Category: Braces

DOES SIX MONTH SMILES REALLY MOVE TEETH FASTER THAN REGULAR BRACES?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign, News

Six Month Smiles!

  • Dentists offering Six Month Smiles cannot move teeth faster than orthodontists
  • The braces used in Six Month Smiles are the same as those used by orthodontists
  • Treatment time is shorter with Six Month Smiles because typically only the front teeth are moved
  • Six Month Smiles is not less expensive than conventional braces

I have recently had several patients who have asked me about ads they’re hearing on the radio and TV about a “new” orthodontic technique that can straighten teeth in only six months and do it cheaper than regular braces. What is this “new” technology? Can it really move teeth faster? Is it safe? And is it really cheaper than braces from an orthodontist?

There are several “short-term orthodontic” companies that offer primary care dentists two-day courses in straightening teeth and then provide them with the marketing and dental supplies necessary to begin offering braces immediately upon leaving the seminar. Two of the most popular companies are Six Month Smiles and PowerProx Six Month Braces. The demand for these products has been huge because on the surface they offer patients what they want, shorter treatment time for less money. What is this new technology and does it really move teeth faster?

There is nothing new about the braces used in short-term orthodontics. Some doctors use clear or tooth colored braces. Others may offer short-term treatment using good old fashioned silver brackets. The braces used by dentists offering reduced treatment time are exactly the same as those used by orthodontists. There is nothing in the design of these brackets or wires that moves the teeth any faster. The rate at which teeth move is limited by natural processes in the bone and ligaments around the teeth and all doctors play by the same biological rules. While there are some additional procedures (like Propel, AcceleDent, and Wilkodontics) that have been shown to increase the rate of tooth movement, the speed at which the teeth will move during Six Month Smiles or PowerProx treatment is exactly the same as conventional orthodontic treatment no matter which brand of brackets or wires are being used. If the rate of tooth movement is the same, how can they get the same orthodontic result in only six months?

The answer lies in the phrase “same orthodontic result.” Providers of short-term orthodontics will tell you, if they are following the guidelines given at their seminar, that the reason their treatment is shorter is because they are shooting for a different end result. As a specialist, I am trained not only to align the front teeth (the “social six”), but also to correct crowding, protrusion, open bites, deep bites, cross bites, over bites, under bites, impacted teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, etc. Straightening the teeth in front that people see is generally achievable in the first six months of treatment no matter who provides the treatment. It is the correction of the above-listed bite issues that requires the extra time. The braces are on the teeth a shorter time with short-term orthodontics because the dentist merely aligns the front teeth and then takes the braces off without addressing the other problems. In other words, the treatment isn’t faster, it is just shorter because it is intentionally terminated before treatment is complete. But what if you only want your front teeth straight? Is this treatment approach healthy?

Every smile is different. There are some patients that can be treated in six months or less and the results are just fine. These patients usually start with only mild crowding or spacing. These patients have a bite at the start that is fairly normal. If the problems are mild, then six months is plenty of time… and the fees should reflect the shorter treatment time. If you have crowding, an open bite, a deep bite, an over bite, or bite issues in the back, merely aligning the front teeth in six months may leave you feeling things are worse after treatment than they were before. Crowded teeth will flare forward if merely aligned. Small overbites may become big overbites. Open bites may open further. Problems with the occlusion may actually get worse if the braces change the bite and then the teeth are left in that position. I’ve seen cases where six months of treatment gave a decent result. I’ve also retreated patients who were unhappy with their protrusive teeth and a bite that wasn’t corrected by the “short-term treatment” they received elsewhere. The key is having the training and experience to recognize if a case really is “simple.”

Finally, is short-term orthodontics really cheaper? Patients who have come to me for second opinions have disclosed that their quote for six months of treatment was about 75% of what I quoted them for full treatment. This sounds less expensive at first, but if the treatment I provide takes from 12 to 18 months and fixes everything, paying 75% of my fee to get only the front teeth straightened is actually more expensive. For example, imagine that you get two quotes for painting your home. If one painter quotes you $4000 to paint the entire house and a second offers to paint just the front side that is visible from the street for $3000, which one is actually cheaper? Additionally, if you are not happy with your final result, you’ll have to pay a real orthodontist to put your braces back on and finish the case.

My dad taught me that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Orthodontists are specialists with two to three years additional training beyond dental school in straightening your teeth. Does it make sense that a dentist with only a two-day course can straighten your teeth faster than a specialist? Your smile and bite are a complex system. You only get one set of teeth. Shouldn’t you do your homework and make sure you get the right treatment the first time?

