When you wear braces, you achieve a beautiful, straight smile, but how do you maintain these results after treatment? The final results of your orthodontic treatment are dependent on your retainer. The purpose of retainers is to maintain the position of straightened teeth. Discover more about retainers and how to care for them at home by reading the information below.

The types of retainers

You may be recommended to wear one of the following types of retainers:

Clear retainers: A removable, clear plastic tray that is worn over the teeth.

Traditional Retainers: A removable acrylic and wire appliance that fits over the front of the teeth.

Bonded Retainer: A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily bonded to the anterior teeth on the lingual (tongue) side.

Other ways retainers help

Retainers provide many benefits in addition to maintaining straight teeth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces plaque buildup and the risk of tooth decay. There are certain types of retainers that may be helpful in improving snoring and breathing at night. Additionally, retainers may be used to adjust the placement of your child’s tongue, thereby assisting with speech difficulties and vocabulary development.

Here are some tips to help you remember your retainer.

• Use your cell phone to set daily reminders to remind you to insert your retainer before going to sleep.
• If you have a designated retainer spot, you will not forget where you left your retainer if you misplace it.
• You can always use Post-Its to remind yourself! They are bright and colorful and serve as a pleasant reminder.
• It is okay to ask for helpful reminders through the buddy system. Consider asking a sibling, spouse, or friend to help you remember with periodic check-ins and nudges.

Retainer care 

As with teeth, retainers should be brushed daily with toothpaste. Brush the entire area gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are extra careful around the wires so they do not bend out of place.

Maintaining your retainer is an essential part of completing your orthodontic treatment, so take good care of it, and it will take good care of you. The retention phase begins once your braces have been removed. In order to maintain your newly straight smile, it is vital that you follow through with tooth retention.

For more information about retainers, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

It’s common for parents to wait until a child loses all of his or her baby teeth before consulting an orthodontist, usually in their preteen or early teenage years. In addition, some view orthodontics as an aesthetic treatment that is often desired but not really necessary. The majority of dental professionals recommend that parents bring their children in for an initial exam at a young age. Without an orthodontist’s evaluation and possible treatment, children and adults are at risk of developing serious conditions beyond crooked teeth.

Early orthodontic evaluations are important.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children who exhibit signs of future orthodontic issues should be seen by the age of seven. It is much younger than most parents believe treatment should begin, but it is important for a young patient’s treatment plan and outcome. Early intervention devices can be used to prevent the need for future surgery when the upper and/or lower jaws of young children are not growing or shaped properly.

Headgear worn at home can help many patients with underbites, while a retainer-like device called a bionator can treat severe overbites in young children. As permanent teeth grow in properly, these devices make alignment treatments, such as braces or clear aligner trays, much easier in the future. 

The risks of neglecting orthodontic treatment

There are several reasons why parents should not disregard orthodontic treatment for their children. Many of the negative side effects impact children immediately, but others can develop or worsen over time.

Unattractive teeth

There is no doubt that crooked smiles are unsightly and can negatively impact children for the rest of their lives. A lack of alignment can negatively affect self-esteem, adversely affecting social and professional relationships and opportunities. Additionally, gaps caused by crooked teeth may continue to shift and worsen over time. 

Bites that are not properly formed

Improper bite formation can either cause or contribute to poor alignment. These cases are caused by shifting of the teeth, which makes it difficult for the teeth to meet properly for effective biting and chewing. If left untreated, this problem may develop into more serious jaw problems in the future.

Tension in the jaw, pain, or surgery

An improperly shaped jaw or crooked teeth can result in poor bite alignment, causing tension and pain in the jaw. There is a possibility that the condition may worsen over time and may lead to the development of TMJ or other serious conditions. In some cases, surgery is required in order to correct the problem and alleviate chronic pain.

In most cases, orthodontic treatment does not begin until all baby teeth have fallen out, but parents of children with orthodontic issues should seek evaluation earlier rather than later. By seeing an orthodontist by age seven, serious alignment issues can be prevented. Also, addressing the problems at a young age can make future treatment with braces or other aligners more efficient and less invasive. As tooth alignment issues can lead to serious complications, orthodontic treatment should never be neglected, regardless of the patient’s age.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our orthodontic office for more information.

When you take care of your braces or Invisalign® results correctly, you can have a beautiful straightened smile for life! It is common for orthodontic patients to need to wear retainers for the rest of their lives to ensure that their teeth do not shift out of position again after completing their treatment. A single retainer, however, will not last you that long. In order to keep your smile straight and healthy, here are the top four signs that it’s time to get a new one.

