Keeping Your Teeth Clean and White With Braces

When you have braces attached to your teeth by your friendly and affordable orthodontist in Melbourne, Dr. Natalia Valderrama at Valderrama Orthodontics, keeping your teeth clean and white becomes a whole new challenge. You’ve probably been brushing your teeth for years, but now you have all these brackets and wires in the way! Here are some tips on the “best practices” you should use to keep your teeth clean and looking great especially while you have braces.

Pay Attention When Brushing

You’re probably used to thinking about a million different things and letting your mind wander when brushing your teeth. But when you have braces, you have to retrain yourself to really focus on what you’re doing.

Take the time to focus on every single tooth when brushing, especially spots that are hard to reach. That’s where food is most likely to become trapped. Get used to spending about five minutes to brush your teeth, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to rinse with mouthwash as well, to reach places that you might have missed with the brush.

Pay Attention to the Angle of the Brush

Hold the toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle against the gums and be sure to brush the whole tooth. That means the front of the tooth, the back of each tooth, the chewing surface of each tooth and especially along the gumline. Be gentle as you do it, and remember to brush between the wire and the teeth as well.

Don’t Skip out on Brushing

It’s much easier for food to get trapped in your teeth when you have braces, so be sure to brush after every single meal. Food that gets stuck in your braces attracts the bacteria that will cause plaque and tooth decay. Don’t skip brushing!

Always Be Ready to Brush

We give to every patient a tooth-brushing oral hygiene kit that they can keep with them at all times. That way you’ll never be caught in a situation where you’re unable to brush your teeth after a meal. Keep also an extra small kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste (and even floss) in your backpack for school or in the glovebox of your car for work.

Use the Right Floss

Which floss is the correct one for people with braces? The one that works best for you. You might have to experiment with different types of floss to find the one that you are most comfortable with.

Standard floss is just fine for most people, but others like to use a floss threader. There are also all-in-one types of floss that work for cleaning different surface types. Find the one that works best for you and use it regularly.

Be Sure to Use Fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash should be your new best friends while you’re going through the process of braces. You need extra protection against cavities and tooth decay when you have braces attached to your teeth, so be sure to use ADA-approved fluoride products for cleaning your teeth every day.

Specialized Brushes

There are some spots on the teeth that you just might not be able to reach with a standard toothbrush. There’s a small, pointy cone-shaped brush called an “interproximal” brush, or sometimes called an “interdental” brush. These are great for those hard-to-reach spots where you might have more trouble cleaning the teeth. Ask Dr. Valderrama, our Valderrama Orthodontics offices for a sample of one of these at your next visit, or look for them at any drugstore.

Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

Be gentle with your teeth when you’re going through the process with braces! Don’t try to open packages with your teeth and don’t grind your teeth. If you are a habitual tooth-grinder in your sleep, let us know, because we have products available that can help.

Follow the Food Guidelines

Your orthodontist will provide you with important food guidelines when you’re wearing braces. Follow these rules diligently — and don’t worry, the rules are temporary. Avoid sticky or hard foods, and try to stay with softer foods that are less likely to cause problems with your braces. This will help a lot when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and white.

Call Your Melbourne Orthodontist for Braces

Taking good care of your teeth is important no matter what type of orthodontic treatment you are receiving. We provide everything from lingual braces to bride braces, engineer braces, and Invisalign teen at our Suntree, Viera, or Rockledge orthodontic practices in Melbourne. And yes, that includes braces! Contact any of our offices to schedule your next appointment if you think you or your child is a good candidate for braces.

What Should I Do if I Notice My Retainer Doesn’t Fit the Same?

After your braces finally come off, you will need to wear a retainer for the rest of your life. This ensures that your teeth won’t try to shift back to their original positions. It’s very common, however, for patients to discover one day that their retainer no longer fits in their mouth. This is not the end of the world! It just means that it’s time to give Dr. Natalia Valderrama, your orthodontist in Melbourne a call. Here’s a closer look at the reasons why your device might no longer fit.

Did the Retainer’s Shape Change?

