Category: News

SmileDirectClub is closing! Why it’s happening & What to do

adult plays with hair while sitting on the beach and discussing the smiledirectclub lawsuit

We heard the recent news about SmileDirectClub closing its doors, and (unfortunately) we’re not surprised! Mail-order clear aligners have been known to cause irreparable damage to their patients’ precious smiles.

We genuinely hope that you haven’t been negatively impacted by SmileDirectClub mail-order care. As experienced orthodontists, it’s reassuring to know that there is less risk of people experiencing smile-related issues in the future!

We want you to know that we’re here for you and your family, and we’re not going anywhere! We’re proud to be Jupiter’s first choice for families seeking the highest quality orthodontic care for kids, teens and adults.

What happened to SmileDirectClub?

Here’s what we know about the SmileDirectClub bankruptcy, as reported by ABC News:

  • SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy at the end of September, 2023, due to a near $900 million debt.
  • SmileDirectClub has been sued for “unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators.”
  • SmileDirectClub has also run into a number of legal battles stemming from the health risks their patients have been susceptible to, particularly patients developing advanced gum disease and their “doctors” misdiagnosing cases.

In the last 3 years, the Better Business Bureau has reported that SmileDirectClub racked up a whopping 1,762 complaints from consumers!

What to do if you’re currently in treatment with SmileDirectClub

All you have to do is request a complimentary consultation with us, and we’ll help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve – with safe, personalized, high-quality orthodontic care.

You and your family’s smiles deserve the absolute best. That includes highly-personalized care, expert treatment monitoring from a 5-star orthodontist, a convenient location, and flexible financing options with NO hidden fees.

Your health, safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. No two patients are the same – not their smiles, lifestyles, preferences or needs.

  • Dr. King and Dr. Welch create custom treatment plans on an individual basis.
  • At every visit, you’ll see your highly-qualified, personal orthodontist who knows you, understands your needs, and remembers the little details about you!
  • We offer flexible financing options and create custom payment plans to suit your budget. You can expect 0%-interest financing with a low down payment and low monthly payment! We also offer a pay-in-full discount and family member discount.

We bring you expert orthodontics for all ages.

Our orthodontists have decades of experience creating beautiful smiles for children, teens and adults. You can choose from a range of modern orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign® clear aligners, InBrace® invisible braces and advanced self-ligating braces (metal and clear).

We’ll start with a complimentary consultation and free orthodontic exam to assess your current smile, then create a custom treatment plan that ends in your perfect smile.

Why should you NOT consider mail-order/DIY clear aligners?

Misdiagnoses
With online orthodontics or Invisalign online (like SmileDirectClub), you are your own doctor. These companies will send you a DIY impression kit with a putty material that you bite into, then send back to the company through the mail. There is a LOT of room for error this way.

If you don’t bite evenly into the tray or the impression is damaged in the mail, the treatment plan they create won’t be accurate for your smile. This can lead to an ineffective treatment plan and cause serious damage to your smile!

Cost
SmileDirectClub and similar companies also say that they offer “lower treatment fees”; however, consumers have reported a number of hidden fees tacked on throughout treatment. The cost of risky, DIY clear aligner treatment can come out higher than the cost of treatment created and monitored by a highly-experienced, highly-qualified local orthodontist.

Choose Jupiter Orthodontics, a trusted orthodontist in Jupiter!

The risks of ineffective orthodontic treatment can lead to a slew of issues involving your finances, your smile and your health.

Choose quality care from the start and save yourself the headache. Whether you’re currently undergoing SmileDirectClub treatment or are considering treatment, we welcome you with open arms (and smiles!) to the Jupiter Orthodontics family.

Request your complimentary consultation and free orthodontic exam with us at our conveniently located orthodontist office in Jupiter.

See How The King Method is Different: Get a Free Second Opinion!

When you’re looking for an orthodontist for you or your child, how do you know which practice is right for you? Is it possible to “try out” an orthodontist before choosing one?

Yes, you can—and we encourage you to do so! We offer complimentary exams that include a thorough examination of your smile, so you can visit our office, get to know our team and doctors, and get a feel for our patient experience before you make your decision.

Why would I need a second opinion in orthodontics?

