Smile CSRA

Invisalign Basics: Beginner Instructions

by Leave a Comment

If you are about to begin treatment with Invisalign, there are some simple instructions that Carter Orthodontics will give you when you receive your first aligners. If you’d like to read them before then, you’re in luck.

  • Wear each set of aligners 20-22 hours every day. The longer you keep them in, the better!
  • Wear each set of aligners no less than 2 full weeks, unless otherwise instructed.
  • You can add extra days if you have not worn them as instructed.
  • You can drink with the aligners in, but do not eat or chew gum unless you remove them.
  • Write the date that you change your aligner on the bag so you don’t lose track of time.
  • Keep them clean with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but do not soak them in mouthwash.
  • To disinfect your aligners, cover them with anti-bacterial soap for 10 minutes then rinse them off and brush them as usual.
  • If an attachment comes off, let us know on your regular appointment.
  • If your aligners aren’t staying in place, let us know on the next business day.
  • If you have a rough spot on any edge of the aligner, try a nail file to smooth the spot.
  • Do not throw away any aligner, bring them all in with you at each appointment.
  • If you lose or break a tray, call us. We’ll let you know the next steps.
  • If you have any other questions, feel free to call us!

If you would like to schedule an appointment for Invisalign, contact Carter Orthodontics right away!

What Are Dental Implants?

by Leave a Comment

What are dental implants?

Dental implants, invented by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark in the 1950s, are a common procedure for people who have lost teeth for one reason or another. They are placed into your jaw in order to help replace missing teeth or to support bridges and dentures. 

dental implants

How do dental implants work?

There are two types of implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal, or “in the bone”, implants are the most commonly used type of implant. These include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone to hold prosthetic teeth. Subperiosteal, or “on the bone”, implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants may be a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth, and they have many advantages as a supported restoration. When compared to traditional bridges and dentures, a dental implant behaves much more like a natural tooth root. Bridges and dentures can wear bone down over time but implants channel functional pressures into the bone, sparing it from damage. Implants help to improve and maintain healthy bone, which means better support for chewing and speaking and a more natural-looking result.

dental implant for dentures

How to dental implants work with orthodontic treatment?

Both dental implants and orthodontic treatment can be used to improve a patient’s smile. In some cases, they are used in conjunction. Some people will start with the implants during their treatment plan, while others will receive them after their orthodontic work is complete. Both an orthodontist and an oral surgeon will evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine the most appropriate sequencing.

How affordable are dental implants?

Many patients first question about dental implants deals with the cost of treatment. If you are fearful of the cost of treatment, you are not alone! Fortunately, many insurance companies now cover the cost of implant-based restorations. When that is not the case, most dental practices offer convenient payment plans to help you pay over a period of time instead of all at once.

Contact Carter Orthodontics today to learn more about dental implants and orthodontics today.

Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Braces?

by Leave a Comment

Many things can affect your orthodontic treatment, such as forgetting to wear your retainer or skipping steps in your treatment. But what about wisdom teeth? Can they affect your braces?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Also known as “third molars,” wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to erupt. They can appear early in your teens but may also show up in your early twenties.  Some of them will not appear at all and will remain impacted, or trapped, in the jawbone and gums. This usually occurs because of a lack of room, which is probably also why you are in need of orthodontic treatment!

Wisdom Teeth and Braces

Having your wisdom teeth removed is very common. By the time you reach your late teens, your jawbone is almost done growing. This usually means that your wisdom teeth run out of room. They make room for themselves by growing wherever they can, either above or below your gums. They can even grow sideways! This is when you might start to worry that your orthodontic treatment will be ruined because of your wisdom teeth.

The majority of orthodontic patients typically have their braces applied in their early teens, before their wisdom teeth have had a chance to erupt. For people who wait until later in life to get braces, an orthodontist may recommend having wisdom teeth extracted before beginning treatment. If you are one of the patients who has braces before your wisdom teeth have become a consideration, your orthodontist will probably want to check in with you after treatment. Your orthodontist may order X-rays to see if your wisdom teeth have made any progress in development. If they are beginning to come in after your braces have been removed, it may be necessary to pull the teeth to prevent any chances of your newly straightened teeth from shifting position.

Ultimately, your orthodontist will be able to make the appropriate decisions during your treatment plan. If you have any concerns about these issues, please contact us today at Carter Orthodontics to discuss how wisdom teeth might affect your treatment.

Smile for Life: Health Benefits of Braces

by 4 Comments

Braces don’t just create beautiful smiles, they can also improve your overall health. If you’ve been on the fence about braces, it’s time to think again. The benefits of braces go beyond just basic aesthetics. Braces create healthy smiles for life.

health benefits of braces

Oral Hygiene: The most obvious health benefit of braces is the potential improvement in a person’s dental hygiene, which can ultimately result in a reduced risk of oral disease. An increase in food buildup is often caused by misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, and bite issues. Simply put, straighter teeth are easier to brush, clean, and floss!

Tooth Protection: Braces can help correct bite problems, some of which might contribute to the damage of a person’s teeth or gums. For instance, someone with an overbite is more likely to suffer fracture or injury to his or her upper front teeth. Poor bites may also contribute to gum recession or uneven wearing of teeth, which could cause premature tooth loss. Prevent or alleviate these problems by opting for orthodontic treatment.

More Effective Bite: A malocclusion, or a “bad bite”, can lead to TMJ issues, ineffective chewing, and even digestion problems. Some people have also reported chronic headaches, back pain, and neck soreness as a result of problems with their bites. Straight teeth help people properly bite and chew. If you are dealing with any of these issues, it might be time to speak to an orthodontist.

Improved Self-Esteem: Orthodontic treatment can have a great positive impact on a person’s self-confidence. It’s no surprise that straight teeth contribute to a more pleasing smile, but it may shock you to know just how much a person’s smile can affect his or her life. From job interviews to social settings, a nice smile makes a difference in how someone is perceived, treatment, and remembered.

If you are ready to reveal your beautiful new smile, contact Dr. Carter today for your free consultation!

What to Eat After You Get Your Braces: Smoothie Recipes

by Leave a Comment

A common question we receive at the office is “what can I eat after I get my braces?”, but we like to answer with more than just a list of approved and not-approved foods. We want to show that eating healthy, delicious food is still possible after you’ve started treatment! While you should always ditch sticky foods, you should also forgo any foods that might cause you any discomfort. There are certain points in the treatment process when your mouth might be more sensitive than usual. Smoothies are the perfect solution for when chewing just doesn’t sound all that fun!

what to eat with braces

Here are five office-approved recipes that taste great and help make sure you get the nutrients you need each day.

Apple Pie Smoothie from Happy Fit Mama

Key Lime Smoothie from Side of Sneakers

Tropical Green Smoothie from Fit Foodie Finds

Blueberry Superfood Smoothie from The Healthy Maven

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie from Huffington Post