Tag: braces

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH WHILE PLAYING SPORTS

Posted on September 14, 2018 by - Braces, Community, For Children, For Teens

children sports soccer

September 14th, 2018

A new school year has begun, and with that, sports season is just around the corner. As the buzz of club try- outs, evaluations, selecting teams and practice/games schedules begins, it is important to not forget about safety!

Proper Equipment

When participating in sports, safety equipment should be at the top of the list when it comes to an athlete’s uniform. Helmets are typically required when playing sports such as football, baseball, softball, etc. But are mouth guards a part of the standard equipment? The American Association of Orthodontist found that 84% of children playing an organized sport do not wear a mouth guard because they are not required to do so. This is very concerning because athletes who do not wear a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. If your child is playing in any of the following sports, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that they wear a mouth guard: football, basketball, lacrosse, gymnastics, martial arts, roller hockey, skateboarding, soccer, volleyball and even surfing! We will take it a step further and say that players involved in baseball and softball should wear a mouth guard, as well. Any time there is a chance for contact to the face by the ground, another player or a ball, a mouth guard should be worn.

Injuries

While wearing a mouth guard is not a sure proof way of preventing all dental injuries, it certainly helps reduce the potential severity of the injury. Approximately, 50% of sports injuries are directly to the mouth and many require professional treatment to minimize long term complications.

  • Tooth fracture/Tooth loss

One of the most common dental injuries that occurs in sports. When a tooth cracks or is knocked out due to impact with the ground or a hard ball, it is imperative to seek medical treatment in order to try and preserve the tooth. Wearing a mouth guard will significantly lower the chances of cracking a tooth or having one knocked out completely. Treating these injuries can be very costly for the parent and uncomfortable for the child.

  • Splitting of the Lip/Tongue

This occurs quite frequently when a player does not wear a mouth guard. They take a stumble, make hard contact with another player or have a ball hit them directly in the mouth, causing one or more of their teeth to puncture their tongue or lip. Again, a mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of this injury.

Types of Mouth Guards

  • Ready Made/Boil and Bite

These are the most common mouth guards because they are the least expensive. While they do not offer the same protection as a mouth guard that is made by a dentist or orthodontist, it is still better than wearing nothing.

  • Custom Made Mouth Guards

These mouth guards are more expensive than the OTC mouth guards, but they offer the best protection. They are customized by a doctor or professional technician to ensure a proper fit and are the best option for players with braces or dental implants.

Proper Handling of the Mouth Guard

It is crucial to explain to your child the proper positioning of the mouth guard. We understand it is very common for players to complain that a mouth guard is uncomfortable or bulky and not want to wear it. To ensure the effectiveness of the mouth guard, the player needs to leave the mouth guard in place while in action and not chew on it. The mouth guard cannot do its job if is being treated like a piece of gum.

Once the game or practice is over, the mouth guard should be washed with a non alcohol mouth wash or brushed with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Gently dry the mouth guard and store in a dry case. Never leave the mouth guard loose in a gym bag or store damp, as it can collect loads of bacteria and germs.

Ultimately, it is impossible to guarantee an injury free sports season but there are steps that can be taken to lessen the chances. It is our sincere hope that parents and coaches will do everything in their power to provide proper safety equipment for all sporting participants. Please let us know if we can help in any way!

We wish everyone a safe and fun sports season! Remember, protect those teeth!

HOW TO ATTAIN STRAIGHT TEETH ASAP

Posted on July 13, 2018 by - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens

straight teeth black man

Once you have decided to seek orthodontic treatment and the braces have been applied, your next question is probably “how soon can the braces come off?” We understand that a straight, beautiful smile is the number one goal but the second goal is achieving that smile quickly. In this post, we have listed a few suggestions to help you work with your orthodontist to achieve fantastic results as quickly as possible.

Follow the Orthodontist’s Instructions

Dr. King carefully charts out every patient’s treatment plan/timeline. At each appointment, he will give instructions on how to continue to move the teeth into perfect formation. It is important to make and keep your appointments in order for your progress to be closely monitored. Trust the expert, not following the instructions given can lead to a major setback in creating the smile of your dreams!

Eating Healthy and Safe Foods

Following a diet that is low in excessive sugar will help prevent plaque buildup in the mouth. If excessive tooth decay or gum disease occurs during orthodontic treatment, the braces may have to be removed in order to address the problem properly. Furthermore, make sure that you avoid foods that could damage the brackets or wires. Crunchy, sticky or hard foods/candy can knock wires loose or break brackets. When this happens, it is not only uncomfortable, but the braces are unable to work properly. Still, accidents happen and if you experience a loose wire or bracket, call the office and we will fix it for you.

Wear Your Rubber Bands

Wearing rubber bands helps to accomplish tooth movement and not wearing them can cause a need for additional months in braces. We understand that it is annoying to take them in and out when you eat, but being consistent with your rubber bands will keep your progress on track. A small inconvenience for a beautiful end result…

Protecting Your Braces

If you or your child plays sports, wearing a mouth guard will help prevent braces from being damaged. It can also lessen the likelihood of injury to you or your child. Another potential hazard for your braces is mindlessly chewing on pencils, pens or any other non-food item. It is important to be aware of what is put into the mouth. Believe it or not, aggressive brushing can also damage braces and the wires. Be sure to clean the teeth properly. Any member of Dr. King’s team would be happy to show you proper brushing technique, if you need a reminder.