Getting a second opinion in your orthodontic treatment can help assure you that you’re making the best decision for you or your child! If you visit a practice and aren’t quite sure if the environment is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to try out another practice. 

You want to feel 100% confident and comfortable in your decision to sign a contract with your orthodontist and begin a life-changing journey. You’ll be spending time with your orthodontist regularly, so it’s important that they’re friendly, professional, personable, and knowledgeable. 

Take note of how you feel in the office too! Is it a comfortable place to be? Is it clean and modern? Do they offer the type of treatment you’re looking for? You and your smile deserve the absolute best care possible, so don’t be afraid to set your standard!

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we provide complimentary first visits, with no cost, no risk and no obligation, because we’re confident that you’ll have an exceptional experience at our office in Jupiter.

If you visited another orthodontist, and you’re interested in getting a second opinion and trying out another practice before making your decision, we encourage you to request your free orthodontic exam with us. 

The Doctor You Choose Matters

Your orthodontist is the one who creates your smile, not your braces or Invisalign! The orthodontist behind your treatment plan matters.

When choosing your orthodontist, it’s important that you assess his or her qualifications. If the orthodontist is a member of the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), this is a great indication that he or she has the experience, education and training you deserve. 

Try using the AAO orthodontist locator to find an AAO certified orthodontist near you!

Consider the orthodontist’s experience, certifications, and any previous training they’ve had too. How long has the orthodontist been practicing? Have they earned an orthodontic certification? Which professional memberships or affiliations are they a part of? 

Dr. King is a member of the AAO and a dozen more prestigious dental associations. He keeps current with orthodontic advancements through his record attendance at orthodontic study clubs, seminars, and conferences. Dr. King is also an active member of the Florida Cleft Palate Association, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and active in dental sleep medicine! The experience from these prominent boards allow him to use braces or Invisalign treatment to help patients with sleep apnea and those in need of dentofacial orthopedics

Dr. Welch is a member of the AAO, as well as several other professional dental organizations. She is a board-certified orthodontist and also serves as an executive member on the American Board of Orthodontists. She teamed up with Dr. King back in 2015 and has been engineering beautiful, healthy smiles in Palm Beach County since!

When you choose us, you can rest assured that you’re in the best hands. We guarantee exceptional results every time. Take a look at some of our before-and-after transformations for a preview of the results you can expect from us! 

You can hear from our patients too! See what they have to say about our doctor and the patient experience at Jupiter Orthodontics. 

During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to get a braces quote or Invisalign quote. We’ll discuss your treatment costs, examine your condition and discuss our findings, present our treatment options to you, and begin your journey if you choose!

What is the King Method?

The King Method is a comprehensive orthodontic approach. It is the culmination of over 40 years of experience in creating radiant, confident smiles with every orthodontic device—traditional and advanced. Many orthodontists use a select number of orthodontic appliances and nurture their skill on those devices only. That’s not the case with Dr. King! 

Dr. King uses his honed knowledge of orthodontic technologies and techniques to craft you or your child a personalized treatment plan—and a custom orthodontic device if your smile needs require one! 

Receive a Free Second Opinion for Braces or Invisalign in Jupiter, FL!

Some orthodontic conditions can be difficult to diagnose! That’s why it never hurts to get a second opinion in orthodontics. In fact, a Yale Medicine study showed that 21% of people who get a second opinion leave with a new diagnosis; and 66% have their original diagnosis redefined by their second opinion!  

When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about your orthodontic condition. We’ll create a custom treatment and payment plan 100% for you! Our experienced orthodontists and talented team want to make your life-changing transformation comfortable, affordable, and accurate

If you have questions about our free orthodontist second opinion or your personalized treatment plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you select from our recommended orthodontic treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible smile results!

Ready to begin your journey toward your most confident smile? Get started by requesting your free exam with Dr. King or Dr. Welch, top orthodontists in Jupiter.

Hey Braces and Invisalign Wearers! Are You Using Mouthwash Daily?

adults wearing braces and invisalign smile after using mouthwash

Whether you have braces or Invisalign®, it’s essential that you’re using mouthwash daily!

Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you only reach 25% of your mouth (Listerine®)? Reaching all of the spaces on your teeth, between your teeth and around your brackets and wires is key to maintaining a healthy smile and experiencing the best results from your treatment.

