Mythbusters for Braces

With any medical, dental, or orthodontic treatment, there are going to be some misconceptions that prevent people from pursuing the solution that they need to live a healthier, happier life. Yes, this even includes braces.

Needless to say, orthodontic treatment and technology has come a long way since it was first invented in the 1800s—Yes! It’s true!—so although some of the myths about braces may have been true at one point, almost none of them hold any truth here in 2013.

Whether it’s health concerns about braces, social concerns, or off-the-wall myths like braces attracting fish, we’re here to do some orthodontic mythbusting!

If two people with braces kiss, can they become locked together?Today’s braces are smaller and more compact than they used to be—it is virtually impossible for this to happen. Braces aren’t magnetic either, so any attraction you’re feeling isn’t coming from the braces!

Will my braces cause problems with the TSA at the airport?

Nope! The metal detectors at Pittsburgh International Airport will not be set off by your orthodontic treatment.

Will my braces rust?

Although this may have been possible 50 years ago, today’s braces are made of stronger, high quality metals like titanium alloy.

Do braces interfere with radio or cell phone signals?

No. Your iPhone or other devices should function normally, no matter how close or far it is from your mouth.

Will braces prevent me from playing a musical instrument like a trumpet?

In most cases, no! It might take some getting used to, but you should be able to play your mouthpiece instruments just as well as you did before the braces, without pain or discomfort.

Do braces increase the probability of getting struck by lightning?

With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same: about one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Ocean swimmers, listen up! The brackets used in today’s braces, especially ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unfriendly fish or wildlife.

Have any more questions for our staff about orthodontic myths, or want to discuss treatment for yourself or a loved one? Call Reed Orthodontics for a consultation, at 412- 421-8565!

Straight Teeth Good for More than a Smile

When many patients first come into our office, they’re thinking one thing: they want a better smile. And yes, orthodontic treatment like traditional bracket braces or Invisalign can be reliable, affordable ways to straighten your teeth.

But what many patients don’t realize is that having straight teeth is also a health benefit. Here are some ways that straight teeth contribute not just to a sparkling smile, but to a healthy one:

• Straight teeth are easier to brush. When your teeth are too close together, the crowding can result in hard-to-reach areas for your toothbrush and floss. Food tends to get caught between crowded teeth as well, which can cause bacteria and plaque to grow. And when bacteria and plaque grow, conditions like gum inflammation and gingivitis are more likely to develop. On the other hand, too much space can also cause food to lodge between two teeth, so cavities and gum disease are more likely to occur.
• Straight teeth mean healthy gums. Gums fit much more snugly around straight teeth than crooked ones. This will prevent pieces of feed from getting to comfortable in there!
• It’s easier to speak and chew. When your teeth aren’t straight, not only are you more likely to chip a tooth, but you’ll also find it much easier to speak and chew your food correctly—this can lead to gastrointestinal problems. In addition, properly aligned teeth put less stress on your jawbones.

Braces are a great general health choice for people of all ages—not just kids. If you’re having a hard time chewing, brushing, flossing, or anything else listed above, consider getting bracket braces or Invisalign. Ivy Horn, an Atlanta attorney, told WebMD about her experience getting braces as an adult:

"I'm not embarrassed about having [braces] at my age because you see a lot of people now, young adults, even older adults wearing braces. In my field I do a lot of speaking when I am in court a lot. I just think it would look better if I had the clear braces rather than the metal braces so people aren't focusing so much on what's in my mouth but the words that are coming out of my mouth."

To schedule an appointment with Reed Orthodontics or if you have any questions, call 412.421.8565 or click here.

Everything in Moderation—Including Halloween Candy!

Halloween is one of our favorite times of year here at the office, and it’s always a nice surprise when a patient comes in dressed in costume.

But one thing that will forever be connected to Halloween is candy—and believe us, we’re guilty of indulging in way too many M&Ms from time to time as well. However, if you have braces, eating too much candy can cause problems for a number of reasons. Take some time to understand why and how eating candy can potentially harm your orthodontic treatment and have an effect on your teeth and gums for years to come.

Eat Sweets in Moderation

As you well know, candy is packed with sugar—and not the good kind. It’s also a carbohydrate, which can cause bacteria and acids to form on your teeth, potentially leading to tooth decay. Even if you don’t have braces, candy can be pretty bad, causing cavities or a multitude of other problems. Eating too much candy can make it more difficult to reach around the bracket and band attachments when you brush your teeth and floss.

Candy is Candy!

Although candy can take on lots of different forms—sucking candies, chocolate, chewy candies—it’s all functionally the same when it comes to your braces. While hard candies can cause hard glucose buildup on your teeth, softer candies can seep into hard-to-reach crevices between your teeth and your orthodontic treatment.