NOTE: The author, Dr. Greg Jorgensen, is a board-certified orthodontist who is in the private practice of orthodontics in Rio Rancho, New Mexico (a suburb on the Westside of Albuquerque). He was trained at BYU, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Iowa in the United States. Dr. Jorgensen’s 25 years of specialty practice and 10,000 finished cases qualify him an expert in two-phase treatment, extraction and non-extraction therapy, functional orthodontics, clear aligners (Invisalign), and multiple bracket systems (including conventional braces, Damon and other self-ligating brackets, Suresmile, and lingual braces). This blog is for informational purposes only and is designed to help consumers understand currently accepted orthodontic concepts. It is not a venue for debating alternative treatment theories. Dr. Jorgensen is licensed to diagnose and treat patients only in the state of New Mexico. He cannot diagnose cases described in comments nor can he select treatment plans for readers. Because he has over 25,000 readers each month, it is impossible for him respond to all questions. Please read all of the comments associated with each article as most of the questions he receives each week have been asked and answered previously. The opinions expressed here are protected by copyright laws and can only be used with written permission from the author.

See more here!

THE DAMON SMILE

Posted on February 1, 2015 by - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens

The Damon Smile

Damon Smile braces are the most popular and consistently used orthodontic treatment at Jupiter Orthodontics. With Damon rackets you’ll experience more comfortable and hygienic treatment/patients prefer this over all other available braces. Damon Smile does not have ligatures or modules. Especially popular is the fact that less office visits are required!

Why Damon is different

The number one reason many patients prefer Damon Smile is because they are available in clear for a more aesthetically pleasing smile while in treatment. Also, you’ll be happy to know, patients who wear Damon Smile braces will have less discomfort because less force is applied. Particularly notable is that most often there is no need to extract teeth to make room in the patient’s mouth.

Typically oral hygiene can be a problem for many teens wearing braces. However, with the reduction of modules to trap bacteria in, your teeth are able to stay cleaner.

Treatment time

With the advanced Damon technology teeth are straightened faster with less pain and the treatment time is considerable less. That is another reason Dr. King prefers Damon over other types of treatment. Treatment time will of course vary from patient to patient depending on what your individual needs are, so you need to make an appointment with Dr. King to evaluate what will benefit you the most.

Overall Success

Patients are very happy with Damon Smile. With less irritation, less treatment time, as well as better-looking aesthetics, patients love all of the bonuses that come along with this type of treatment. Call our office and set up your complimentary consultation appointment with Dr. King to see how well this popular option will work for you.

WINNING THE CHALLENGE OF BRUSHING WITH BRACES

Posted on December 15, 2014 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

It is definitely a challenge to brush well while wearing braces. Dr. King thought you would appreciate some tips that will help you keep your teeth clean so that they will look even more amazing when the braces come off.

  • First, use a soft toothbrush. The most important place to keep clean during orthodontic treatment is above your braces (between the braces and the gums). It is impossible to brush the enamel surface without contacting the gums with the bristles. Hard or medium brushes could damage the gums and should be avoided.
  • Second, start brushing using a wet toothbrush, no toothpaste. Toothpaste does contain ingredients that are important for the health of your teeth, but the foam it creates makes it hard to see what you are doing. After you have done a thorough job brushing, THEN you can add a small amount of toothpaste so that you can take advantage of the fluoride, whiteners, abrasives (yes abrasives!), and breath fresheners that are in the paste.
  • Third, scrubbing does a decent job on the surface of the braces, but that action will not remove plaque and food that are caught under the wires and brackets. Using your wet tooth brush, begin removing debris by using a picking motion. The bristles act like little toothpicks reaching the smallest hiding places in your orthodontic appliances
  • Fourth, spend at least two FULL minutes brushing your teeth. You should spend at least 30 seconds on each side of your teeth. (Upper right and left/lower right and left) You may think that you already do this, but time yourself and you’ll find that you, (like most people) are brushing an average of only 30 seconds for your entire mouth!
  • Fifth, the best toothpaste to use is the one the patient likes and encourages them to brush for a full two minutes. Research shows that the most important variables when it comes to good oral hygiene is the TIME SPENT and the technique used and not the brand of toothpaste. Most toothpastes have fluoride which is the most important ingredient.
  • Sixth, when you are done brushing in the morning, go ahead and rinse your mouth after brushing. Before bed however, spit but DO NOT RINSE. Research shows that teeth receive just as much fluoride by not rinsing as they do when you apply an expensive fluoride supplement.
  • Seventh, I am a big fan of any technology that encourages my patients to spend more time brushing. Electric toothbrushes do a good job supplementing the manual movements of the toothbrush bristles over the teeth. Some brushes that vibrate have been shown to clean a little better than those that rotate. Again, I endorse any brush that makes my patients brush longer than they would otherwise.

DO BRACES CAUSE WHITE SPOTS ON TEETH?

Posted on November 4, 2014 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens

Having braces removed is such an exciting event for all my patients!

I am happy to say that rarely do any of my patients have white spots after the braces come off.