That’s where mouthwash comes into play! Gargling with mouthwash daily is a simple commitment with major health benefits. Mouthwash helps you eliminate plaque and bacteria, prevent gum disease and cavities, and freshen breath.

Let’s dive into the importance of mouthwash and which mouthwash is best for braces and Invisalign.

Can you use mouthwash with braces and Invisalign?

Yes you can and should! Mouthwash will not damage your braces. Your braces are made of high-quality, high-grade stainless steel materials or ceramic materials that won’t rust or corrode.

With Invisalign, you simply remove your clear aligners to brush, floss and gargle with mouthwash. You don’t have to worry about ingredients harming your clear aligners, because they won’t be in your mouth when you rinse!

The Importance of Using Mouthwash Daily with Braces or Invisalign

When you’re wearing braces, you have plenty of spaces for food particles to wedge themselves, debris to get stuck, and bacteria to grow. Using mouthwash daily helps to remove any particles left behind after brushing and flossing, and kills bacteria growing in hard-to-reach spaces.

Especially with innovative INBRACE® braces located behind the teeth, cleansing all surfaces of your teeth is crucial to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.

Mouthwash is just as important with Invisalign, even though your aligners are removable. Your toothbrush and floss can’t reach every space in your mouth, so a liquid antibacterial rinse is the perfect supplement to your routine.

Cleanse your smile and leave your breath smelling fresh morning and night with mouthwash!

What is the best mouthwash for braces and Invisalign?

It’s best to use an antibacterial, alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash to clean your mouth, without disrupting your oral microbiome (the natural balance of chemicals in your mouth).

Though alcohol is used in a number of popular mouth rinses, it can actually do more harm than good. Have you experienced that near unbearable burning sensation when gargling mouthwash? That’s the alcohol!

Alcohol is extremely drying/dehydrating and rather harsh on the skin and gums. It’s infamous for disrupting the microbiome, throwing your natural pH out of whack, and worsening common oral conditions, like gingivitis.

  • It’s best to avoid alcohol mouthwash.

Fluoride, on the other hand, is beneficial for your teeth and gum health. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent cavities and reverse early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) by strengthening the protective tooth enamel. When you strengthen the enamel, you give your teeth the best chance at protecting themselves against harmful bacteria and plaque.

  • Fluoride is essential for strengthening your teeth.

So now we know to avoid alcohol and look for fluoride and antibacterial properties. Let’s explore a few of the best mouthwashes for braces and Invisalign:

  1. Ortho Defense Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
    First up is Colgate Ortho Defense Anticavity Fluoride Rinse. This mouthwash is specially formulated for people undergoing orthodontic treatment, and it checks our criteria boxes: alcohol-free and includes fluoride. Ortho Defense mouthwash is approved by the American Dental Association, helps to remove white spots from the teeth, and strengthens enamel to help prevent cavities. It’s easily one of the best braces mouthwashes available!
  2. ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
    ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash is another highly-effective mouthwash for patients with braces. It includes 0.05% sodium fluoride, which is the max amount of fluoride available in mouthwash form. This braces mouthwash option is alcohol-free, approved by the ADA, and uses fluoride. ACT Anticavity wash supports the teeth in re-mineralizing the softer spots on the teeth that are more susceptible to damage.
  3. Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash, Multi-Protection
    Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash Alcohol Free Multi-Protection also checks all of our criteria boxes. This specialized mouthwash helps to prevent cavities, kills bad breath germs, strengthens the enamel, includes fluoride and is alcohol-free. With a multi-protection formula that kills 99.9% of germs, this mouthwash leaves you with stronger teeth and fresh breath.

Do you need special mouthwash with braces and Invisalign?

You don’t need a special mouthwash with braces or Invisalign, but it doesn’t hurt to choose mouthwash that was specially formulated for ortho treatment smiles.

While wearing braces, it’s best to avoid mouthwashes that have whitening agents in them. Whitening your teeth with braces on can leave discolored spots on your teeth when your braces are removed. Wait until your treatment is over to whiten your teeth without any brackets or wires in the way.

With Invisalign, you can use mouthwash with whitening properties, as long as it has fluoride, is alcohol-free and is antibacterial!