A retainer is actually a fairly delicate orthodontic appliance. It’s not uncommon for people to accidentally change the shape of the retainer without realizing it. Accidentally dropping it or setting a heavy textbook on top of it can change the shape of the wire or the plastic. Not to mention dropping it and then accidentally stepping on it! (This happens a lot.)

Another really common way people damage their retainer is by putting it in water that’s too hot when they are cleaning it. We often think of hot water as a great way to kill germs, but with the soft plastic in the device, hot water can cause serious problems. If the temperature of the water is too high, it can cause the plastic to warp. You may not even be able to see the difference — but you will notice it when you try to put the retainer in and it no longer fits properly (or at all).

Did the Position of Your Teeth Change?

On the other hand, your retainer might be in perfect shape but the position of your teeth changed. If this happens it could mean that you are not following the instructions from your orthodontist.

A retainer needs to be worn for a prescribed number of hours each day. After wearing braces, those teeth are going to want to naturally shift back to their original positions. If a patient does not wear the retainer often enough and the teeth start to slowly slide out of place, the device will become more uncomfortable. Eventually, it won’t fit at all!

If it gets to the point where your retainer simply does not fit, it’s time to come in for an appointment.

Step One: Call Dr. Natalia Valderrama, your Melbourne Orthodontist

Did the family dog use your retainer for a chew toy? Did you drop it and then watch in horror as it rolled down a hill until a garbage truck ran over it? Or is it just a big mystery as to why your retainer no longer fits? No matter the reason, your first step should be to call Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne so we can remedy the situation. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the bigger the risk that your teeth are shifting back out of place.

The first thing we will do is take a look at your retainer to see if its shape has actually changed. If a wire is bent, we may be able to reshape it for a quick fix. If the plastic has been warped by a hot water incident or something else, you will likely need to be fitted for a new one.This is a simple process that you have already been through once: Since our practices in Suntree, Viera and Rockledge are fully digital, you will get scanned by our Trios scanner and within 24 hours using our 3D printing technology, you will have a brand new set of retainers ready for you to come pick up! No more gooey molds or waiting days for a new retainer..

If your teeth have shifted but your retainer still “sort of” fits, it could be that you’re not wearing it often enough. In some cases, we might instruct you to start wearing the device “full time” until your teeth readjust to it. If the teeth have shifted too much, it may require a short period of orthodontic treatment, followed by getting scanned for a brand new retainer.

Move Quickly if Your Retainer No Longer Fits

If your retainer doesn’t fit properly for any reason, get in touch with us at our Valderrama Orthodontics office in Melbourne, Fl at 321-425-5050 as quickly as possible. If your teeth shift too much because of a delay in getting a new retainer, you might even need to go back to braces or Invisalign for a time, in order to re-straighten your teeth. It’s important to act quickly!

What Is the Best Way to Check for Oral Cancer?

Since you’re reading this article on the page of your favorite affordable orthodontist in Melbourne, you’ve probably already guessed the answer to the question posed in the title. The best way to check for oral cancer is to schedule a checkup with your dentist or orthodontist. We are the medical professionals who spend the most time looking around inside your mouth. Thus, it’s really no surprise that we would be the first ones to notice early warning signs.

Oral Cancer Incidence In the US

One of the first things we want to point out is that oral cancer is extremely rare in young Americans. In the 19 and under age group, fewer than 1 in 500,000 are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. That’s fewer than 150 young people per year in the entire United States. The reason for this is because most of the risk factors for oral cancer are from bad habits that adults develop. For example, tobacco and heavy alcohol use are two of the leading factors that can cause oral cancer to develop. Additionally, spending too much time in the sun can also lead to lip cancer later in life. The risk of oral cancer starts to pick up significantly after age 50. The highest risk group is among people in the 60 to 70 age range.

Additionally, males are slightly more likely to contract oral cancer than females, and the risk is also higher among black and Hispanic males than among other races. Although the age-incidence rate for oral cancers has historically skewed older, young people in their 20s have been contracting oral cancers at higher rates in recent years. Studies show this is likely linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease.

