Are you planning a vacation this summer? If so, Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas wants you to be prepared before you go. Here we have compiled a checklist of things that might come in handy for you to keep with you while you’re away from home. These items include:
- Orthodontic wax, in case you begin to experience discomfort from protruding wire
- Small mirror (to look for any potential issues with your teeth and mouth)
- Toothpicks, floss picks, or other between-the-teeth cleaners
- Travel toothbrushes
- Water bottles, or mini bottles of mouth rinse
Keep all of these items together in a “braces kit” or “oral hygiene kit” so you have them all at hand. You can even buy a pre-made braces kit from some places. Ask your Cypress Texas Orthodontist if you want to know more about these kits.
To help keep your orthodontic work in good condition while you’re away on vacation, try to stay away from the following types of foods:
- Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and other nuts
- Apples, pears, and whole fruits in general; try to cut fruits into small wedges before you eat them
- Bagels and other hard bread rolls
- Chewy foods
- Corn on the cob
- Gummy foods
- Hard candy
- Hard cookies and pretzels
- Sticky foods
Broken wires and/or wire distortion could result from eating too many of these foods.
For those of you who wear clear aligners, don’t worry if you lose your tray while out having summer fun. You can use either the previous or the next tray while you’re waiting for your orthodontic team to replace the tray you lost. Contact your Cypress orthodontist’s office as soon as you are able to.
If, while you’re away from town on your vacation, you need to get in touch with your orthodontist’s office and have a problem reaching the right people, you can go online and look for an orthodontists’ office near your vacation spot. Many orthodontists are happy to help out with orthodontic patients who come to them experiencing pain or difficulty. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one unless you’re visiting a very remote location.
Remember these tips for optimum oral health this summer season. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call today!
After years of wearing braces, you finally have the smile you dreamed of. You are following your Dr. Creed’s advice by keeping up with appointments and making sure you care for your teeth as instructed, but now something alarming happens. Your smile looks great, but you start noticing that your teeth are moving.
What is Up With Post-Braces Teeth Movement?
Your braces or Invisalign aligners were holding your teeth in place. Dr. Creed gave you new aligners or made necessary adjustments to your braces to add pressure to your teeth to move them in a desired direction. This was the kind of pressure and change your teeth went through the entire process. Removing this orthodontic device means pressure will no longer be applied to your teeth, which allows them to move; this is natural and usually expected. Your teeth are going to make small adjustments to adjust to your bite, which should make everything feel better for you.
You should also remember that the body changes as you age. The skin loses collagen, leading to the loss of elasticity and the creation of wrinkles. The same thing may start happening to your oral cavity. The gums and your jawbone may experience some changes, which could lead to some dental movement. In essence, the likelihood that there will be absolutely no teeth movement is pretty slim. This is one reason why your orthodontic specialist will likely recommend that you use your retainer as much as you can during the recommended period. The retainer is meant to keep this natural settling at a minimum.
Should I Ever Worry?
Okay, so you know there is a chance of some natural settling after your braces come off, but there is also a chance something else might happen. Significant changes or front teeth movement is not normal, which means it is time to contact your orthodontic specialist. One of the most common solutions to this problem is having your retainer adjusted to prevent undesired movement.
Now, some cases may require your orthodontic specialist to bond a retainer to your teeth using dental glue. This is an easy procedure and usually fixes the issue. The retainer is removed once the shifting has stabilized. Some people’s teeth are too small for this option, which means a third alternative must be considered. Your dental care specialist will likely suggest that you let the teeth move to their final settling place. Then, your specialist may fix the issue with something like veneers.
Do not worry about this too much. From our experience, it seems that those who call us when suspicious movement occurs will likely fix the issue with a simple retainer adjustment. Those who ignore the changes might have to wear a clear aligner for a few more months while others might be forced to use braces or Invisalign again.
What is the Deal With Retainers?
Settling will happen, which is why we recommend retainers. The movement happens when the treatment is over, which is one reason we recommended that you wear your retainers as much as possible for the first few months after the braces or Invisalign treatment. The retainers are meant to decrease settling while improving bite. After your orthodontic specialist tells you it’s okay, you can wear the retainers only at night after those first few months. Keep in mind that most people wear retainers the rest of their lives because teeth may attempt to shift back to their original state without the added pressure. The good thing is you will likely only have to wear them at night and only a few times in a week.
