Category: Post

WHAT IS ADOLESCENT ORTHODONTICS?

The most common time for orthodontic treatment in adolescence is between the ages 11-15. Most children by the age of 12 have acquired their complete set of permanent teeth. It is at this time the most common orthodontic problems reveal themselves.

WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEM DOES ADOLESCENT ORTHODONTICS SOLVE?

This type of orthodontic treatment includes:

• crooked teeth
• spaces between teeth
• uneven bites

Unfortunately, these problems do not correct themselves and require the assistance of orthodontics.

FOREST HILLS INVISALIGN TEEN OPTIONS?

Orthodontics provides many benefits to create a confident smile, but more importantly, treatment provides many dental health benefits. Straight teeth collect less plaque, minimizing the chance for decay and gum disease.

Properly aligned bites support gum and bone structure health by relieving tension. In addition, aligned teeth prevent unbalanced wear.

Most importantly, adolescent treatment sets each individual patient up for a lifetime of optimal dental health.

A great option is our Invisalign Teen® treatment.

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As an orthodontist, I meet a lot of moms who bring their kids in for Invisalign Teen treatments and consultations, or who themselves are getting their teeth straightened. Many confide that when their child doesn’t feel good about his or her appearance it affects every other area of their lives— which is what ultimately leads them to my office. Let us bring back that smile of yours.

They tell me they want their kids to have a strong sense of self-esteem and not be attached to what others think and say about them; yet, as mothers, they bear witness to some unfortunate realities such as teen bullying and hearing that their children have been taunted for looking different, not fitting in, or having low confidence.

This is consistent with mounting research I have seen over the years. For example, in a study recently released by Align Technologies (makers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen), over two thousand mothers where interviewed about whether their teens have it “tougher” than they did growing up. Resoundingly they said yes, with 64% saying it’s more challenging for them to feel safe at school, and 61% saying they are more likely to have to deal with bullies.

So this Mother’s Day I want to give moms across Brooklyn, Cedarhurst, and Forest Hills one less thing to worry about. Amazing Smiles is offering Invisalign Teen® at an affordable, discounted price with $500 off when you commit to a treatment plan for your teen from now until June 1, 2016. And $750 off of Invisalign for mothers who wish to get their teeth straightened as well. No need to worry about quality of care either; our office is a Top 1% “Elite Status” Invisalign and Clear Braces provider.

Invisalign Teen® is one of the easiest, most convenient and discrete ways to straighten teeth. The clear aligners are even removable for prom photos, spare rib eating or high contact sports. And with our state-of-the-art technology, you’re assured of the most comfortable and efficient processes available. With offices in Mill Basin, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; and Cedarhurst, Long Island, we are conveniently located.

Schedule a consultation to learn more and reserve your discounted treatment plan. Just mention code word: BLOG. Call 718-275-3200.

Helping a child feel better about their smile and gain confidence in his or her appearance is no small thing, I can assure you. And, giving a mother one less thing to worry about is one of my greatest pleasures.

INVISALIGN INFORMATION

Invisalign information, Have you ever heard of Invisalign? It’s this really awesome new form of braces that seems to be really popular. They’re super affordable, and they don’t come with all of the rules that traditional braces have.

Instead of metal wires and brackets that sit on your teeth, Invisalign information consists of a series of clear plastic trays that are molded to your teeth. You wear each tray for two weeks at a time, and you’ll have anywhere between 18 to 30 trays total.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t cause the soreness or the discomfort that you’d normally get. What’s even better, they are easily removable because they aren’t permanently attached. How cool is that?!?

And you can eat with them without having to do any kind of extensive brushing or cleaning. You can even save money on one of those water picks because you won’t have any food stuck in your braces whatsoever. You remove whenever you eat or drink anything, and you can still eat gummy bears and chew gum.

And the best part? You want to know the best part about professional Invisalign? The best part is that they are nearly invisible meaning that you don’t have to feel self-conscious about having braces. Nobody can see them from a distance and they don’t even show up if you’re taking selfies with your best friends.

Invisalign is totally one of the best investments of the summertime if you ever need to get braces. If you have questions about Invisalign, its benefits and affordability, contact Amazing Smiles Orthodontics for more information.

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CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

You can call us at (718) 275-3200

WHY INVISALIGN CLEAR BRACES?

You may feel a little uncomfortable with your self and smiling, when you have spacing, alignment, or bite issues with your teeth. Now traditionally, braces have been the way to fix these issues and can be equally embarrassing or the thought of wearing braces anyways.

