When Should My Child Get Braces?

To start off simply, your child should probably first see an orthodontist before they turn seven. However, the age can vary depending on the severity of your child’s misalignment. Nevertheless, just because you are seeing an orthodontist does not mean you are beginning treatment that very moment. We must wait until a child has at least a few of her permanent teeth before we start using braces. Usually this is between eight and fourteen years old.

Why Do Kids Need Braces?

Kids need braces for a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include crooked, overlapping, overcrowded teeth, an overbite, or an under bite. These issues can be genetic but can also be caused by injury or by children sucking their thumb or fingers. If your dentist notices a problem they will most likely send you to an orthodontist for more examination. Starting the process early doesn’t mean your child will get braces sooner, but it does mean you will have a handle on the problem sooner.

On your first visit your child will only go through a routine check up to analyze the problems. They will probably have an x-ray and get a mold of their mouth. Remember, just because you or your child go in for an appointment, doesn’t mean you will get braces that day. Once the braces are on, you will need to visit the orthodontist every couple of weeks so they can keep track of the adjustments.

Two Phase Treatment

Some dentists and orthodontists recommend two phases of braces. Phase one begins when your child still has their baby teeth and phase two, when they have their permanent teeth. Phase one does not always use braces but other types of “dental appliances”.  This two-phase process allows the baby teeth to be guided into adulthood and hopefully stay in place throughout the process.

Remember, you don’t have to be a kid to get orthodontic treatment. About half of all orthodontic patients are adults. It’s never too late to get braces. So whether you have a kid who needs braces or you’re thinking of getting them yourself, call Dr. Reed to see how she can help you with your decision.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Do you wince every time you bite into something cold? You probably have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of factors.

Causes

There are several reasons your teeth may be sensitive; some preventable, others not.  It is mainly caused by the disappearance of your enamel and exposure of your dentin, which are hollow cavities that lead directly to your tooth nerve. However, your enamel can be stripped and ruined in many ways.  Here are the top ten causes you should look out for:

You Grind Your Teeth. Grinding your teeth wear down your enamel, exposing the dentin.  Try using a bite guard.

You Whiten Your Teeth. Whitening your teeth strips your teeth of its enamel, layer by layer, thus exposing the root to your nerves.

You Use Too Much Mouthwash. Mouthwash is similar, it contains alcohol and chemicals that if used to frequently it can strip your enamel from your teeth. Try fluoride rinse instead.

You Brush Too Vigorously. While you want to brush hard enough to get rid of any germs and plaque, you do not want brush too hard. Aggressive brushing can break down your enamel and expose the pathway to your nerves. Also, try to use  a soft bristle toothbrush.

You Eat Acidic Foods. Acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits, and tomato sauce can cause discomfort when the pathway to your nerves are exposed.

You Have a Cracked Tooth. A cracked tooth can amount to much more than teeth sensitivity. If you have a cracked tooth, call your dentist right away to get it looked at.

You Have Gum Disease. Gum disease is very common in older people because your gum line tends to recede with age. The recession of your gum line eventually exposes your dentin and in turn causes sensitive teeth.

You Have Excessive Plaque. Too much plaque on and around your teeth can cause your enamel to wear off. Remember to floss at least once a day or after every meal if you can.

Your Fillings are Decaying. Over time fillings begin to decay leaving holes in your teeth. These holes can be filled with bacteria and food which eventually break down tooth enamel.

You Had a Dental Procedure. If you have recently had a dental procedure is is not uncommon for your teeth to become sensitive. However, do not worry, this sensitive your subsides over time.

Treatment

Do not worry, tooth sensitivity is totally treatable. The easiest and cheapest option is to buy toothpaste with fluoride, specifically for sensitive teeth. Also, try to use a soft bristle toothbrush so as not to be even harder on your teeth. It is also a good idea to stay away from acidic foods. Orange juice, wine, soda, and yogurt may be delicious but they are not good for your teeth. Nevertheless, this special toothpaste does not help everyone. If your pain continues you should call your dentist to set up and appointment in order to figure out the best treatment option. If you need or want braces but have sensitive teeth, Invisalign is an excellent option for you! Call Dr. Reed today to set up an appointment to see if Invisalign would be right for you.