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.

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! 

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.

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!

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!