Hopefully, these points answered your questions, but we can answer any other questions that you have. Do not hesitate to call Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas as soon as you can.
Misunderstandings about Orthodontics and Their Work
Most people are of the understanding that dentists are the professionals who take care of teeth. However, there is often some confusion as to what an orthodontist does. Here at Creed Orthodontics, we want to take the time to clarify what exactly it is that we provide for our patients. We would like to take a look at common misconceptions about orthodontics with you.
Not Your Family Dentist
First and foremost, it is important to note that orthodontics is not like your typical family dentist. We have different ways of achieving the goal of perfect mouth health with you than what your family dentist might have. We do not handle procedures like filling cavities. That procedure is done by your family dentist. They can also treat other teeth problems like tooth decay and toothaches. Essentially, they handle your everyday oral health problems. It is true that all dentists and orthodontists attend dental school, but becoming an orthodontist takes some extra years of study. The main focus of this study is realigning teeth and correcting different misaligned bites, like overbites.
Specified Reasons for Seeing an Orthodontist
People seek out orthodontic help for very specific reasons. We generally see patients who have braces on a routine basis. An orthodontist often focuses on teeth alignment, especially if people experience teeth growing crooked during their childhood and adolescent years. There are many reasons why this can happen, so the sooner a visit to the orthodontist happens, the sooner these problems can be addressed and taken care of before they become major problems. Some patients start going to the orthodontist as early as seven years of age. Many problems can be detected at a young age, long before they manifest into greater problems. It is also important to remember that facial bones are easier to alter at younger ages and with less pain, so the younger teeth are corrected, the better the experience can be for a child in the long run. In some cases, the family dentist can refer your child to us, but that does not always have to be the case.
Not Limited to a Specific Age
Many people believe that orthodontists only treat children and teenagers. There is a higher ratio of younger patients for orthodontist offices, but they are not the only patients that we treat on a daily basis. There are some college students and adults that see an orthodontist regularly for the same reasons that a child might go and see one. Remember, crooked teeth happen for various reasons, and those reasons can show up at any point in life. Therefore, people can require the help of an orthodontist at nearly any age. It is important to remember that about 20 percent of people over the age of 18 need braces, too, so there are bound to be older people attending our office, too. This percentage appears to be going up each year.
Clunky Head Gear
Many people do not realize that there has been much advancement in orthodontics in recent years. Therefore, people do not need to have as much metal in their mouth as they have had in the past. Brackets have become smaller, and patients can even have braces that go behind their teeth instead of in front to avoid having to show braces all of the time. Then, there are treatments like Invisalign that are completely metal-free.
Conclusion
Here at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas, we want you to have the greatest experience with an orthodontist. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are considering getting braces, it is common to have numerous questions and concerns. You may wonder if you can still enjoy your favorite food, speak the same, and continue to go about your daily life. You may also wonder how braces will feel.
Read on to learn the answers to the six most common questions that new patients have regarding braces. If there is a question that is not addressed below, feel free to contact Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed.
1. What Foods Can I Eat?
During the few first days after you get braces, it is recommended to stick to soft foods such as soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, pudding, and purees until your mouth adjusts. Once your mouth adapts to the braces, you can still enjoy almost all your favorite foods, although there are a few exceptions such as taffy, nuts, bubble gum, and popcorn.
It is also suggested to try to be more careful with certain foods. For example, you may want to cut corn from the cob prior to eating it and slicing crunchy foods like apples or carrots into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
2. Will My Speech Be Affected by Braces?
Wearing braces does not have an impact on your speech. In fact, it may even help improve your speech since your teeth will be more properly aligned. Although regular braces should not affect your teeth, if you have a palatal expander appliance on the roof of your mouth it may take some time to adjust to it. Within a few days or about a week, you should be back to speaking like you normally did.
3. Can I Still Play Sports if I Have Braces?
If you participate in contact sports such as football or martial arts, you may worry about what will happen to your braces. Fortunately, you do not need to be concerned. For most sports, having braces will not make a difference. In sports that may involve hits to the face, you can get a specially fitted mouth guard to protect your braces.
4. Will I Have Difficulty Playing Musical Instruments?
If you play a musical instrument that has a mouthpiece such as horns, saxophones, or flutes, it may take a couple of weeks to adjust to your braces. However, you will be able to play as well as you did before braces in no time.
