Tag: for adults

HOW TO ATTAIN STRAIGHT TEETH ASAP

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

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 Malcolm Bowen - For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

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.

(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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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 Malcolm Bowen - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

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 Malcolm Bowen - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

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.

LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Malcolm Bowen - 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!

SURGERY ALTERNATIVES

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Lo Dellarocco - For Adults, For Children

There is no smile that Dr. King can’t tame!

Have you been told that you or your child has a problem that will need surgery in order to correct your bite? In the recent past there have been great advances made on how to avoid surgery. Whether you have an openbite, underbite or overbite there may be a newer approach using non surgical orthodontics. The new approach consists of using bone plates, mini implants or M.E.A.W. (Multiloop edgewise archwire therapy) Orthodontic has taken a huge shift from surgery to non surgery.

The procedure itself is an extremely complicated technique for an orthodontist to utilize. For the benefit of my patients I have included the MEAW technique as one of my treatment options. There is only one other orthodontist in all of South Florida who includes this option. It is my privilege to be able to offer my patients a non-invasive alternative to surgery.

Feel free to come in and meet the team! You can make an appointment now by clicking here.

You can even fill your forms out online!

WHO IS WHO?

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Lo Dellarocco - 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

SMILE IT FORWARD PROGRAM

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Lo Dellarocco - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

Police officer Mark Borsboom was caught doing a simple, good deed – tying an elderly man’s shoelace for him. As he was standing near the exit an elderly gentleman approached the police officer. The man had no feeling in his hands as a result of a health issue. He had a long way to walk to meet his son and his shoelace had come loose.

ALL GOOD DEEDS COME BACK TO YOU. He asked the office if he would mind tying his shoe for him. Officer Borsboom said, “I didn’t think anything of it – I said ‘sure’ and tied his shoelace”. Such kindness is needed throughout the world on a much larger scale.

Dr. King has created a program to encourage the same kindness. The ‘Smile it Forward’ program allows Dr. King to provide FREE treatment to underprivileged children in the community. For every ten children that start treatment in his office, Dr. King will select one child from a referral base which he receives from area dentists and sometimes teachers regarding kids
who need help and could never afford it.

While a beautiful smile is a priceless gift, for some young ones the much needed treatment is medically necessary for proper chewing and at times improper jaw alignment.

This means that a minimum of two patients per month will receive free treatment because Dr. King chooses to ‘Smile it Forward’ helping children he has never met. If you would like to know more about SMILE IT FORWARD feel free to call the office and we will be happy to explain further how it works.

Come in and join the Jupiter Orthodontics family practice for beautiful smiles and happy people!

561-747-5766