Thankfully, there have been recent advancements in braces and the technology with Invisalign Clear Braces being at the forefront of the industry.

Some people think traditional metal braces may be a nuisance in look and how they feel. Since Invisalign® Clear Braces have come onto the market they’ve added a new alternative for consumers and changing the way people feel about having to need braces. This is because they offer many benefits over traditional braces, most importantly, offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative to a mouth full of metal.

While the predominant motivation for braces is to fix how your teeth look, it also aids in the overall health of your mouth, as these cosmetic issues can lead to other oral health concerns in the future.

At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, we understands this and work with you to make sure that your teeth will not only look great but will be healthy as well.

Invisalign® Clear Braces can help with a number of cosmetic dental concerns, including:

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Age has become a non-factor in the quest for straighter teeth and a Hollywood smile. In the last decade, we’ve witnessed an explosive increase in the number of adults requesting braces. In fact, not only have we placed braces on parents and their children, we have patients who are grandparents too— well into their 40’s and 50’s.

What’s changed? Two things really: 1) More people want to stay looking good later in life, and 2) More discrete, less intrusive and more convenient orthodontic options are now available. As a result, three trends have emerged in orthodontics over the past decade that have appealed to adults who want a nicer, more confident smile.

Less Intrusive Braces

Clearly, Invisalign “the invisible braces” was the breakthrough orthodontic treatment when it debuted in the late 1990s. Unlike traditional braces with sliver brackets and wires, Invisalign® aligners are far more discrete, less intrusive— and effective. The removable aligners allow patients to eat and drink what they please as long as they maintain a strict regimen of popping them back on after meals.

Like Invisalign, “Damon Clear®” is a growing choice among adult patients as well. Introduced more recently, Damon Clear’s ‘crystal clear’ design is made from polycrystalline alumina (PCA), which is stain resistant. The aligners have smooth, rounded corners for outstanding comfort, and they stay in place without a fuss.

Increased Comfort

Orthodontics has come a long way since those bulky thick metal braces and elastic bands of yore. Both Invisalign® and Damon Clear® are non-irritating and virtually non-bothersome options. The smooth, comfortable plastic makes Invisalign aligners easy on the gum and mouth.

Damon Clear® is part of the innovative Damon System, which combines tieless brackets and high technology arch wires that are proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with impressive results. Damon Clear® uses a “passive” slide mechanism to maintain arch wires within the bracket, allowing your teeth to move quickly, more comfortably with less chance of any irritation.

Ease of Use

It’s a joy in our profession to inform new patients about just have far we’ve come in orthodontics. You can also easily remove the Invisalign aligner trays for eating and cleaning, and can continue doing all the things you normally would do— brushing, flossing, eating corn on the cob, spare ribs, you name it. No sacrifices. For many activities and foods, you don’t even have to remove your aligner trays— but for those special occasions you do remove them, just pop them back in afterwards. In addition, with both Invisalign® and Damon Clear®, you’ll require less orthodontist visits than you’d expect.

Treatment for virtually ALL cases

Today’s orthodontics can also easily treat adult patients with severe crowding, flat profiles, open bites and those in need of cross-bite correction and arch development— much more effectively than ever before. Come in for a visit and find out which treatment method would work best for your condition.

September Special: Bringing your kids in for braces? Book a free consultation for yourself as well.

Make things easy on yourself; book your appointment for your child’s braces at the same time you arrange a free consultation for yourself. Nothing to lose and a great new smile to gain! With convenient locations in Forest Hills, Queens; Mill Basin, Brooklyn, and Cedarhurst, Long Island, we are at your service with easy, effective, comfortable and discrete options to straighten your teeth.

Our goal is to get all of New York smiling confidently and beautifully.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

After 2021, this new brilliant 2022 is looking to be the year of oral care. Investing in one’s self is where the heart of the matter comes into play since 2022 is going to be the year of healthy living… oral care will be at the top of the list.

There are multiple reasons patients should invest in their orthodontic care in 2022. For one, orthodontic treatment does not just straighten your teeth; it also corrects improper bites and malocclusions. When the bottom and top teeth meet properly, you will experience minimal issues such as even teeth fracture or undesirable tooth wear. If you have a proper bite, you will be able to chew and bite food. Also, properly aligned teeth make your smile naturally attractive.

DID YOU KNOW THAT ACHIEVING A STRAIGHTER SMILE THROUGH ORTHODONTICS CAN GIVE YOU AN IMPROVED SENSE OF CONFIDENCE ON TOP OF CORRECTING AND PREVENTING ORAL HEALTH ISSUES?