Be Patient

Lastly, be patient with the process. A beautiful smile is not attained overnight. It takes time and precision. As treatment nears the end, it is very common for patients to want to quit or to become frustrated. Dr. King has almost 40 years of experience and has every patient’s best interest as his top priority. If at any point, you have questions or want further explanation, feel free to ask. Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the orthodontist and patient. Both parties have a role to play in order to achieve the best possible results.

THE INVISALIGN EXPERIENCE

Posted on August 30, 2017 by - For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

straight teeth invisalign white

August 30th, 2017

5 Tips to a Better Invisalign Experience

Orthodontic treatment has options! Everyone loves options, especially when it is something that is really important. An impressive and hugely successful orthodontic option is Invisalign or Clear Aligner therapy. You will love that when wearing Invisalign aligners at a conversational distance friends and colleagues will have no idea that they are there. Aligners being removable make treatment results depend to a great degree on your compliance. That’s right, Dr. King is masterful at his art but if you aren’t wearing the trays as instructed then the fantastic results you want will not occur and teeth will not align properly. Under Dr. K’s supervision and with your compliance you can expect and will have EXCELLENT Invisalign results. Take it from someone who has undergone aligner therapy and has shared some Invisalign success tips.

  1. (True story) Remember to use your Invisalign case to store your aligners. I occasionally would place my Invisalign in my pockets. Much to my chagrin a shopping receipt embedded into the groves of my aligners leading to a nasty surprise. It wasn’t fun to imagine how long the Target receipt took to turn into pocket lint but it certainly tasted like a finely aged cheese.
  2. Remove trays before strenuous cardio such as running. Strenuous activity while wearing Invisalign trays can prove to be a bit difficult because of dryness and excessive saliva. Not a pretty sight.
  3. Definitely brush after meals and snacks. Not only should you NOT eat and drink in your trays it is imperative that you brush after consuming snacks and meals. If you don’t do this religiously you’ll find that the trays hold the taste of coffee or whatever you’ve eaten. Trust me; this is not a rewarding experience as you move through the rest of the day.
  4. Use chewies* (soft spongy plastic-like material) to seat clear aligners. Exercising into the trays 5-10 mins a couple of times a day, by chewing on soft plastic chewies not only helped the Invisalign trays hug the teeth, it also helps keeps you from snacking throughout the day. Bonus!!!
  5. Delay the aligner change before a big or important event. It takes a day to get used to the new tray and it’s preferable for that day to be on a weekend so that the rest of the week is comfortable at work or school.

Jupiter Orthodontics is a family oriented and adult friendly practice. We’ll be there for you as you navigate through your adult orthodontic journey as well as assist young ones with their challenges. Call us to find out which appliances best fits your lifestyle to achieve that fantastic smile you so richly deserve. Your consultation is always complimentary and for young ones observation is always without charge until the time is perfect to begin treatment.

* http://www.dentakit.com/howtouseinal.html

MEAW METHOD – NON SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE

Posted on July 17, 2017 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

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

Posted on April 3, 2017 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

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?

Posted on December 20, 2016 by - Braces, Community, News

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.

LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT

Posted on September 28, 2016 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens

You and your braces have to have a good relationship while you’re spending time together. As is the case with all good friends it’s important to get that relationship off to a good start. If you want to avoid the rocky times there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

The first thing in the order of importance is properly caring for your teeth and braces. FLOSS! It’s a must. Yes, we agree it’s a bit more difficult, in fact a pain to floss around your braces but it’s the best prevention. You want to prevent gum disease and oral health problems and flossing is the place to start. A few minutes each day will stave off significant dental health issues when the braces come off.

Second, you’ll want to avoid foods and treats that are not brace friendly. While it may seem impossible to forgo caramel, gum, pretzels and all the other favorite items in your snacking repertoire we assure you it is not! A clash between hard candy and a bracket or wire will be won by the candy and might result in an additional trip to the orthodontist office. While Dr. King is fun to see, the extra trip should be avoided for the sake of your braces. Avoid those food/snack items altogether.

Thirdly, you may need to adjust your eating habits. You’ll want to chew with your back teeth and avoid taking large bites with your front teeth. Taking large bites can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. It is best to cut larger items into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth. While corn on the cob has small kernels this is one food item you’ll want to keep for a post brace treat! Cut it off the cob to enjoy it while you are wearing braces.

Fourth, it’s important to remember to wear your rubber bands. Rubber bands and all other orthodontic appliances may seem trial some at first but failing to work diligently with them can increase the length of your treatment time by months. You don’t want to do that no matter how much you enjoy seeing everyone at Jupiter Orthodontics!

If you have any questions feel free to review information on our site, or call us at 561-747-5766, and we’ll be happy to answer them for you. Dr. King’s patients are the best part of our day!

WHO IS WHO?

Posted on December 3, 2013 by - Braces, For Adults, Invisalign

One of the most common questions about dentists vs. orthodontists is, “Dentists and orthodontists are all the same, right?” Well, not exactly!

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider who diagnoses, treats and manages your overall oral healthcare needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers and bridges.

Orthodontists, such as Dr. Roy King, are focused on diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment of malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” of the teeth. Orthodontists focus on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites, and are responsible for straightening teeth via bands, wires, braces, and other fixed or removable corrective treatment options. Orthodontists treat adults as well as children.

Before becoming an orthodontist, doctors such as Dr. Roy King start out in dental school and earn a dental degree, just like your general dentist. After dental school, those doctors who decide they are interested in the orthodontic field, stay in school for a few more years and become experts in orthodontia.

Dr. King is an expert in orthodontic care and will help you through any type of treatment your teeth and jaw might need? To schedule your initial appointment at our office, please give us a call today! (561) 747-5766