There are small cracks in your retainer.

Take a close look at your retainer the next time you wear it—do you see any small cracks or chips? Damaged retainers are one of the most obvious signs that they need to be replaced. It may seem like these cracks are small now, but they will only grow over time. It won’t be long before your retainer can’t keep your teeth in their ideal position.

Your retainer feels loose or uncomfortable.

Having a retainer that doesn’t fit well is another sign that it needs to be replaced. Your retainer will naturally wear down and lose its shape over time. It will also weaken faster if it is soaked in harsh cleaning chemicals or strong mouthwashes. It will not be able to hold your teeth in place effectively if it does not fit closely against your teeth. You may also lose the shape of your retainer if you grind your teeth at night or clean it with boiling water or in the dishwasher. A poorly fitting retainer will not only fail to keep your teeth straight, but could also cause harm to your jaws, teeth, or soft tissues. When it does not fit properly, it is best to have it replaced as soon as possible.

There is too much calcium buildup on your retainer.

Your retainer can begin to build up calcium, even if you practice good dental habits. The white-yellow material is also known as tartar, which is hardened plaque. The rough surface is porous enough to accumulate bacteria, which can cause oral health issues. In the same way that tartar builds up on your teeth, it can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. Replace your retainer if you notice calcium buildup on it.

The retainer smells bad.

Does your retainer smell like morning breath? It is most likely caused by an accumulation of oral bacteria. The mouth contains over 700 different types of bacteria, which easily accumulate during the night as you sleep. These particles will decay if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene, releasing foul-smelling gases and making your retainer stink. This is not only unpleasant, but it puts you at a higher risk of oral health issues like gum disease and cavities. Replace your retainer if it smells bad to keep your smile healthy and fresh!

In order to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment, you must wear your retainer. By replacing your retainer every few years, you can keep your new, beautiful smile for life.

Our orthodontic office is proud to assist patients of all ages in achieving straighter, healthier smiles and maintaining them for life. From pediatric orthodontics to adult braces and everything in between, we are confident in our treatment. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

If you are seeking a time-tested orthodontic solution to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, you may want to consider traditional metal braces. In today’s world, braces are smaller, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before! You can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with the help of our trusted orthodontic team.

Braces: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Traditional metal braces are the most affordable, durable, and effective method for straightening your teeth and improving your appearance. Metal brackets are attached to the front of your teeth, and flexible wires or archwires connect the brackets. It is common for braces to include rubber bands or metal ties that connect the brackets to the wire, creating more pressure to straighten your teeth.

With braces, you can align your teeth by applying just the right amount of pressure. Below the teeth, gums, and bones is a membrane that moves in response to pressure and gradually repositions itself. The bones under the teeth are also altered in shape, gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position. As your teeth move into place, bone and tissue grow in the space left behind, which, combined with the use of a retainer, helps preserve your new smile.

Traditional braces correct what conditions?

Almost any orthodontic concern can be corrected with traditional braces, including gapped, crowded, or severely misaligned teeth. Additionally, they can correct problems with the bite, including underbites, crossbites, open bites, and overbites. For complicated orthodontic cases, traditional braces are the best option due to their effectiveness and versatility.

What is the best way to keep your braces clean?

Keeping your mouth healthy is important for everyone, but especially for those who wear braces. Start your cleaning routine by rinsing your mouth to remove any loose food particles. Using a soft-bristled brush, angle it to remove any food that has accumulated on the top of your brackets and brush along your gum line. Be sure to brush your teeth from the bottom of your brackets upward and to brush each tooth, front and back. To prevent food particles from becoming trapped in your mouth, rinse your mouth after every meal or snack.

You should also floss regularly. You can use a floss threader or floss picks, whichever is easier for you. Feed your floss between your teeth and under your wires. You shouldn’t tug on the floss when it’s under a wire. If any loose food debris remains in your mouth, rinse it away with water. You may also benefit from using an irrigator to keep your mouth clean.

Get in touch with our friendly orthodontic team to learn more about straightening your teeth and perfecting your smile with traditional braces. We are dedicated to providing our valued patients with a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Make an appointment with our orthodontic office today.

Orthodontics is often thought of as a treatment for children and adolescents. However, there are many benefits of orthodontics for adults as well. Orthodontics can improve your oral health, your appearance, and your self-esteem. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of orthodontics for adults and why it’s never too late to get braces.