A leading cause of Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, along with a sticky film of bacteria that ends up building on the teeth and hardens. When patients experience plaque build-up this can cause the teeth to prevent the need to heal. However, when someone visits an orthodontist this can be removed and essentially, allowing the gums to heal back to a healthy state.

MISALIGNMENT CAUSES SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES

While you may think that crooked teeth only cause aesthetic problems, that is far from the truth. In reality, misaligned teeth can lead to much more serious issues such as enamel wear. Since overcrowding causes teeth to rub against each other in your mouth, the enamel surrounding those teeth can begin to wear down. Once enamel erosion has occurred, you can experience overly sensitive teeth, which will require specific oral care products to manage. Your teeth may also likely be more at risk of fractures and other damage.

STATISTICS PROVE THAT AFTER ONE ORTHODONTIC VISIT, PATIENTS HAD A HEALTHIER ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE

Over 70% of patients ended up creating an aftercare routine that prevented plaque buildup and cavities. Most patient accounts accredited their orthodontist to simply show them what they can do each day to keep their healthy teeth.

1.) People should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process takes between 2 and 3 minutes. People should avoid sawing back-and-forth motions. Never brush aggressively.

2.) Flossing makes all the difference. Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.

3.) Limit all sugary and starch foods. Consuming sugar can lead to cavities. Studies continue to highlight the significant role that sugar plays in adverse dental health outcomes. Common culprits include candy and desserts, but many processed foods also contain added sugar. The World Health Organization recommends that people limit their intake of sugar to below 10 percent. The authors of a systematic review concluded that lowering this to 5 percent would further reduce the risk of cavities Trusted Source and other dental problems.

4.) Sugary drinks are a big culprit in cavities. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugars Trusted Source in the typical diet of those in the U.S. Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities.

5.) Yes, brushing twice a day is the perfect way to keep good oral hygiene. Brushing teeth thoroughly and flossing daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque can help keep a smile from becoming infected with cavities.

INVEST IN YOUR SMILE

Anyone can invest 3 minutes in the morning and at night to care for their teeth. All it takes is a routine. Be sure to invest in your own oral care to keep those teeth shinning for as long as possible.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

To learn more about our orthodontic care, visit Amazing Smiles with convenient locations in Cedarhurst, Brooklyn, and Forest Hills, NY.

Braces are worn by patients to have corrective measures for preventing tooth misalignment. These orthodontic devices have different shapes to adjust the position of the overlapped/misaligned teeth. The artificial denture system is durable and it is strong to bear the bites. However, while wearing these braces to reshape the teeth, patients can experience the sudden damage to the gum and tooth roots. Due to malocclusion, underbite and overbite, you will have discomfiture and pain at the time of biting anything hard. The braces which you wear can also be worsened, soiled and damaged. The regular deposits of remnant of tiny food stuff in the corners of the non-retractable braces, tooth decaying symptoms happen to appear. You must know home remedies and easy therapies to treat odorous mouth, bleeding gum and teeth worsening/decaying. Amazing Smiles Orthodontics is one of the reliable orthodontic clinics to provide the affordable dental care service to people in Queens, Long Island and Brooklyn.

TYPES OF BRACES

There are braces in various shapes and types. These corrective devices are used to do the proper teeth care. Ceramic, metallic, plastic and even fiberglass sophisticated retractable bracing products are near you. For maximum tooth straightening and alignment, dentists like to prescribe qualitative standard ceramic/metallic editions to re-position the displaced and underbite teeth.

Reasons for Tooth Decaying Wearing Braces

• Though you wear flexible and durable braces, often it can be the prime cause of the tooth infection and decaying. The rigid solid teeth care devices are soiled due to the regular food eating. If the patients are addicted to drugs and narcotics, his teeth/denture can have sediments of debris. So ,these unwanted elements infect the gum and tooth roots.
• If you do not clean your denture or orthodontic systems regularly, the debris get stuck to the base of the tooth box. The artificial ligature and wire may be broken to scratch the internal portion of the gum causing the tooth decaying.
• Sometimes, the unprofessional hands dislocate the tooth care devices and it is not fitted to the gum. Patients get pain when they bite foods. Due to improper teeth setting and treatment, the tooth structures seem to be affected.
• Non removal tooth braces which are not properly placed on the particular area in your mouth can’t help you to handle issues like preventing of the tooth decay.