The white spot lesions (demineralization/calcification) are caused by dental plaque, which is the same thing that causes cavities. The white, chalky marks form on the teeth when acids from the plaque remove minerals from the tooth which causes it to reflect light differently. Typically these spots will be seen between the gums and brackets where it is more difficult to brush when wearing braces. The good news is that braces DO NOT cause these spots on the teeth; however they do make it more difficult to remove the plaque which is the real problem.

Yes, there are ways to prevent these white lesions. Plaque removal is the ONLY sure way to prevent them. You’ll find that starting with your first visit to my office the importance of removing plaque is stressed and you will be encouraged to give careful attention to your oral hygiene. There are expensive products that can be used but nothing can replace good oral hygiene when it comes to preventing white spot lesions.

If you do have white spots on your teeth after braces, the first step to take is to be diligent with keeping your teeth clean and allow the normal oral fluids to bathe your teeth for six months. Experts advise AGAINST applying extra fluoride during this healing period as it may seal the surface of the lesion and prevent re-mineralization below the surface. After six months, low concentration over-the-counter fluoride rinses and remineralization pastes (like Recaldent and MI Paste) can then be applied.
When it is all said and done, white spot lesions are caused by plaque. Coating your teeth with extra fluoride or sealing your teeth with the newest products may help some, but the best solution happens with your toothbrush, toothpaste and a little water! The daily, regular removal of plaque will keep dental plaque off of your teeth and white spot lesions will never ruin your deband celebration!

Feel free to call the office or ask us a question online!

INVISALIGN® SMILES ARE HERE!

Posted on September 3, 2014 by - Braces, For Adults, Invisalign

Adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment usually fall into one of two categories; those who did not undergo orthodontic treatment as a child or those who had braces at one point but stopped wearing retainers for one reason or another.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, Dr. King is happy to offer a variety of treatment options to straighten our patients’ teeth. Dr. King and his team believe it’s never too late to straighten your teeth. We currently have many adult patients who are undergoing treatment. In fact, did you know that roughly 30 percent of all orthodontic patients these days are adults?

Invisalign® is a great treatment option for adults. The Invisalign® aligners are easy to wear and are not visible to most people. Plus, Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, so there are no restrictions on what you can eat during treatment. When considering Invisalign®, adults should determine if they can be diligent about wearing the aligners at all times and make them part of their lifestyle for the duration of treatment.

If you have been thinking about having a beautiful smile created just for you, please give us a call for your initial consultation or go online and send an appointment request. Dr. King and our team welcome children, teens, and adults alike. Call us today for an appointment!

SEE YOUR DENTIST

Posted on August 11, 2014 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens

You have braces!

You’re so excited about fixing your smile and having a great confident smile! We are happy for you and will enjoy taking this journey with you. Dr. King is on the job and he has some important tips for you while you are on your way to that rock star smile!

Dr. King knows you’re diligent about keeping your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing. However, now that you have those hard-working braces in place you may be prevented from easily cleaning your teeth. You’re going to find it necessary to give a little extra attention to preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. You definitely do not want to allow sugary substances to wear away the cement on the braces reducing the effectiveness of moving your teeth. That might mean longer treatment time and we know you are in a hurry to show off that new smile!

You’ll need to use a proxy brush which is shaped like a long triangle which can easily remove food particles from hard to reach places around your braces. You might also want to use a WaterPik, with its pressurized water pulse to get your teeth and braces really clean.

Most importantly what Dr. King wants to help you really understand is how important it is to see your family dentist every 3 to 6 months. Once braces are in place it is more important than ever to have your teeth cleaned regularly and have your dentist check for problems that may not be seen or felt, find early signs of tooth decay or any starting problems before they become big issues for you.

Your dentist is a very large part of your orthodontic treatment because healthy teeth are essential during this process. And don’t forget, when you see your dentist during the summer months there are incentive rewards when you get back to Jupiter Orthodontics and tell us about it!

THE TRAVELING TEETH

Posted on July 9, 2014 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

Laura’s* story begins with a gorgeous new smile when her braces were removed. “At last the smile I’ve always wanted!” Unfortunately, Laura decided NOT to wear her retainer after a while. “It was a hassle,” Laura complained. She stopped wearing it and months later when she decided to try her retainer again it was so painful that she couldn’t wear it. “My teeth felt like someone was squeezing them with pliers.”

Laura also decided not to go back for her checkups, “After all, I don’t wear braces anymore so I don’t need to see the orthodontist.” Her doctor would most certainly have been able to see the damage and correct it. But Laura waited far too long and when she became really unhappy with the deterioration of that great smile she went to the orthodontist once again.

Back in braces Laura learned that teeth have a memory and will travel back to their original position if not retained. Dr. King encourages all of his patients to wear their retainers so that the smile they dreamed of doesn’t become a nightmare in the future. The best advice to follow is to wear your retainers for as long as you want to keep your incredible smile!

*Name has been changed