are great at wearing elastics always achieve the best possible end results.

Remember: a successful orthodontic treatment is a team effort. The patients play their role by being awesome brushers and great rubber band wearers!

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

Dr. King Answers: Are Sports Mouthguards Compatible With Braces?

Q: Can my child get a sports mouthguard if he wears braces?

A: Yes -- for sure! Mouthguards are recommended for many sports -- such as football, hockey, wrestling, softball, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and volleyball. Interestingly, sports mouthguards are not recommended for soccer or swimming.

At King Orthodontics, we provide free mouthguards for all of our athletes to help keep their teeth and braces safe. Also, there is some evidence that mouthguards might help in preventing concussions.

At King Orthodontics, we also offer custom professional-style mouthguards after braces or Invisalign® treatment completion. Such pro-style guards are just that: the exact, same thing that a Minnesota Vikings, Twins or Timberwolves player would wear.

Keep smiling, and see you soon -- maybe for a sports mouthguard!
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SOURCE: Invisalign®: Living With Invisalign

Dr. King Answers: What Is a Deep Bite?

Q: What is a deep bite?

A: Deep bite, or deep overbite, occurs in approximately 15% to 20% of the U.S. population.[1]

Some overbite is good. The upper front teeth should overlap, or overbite, the lower front teeth -- but only by a little bit.

Approximately one-fourth to one-third of the height of the lower front teeth should be covered by the uppers when your bite is closed. When more than one-third is covered, it is considered a "deep bite."

Many deep overbites fully hide the lower teeth and can be quite detrimental. If extremely deep, enamel wear and chipping will add up over the years.

Deep overbites are very treatable with orthodontic braces and, sometimes, Invisalign®. Creating a healthy and safe amount of overbite allows proper chewing and eliminates enamel wear.

Do you have a deep overbite? Stop by for a fee consult at King Orthodontics. Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCES: National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI] [1], Invisalign® [image]