Lincoln Orthodontics Blog

Orthodontic Emergencies

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Dr. Emily Willett

Whether you’re new to braces or have been wearing them for a while, it’s important to have some knowledge about the issues that can occur when undergoing orthodontic treatment. At Lincoln Orthodontics, we want our patients to feel informed and confident in all aspects of the orthodontic process, including how to handle an emergency. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, they can occur from time to time, and it’s important that you know what to do if a problem does arise.

What do we mean by “true orthodontic emergency?” Basically, this would include any of the following:

serious injury or trauma to the face, neck, mouth, teeth, or gums
swelling, infection, or bleeding of the gums or mouth
severe pain or discomfort in your teeth, mouth, face, or neck

We recommend seeking help as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms while undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you’re a current patient, we welcome you start with our office, but your family dentist can also help treat your dental emergencies. Your general dentist may have additional options to manage your needs in the case of a non-orthodontic dental trauma. Additionally, do not hesitate to go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room if you feel this is your best option. Some patients worry that the orthodontic process will be interrupted in some way by emergency treatment, but we can always pick up where we left off or adjust things once the problem has been corrected and the emergency has passed.

Treating non-emergency issues at home

We’re often asked how to tell if an issue is worth an immediate ER visit, or if it’s a situation where patients can take a “wait and see” approach. One example of a problem requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment would be something like a fractured tooth. Another good example of this would be any severe pain or swelling around your teeth, jaw, or mouth, since this can be a sign of infection or disease.

Fortunately, these types of emergencies tend to be few and far between! Although it’s helpful to have a plan in place for dealing with an emergency, quite a few oral issues can be remedied from the comfort of your own home. While home remedies aren’t always able to to take care of all pain, discomfort, or irritation, they’re often useful for resolving minor problems, and good at lessening or relieving symptoms until we can see you in our office.

Below you’ll find more information about some of the most common minor “emergencies” or sources of discomfort, and what you can do about them without having to leave the house!

Mouth sores

broken braces Some patients seem to be more susceptible to getting mouth sores during orthodontic treatment, and irritation from braces can exacerbate them. If these ulcers show up on your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums, you can get some relief by using a cotton swab to apply a small amount of topical anesthetic directly to the sore. This can be reapplied as needed, following the instructions included with the packaging. You can also use the wax we provided in your care kit to cover the bracket or aligner area causing irritation–just remember to remove the wax and brush the area and reapply as needed.

Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires

If any part of your braces comes loose or breaks, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can determine what your next steps should be. While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are a few guidelines you can follow to keep your braces and your mouth safe.

If a band or bracket is broken but still attached to the wire, don’t connect any elastics to it. Try to leave it alone until we see you in the office. If it’s irritating the inside of your mouth, you can cover the offending part with orthodontic wax. If a piece has actually broken off, please place it in a bag and bring it to your appointment.

Misplaced archwire, bracket, or tie

braces wire As your teeth begin to move into the positions laid out in your treatment plan, the archwire that connects them may also move. This can sometimes result in it poking out a bit near the back of your mouth, which can cause irritation. Fortunately, this can be remedied by moving the wire into a better spot by using the eraser end of the pencil or a cotton swab.

If it’s the wires or ties that are misplaced, they can often be manipulated back into place by gently using a pair of clean tweezers or the eraser end of a pencil. When wires or brackets shift and irritate your mouth, try a pinch of orthodontic wax over the parts that are poking out. This can help relieve the immediate discomfort, but be sure to contact our office as soon as you can so our doctors are able to determine what the actual problem is and correct it.

braces wire Tooth pain or loosening

During orthodontic treatment, your teeth can loosen slightly, and as scary as that sounds, it’s actually exactly what we want them to do. That said, this movement may occasionally cause some slight tenderness, especially right after your braces are put on, or following an adjustment appointment. Salt water rinses are a popular home remedy, and doing them twice a day during soreness can be really beneficial. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or a warm heating pad placed on the outside of your jaw can offer some relief as well. Some patients find relief in over-the-counter pain medicines like Tylenol or ibuprofen, similar to what you would take for a headache.

Broken Retainer – bonded or removable

broken retainer

After orthodontic treatment, retainers are routinely placed. The retainers used are specific to your individual treatment plan and may be bonded (“fixed” or “permanent”) or removable. If a bonded retainer comes loose, please continue to wear your removable retainer full-time until you are able to be seen at our office for a diagnosis and repair. This will prevent tooth movement and may be more comfortable to protect your tongue from irritation. If your removable retainer breaks or cracks, please contact our office and make arrangements to have the retainer replaced as soon as your schedule allows. Retainers – both bonded and removable – work together to prevent orthodontic relapse, as there is a chance your teeth will continue to shift throughout your lifetime.

Lincoln Orthodontics is here to help

women getting her braces fixed Although true orthodontic emergencies are rare, they do happen, and you should seek treatment from an experienced and qualified orthodontist as soon as possible if you experience one. But we know that even minor emergency situations can be upsetting. That’s why our team is committed to keeping your orthodontic experience as safe, stress-free, and rewarding as possible! Our skilled staff create beautiful smiles every day for patients of all ages, and that process doesn’t have to be painful. If you have been experiencing any discomfort with your braces, or any other aspect of your orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us today. We’ll get to the bottom of it, and put a smile back on your face in no time!