REMEDIES

• Preventing of the tooth decay, you should check your prosthetic denture regularly.
• The teeth sanitization and detoxification are beneficial for you to clean all debris, remnants of food and tobacco/stains for the sake of developing health of your teeth.
• If your braces are easy to maintain and scoop out, you can detach it from your gum/teeth for cleaning. Here , you need the experts for advices and tips to keep your teeth healthy, strong and detoxified.
• In the event of defective teeth denture and braces, you should replace the whole tooth protective system.

Many experts have given their advice and tips for preventing of the tooth decay. Follow their suggestions. If you have the old or new braces to correct your underbites and malocclusion, go for clinical diagnosis to stop tooth decay by replacing the whole denture setting. For online appointment to have the urgent dental care, please visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontics clinic.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Occasionally grinding your teeth isn’t the end of the world, but when it becomes a habit, it can cause damage.

Grinding your teeth in your sleep can happen subconsciously, but you might wake up with a sore jaw, tooth pain, and headache as a consequence.

The good news is orthodontic treatment is available to help mitigate the problem. You might be surprised to learn that getting braces can actually solve your teeth grinding problem. Read on to learn how.

WHY DO YOU GRIND YOUR TEETH?

There are several reasons why you clench your teeth, and this includes:

Teeth Misalignment – When your upper and lower teeth are not aligned, you are more likely to grind your teeth.

Stress – Tension and frustration can lead to teeth grinding. If you are frequently angered or stressed, clenching can be a coping mechanism.

Medical conditions – Teeth grinding can be attributed to some health conditions like temporomandibular ( TMJ/ TMD) or an ear infection which affects the jaw muscles.

Sleep disorders – Patients with sleep apnea ( a condition where the airways close off during sleep, limiting oxygen) suffer from teeth grinding at night more often than others without this condition.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH TEETH GRINDING?

Chronic teeth grinding causes damage to the teeth in many ways and affects your quality of life. Issues that arise from grinding one’s teeth include:

• Increased teeth sensitivity due to erosion of the tooth enamel, which leaves the roots and gums exposed.

• Surface tooth damage due to wear and tear caused by teeth clenching.

• Jaw and face pain as a result of muscle tightness.

• Jaw locking, which prevents the mouth from properly opening and closing.

• Pain when chewing

WHAT IS BRUXISM?

Bruxism is a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth while not actively chewing food. The teeth grind together as the jaw moves forcefully back and forth or sideways, and in most cases, the person is not aware, as it most commonly occurs when a person is sleeping.

Bruxism is a common sleep disorder that can lead to sore pain, loose teeth, headaches, jaw pain & stiffness, and dulled teeth sensitivity in severe cases.

The precise cause of bruxism is not definitive, but some conditions that may increase the chances of developing this disorder include:

• Anxiety disorder – The feeling of excessive worry, intense fear that can interfere with your sleep. Some of these include; post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks.

• Cracked tooth syndrome – CTS is where part of the tooth cracks, but no part of the tooth has broken off. It’s detected when an individual feels pain while eating certain foods or chewing. If the pain is severe, a dentist might recommend pulling the tooth.

Bruxism can be mitigated through the following: 

• Braces – Custom-made braces help align teeth into the desired position and can also prevent teeth grinding. However, in the early days wearing braces can cause severe teeth clenching as the teeth align.

• Invisalign – These are clear aligners used to adjust the teeth into the desired position. They are periodically changed until the last set remains to hold the teeth in the right direction long-term.

• Night guards – Patients suffering from severe bruxism need to wear a mouth guard at night. A mouth guard takes a while to adjust to, but it will help in the long run. As the teeth rub against each other during sleep, guards prevent jaw and face pain as they cushion the jaw muscles.

TREATMENT OF BRUXISM

In most cases, bruxism does not require treatment as it’s not usually too severe in adults, and children outgrow it without treatment. However, for the few extreme cases, patients need to be proactive about stopping bruxism.

Manage Stress and Anxiety– Seeking help from a licensed therapist to manage your stress and anxiety levels can reduce teeth grinding as a coping mechanism.

Also, the short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication as recommended by a doctor can help stabilize one’s emotions and reduce stress.

Addressing sleep apnea – If you suffer from a sleep-related disorder, you need to address it with a qualified medical doctor. Exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help solve these issues. A doctor may recommend getting a CPAP machine to help mitigate the condition.

Dental correction – If your teeth have worn out due to severe clenching, your dentist may need to reshape, realign and repair the chewing surfaces.

Mouth guards and Splints– Splints fit over the top teeth and some at the bottom and act as a barrier, keeping the jaws separated and in a more relaxed position during sleep.