How Dr. Natalia Valderrama, your Viera/Suntree/ Rockledge Orthodontist, Checks for Oral Cancer

The most common way oral cancers are identified is when your dentist notices something odd in your mouth. Oral cancer can present itself as a red or white patch of tissue inside the mouth. Your dentist will notice pretty quickly if anything looks abnormal or stands out during routine visits. This is important to note: Just because an orthodontist or a dentist notices something unusual in your mouth does not automatically mean it’s cancer. It could be a sore spot, an infection, an allergic reaction to something you ate, or any number of other possible things. Your dentist may then feel around inside your mouth to check the consistency of the tissue abnormality. The doctor may also check your cheeks, lips, throat and neck for any abnormal lumps.

Additional tests can include a test screening with specialized dye (used as mouth rinse) or a cancer screening light. While your dentist may be able to rule out oral cancer using these methods, you will probably be asked to come in for a follow-up exam. This is to monitor the progress of the abnormal tissue. If it’s a mouth sore that went away on its own, there’s probably nothing to be concerned about. If the abnormal cells are still present, it may be time to conduct a biopsy. This means removing a sample of the affected tissues and sending them to a lab to screen for cancer. This will probably be necessary for a formal cancer diagnosis.

Last, another important point to mention: An oral cancer screening from a dentist is not fool-proof. There are some types of oral cancers that cannot be detected with a visual check.

Reducing Your Risk

To reduce your risk of oral cancer, you have likely already been told to stop using tobacco and to reduce your alcohol intake. This is especially true if you have any of the risk factors. Remember, if you are over the age of 50, this is even more important. Also, if you are sexually active, the HVP vaccine is an effective method of preventing an STD which can then lead to oral cancer. If you have any questions about oral cancer, the risks, symptoms, etc., please contact our office in Melbourne today. Valderrama Orthodontics can help answer all of your questions and schedule an appointment if needed.

Which Type of Braces Are the Most Comfortable?

Braces are uncomfortable by their very nature. They are designed to move your teeth in a direction they don’t want to move, until they’ve settled into a new location. Any system that moves your teeth is going to cause discomfort. With that disclaimer out of the way, which type of braces are the most comfortable? Here’s a look at some of the types of braces you can receive from your Melbourne orthodontist.

Traditional Metal Braces

The traditional system of metal braces with wires and brackets are the most common type of braces you’ll see. The reason for this is because metal braces are highly effective at straightening teeth that need moderate to severe shifting to be straightened. One really great thing about metal braces today is that as the medical science behind them has improved, the brackets have gotten smaller. Metal braces today are much more comfortable than the metal braces of a couple decades ago.

While at one time, there was a social stigma around braces, that doesn’t really exist as much today. Teens have been wearing braces for generations now, so there’s really not as much “social discomfort” from having to wear them. Your friendly and affordable orthodontist in Melbourne will also offer young patients and teens a choice of colorful elastic bands to use with their braces. These bright and fun colors allow younger patients to personalize their braces and showcase their personality. Thus, increases the “social comfort” level of wearing braces.

With metal braces, it is really a tradeoff. They are the least comfortable system for adjusting and straightening teeth; but they are the most effective system for adjusting and straightening teeth.

Invisible Braces From Your Melbourne Orthodontist

Invisible braces for adults are an option for people who may not be comfortable with others knowing that they’re getting their teeth straightened. Braces are practically a “rite of passage” for teenagers, but if you’re in college or you’ve started your professional career, you might not want people to immediately realize you have braces. If this sounds like you, then invisible braces might be a better choice for you than traditional metal braces.

Invisible braces are not really “invisible.” They are made with ceramic brackets, which match the color of your teeth. Other than that, they are almost identical in principle to metal braces. Previously, ceramic braces were fairly fragile, but thanks to advances in dental science, invisible braces today are much more durable. You will still have to come in for periodic adjustments at your Melbourne orthodontist’s office, so the wires can be tightened.

Ceramic invisible braces will feel about the same as wire braces in terms of physical comfort. You will almost always be aware that they are there, doing their job of shifting your teeth. But in terms of social comfort, invisible braces are much less obvious than the shiny metallic braces that are immediately noticeable to others.

Invisalign & Invisalign Teen in Melbourne – Alternative to Braces

It’s pretty easy to understand why Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the most popular method of straightening teeth. They are more “invisible” than invisible braces, there are no wires or brackets involved, and you get a short break from wearing the clear aligners every day. In terms of physical comfort and social comfort, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are hard to beat!

