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One part of orthodontic treatment that doesn’t attract a lot of fans are elastics, also known as rubber bands. These are a very normal part of orthodontic treatment, but are known to cause some discomfort or be a nuisance for some people. However, elastics are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment, and it is imperative that you wear them so that your treatment can be completed timely and correctly. The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day. Keep reading for some advice from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics about why elastics are important.

Elastics allow for the jaw and bite alignment to occur. But they are also the patient’s responsibility, and if the patient does not choose to wear them as directed, it may prolong treatment or affect the final result. Before leaving the office, the patient needs to make sure they understand where and when to wear their rubber bands.

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Experiencing a little soreness after your braces have been tightened is not uncommon. While each person’s mouth is different, fortunately, most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Moreover, as you are in braces longer, the quicker your discomfort will resolve itself after each tightening. No need to fret though, there are several things that you can do to help if your mouth is feeling at all sore. Here is some advice from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics that can help ease your discomfort:

Stick to Soft Foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great options when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day that you go in for a tightening, it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

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Have you wondered about tooth contouring and reshaping? You need to first make sure that you know what it’s all about to see if it is the right decision for you. Teeth reshaping is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for fixing chipped, uneven, or poorly-aligned teeth to create a more attractive smile. Dentists may combine shaping or contouring teeth with a treatment called bonding. Bonding involves applying resin to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. The best teeth to perform this kind of procedure on are typically the front teeth. For more advice about tooth contouring and reshaping from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics, keep reading.

Tooth reshaping removes small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the shape, length, or surface of one or more teeth. This cosmetic dentistry technique is usually used to correct crooked, chipped, cracked, or even overlapping teeth. Sometimes this procedure is even a substitute for braces.

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You have enough to worry about when getting ready to go on a date, don’t let your braces add to your worries! While date night can be a nerve-wracking experience, above all else, it should be fun! Fortunately, your braces don’t have to be a source of worry. With a few simple tips you can flash your beautiful smile at your date as many times as you want to without being worried about leftovers being hidden in your brackets. Read on for some advice from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

At a Nice Restaurant – Stick to Soft Foods

While mood lighting can help hide a lot of things, it can’t get rid of food in your teeth. So that you can smile with confidence all night long, stick to soft foods. Pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and other softer options are easy to eat, without little bits that stick around in wires and brackets. Any crunchy fruits or veggies could prove difficult as well. Let’s just say corn should be a “no-go” whether you have braces or not! Also, any chewy bread or pizza should be cut up into small pieces before consuming.

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You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year as part of your oral health maintenance. Although it can be challenging to find time for an appointment with busy schedules, these appointments are crucial to having your best and healthiest smile. Once you have your appointment, here is a list of things you should do before you go to your appointment from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

You should see your dentist twice a year for check-ups. It is important that you have the necessary items for your appointment and also make a list of any questions or concerns you may have to make the most of your appointment time. Read below about how best to prepare for your dental visit.

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Seeing an orthodontist is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and hygiene. Orthodontists are different from dentists in several ways. They have actually completed specialized training that allows them to perform certain treatments that a dentist cannot. In short, you need to see both a dentist and an orthodontist. To learn more about why you need an orthodontist, keep reading for some advice from Dr. Robert Norris and Dr. Ray Caesar at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

While a beautiful smile is the result of a good orthodontic treatment, there is a lot that goes into the process of getting there. Orthodontic treatment is an incredibly complex process that orthodontists have special training in. Treatment involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones, and soft tissue. After dental school, orthodontists must complete a two to three year residency in an accredited program to master the multi-faceted intricacies of orthodontics. This intensive training gives them the tools they need to create healthy, beautiful smiles.

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