Orthodontics is important for adults for several reasons. First, it can help with the function of your teeth and jaws. Second, it can improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Third, it can help prevent or reduce problems with your teeth and jaws later in life.

So if you’re an adult who is considering orthodontic treatment, know that you’re not alone. Orthodontics can be a great way to improve your oral health and your overall well-being.

What are the benefits of orthodontics for adults?

Orthodontics is not just for teenagers. More and more adults are seeking treatment to straighten their teeth and achieve a more attractive smile. While the most obvious benefit of orthodontics is an improved appearance, there are also many other benefits that can improve your overall oral health.

Some of the benefits of orthodontics for adults include:

• Improved oral health: Straight teeth are easier to clean and less likely to develop cavities or other problems.
• Corrected bite: Orthodontic treatment can correct a misaligned bite, which can help to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the teeth.
• Improved self-esteem: A straighter, more attractive smile can boost self-confidence and help you feel better about yourself.

How can orthodontics improve your life?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws, and it can also help improve your bite. In addition, orthodontic treatment can also help to improve your overall oral health.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, then you may be wondering how it can improve your life. Here are some ways that orthodontics can improve your life:

• Orthodontics can improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws.
• Orthodontics can help to improve your bite.
• Orthodontics can help to improve your overall oral health.
• Orthodontics can help to improve your self-esteem and confidence.

Are there any risks associated with orthodontics for adults?

Orthodontics for adults is a growing trend, but there are some risks associated with it. The most common complication is root resorption, which is when the roots of the teeth start to dissolve. This can happen when the braces put too much pressure on the teeth. It’s important to consult with an orthodontist before getting braces to make sure that you are a good candidate for the treatment and to discuss the risks involved.

Orthodontics can provide many benefits for adults, including improved oral health, a more aesthetically pleasing smile, and increased self-confidence. While the decision to pursue orthodontic treatment is a personal one, it is important to consult with a qualified orthodontist to learn about the treatment options available and to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs. Please contact our orthodontic office to schedule a consultation.

Once your orthodontic treatment begins, you will need to visit our orthodontist at regular intervals. We will explain the importance of regular orthodontic appointments during your initial consultation. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding certain habits can help you and your family save money while preventing tooth decay.

What is the significance of regular appointments?

Braces are made up of wires and brackets that cover parts of the surface of your teeth. The attachments create areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate, putting you at risk for cavities. Brushing and flossing between meals are important steps, but regular orthodontic appointments are critical in preventing dental problems.

It is also important to note that patients should see their general dentist twice a year. Orthodontists are trained in general dentistry, but only your personal dentist understands your specific oral health requirements.

Regular visits to our orthodontic office can help ensure that your treatments are completed on time. Your follow-up visits, also known as “adjustment appointments,” allow us to replace worn-out bands, monitor your progress, and make any necessary adjustments. If a component of your braces has become loosened, damaged, or broken, we can repair it during your visit. Failure to keep your braces clean can result in a longer treatment time.

We will also visually inspect the movement of your teeth. Adjustments can be made if one or more teeth are not moving according to your treatment timeline.

Our orthodontist will look for signs of complications during your braces appointments, which can include:

• Injuries to the soft tissues
• Sores on the lips
• Tooth decay
• Problems with tooth alignment
• Demineralization

Teens: Special Considerations

If you are the parent of a teen who is undergoing orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to remind your teen about appointments. Teenagers are more likely to have compliance issues. During your braces appointments, our orthodontist will be able to tell if your child is not properly cleaning his or her braces. We can also discuss important topics like oral hygiene and maintenance during our appointments.

Brushing Suggestions

• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Brush gently in a circular motion.
• Brush each tooth’s surface, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
• Brush the inner surface of your front teeth with the brush’s tip.

Flossing Suggestions

• Use floss that is about 18 inches long and thread it carefully between the braces and wire, or use a floss threader.
• Floss around your braces with care.
• Floss first around your gums, then your teeth.

Regular orthodontic appointments

You can keep your orthodontic treatment timeline on track and avoid gum disease and tooth decay by attending regular orthodontic appointments at intervals determined by our orthodontist. Braces appointments are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, describe issues, and receive advice on proper braces hygiene and maintenance. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our orthodontic office.

When you first meet someone, one of the first things they notice about you is your teeth. Because our teeth are vital to our health and well-being, it is critical that we care for them and keep them in the best possible condition.

Feel Good About Yourself.

