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While both dentists and orthodontists play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health, they have distinct areas of expertise:

• Dentists: General dentists are your primary care providers for oral health. They offer a wide range of services, including:

  • Cleanings and checkups to prevent cavities and gum disease
  • Fillings to treat cavities
  • Extractions of teeth
  • Crowns, bridges, and dentures to replace missing teeth
  • Root canals to treat infected teeth
  • Teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures

• Orthodontists: Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional 2-3 years of specialized training focused solely on orthodontics. This advanced training allows them to diagnose, prevent, and correct problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontists typically use braces, retainers, and other appliances to move teeth into their ideal positions, creating a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. They can address issues like:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites

Here at Alexandria Orthodontics, we are a team of board-certified orthodontists. This means we have the highest level of expertise and experience in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. We focus exclusively on orthodontics, allowing us to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field and provide our patients with the best possible care.

Retainers are custom-made appliances worn after orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) to maintain your new, beautiful smile. After your teeth have been shifted into their ideal positions, your jawbone needs time to solidify around them. Retainers help prevent your teeth from drifting back to their original positions.

Types of Retainers:

There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type for you based on your specific needs and treatment.

• Removable Retainers: These are the most common type and come in two main varieties:

  • Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers, Invisalign Retainers): These are virtually invisible, thin, hard plastic trays custom-molded to fit snugly over your teeth. They are comfortable, easy to clean, and a great choice for many patients.

  • Hawley Retainers: These classic retainers consist of a clear acrylic base that fits over your palate or tongue and a thin wire that wraps around the front of your teeth. They are durable and effective, but some patients may find them less aesthetically pleasing than Essix retainers.

• Fixed Retainers: These are bonded directly to the back of your lower front teeth using a dental adhesive. They are very low-maintenance but don’t offer the flexibility of removable retainers.

Wearing Your Retainers:

Following your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your retainers is crucial for maintaining your smile. This typically involves wearing them for a specific amount of time each day or night, gradually decreasing over time.

Benefits of Wearing Retainers:

• Prevents teeth from shifting back
• Maintains your beautiful smile
• Contributes to overall oral health by preventing crowding and misalignment

Just remember that Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment and regular dental checkups and cleanings are still important while wearing retainers. If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, consult Alexandria Orthodontics.

This is a common concern for both children and adults considering orthodontic treatment. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Braces:

• Placement: Placing braces shouldn’t be painful. It’s similar to getting small stickers on your teeth.
• Adjustment: After placement, an activated wire will gently begin moving your teeth. This can cause some temporary soreness, especially when biting down. Most children experience this discomfort for 3-4 days, while adults may feel it for up to 10 days.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (taken with food) can help manage soreness. Take them before or after getting braces placed, as discomfort usually starts within 2 hours and peaks around 24 hours.
• Diet: Soft foods like soups, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and protein shakes can be helpful during the initial adjustment period.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign):

• Similar to Braces: Similar to braces, clear aligners can cause some tenderness as your teeth move. Older teens and adults may experience this more than younger children.

General Tips if your Braces or Clear Aligners hurt:

• Temporary Discomfort: Remember, any discomfort you experience is temporary and a sign that your treatment is working!
• Be Prepared: Having soft foods stocked at home can ease the transition during the first few days.
• Consult Your Orthodontist: Everyone experiences pain differently. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your orthodontist about pain management options.

Remember, the tenderness is temporary and normal. It is the process of the teeth beginning to move.

Braces Address a variety of orthodontic issues

Braces are a common type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. They are effective for both children and adults, and can address a variety of orthodontic issues, including:

• Crowding: When there’s not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit comfortably.
• Gaps: When there are spaces between the teeth.
• Overbites: When the upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower front teeth.
• Underbites: When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.
• Crossbites: When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly when biting together.
• Open bites: When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when biting together.

How do braces work?

Braces work by applying gentle, constant pressure to your teeth over time. This pressure gradually moves your teeth into the desired positions. The two main components of braces are:

• Brackets: These are small squares or rectangles that are bonded to the front of each tooth. Brackets can be made from metal, clear ceramic, or even gold.
• Wires: These are thin wires that thread through the brackets and connect them together. The wires are tightened periodically to adjust the pressure on your teeth and guide their movement.

Types of Braces

There are several different types of braces available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best type of braces for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types:

• Metal braces: These are the most traditional type of braces and are still a popular choice today. They are durable and effective, but they can also be noticeable.
• Clear braces (ceramic braces): These braces are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic, making them less visible than metal braces. However, they may be more fragile than metal braces and may stain more easily.
• Self-ligating braces: These braces use a special clip mechanism to hold the wire in place, eliminating the need for rubber bands. This can make them more comfortable and require fewer adjustments.
• Lingual braces: These braces are placed on the back of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. However, they can be more difficult to clean and adjust, and may cause speech impediments in some cases.