The Invisalign aligners are scientifically designed to match your mouth. Additionally, they shift your teeth slowly over time, much like traditional braces. The main difference is the aligners are placed over your teeth and worn for at least 22 hours a day. Braces and invisible braces are attached to your teeth with brackets. They don’t come out until your Melbourne orthodontist removes them at the end of treatment. Invisalign aligners have to be taken out for meals, so you do get a daily break from wearing them.

Invisalign is not a system of braces, but they function very similarly. Out of all of the choices for straightening your teeth, Invisalign is one of the most comfortable methods.

Contact Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne About Braces

If you think you might be a good candidate for braces or Invisalign, contact Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne to schedule an appointment today. We’ll work with you to determine the best option for straightening your teeth and giving you that perfect smile!

Am I A Good Candidate For Braces/Second Braces?

Dr. Natalia Valderrama, our orthodontist in Melbourne, can let you know during a single appointment whether you are a good candidate for braces or second braces. A lot of people would like to have an idea on whether they are a good candidate before they walk into Valderrama Orthodontics. We completely understand! Not everyone is a candidate for braces or second braces. However, we’ll try to provide a general idea on the topic in this blog.

Why Braces Are Needed

Braces are a tool that your orthopedic dentist or orthodontist in Melbourne will often recommend to correct a malocclusion — a problem with the patient’s “bite.” A bite problem can mean the person’s teeth are crowded, protrude outward, they are crooked, or are somehow misaligned. Braces shift the teeth over time, so that they line up straight and the patient is able to have straight, beautiful teeth and a great smile. They work best during the young teenage years because that is when kids have lost most of their baby teeth. Also, the jaws are still pliable enough to allow the teeth to be shifted by using braces.

Are You a Candidate for Braces?

If you have most of your permanent teeth and a malocclusion, you are probably a good candidate for braces. Here are some of the types of bite problems that make you a good candidate for orthodontic treatment with braces:

Crossbite: This malocclusion happens when the top teeth don’t line up correctly with the bottom teeth.
Overjet: This is characterized by the top front teeth jutting outwards.
Overbite: The top front teeth cover up too much of the bottom teeth.
Underbite: When the teeth are closed, the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth.
Open Bite: This is characterized by top and bottom front teeth that don’t meet together properly.

Why Second Braces Are Needed

It’s not as common, but there are occasions when a second round of braces becomes necessary. There are a number of possible reasons for this. After several years of having straight teeth, they might shift back into a crooked position again. Sometimes this happens because the patient had to end their first round of braces too early. If someone doesn’t wear their retainers after a round of braces — as directed by their orthodontist, it can cause the teeth to shift back into their original locations. People who struggle with bruxism — chronic teeth grinding — also tend to have their teeth become misaligned once again, despite correcting them with braces.

The good news is that if you’ve already worn braces once and your teeth have become crooked again, you’re likely a good candidate for second braces.

Alternatives to Second Braces

The really good news is that if you are in your latter teen years, early adulthood, or even middle age, you have a lot more orthodontic options available to you for correcting bite problems. Invisalign Teen — the clear, removable plastic aligners that straighten your teeth much like braces become an option. Invisalign is extremely popular with adults as well. This is because the system is nearly invisible; no one has to know you’re getting your teeth straightened. Clear braces are another popular option. These are similar to your traditional braces but have clear brackets. The clear brackets make your braces tough to notice!

It really is best to have bite corrections done with braces when a patient is in their early teen years. This is due to the fact that the teeth are more “cooperative” when it comes to getting them to move. But just because you’ve moved beyond your teen years, doesn’t mean that you can’t get your teeth straightened — and dental science has provided many new and inconspicuous options in just the past few years.

Contact Dr. Natalia Valderrama, our Melbourne Orthodontist About Braces/Second Braces

The best way to know whether you are a good candidate for braces, second braces, Invisalign or any other orthodontic treatment is to call our office and set up an appointment. You can reach us at (321) 425-5050 or Contact us online to schedule a visit. We look forward to hearing from you!