Still have questions about mouthwash with braces or Invisalign?

If you have questions about mouthwash with braces or Invisalign, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you choose the best mouthwash for your circumstances.

Ready to begin your journey toward your most confident smile? Get started by requesting your free exam with Dr. King or Dr. Welch, top orthodontists in Jupiter.

Is it Safe to Use a Magic Eraser on Teeth?

teen learns dangers of using magic eraser on teeth

TikTok continues to bring us many laughs, life hacks, and quirky dances! But there’s a viral TikTok out there about a woman’s oral health routine that’s not so fun or safe. The video seems innocent and informative at first until you witness the final part of her dental health care routine— where she uses a magic eraser on her teeth!

But are magic erasers toxic? And what happens when your teen takes a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge to their teeth? Parents, we’re here to help keep you informed so you can talk to your children about the damage caused by this trend! Our experienced orthodontists and our talented team want you and your child to have beautiful, healthy teeth that last you a lifetime.

Can you use a Magic Eraser on your teeth?

Please do not ever use a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge on your teeth or skin. This is a dangerous trend that can cause irreparable damage!

Although people report whiter teeth after using a Magic Eraser, there’s a reason for this—and it’s one that could lead to lifelong dental problems. Let’s dive into the mystery of the Magic Eraser and why a melamine sponge should never be used on the teeth.

Magic Eraser Ingredients

Melamine foam is the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser, and it contains a chemical called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Although this chemical isn’t known to cause any serious health complications on its own, it’s an abrasive ingredient and not something you want to ingest or place near your gums.

The health and safety warning on a Magic Eraser box reads, “DO NOT USE ON SKIN OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. USING ON SKIN WILL LIKELY CAUSE ABRASIONS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF TODDLERS AND PETS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INGESTION.”

If the company itself advises you not to ingest this product, it’s a good idea to heed that warning! It’s never a good idea to place unknown ingredients and chemicals in your mouth.

Melamine Sponge and Teeth Enamel

The layer of enamel on your teeth serves the very important function of protecting the teeth from damage. Tooth enamel is actually considered the hardest mineral substance in the body, even stronger than bone.

The enamel is an excellent protector against damage caused by our regular daily functions, like eating, chewing, biting, grinding and crunching. This outer layer also helps to prevent cavities; as the enamel decays (when we do things like use a Magic Eraser on our teeth), the teeth become far more susceptible to developing cavities.

When the main ingredient in Magic Erasers, melamine foam, is mixed with water, it becomes a highly abrasive material similar to sandpaper.

Using melamine sponge and Magic Erasers on your teeth is a direct route to enamel decay. Once tooth enamel is destroyed, it can’t be brought back! While there are ways to strengthen the minerals that remain, the protective outer layer of enamel cannot be rebuilt.

Magic Eraser and Braces/Invisalign®

It goes without saying that nobody should use a Magic Eraser on their teeth, regardless of if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. It would be pretty difficult to use a Magic Eraser with braces, and you’ll end up with bits of foam in every crevice before you can reach your teeth. But we discourage you from even trying!

If you’re wearing braces, we advise that you wait about a month after your braces are removed to whiten your teeth.

If you’re undergoing treatment with Invisalign, the health risks of melamine foam are no different. There are much safer ways to whiten your teeth, and clear aligner treatment allows you to whiten your teeth during treatment if you wish.

You need strong teeth to support your orthodontic treatment and experience beautiful results from your braces or Invisalign.

All in all, just be patient and don’t opt for the Magic Eraser on your precious smile. You only get one smile, so it’s important that you take care of it!

On the top of the “what not to use Magic Eraser on” list is your body. Using a Magic Eraser on your teeth will certainly do you more harm than good.

Have questions about caring for your teeth?

Follow us on Tiktok for braces and Invisalign care tricks and tips verified by our certified orthodontists!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Jupiter, we’d love to meet you! We have two highly experienced orthodontists, Dr. King and Dr. Welch. Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.

Why to go to an orthodontist instead of an at-home clear aligners company?

young woman, smiling, white straight teeth, Invisalign, Jupiter Orthodontics

As at-home clear aligners increase in popularity, it’s natural to wonder whether in-person orthodontic care or at-home orthodontic care is the better decision for you or your child.