5. Will I Need to Brush My Teeth in a New Way?
Once you get your braces, you will need to set aside an additional few minutes each night to properly brush them. When brushing, make sure to pay extra attention to the spaces between your braces, wires, and brackets and your teeth. It is also crucial to floss them at least once a day.
6. Will the Braces Be Painful?
At Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, Texas, we do our best to provide patients with treatment that is comfortable and effective. While the majority of patients do no experience any discomfort, the feeling of braces can still take some adjusting to. It usually takes several days to a week to get used to the feeling of braces.
Having a beautiful smile is a result of a healthy life. Sometimes having a happy smile requires some assistance from braces. Having a Cypress, Texas orthodontist check out an individual’s oral health at an early age will allow for a healthy smile far into the future years.
Getting Started With Teen Braces
Getting checked early can provide individuals with more treatment options than waiting until problems develop which limit available treatment options. Teenagers go through more growth and development than average adults. This allows for less corrective measures in the future.
Oral health affects many parts of the growing body other than just the mouth. Individuals who report jaw and neck pain can have an alignment problem with their teeth. By correcting the alignment issue with the teeth, the pain can be stopped. This will prevent your child from having to undergo other medical procedures to try and stop the pain.
Correcting any oral health issues is always better when it’s done sooner rather than later. Don’t let any issue get out of hand that will require more expensive and involved procedures in the future. Take the time now to have your child’s teeth evaluated by Dr. Benjamin Creed in Cypress, Texas.
The Effect Of Braces On Other Health Problems
Braces can be a cure for a variety of other health problems. For example, improper digestion of food can be caused by a misaligned bite. This misalignment affects an individual’s ability to chew food, which in turn results in restricted nutrient absorption of the body when food isn’t broken down enough.
There are many health problems that draw their roots back to poor oral health. By using braces to correct alignment issues, individuals will be able to drastically improve these other areas of their health.
A Smile Shows Good Self Esteem
Adolescence is a life stage where many emotional and physical changes happen. A teenager has enough to deal with in life without having to worry about their smile. Those individuals who are pleased with their smiles generally live a more comfortable and happy life as they smile more often.
Smiling boosts mental health in people of all ages, especially teenagers. Ensuring their teeth are in proper alignment is important to keeping them smiling. One little smile can make all the difference.
The Long-Term Effect Of Braces
With the help of braces, a teenager can straighten out their smile and become proud of it. When individuals are ashamed of their smile they tend to shy away from activities involving other people. Many persons will withdraw from social events due to their lack of self-confidence.
When a teenager gets the smile they want, suddenly they’re more active. They enjoy a more flourishing social life and gain much-needed self-confidence. It’s a day and night difference in these individuals.
Braces have come a long way in the last decade. The number of options that teenagers have to straighten their teeth are much more than ever before. Now is the time to give your local Cypress orthodontist a call to discuss the best options for your child.
If your child needs braces, it is advised that you bring them to an Orthodontist for an evaluation. Orthodontic treatment including braces can significantly improve your child’s oral health and confidence. But, there are several things that you should take into consideration when choosing an orthodontist.
Check Credentials
Many dentists offer orthodontic services. However, it is important to note that there is a difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Orthodontist have completed 4,000 to 6,000 additional hours of training. Even though dentists can perform orthodontic treatments, it is best to see an Orthodontist.
See Before and After Pictures
You should meet with the orthodontist. Ask to see before and after pictures of previous clients. Even though many orthodontists have testimonials on their website, nothing compares to seeing a before and after photo.
Read Reviews
Many patients will post reviews about their experience. Keep in mind that people are more likely to write about a negative experience. However, if you see a large number of negative reviews, then you should not ignore them.
Payment Plans
Braces are not cheap and can put a burden on families. That is why you should choose a doctor that offers payment plans. You may also want to ask if the treatment is covered by your dental insurance.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
It is estimated that 30 percent of children will benefit from getting orthodontic treatment. Experts have stated that children should see an orthodontist by the age of seven. Consulting with your Cypress, Texas orthodontist early, can eliminate the need for more extensive dental work later on down the road.
Even if your child gets early orthodontic care, he or she may need still need braces. Children typically need to get braces between the ages of 11 and 13. Improving your child’s smile can boost his or her self-esteem.