Breaking The Habit Of Thumb Sucking And Pacifier Use

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are actually very comforting to babies and young children, so you don’t want to discourage a child from doing these things too early. Eventually, however, these can become habits and can start to impact your child’s “bite.” If that happens, you may be sending your child to visit an orthodontist in Melbourne when they become a teenager. Here’s what you should know about thumb sucking and pacifier use, and how to break the habit as your child grows older.

Why Young Children Suck Their Thumbs or Pacifiers

It’s pretty easy to understand why babies and infants suck on their thumbs or a pacifier. The sucking reflex is how they take in nourishment in the form of breast milk or bottle formula. That same reflex is extremely comforting and can help them (and their tired parents) fall asleep. Thumb sucking and pacifier use are perfectly normal for the first few months of a baby’s life. It’s after the baby’s teeth start coming in that the thumb or pacifier can become a damaging habit.

Risks of Long-Term Thumb and Pacifier Sucking

If a child’s permanent teeth start to come in, habitual thumb-sucking and pacifier use can affect the shape of the child’s mouth. It can also affect the direction their upper teeth come in. Misaligned teeth mean that you’ll likely be looking for Dr. Valderrama, our orthodontist in Viera/Suntree in Melbourne when the child gets older. Children that have made an intense habit of thumb sucking and/or pacifier use will have a more dramatic impact on their teeth. If the habit is broken before the permanent teeth come in, the child’s bite may correct itself on its own.

Proper Age to End Thumb Sucking & Pacifier Use

Some pediatric dentists and orthodontist recommend ending the habit by age 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning children off of thumb sucking and pacifier use no later than age 4, at the latest. Although, a child could most definitely give up the habit willingly much earlier.

Tips for Weaning Your Child Off the Pacifier

- Cut the Pacifier: Poking a hole in a pacifier or shortening it by 1/4- to 1/2-inch with a pair of scissors can make a child lose interest in the habit. They won’t get the same sucking sensation from it and sometimes this is enough to get them to abandon the habit.
- Give It Away: If you have a friend with a younger baby, you can encourage your child to “give” their pacifier away as an act of kindness and generosity. This can be an effective way of getting your child to “let go” of the pacifier. Your friend can then just throw the pacifier away.
- Get Creative: If you have sewing skills, sew the pacifier into a favorite stuffed animal’s mouth. Then you have a handy excuse to explain to the child that the pacifier is currently unavailable for use. The stuffed animal is now enjoying it!
- “Lose” It: The “Oops! Mommy and daddy lost the binkie on accident” excuse can work wonders as well. It may result in some short-term tears, but once the pacifier is gone, it’s gone.
Tips for Weaning Your Child Off Thumb Sucking
- Lots of Praise: Praise your child when you see them try to stop sucking their thumb. Positive reinforcement, rather than punishment, can help break the habit.
- Non-Food Rewards: A special toy that the child only gets to use after they avoid sucking their thumb for a while can help as well.
- Sticker Chart: The concept here is the same as a sticker chart for potty training. Success for several hours results in a sticker reward.
- Palatal Crib or Rake: This is an absolute last-resort that Dr. Valderrama our Suntree/Viera in Melbourne orthodontist can install in your child’s mouth. It’s used for about three or four months and is designed to prevent thumb-sucking.
Call an Affordable Orthodontist in Melbourne

If your child has misaligned teeth or a problem with their bite that lasts into their teenage years, Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne can help. We have a wide variety of orthodontic bite correction methods at our disposal. We will straighten teeth and give you that perfect smile, from bride braces to Invisalign Teen to invisible braces for adults. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment is Best

The same principle you always hear your family physician talk about when it comes to your health applies to orthodontic treatment. Early intervention provides the best outcome! Your child’s first appointment with our Suntree orthodontist, Dr. Valderrama should happen no later than age 7. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends this as well. By age 7, a highly skilled family orthodontist, such as Dr. Natalia Valderrama, can identify many issues well in advance. Early intervention in these cases can ensure that your child’s smile, jawbone, and facial features develop properly over time, without any potential complications.