You may believe “at-home” has a comfortable ring to it, but when it comes to you or your child’s precious smile, do you really want to leave room for error?

Take this quick quiz to understand why in-person orthodontic treatment is the right decision for you!

1. Initial Exam
You decided on Invisalign® clear aligners as your treatment. Now, let’s begin. For your initial exam, do you choose Option A or Option B?

Option A: At-home clear aligners

You took the questionable route and chose at-home orthodontics. For your initial exam, you receive an impression kit in the mail. You bite into the impression mold of thick “goop”, your hands shake and you aren’t quite sure if you’re doing it correctly. You send your molds back through the mail and await the arrival of your clear aligners.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You played it smart and scheduled your free exam with us. You meet Dr. King, who asks you what your goals are with treatment. Dr. King then completes a thorough exam of your teeth and bite. He takes x-rays of your condition and shows you diagnostic photos of previous success stories. Dr. King discusses your treatment options with you and suggests the most efficient and effective treatment to fit your lifestyle. He thoroughly explains your chosen treatment and proceeds to take impressions of your teeth and bite, using the iTero Digital Impression system. Your dental molds show immediate results, without the use of “goopy” impression materials. Dr. King crafts a treatment plan, personalized to your current condition and your unique orthodontic goals. He explains every aspect of your custom treatment plan and answers every question you have. Now, with an extensive understanding of what’s to come, you await the arrival of your clear aligners.

2. Your initial exam is complete!

Now it’s time to receive your aligners and begin treatment. If you chose:

Option A: At-home clear aligners

You receive your clear aligners in the mail. You place a set in your mouth, and they feel slightly off-kilter. You can feel that your bottom teeth are dramatically compressed in the bottom aligner, and your top aligner is fitting loosely. You place them in and begin treatment, but you have a few questions, so you resort to searching Google for answers. You continue referring to Google with questions throughout your treatment. Four months have passed, and you snap a picture of your teeth to compare with a picture of your teeth from the beginning of treatment. You don’t notice a difference, but you assume it’ll take a little longer to see results. So you continue treatment and await the results.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You receive your clear aligners from Dr. King. You place a set in your mouth, and they fit snuggly with just enough pressure exerted on your teeth. Dr. King gives you detailed instructions with your clear aligners, and you ask questions to ease every concern. You leave our office with your new orthodontic treatment and a comfortable, comprehensive understanding of your treatment plan. You visit our office regularly, every couple of months, so Dr. King can monitor your progress and order your next few sets of aligners. You visit Dr. King or call the office as often as you’d like with any questions or concerns. (You’re sure to address the hard hitting questions, like “Can I drink wine with Invisalign”?) Four months into your treatment, you compare a picture of your ‘before’ teeth with a picture of your current progress, and you notice a dramatic difference! You’re ecstatic with your current smile, and you can’t wait for the final results.

3. Your treatment is over!

How do you like your new smile?

Option A: At-home clear aligners

Your smile looks different than it did at the beginning of your treatment. You realize you were misinformed on the amount of hours to wear your aligners each day, so your treatment progressed at a slow pace. Your bottom teeth are crowding each other. Your top teeth don’t fall into perfect alignment with your bottom teeth, and it feels awkward to chew food. You realize that you must’ve taken inaccurate molds of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment. (Remember your shaky hands?) Looking at your results in the mirror, you decide that your at-home orthodontic venture was not worth the money or time. You call Jupiter Orthodontics to schedule your free orthodontic exam, and your treatment period starts back at square one.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You love your new teeth! Your smile reveals perfectly aligned teeth on the top and bottom rows. Your previous condition has vanished, and your top and bottom teeth align comfortably with a healthy bite. Your new smile exceeds your expectations, and you can’t wait to maintain it during the retention phase. You walk out of Jupiter Orthodontics with a confident smile that you can’t stop sharing. Your in-person orthodontic treatment was a success.

The risks in at-home orthodontic care should not be ignored!