If braces don’t mitigate teeth grinding, custom mouth guards can be worn with braces when asleep to protect the teeth. Most dentists and orthodontists recommend a hard plastic mouth guard covering all teeth in the lower or upper arch.

BENEFITS OF MOUTH GUARDS

1. Prevent headaches

Temporomandibular disorder ( TMJ) contributed to by excessive bruxism leads to severe headaches.. Wearing a night guard helps reduce this discomfort.

2. Prevent snoring

Snoring may seem like an insignificant issue, but it can still disrupt sleep. The mouth guard’s design allows air intake between the jaws enabling you to breathe better.

3. Prevent tooth damage

Unconscious teeth clenching at night can lead to tooth damage, and excessive enamel wear affects tooth sensitivity. Wearing a mouth guard will protect your teeth.

Mouth guards also help align your teeth, preventing overbite or underbite that cause tooth damage.

4. Reduce jaw tension and pain

A well-designed night guard by an orthodontist that fits your jaw perfectly will protect your teeth, even with braces, and prevent any jaw tension during sleep.

Additionally, mouth guards maximize the quality of your sleep with jaw muscle relaxation and minimize symptoms that come with bruxism.

5. Saves you money

Dental treatment to restore teeth is not cheap. Teeth grinding slowly chips your teeth away, but with a custom-designed night guard, you can reduce the damage and save some money in the long run.

HOW AMAZING SMILE NYC ORTHODONTIST CAN HELP MITIGATE GRINDING TEETH

With over thirty years, Amazing Smile NYC Orthodontist provides quality orthodontist care for patients throughout; Queen, Long Island, and Brooklyn. Contact us today at (718) 275-3200

WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC RELAPSE?

Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth shift back to the initial position after a patient has completed orthodontic treatment. Teeth relapse after braces may occur due to insufficient treatment that addresses skeletal misalignment. Still, the most common reason is that patients do not follow proper aftercare procedures and fail to maintain their current teeth alignment.

Teeth relapses are common; studies indicate that over half of orthodontic patients experience orthodontic relapse within ten years of the treatment. While causes of relapse in orthodontics vary dramatically, preventative practices can help minimize teeth relapse.

WHY DO TEETH RELAPSE?

Your teeth are constantly under pressure, resulting in continued moving throughout your life even after wearing braces. After orthodontic procedures, such as braces or Invisalign, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position.

Some factors that can speed up the relapse process include:

TEETH GRINDING

Formally known as bruxism, teeth grinding not only wears your teeth but can cause teeth to relapse over time. Clenching your teeth applies pressure that shifts your teeth from the alignment obtained by wearing braces.

GUM DISEASE

Periodontitis is a gum infection often caused by poor oral hygiene that can cause teeth to loosen and shift. Some symptoms of gum disease include bright red gums, tooth loss, and swelling.

Professional teeth cleaning is the best recommendation to prevent more damage to the neighboring teeth and jaw bone. However, severe cases may require surgery.

JAWBONE GROWTH

The lower jawbone becomes narrower and grows forward as you get older. It causes a misalignment with the upper jaw resulting in teeth relapse when chewing. It’s a natural occurrence. However, some patients may need implants, tooth extraction, or bridgeworks to correct the bite.

CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (WORK WITH THEIR ORTHODONTIST)

A CPAP machine is a treatment for patients with sleep apnea. The machines use mild air pressure to keep the airways open. Studies indicate that CPAP machines can cause teeth relapse. Researchers suggest that patients under CPAP therapy pay attention to their teeth and work with their orthodontic to prevent or correct severe shifting.

HOW TO AVOID TEETH RELAPSE BEFORE BRACES?

Here are some ways to consider avoiding teeth relapse before completing your orthodontic process:

• Before beginning your orthodontic treatment, set up a proper diagnosis and treatment plan with your orthodontist.
• Address any bad habits that may contribute to teeth relapse. Consider working on issues like thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and poor oral hygiene before pursuing orthodontic treatment.
• Perform diagnosis for any gum diseases in their early stages and get treatment for the soft gums. You can consult with an orthodontist near you on the way forward if you have Periodontitis.

HOW TO AVOID TEETH RELAPSE AFTER BRACES?

After the braces come off, talk to your orthodontist about the best practice for you to avoid teeth relapse. Some standard solutions include:

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

After completing your orthodontic processes, orthodontists often prescribe a removable retainer that you can wear at certain hours during the day and at night when you sleep.

