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3 Tools to Keep Your Braces Clean

November 25, 2015

Filed under: Tips and Advice,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — ortegaortho @ 8:00 am

Maintaining proper oral hygiene throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment is extremely important for the health of your teeth. The last thing you want is to is damage your teeth because of poor oral hygiene. At Ortega Orthodontics, we want you to be proud of your healthy and clean smile. Here are some tools that can help you maintain your oral hygiene  throughout your treatment:

Interdental toothbrush: When trying to clean in between your teeth this is a great tool for getting pieces of food out of your braces.

Antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with mouthwash can reduce inflammation in your gums and cheeks and may help with possible irritation from your braces.

Waterpik: Many patients find that using a Waterpik helps keep their appliances clean.

Braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth during treatment, which is why there are tools to help. Remember, these tools are here as a supplement to regular brushing and flossing, not as a replacement! You may find that your braces make it harder to get plaque off your teeth, but brushing and flossing after each meal is important for preventing tooth decay, plaque buildup, and gum disease. If you have questions about how to keep your teeth in tip top shape, give us a call.

Your Ortho Emergency Guidebook

November 18, 2015

Filed under: Tips and Advice — Tags: , , , , , , , — ortegaortho @ 8:00 am

Every now and then you may find a wire uncomfortably poking your cheek or perhaps you broke a bracket over dinner. Accidents happen and as your Jacksonville orthodontist, we’re here to let you know that we’ve got you covered! If you find yourself in the middle of an orthodontic emergency, contact us as right away so we can make the time to treat you properly. If an accident happens outside business hours, give us a call on our answering service and we can get back to you as soon as possible. Here’s what to do in case of an orthodontic accident:

  • Soreness and discomfort: After getting your braces adjusted, you’ll most likely experience some soreness. Wax, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a warm washcloth may help to ease your pain.
  • Loose or broken bracket: If your bracket becomes loose or broken, give us a call as soon as possible. If it remains attached to your wire, simply keep it in place and use wax to combat any discomfort until your next appointment. If you completely lose your bracket, just slide it off and bring it along to your next visit.
  • Loose, poking, or broken wire: You’ll probably experience a poking wire at some point throughout your treatment. While you may be able to redirect the wire, if you’re unable to bend it, contact us. Use wax to keep the wire from poking and moving further out of place. Should your main archwire break, give us a call to schedule an emergency appointment.

There’s no need to stress about an orthodontic emergency, we’re here to get your  treatment back on track and minimize your discomfort as much as possible. If you break or loosen any of your appliances, call our office so we can determine the best way to help you.

12 Reasons to Smile

November 11, 2015

Filed under: Benefits of Treatment — Tags: , , , , , , , — ortegaortho @ 4:34 pm

As your Jacksonville orthodontist, we love to see you show off your smile. Whether you’re still in treatment for your dream smile or just got your braces off, there’s plenty of reasons to be happy about straight teeth and a healthy mouth. You’ve probably heard that laughter is the best medicine, but did you know that smiling can actually boost your mood and health? Here’s 12 reasons why you should be showing off those pearly whites all the time:

  1. Scientists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood, forcing yourself to smile can help lift your spirits.
  2. Studies have shown that it’s nearly impossible to frown while looking at someone who is smiling, it really is contagious!
  3. Your body has to work harder to frown than it does to smile.
  4. Babies are born with the ability to smile, if they can, anyone can!
  5. People can see smiles from 300 feet away, it’s the easiest facial expression to recognize.
  6. Research studies have shown that people find women more attractive when they’re smiling than when they’re wearing makeup.
  7. Smiling makes you more relaxed, thus improving your immune system and overall health.
  8. Smiling releases endorphins that help you reduce stress and feel better.
  9. Around the world smiling is a universal sign of happiness.
  10. Smiling can use anywhere from 5 to 53 muscles.
  11. Need a promotion? Smiling makes people appear more sociable, attractive, confident, and more likely to get promoted.
  12. Researchers say there are 19 different types of smiles, so there’s plenty to choose from!

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so it’s never too late to improve your smile. If your teeth are holding you back from a confident smile, give us a call to find a treatment plan that works for you. At Ortega Orthodontics, we love to see our patients showing off their pearly whites.

Your Smile is No DIY

November 4, 2015

Filed under: Observances,Tips and Advice,Treatments — Tags: , , , , , , , — ortegaortho @ 8:00 am

Over the years we have seen trends such as bell-bottom pants, perms, platform shoes, and more that should remain in the pages of history books rather than on the streets. But, a recent online trend is alerting more than fashionistas as people are attempting to straighten their teeth using rubber bands, paper clips, and elastic floss without the supervision of a dentist or orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is particularly concerned with this practice and the harmful effects it can have to people’s bodies and wallets.

One of the “quick fix” practices that the AAO is warning against is rubber bands promoted to close gaps in teeth. Not only can this cause extreme damage to teeth and oral health, it can result in thousands of dollars worth of dental repairs. A Tennessee orthodontist reports a patient who attempted to use rubber bands to close a gap in his teeth and forgot about the elastic until it was submerged under his gum tissue. This resulted in $50,000 worth of dental work to repair the loss of his two front teeth.

As your Jacksonville orthodontist, we want you to leave the teeth straightening to us. Orthodontists are highly qualified individuals with years of specialized training and the vast knowledge and experience to straighten your teeth safely and healthily. If you are ready to get to work on your beautiful smile, don’t try it at home, give us a call to schedule your appointment today.