First Checkup with an Affordable Orthodontist

Your child will have several of their permanent teeth by the time they reach age 7. This means Dr. Valderrama can project how the rest of your child’s permanent teeth are going to come in down the road. By examining the child’s development to date, issues can be found as soon as possible. In many cases, everything is developing normally and no further orthodontic treatment will be recommended. Sometimes a potential problem can be spotted based on space on the child’s jaw, or the direction that a particular tooth is going to grow. In those cases, further monitoring at future appointments may be recommended.

In more rare cases, Dr. Valderrama can identify a problem that will impact your child’s smile, their jawbone, or even their facial features if early intervention is not done. In those cases, Dr. Valderrama will recommend a course of treatment to correct the problem. It’s always better to intervene early in these cases, to achieve the best possible outcome.

Problems Early Orthodontic Intervention Can Correct

When teeth are coming in misaligned or if a child has a jawbone that’s not large enough to accommodate all of their incoming permanent teeth, early orthodontic intervention may be recommended. Dr. Valderrama will explain the options to you after a potential problem is identified. Early intervention is strongly recommended for cases where a problem has the potential to become worse over time, if no action is taken.

Here are some of the most common issues where early intervention can lead to a much better outcome for your child:

Teeth that are too crowded, or have too much space between them
Underbites: An underbite occurs when the lower teeth rest in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed
Crossbites: If the lower jaw is shifted to one side, so the upper and lower teeth are not aligned
Teeth that come together abnormally, or that don’t meet at all
Extra teeth or missing teeth that can change the direction of future permanent teeth
Thumb-sucking or other habits that can impact the growth of the jaw or teeth

Treatment Options for Early Intervention

Your orthodontist has several options for early intervention treatments, based on the diagnosis of your child’s teeth. “Early intervention” is not as serious as it sounds! If a child has most of their permanent teeth by age 8 for example, they may be ready for affordable braces. Other dental appliances can be used to adjust the growth and development of the teeth. In certain cases, extraction of some baby teeth may be recommended in order to help the permanent teeth erupt in the right direction. Dr. Valderrama will walk you through all of the possible options to ensure the best outcome for your child.

Other Treatments Available at Valderrama Orthodontics

In addition to early orthodontic treatment for children, Valderrama Orthodontics offers many of the latest technological advancements in treatment for teens and adults. This includes but is not limited to:

Invisalign in Suntre/Viera
Invisalign Teen
Clarity Advanced
Incognito Hidden Lingual Braces
Bride Braces & Engineer Braces
Clear Correct
Invisible Braces for Adults
And much more!

Many adults who haven’t visited an orthodontist in a long time will be surprised at the technological advances that have been made in the profession. Many affordable treatment options are also available!

Contact an Affordable Orthodontist in Suntree/Viera

If your child is old enough for their first orthodontic visit, please give our office a call at (321) 425-5050 to schedule an appointment.

What are Lingual Braces and How do They Differ From Traditional Braces?

The very first braces were created nearly 300 years ago, flat pieces of metal connected to one another with a thread. Modern technology has tremendously improved its design in recent years, making braces more effective, more durable, more comfortable to wear, and less visible. In response to people increasingly wanting “invisible” braces to improve their smiles, today there are a number of alternatives to traditional braces. You may have heard of clear aligners like Invisalign, or even clear ceramic braces, but there may be some options you aren’t familiar with, such as lingual braces.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces work exactly the same way as traditional metal braces, with brackets affixed directly to the teeth and connected by wires. However, lingual braces have one very unique difference: They are placed on the backs of the teeth facing the tongue, rendering them almost completely invisible.

Despite their special placement, lingual braces correct teeth misalignment in the same way as traditional braces, by putting consistent but light pressure on the teeth to gradually move them. The metal wires do most of the actual moving, while the brackets have the important function of holding those wires in place.

Lingual vs. Traditional Braces: What’s The Difference?

For all their similarities to traditional metal braces, lingual braces do have some distinct differences that should be taken into consideration.