In this scenario, at-home orthodontic care resulted in an ineffective treatment that required in-person orthodontic care in the end to reverse damage. (At-home orthodontic care can lead to even greater damage than this scenario!) When you choose in-person orthodontic care with an orthodontist, you’re choosing a path that will save you a considerable amount of time and money.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we want you to experience a confident smile without damaging your teeth or gums. If you’re seeking an orthodontist in Jupiter, we would love to meet you! Please feel free to reach out to us or schedule your free exam with Dr. King today.  Jupiter Orthodontics is proud to serve the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Hobe Sound, FL communities.

MEAW METHOD – NON SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE

young woman smile dentist orthodontist

July 17th, 2017

I FIRST LEARNED the MEAW method in its earliest stages from Dr. Kim.

Having an insatiable appetite for cutting edge orthodontic knowledge this method was inspirational since I was determined to offer patients a non surgical option.
Early in the 1970s, Dr. Kim developed the Multi-Loop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW) appliance in his Weston, Mass, practice. This appliance allowed him to treat open bites and other severe malocclusions with excellent clinical results.

The Multi-loop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW) technique is a very intricate, complex and non-surgical method for treating patients that would normally require surgical realignment of the jaws. This technique utilizes braces, custom-formed loop archwires, and elastics to guide the teeth into the correct positions.
In all of South Florida very few orthodontist are trained in the MEAW technique and is offering it as a treatment option to their patients. I am proud to have become proficient with the intricacies of custom-fitted loop archwires since 2005 and provide this cutting-edge technology to my patients with a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to painful jaw surgery.

A QUICK FIX FOR MAXILLARY DIASTEMA RELAPSE – AKA: THE GAP BETWEEN THE FRONT TEETH

woman gapped front teeth

April 3rd, 2017

Every once in a while there is a request in Dr. King’s office for a little post treatment help after non-compliance. It happens, a retainer gets lost, a permanent retainer gets broken, things happen and Dr. King understands that. Dr. King has developed a very successful procedure used when the space between the front teeth slowly returns and is not welcome.

Neal Kravitz, Editor for the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics requested Dr. King to contribute an article which describes a simple and esthetic solution he created for consolidating anterior spaces with light force and minimal effort. The technique evolved from a method of minor space closure in which a 1/8”, 2 oz elastic was placed around the central incisors and below the contact point in the gingival one-third of the tooth. This procedure is more comfortable, esthetic and predictable, requiring no special patient cooperation.

The included photos are of a 20 year old who lost his retainer a year previously. First, the anterior teeth to be bonded are isolated and etched and a bonding agent is applies. Next, a clear elastic thread* is cut to a length of 6” and positioned on the middle third of the crowns. A small teardrop of composite** is added over the thread on each tooth surface and cured one at a time. Maintaining tension as the elastic thread is lightly stretched across the teeth. This patient was bonded canine to canine and the space was closed in 10 days.

A space of 1mm or less can close in 24 hours if the thread is bonded fro lateral incisor to lateral incisor. If the patient has an overjet, space will rarely open distal to the lateral incisors. To avoid rotation of the upper lateral incisors, the patient should be scheduled to return to the office in 24 – 48 hours, since the teeth are being moved by uncontrolled tipping with no moment of a couple. If the lateral incisors begin to rotate, either excessive tension has been placed on the thread of the force has been exerted for too long.

If the patient is unable to return within two days, or if the rotation of the lateral incisors is a concern, the elastic thread can be bonded from canine to canine as shown here. Space closure will then take seven to ten days, but there is less risk of rotation due to the added anchorage of the canines. A bonded retainer should be placed once space closure is complete.

WONDERING IF YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DENTIST?

December 20th, 2016

So, you just got your braces on and you’re wondering if you need to visit your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. King every other month. Patients often ask if they need to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. The answer is an emphatic yes.

There are a few crucial reasons why you should keep up with your regular dental visits while coming in for your orthodontic adjustments at Jupiter Orthodontics.

There are a few crucial reasons why you should keep up with your regular dental visits while coming in for your regular adjustments at Jupiter Orthodontics.

  • There is no room for tarter and plaque in your mouth while you undergo orthodontic treatment so it is important to visit your dentist regularly.
  • Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most, if not all, plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing clear aligner treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.
  • The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable; patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.
  • The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without delay (and we know you are) you should visit your dentist every six months which will go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Dr. King encourages you to visit your dentist which will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. Straight teeth are beautiful but healthy teeth are an absolute necessity.