Often times, candy can cause a bracket or band to jolt loose, bringing your journey to straight teeth back for 1 to 2 months—and, of course, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reed to get it fixed.

Have a Happy Halloween, Club Reed! Enjoy yourselves and have a safe, but not-too-sweet holiday!

It’s 2013: Braces Aren’t Just “Kid Stuff” Anymore

20 years ago, you might have done a double-take if you saw an adult with braces walking down the street. But today, with many more convenient, unobtrusive options for teeth straightening, more and more adults are turning to orthodontics—even those whose smiles are constantly in the spotlight.

Country singer Faith Hill wasn’t shy about showing off her braces at last November’s Country Music Association Awards, at one point Tweeting, ““Wear your braces proudly.”

Whether you have Beiber fever or not, you’ve got to appreciate that he decided to straighten his teeth at age 17, at the peak of his celebrity, with Invisalign braces:

And more, recently, across the pond, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, decided to straighten her teeth using lingual braces. Since lingual braces bond to the back of your teeth rather than the front, she was able to enjoy a flawless smile on her wedding day:

For adults looking to straighten their teeth with minimal effect on their smiles, there are lots of solutions now, between steel braces, ceramic braces, transparent aligners, and lingual braces. According to Dr. John Buzzato, president of the American Orthodontic Association, most of these treatments take between a year and a half to two years to complete, often followed by a retainer.

Whether you’re young or old, it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened. Contact us today for a consultation, by clicking here to send us a message, or calling us at (412) 421-8565.

Invisalign – the Great Alternative to Braces!

Reed Orthodontics happily provides Invisalign as a great alternative to traditional braces.  Invisalign treatment involves a series of completely clear removable slipcovers, each designed to move your teeth closer to the final result of straight teeth and a great bite. 

During treatment, patients wear their aligners all day and night expect when eating meals and brushing/flossing.  Since the aligners are clear, no one knows that your teeth are gradually straightening! You can learn more by watching this quick video.

The first step in treatment with Invisalign is a consultation with Dr. Reed to ensure that your teeth and bite will respond well to Invisalign therapy.  

Step two is to take a set of impressions of your teeth as well as one xray and some photos.  All of this information is digitized and sent to Invisalign so that the aligners can be fabricated by their state of the art laboratory.  

Approximately two weeks later the patient returns to receive the first set of aligners.  Dr. Reed and her staff review the process of wearing the slipcovers and will have the patient return every 6 to 8 weeks for minor adjustments and to evaluate the progress.

To find out if you are a great candidate for Invisalign treatment, we invite you to call Dr. Reed’s office  to schedule your initial consultation. 

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The Facts on Braces

Braces are a fact of life for many kids (and some adults) today. Some of us are left wondering, "What  details do I need to know?"

We have put together some facts about braces and orthodontic care for you. Take a peek and let us know what additional questions you have. We will do our best to answer them.

This article covers many questions people have about getting braces. Why do you need them? How do you care for them?

Quick Facts:

• Almost 70% of people in the US need some sort of orthodontic treatment (that's a lot!).
• Tons of your favorite celebs have had braces including Tom Cruise and Gwen Stefani! 
• The perfect age to start orthodontic treatment is between 3-10.

You can read about additional basics of orthodontic care here.

We know it is an intimidating road to go down, but it will also leave you feeling confident and happy when you can greet the world with a beautiful smile!

Like our Facebook page today for more information on orthodontic care and to learn more about Club Reed (offered at our Squirrel Hill office).

Preparing for Your Orthodontic Consultation

The first appointment at any orthodontic office begins with an initial consultation.  You can get the most out of this appointment by knowing in advance what is most important to you regarding orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Reed and her staff thought of a list of questions that are routinely asked before and during treatment.  They thought the list would help new patients begin the process of thinking about what it is that they want as a result of treatment and what things are important in getting to that result.

Below are just a few examples:

• How long will it take to make my teeth straight?              
• Are there different options for treatment?
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment?  Are there different options for payment that will be discussed ahead of time?
• Will insurance cover treatment?
• Does getting braces or Invisalign hurt?
• Can I still play sports with braces, expanders, Invisalign, etc.?
• How often would I have to visit Dr. Reed once treatment is started?
• Should I wear a retainer after treatment; for how long?
• Do I still need to see my general dentist once treatment begins?
• Will my wisdom teeth effect my treatment later?
• What sorts of foods will I have to avoid?

Dr. Reed and the orthodontic team are here to help answer any questions you may have.  When your consultation is over, Dr. Reed encourages her patients to call or email her with any other questions that may arise after they leave.

From the initial consultation to the day your braces are removed, your treatment should be a smooth and simple process with results that make you feel great.  Feeling well-informed every step of the way is an important part of the process!