Placement – Aside from the fact that lingual braces sit behind the teeth, they also differ from traditional braces in how they’re actually placed. Where traditional braces are made of standard-sized brackets that are placed on each individual tooth, lingual braces are custom-fit to each person’s mouth and all the brackets are placed at once using a specialized tray.
Adjustment period – There is a bit of discomfort when someone is getting used to wearing any type of orthodontic care. Because lingual braces directly interact with the tongue, it may be difficult to speak and swallow when you first get them, though these challenges lessen over time.
Day-to-day care – Although keeping your teeth clean is always important – especially when you wear braces – it’s even more so when it comes to lingual braces. Food particles frequently get trapped in the brackets and wires, and because you can’t easily see behind your teeth, more diligence is required when brushing and caring for lingual braces.

Who’s A Good Candidate For Lingual Braces?

The first thing to know when considering lingual braces is that not everyone who wants them is physically able to wear them. The teeth have to be long enough for the brackets to be affixed to their backsides, which rules out many children and in some cases, adults whose teeth are on the smaller side. People with severe bite issues, such as having a deep overbite, are also unable to wear lingual braces.

Lingual braces are an excellent choice for many older children, teens, and adults who are self-conscious about the look of traditional braces. According to Harvard Medical School, one in five people who get braces are adults, which may at least partially explain why lingual braces are growing in popularity.

Ultimately, there are a number of individual factors that contribute to whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for lingual braces, and the best way to determine that is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist who can help you decide if your lifestyle, oral health, and overall desired results make you a good candidate for lingual braces.

Talking To Your Orthodontist

As you’re comparing lingual and traditional braces for yourself or someone in your family, the most important thing to note is that one is not necessarily better than the other; they are simply different options. Knowing that lingual braces come with increased responsibility in terms of dental hygiene, they are an excellent choice for those patients willing to accept that responsibility.

If you have any questions or are ready to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne today. We have flexible appointments to help your family prioritize dental care. We specialize in perfect healthy beautiful smiles and can’t wait to help you with yours! Call us today to get started! 321.425.5050

Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment for the Second Time

A lot of people go through orthodontic treatment once and then are still not happy with the final result. Sometimes, the teeth didn’t fully adjust, or perhaps your teeth shifted because you had Invisalign as a teen and then your wisdom teeth shifted things. Can you still go through orthodontic treatment for the second time? The answer is: Absolutely!

Reasons People Need Orthodontic Treatment a Second Time

There are several reasons why people may want or need to go through a second round with braces or another orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Not Wearing Retainers Properly

We’re not judging, but… this really is the number one reason why you might end up having to see an orthodontist again. After your first round of orthodontic treatment – when the braces finally come off – it’s really important that you follow your regimen with the retainer for the first year. If you forget to put the retainer back in as often as you should, your teeth will naturally try to shift back to their original positions. Many times, people who don’t follow their retainer rules can end up with their teeth being even more crooked than when their orthodontic treatment first began.

2. Here Come the Wisdom Teeth

Some people who don’t have a lot of free space in the mouth will find that their teeth have to go somewhere when those wisdom teeth erupt in their late teens or early 20s. This is why it’s really important to get a checkup with your dentist or orthodontist as soon as you start feeling an ache from your wisdom teeth or back molars. We can often predict whether your teeth are going to shift ahead of time from your wisdom teeth. Although this issue is less common, it can still cause the teeth to shift and necessitate a second orthodontic treatment.

3. Accident or Trauma

You might have had a perfect smile after your teeth were adjusted with invisible braces, only to later lose a tooth due to an accident or tooth decay. This can cause your teeth to shift in the mouth, once again, requiring some specialized treatment, and even a replacement tooth or bridge to restore your smile once again.

4. Gum Disease

Gum disease is extremely common in adults. When gum disease is untreated for any length of time, it can lead to an infection. The infection can cause swollen gums, which in turn can cause the teeth to shift even faster.

5. Bruxism and Other Bad Habits

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, or clench your teeth together unconsciously due to stress, that puts strain on your teeth that can cause them to shift.

How Do I Know if I Need a Second Orthodontic Treatment?

The issues listed above can cause a relapse that undoes all the hard work of your first round of braces or Clear Correct. But how do you really know it may be time for a second orthodontic treatment? Here are some of the symptoms to consider:

Your smile looks much liked it used to, due to overcrowding from wisdom teeth
New gaps appear in your smile, even though you completed the first treatment
Extreme pain or discomfort in the jaw (can be a sign of a severe misalignment)
Gum disease or tooth decay which is caused by shifting teeth

How Long Does a Second Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Here’s a bit of good news on this topic: If you do need a second round with braces or Invisalign, it most likely won’t take as long as your first round of treatments. That’s because the distance your teeth will need to be adjusted is most likely much shorter. It is a case-by-case scenario, though; your second orthodontic treatment could take as little as three months, or as long as 18 months.