Many people are self-conscious about their smiles and often avoid showing their teeth in photographs. However, seeing an orthodontist can help you gain confidence in your smile and boost your self-esteem significantly. Orthodontists will customize your treatment to your specific needs and desires, ensuring that your smile is contagious by the end of your treatment! A healthy smile and teeth are critical to both our physical and mental health, as well as how confident we feel. It is estimated that the average person will wear braces for about two years, which is a small price to pay for a lifetime of good oral health.

Orthodontists can assist patients of all ages.

Many people believe that orthodontists are only for children who need braces to straighten their teeth. However, orthodontists are available to people of all ages. Orthodontists can treat a wide range of problems that affect people of all ages, including TMJ treatment, teeth straightening, and other issues. Older patients can even choose an Invisalign aligner, which is virtually invisible and can be removed during meals. Whatever treatment you require, your orthodontist will be able to provide it through an orthodontic exam in which your treatment will be tailored to your specific needs.

Invisalign®: The Braces of the Future

Many people refuse to have their orthodontic issues treated because they are afraid they will need braces. Many people are self-conscious about their braces, which can be difficult for them. Fortunately, technology has advanced, and you can now get clear braces called Invisalign® aligners. These are removable, invisible braces that straighten teeth without the inconveniences associated with metal braces.

Improved Jaw Alignment

When it comes to our dental health, it is critical to have proper jaw alignment to avoid future issues, such as TMJ treatments. To reduce these risks, it is critical to get braces or Invisalign as soon as possible. An unaligned jaw can be painful and difficult to manage, especially when eating. Traditional braces or Invisalign can mitigate these risks by allowing you to maintain normal jaw alignment and reduce the risk of future issues.

Oral hygiene is significantly improved.

Our oral hygiene has an impact on how we feel about ourselves and can make us feel self-conscious. We make certain that our teeth are clean and that our breath is minty fresh. Food that becomes stuck between misaligned teeth is reduced when teeth are properly aligned. These stuck food particles can cause cavities and plaque, among other problems. Misaligned teeth can lead to periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums caused by an abundance of plaque.

Whatever problem you are having with your oral health, orthodontists can help you improve it and avoid potentially harmful issues or diseases in the future. Seeing an orthodontist will benefit both your oral and mental health because you will be proud of your smile! Our Portage Orthodontist is here to help. Contact Sage Orthodontics of Portage today.

We understand that aligning teeth into healthy, beautiful smiles is only half of the job. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and keeping your mouth as clean and free of plaque and harmful bacteria as possible is also essential. Whether you have metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, or Invisalign®, knowing how to care for your appliances and maintain your overall oral health is critical. Here are some products that can assist you along the way.

Interdental Toothbrush

A Proxabrush is a toothbrush that you can use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. To avoid damaging your wires, use the Proxabrush gently. The Proxabrush will assist you in cleaning your braces while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Our orthodontic office can help with suggestions if you have questions. 

Toothpaste with fluoride and mouthwash

Topical fluoride, found in toothpaste and mouthwash, helps patients of all ages avoid dental decay. The use of fluoride-containing oral hygiene products on a daily basis is especially important when undergoing orthodontic treatment because orthodontic appliances make it more difficult to remove harmful plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.

For the duration of your orthodontic treatment, we can prescribe a prescription-strength fluoride to help prevent decalcification, or the breakdown of tooth enamel. This toothpaste provides additional protection for your tooth enamel, which is required due to the amount of plaque that accumulates while wearing braces. Due to the elevated levels of fluoride present in this toothpaste, adult supervision is always suggested. 

We also recommend that you use a fluoride-containing mouthwash, such as the alcohol-free ACT Anti-cavity Fluoride Rinse, to help protect your enamel.

Cleaning removable appliances

Brush your removable appliance as part of your regular brushing and flossing routine every day. Soak your appliance daily because food particles and plaque can accumulate on it just like they do on your teeth. Soak your appliance once a day in a glass of room-temperature tap water with a Polident, Efferdent, or other denture-cleaning tablet dissolved in it. Your appliance will taste better, and plaque and bacterial buildup will be reduced.

The significance of maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces cannot be overstated. Although brushing and flossing your teeth with braces is more difficult, there are many products specifically designed to help with this. Please contact Sage Orthodontics of Portage if you have any additional questions or concerns about maintaining proper oral hygiene, or if you would like to schedule an appointment. Our Portage MI Orthodontist is always happy to help!