The average price of customized, removable retainers ranges between $300-$600 for an upper and lower dental arch. A single piece costs as low as $150 to $300.

PERMANENT RETAINERS

These are fixed retainers made of metal wires which have braided texture and are often glued to your teeth permanently after orthodontic treatment. Fixed retainers hold your teeth in their aligned positions.

The starting price of bonded retainers ranges between $150 – $500 and can sometimes include in your overall charges for braces depending on your orthodontist.

GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE

While proper dental hygiene won’t necessarily fix teeth relapse, it can prevent issues such as Periodontitis which can affect teeth alignment in the future. Some oral hygiene practices include:

• Floss your teeth regularly (preferably every day).
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Reduce habits that can destroy your teeth; smoking and eating sugary junk.
• Visit your dentist and orthodontist regularly for checkups.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I STOP WEARING RETAINERS?

When you stop wearing your retainers, your teeth will slowly adjust to their original position of misalignment and crooked. After treatment, wearing a mouthguard or subtle permanent retainer is necessary to retain that beautiful smile you worked hard to achieve!

If you have questions about proper aftercare to prevent teeth relapse and live in Forrest Hills, Cedar Hurst, or Brooklyn, contact Amazing Smiles for a consultation!

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Why is it important to know how to floss with braces? There is a right and wrong way when it comes to flossing and it’s all about what type of pressure is put on the strand of floss that determines the outcome.

Flossing should always be the first step when it comes to your oral hygiene routine. This way, any food particles that are stuck in between the gaps where a toothbrush cannot reach, is easily removed by flossing.

WHY IS FLOSSING SO IMPORTANT?

Patients have asked before how a small piece of floss can make such a difference to their oral health. But they have been surprised by how effective flossing can be. No matter how well you brush your teeth, no toothbrush can get into all the nooks and crannies like floss can.

By brushing and flossing, food and bacteria is being removed which helps to prevent staining and cavities. Flossing helps to prevent gingivitis and other oral health problems that can be a problem later in life. Brush at least twice and floss once daily.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT DENTAL FLOSS

Waxed dental floss is preferable over non-waxed when you have braces because unwaxed floss can shred, leaving little threads that can get stuck in your teeth and appliance. When it comes to waxed dental floss, there’s plenty of variety so take the time to find one that works for you, is comfortable, and is easy to use. Some are flavored with breath-freshening mint or tasty fruit flavors.

However, if you are new to using dental floss, be sure to contact us (Facebook or use the information at the bottom of this article that has our location phone numbers) for more information on dental tape, which can be used. Dental tape — or ribbon tape — is broader and flatter than dental floss and can be a bit gentler on teeth unused to flossing. Dental tape can also be a bit easier to handle.

SOME GENERAL STEPS TO TAKE WHEN IT COMES TO FLOSSING:

• Take an 18” long piece of dental floss or enough floss that you can wrap around your index fingers to create a secure thread.
• Then begin to tread one end of the floss between your wire and your teeth. Do this as softly as possible without jamming the floss in between the wire and tooth.
• Gently pull the thread through, while holding onto the floss with your index fingers.
• Use a firm grip but at a comfortable pressure to insert the floss between your teeth.
• It is preferred to hold the floss in a “C” shape. This way the floss will glide into your gum-line at the base of your tooth. From begin to floss the sides of each tooth.
• Pull out the floss gently and go through steps 2-4 for the next teeth.

THE FLOSS THREADER

Another flossing tool that is shaped a bit different than traditional dental floss, is the floss threader. A floss threader can assist you with the more traditional flossing with braces method. Floss threaders help you place the floss behind your braces. This tool looks similar to a small plastic needle. Simply thread a piece of floss into the eye of the floss threader then move the plastic needle under the archwire of your braces and pull the floss through. After the floss is under the archwire you can floss your teeth like you normally would. When you are done with one tooth, remove the floss, and repeat the process with the same floss threader.

Be sure to check out our compiled list of the top cleaning tools for braces 2022! Where we cover water pik and general tools that are needed to keep a healthy smile glowing.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

MAKE AN ORTHODONTIST APPOINTMENT TODAY

Anyone can reach out and schedule a free consultation by contacting the phone numbers below:

Forest Hills

Ph: 718-275-3200

100-25 Queens Blvd.

Forest Hills, NY, 11375

Cedarhurst

Phone: 516-295-2006

545 Central Avenue

Cedarhurst, NY, 11516

Brooklyn

Phone: 718-763-2080

2078 East 65th Street

Brooklyn, NY, 11234