Getting Started
Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed is a board certified specialist in orthodontics and is an expert in dental braces and Invisalign for children and adults. We invite you to call 281-256-3838 or visit www.creedorthodontics.com for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
Your Smile And Environment
Fulfilling The Natural Position Of The Palate, Jaws And Teeth
Orthodontics: A Natural Solution
Orthodontics can address the palate alignment and shape. It can also correct problems that were caused by improper growth and thumb sucking.
What Type Of Problems Can Cypress Texas Orthodontists Fix?
- Sleep apnea
- Allergies
- Neck and head pain
- Poor sleeping problems
- Facial stress
- Poor mood
- Low energy
- Weight gain
- Digestion problems
Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed is a board certified specialist in orthodontics and is an expert in dental braces and Invisalign for children and adults. We invite you to call 281-256-3838 or visit www.creedorthodontics.com for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
Make Sure that You Use Your Benefits to the Max!
Your Smile is More Affordable Than You Realize
Get Started Today-You Have Lots of Options to Choose From!
Although braces can improve your self-esteem and appearance, there are various health advantages that come with having braces, palate expanders, and space maintainers. There is the obvious prevention of having problems with your teeth and jaw throughout your life, but straightening your with braces and corrective appliances can improve your oral hygiene, lead to better chewing of your food to absorb more nutrients, and also reduce the risk of other diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The sooner your child undergoes orthodontic treatment, the sooner they can obtain these benefits.
The Better You Chew, The Better You Grow
Having a beautiful straight smile and aligned jaw has an effect on your entire body and helping it grow. A huge part of a child growing up healthy depends on the food they eat, but another big part of that is how they process and digest their food. Having a correctly aligned jaw and teeth help improve the chewing of food, and the better the food is chewed the easier it is for your body to break it down and digest. This is why it is important for your child to receive orthodontic treatment to help them grow strong and avoid any short-term or long-term health problems.
Healthy Habits, Healthy Body
Having braces can help improve your child’s oral hygiene, this can help them get accustom to lifelong habits like brushing and flossing their teeth. Properly spaced teeth make it much easier to floss and brush, which decreases the chances of cavities and tooth decay. Practicing good oral hygiene can also save you from dealing with future dental problems caused by lack of oral hygiene, such as root canals, tooth extractions, and fillings. Good oral care benefits you not just with your teeth but also your overall health. There have been studies that indicated a link between oral health and diabetes. According to all of the research found throughout these studies, scientists believe that having good oral health can even help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Proactive Health From An Early Age
When it comes to orthodontics, it is important for you to take your child to have an orthodontic checkup around the age of 7. By that age, your child’s teeth will have developed enough so that your orthodontist can spot any problems with your jaw growth and emerging teeth. Starting treatment at this age can also help ensure your child develops healthy.
Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed is a board certified specialist in orthodontics and is an expert in dental braces and Invisalign for children and adults. We invite you to call 281-256-3838 or visit www.creedorthodontics.com for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
Did you graduate from a recognized post-dental school graduate program?
Any general dentist can offer orthodontic treatment, but they are NOT specialists in orthodontics. To be a specialists of orthodontics, dentist must have attended an orthodontic graduate program for 2-3 years after graduating from Dental School. An easy way to figure out if your orthodontist is indeed a specialist, you should figure out all of the treatments he provides. If your orthodontist offers treatments that a general dentist offers like dentures, fillings, and crowns then odds are that your orthodontist is not a specialist.
Orthodontics specialists usually stay in their field and only provide orthodontic services. So why does this matter? A Specialist of Orthodontics has at least two years more experience in learning and practicing orthodontics than a regular dentist. They study numerous cases, develop skills to properly diagnose patients, learn techniques on how to properly change the location of teeth, and most importantly study the growth and maturation of their patients. While they are in their program for those 2-3 years they are assigned their own patients to provide treatment to, but they are also supervised and observed by their professors assuring that they are learning how to do everything properly.
So if you’re looking to straighten your teeth with Braces or Invisalign, your best option is to visit an orthodontic specialist.
Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed is a board certified specialist in orthodontics and is an expert in dental braces and Invisalign for children and adults. We invite you to call 281-256-3838 or visit www.creedorthodontics.com for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
