When you come to see our Falls Church dentist for cosmetic services, you may want to inquire about our teeth whitening procedure. Since your smile is one of the first things another person notices about you, it is likely very important that it looks its best. You can also have whiter teeth on your own schedule. If you prefer, our team at Healthy Smiles Dental can offer you a take-home solution.
HAVE A BRIGHTER SMILE!
When you come to see our Falls Church dentist for cosmetic services, you may want to inquire about our teeth whitening procedure. Since your smile is one of the first things another person notices about you, it is likely very important that it looks its best. You can also have whiter teeth on your own schedule. If you prefer, our team at Healthy Smiles Dental can offer you a take-home solution.
If you are interested in having your teeth straightened, it is a big investment, financially and time wise. Although braces are a suitable option, you may opt for our treatment plan here at Healthy Smiles Dental which uses a nearly invisible option. This advancement in straightening technology is referred to as Invisalign and you may be the ideal candidate.
When your teeth have been damaged by a serious accident or years of decay and discoloration, they may be beyond a simple tooth whitening procedure. At Healthy Smiles Dental, we offer a variety of cosmetic services, including veneers. These are thin layers of porcelain material which are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, and are resistant to most substances, including tea, coffee, and cigarettes. This is an excellent solution which our Falls Church dentist may suggest if your teeth are healthy and not in need of extraction.
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
HOW ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WORKS
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can often choose brackets that are clear or metallic, and sometimes you can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
DURATION OF TREATMENT
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face, and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time until case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient’s diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive or early treatment procedures may take as few as six months.
SORENESS CAUSED FROM BRACES AND APPLIANCES
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
LOOSE TEETH
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
LOOSE WIRES AND BANDS
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPLIANCES
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
PLAYING SPORTS WITH BRACES
We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
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