Is a Second Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

That is really up to you as an individual. If you want to get your “bride braces” before your wedding or feel like your smile needs a touch-up in any way, we are here to help! Invisalign, Clear Correct and many types of braces are cosmetic procedures. It ultimately depends on whether you are happy with your current smile or if you think it needs some more improvement. We can give you our best recommendation at Valderrama Orthodontics, but the final decision is yours! Call us today to get started on your journey to a smile you’ll love again!

What Are The Different Types of Malocclusion?

Not all smiles are created equally. There are a number of factors that come into play during the development of your child’s teeth before, during, and after they erupt. When you lose baby teeth, your smile changes drastically, and your adult teeth can even come in different than your baby teeth. While your teeth serve to help you chew, eat, drink, and even speak as you grow older, an improper bite can cause a number of problems for patients in the future if they don’t get it corrected earlier on. This is why many parents turn to orthodontics for help with malocclusions.

What Are Malocclusions?

The term ‘malocclusion’ simply means that the patient’s bite is misaligned. This means that the jaw and the teeth do not line up properly. When teeth are misaligned, there can be additional stress on the jaw and you may experience difficulty eating or speaking. The good news is that this condition is very treatable. But before looking for ways to treat a misaligned bite, it’s important to understand the different types of malocclusions and how they could be affecting your oral health overall.

Types of Malocclusion

Malocclusions are more common than you might think. In fact, according to ScienceDaily, one in every five people have some sort of misalignment in their teeth. Here are the three types of dental misalignments:

Class I: Overlap

The first type of malocclusion is frequently called the overlap. This is where the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth, but otherwise the bite is normal. There are many causes for this condition including prolonged thumb sucking and bottle use during infancy. An orthodontic appliance can be used to correct this misalignment. Our orthodontist, Dr. Valerrama, will develop a treatment plan based on the angle of you or your child’s teeth. The three main classifications for this type of malocclusion include:

Teeth angling toward the tongue
Lower teeth angling in toward the tongue with the upper teeth protruding
Upper front teeth slanting toward and tongue and causing crowding among the other teeth

Class II: Overbite

The overbite is classified as when the upper teeth stick out over lower teeth. This affects the alignment of the bite. Orthodontic treatment is generally recommended with an overbite. With treatment and appliances, the overbite can be corrected but it may take some time. Two different overbites are typically seen. This includes when the upper teeth angle in toward the lips and when the upper incisors slant toward the tongue.

Class III: Underbite

An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth. In some cases, this can include a cross-bite where there is an overlapping of the upper and bottom teeth. The underbite has three classifications that include:

The arch is not normally shaped but the general tooth alignment is good
The lower front teeth lean toward the tongue but the upper teeth are properly aligned
The lower teeth are in aligned but the upper teeth angle toward the tongue. Often, the upper arch is underdeveloped

Treatment Options

Before beginning any treatment option, an orthodontist, like Dr. V, will need to make an assessment and go over your lifestyles and any hobbies that could be affected due to orthodontic treatment. This will then help your orthodontist to recommend the best course of treatment to correct the issue. There are many treatment options including Clear Correct, Invisalign Teen and even Champagne-colored braces! Depending on your specific needs and timeline, you will be able to choose which treatment option would best suit you in your everyday life.

Correcting Malocclusions at Valderrama Orthodontics

Valderrama Orthodontics works to provide the best and most comfortable orthodontic care available! With a commitment to providing compassionate dental care, Dr. V and her staff know how important a beautiful smile is, and how it can contribute to your confidence. As a little girl, Dr. V saw the profound impact it had on her when she received orthodontic treatment, so she vowed to become an orthodontist so others could experience it themselves too! That promise lives on today through her practice and every patient that she treats for problems with malocclusions, poor jaw development, and anything in between! Contact us today to see how we can help you smile a little bigger this year!