Friday, September 25, 2009

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Wise


There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Wise took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?


No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?


Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Wise Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

Friday, September 18, 2009

September Braces Off Party at Wise Orthodontics



Every month we set aside one day to take off the braces of our patients that have finished active treatment. Our "Braces Off Party" is always a blast, take a look at the fun video here, and then check out all the photos on our Facebook Fan Page! While you are there, why not become a fan too?

Enjoy,

Wise Orthodontics

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Summer in Photos, From Wise Orthodontics



We had a blast this summer at Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics. Take a look at all the fun times we had in the photos section of our Facebook page. If you have photos to share about your summer adventures, become a fan of Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics on Facebook and post them on our wall!

Friday, September 11, 2009

KidSwing-Mckinney Golf Tournament Article

Hello everyone, you may remember that we blogged about the KidSwing tournament earlier this summer, and we have another update for you!

Several news sites have picked up the story, and we invite you to check out the great articles on this wonderful program!

Check out these news articles:

Golf tournament gives kids, patients chance to give back (NeighborsGo)

Plano Teen's Golf Tourney Helps Dallas Hospital (CBS Channel 11)

--Wise Orthodontics

Friday, August 28, 2009

Braces 101 From Wise Orthodontics

Should you need to call Wise Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.


Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

--Wise Orthodontics

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Summer Fun with Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics!



Its summer here at Wise Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Wise Orthodontics

Friday, August 14, 2009

Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics Around the Web



If you've ever visited us at Wise Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Wise and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Wise Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a "fan" of Wise Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Wise Orthodontics