Regular Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Dr. Emily Willett

Here at Lincoln Orthodontics, we know it can be challenging to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly and effectively when you’re wearing braces. The brackets, wires, and bands can trap food particles, and they also create a series of nooks and crannies that can be hard to reach with a regular toothbrush. Yet brushing your teeth the right way is a critical component of oral care, and one every braces patient should take seriously.

If you’re a current orthodontic patient, you’re already aware of how important it is to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing regularly keeps your teeth clean, your smile healthy, and also greatly reduces your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. Good dental hygiene helps remove any bacteria, residue, and food debris that can lead to a buildup of plaque acids and hardened tartar, thus increasing your risk of decay developing. Although it is easier to brush during aligner treatment, it is still critical to spend adequate time brushing and flossing to ensuring healthy teeth.

To keep these oral issues at bay, we encourage our patients to brush at least twice daily for two minutes (or more!), and floss every night before bed. While these are fairly simple habits to cultivate, choosing the best products to care for your braces can sometimes be a little more complicated!

What type of toothbrush should you choose as an orthodontic patient?

The oral care aisle of any store can be overwhelming given the sheer amount of choices on display. It seems like there’s a product for everything, from toothpaste for sensitive teeth to whitening gels, mouthwashes to flavored flosses, items designed specifically for orthodontic patients, manual and electric toothbrushes, and much more.

Most of these competing products are equally effective when it comes to caring for your teeth and gums, but it turns out that electric toothbrushes may actually have a slight edge over manual versions. This is especially true for orthodontic patients. In fact, one study by the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics found that an electric brush could remove a significantly greater amount of plaque than a manual one, which is good news for those wearing braces.

Of course, many of our patients can and do clean their teeth perfectly well with a manual toothbrush. However, some find electric brushes to be very beneficial. If you’re a current braces patient using a regular toothbrush in your dental hygiene routine, an electric toothbrush may be a better choice for your braces, teeth, and gums. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why:

The advantages of an electric toothbrush

Multiple studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual brushes at removing plaque. Some of the best models have even indicated an ability to remove up to 2x more total plaque, which is nothing to sneeze at! There are a number of factors that give these brushes an advantage over their manual counterparts, including:

Deep cleaning

Electric toothbrushes drive fluids in between the teeth, which means they’re able to get down deep and clean more effectively in and around the brackets and wires. Most models also produce hundreds or even thousands of movements per minute, something you can’t replicate with a manual toothbrush no matter how hard you try!

Custom cleaning modes

Many electric toothbrush models possess cleaning modes that have been customized with a specific purpose or issue in mind, such as sensitive teeth, whitening, stain removal, and much more.

Easy to use

Cleaning your teeth may seem like an easy task, but you’d be surprised to learn how many people get it wrong! Whether it’s rushing through the process or not understanding how to brush and floss properly, we’ve seen a number of patients over the years who just weren’t getting their gums and teeth clean. However, cavities and gum damage can often be avoided by doing nothing more than cleaning your mouth thoroughly and regularly. Electric toothbrushes can help you achieve this by removing the risk of “user error” by including timers, sensors, and multiple modes that most of the guesswork out of brushing.

electric and manual toothbrushes isolated on white background.

Electric toothbrush features

Electric toothbrushes come with not only multiple modes, but in many different styles and with several different features as well. These can include:

Battery-powered options

Some electric brushes run on a simple AA or AAA battery. These are similar to manual toothbrushes, but have a head that spins or pulsates the bristles to add a little extra oomph to your brushing technique. Battery-powered toothbrushes will generally be the least expensive electric option, and can be very convenient. You should always be careful to replace the batteries as soon as they run out, though, in order to avoid acid leaks that can ruin the brush itself.

Rechargeable toothbrushes

These brushes will recharge using a base that plugs into a wall outlet, so there are no batteries to replace. These are the electric options that tend to offer the higher-tech options like timers, pressure sensors, and replacement reminders. They may also include a variety of brushing options, like oscillation or vibration.

Timers

Brushing for at least two minutes every time you brush is the standard, but it can be easy to miss this mark. One of the most common problems we see in patients is not brushing long enough, so the timers that some electric brushes include can be really helpful if you have trouble keeping your brushing on track. Some timers are even sophisticated enough to keep track of how long you’re meant to brush each quadrant of your mouth.

Pressure sensors

Some rechargeable brush models include a sensor that tracks the pressure you’re putting on your teeth that will alert you if you’re brushing too hard. This can be an especially helpful feature if you ever suffer from sensitive teeth or weak enamel.

Multiple brush heads

This feature allows you to switch detachable brush heads when the bristles wear out but keep the electric base of your toothbrush. While some bases will only fit one type of brush head, others are compatible with multiple types.

Multiple brush settings

There are some electric brushes that offer multiple settings for a more thorough cleaning experience, including:

rotary, where the head rotates in only one direction
counter-rotational, where the head rotates in various directions
rotating-oscillating, which allows different lengths of bristles to rotate in opposite directions
oscillating-pulsating, which adds a pulsating motion to the oscillatory motion

Lincoln Orthodontics: helping you brush your way to a beautiful smile

Whatever type of product you’re looking for to help take care of your braces and smile, we suggest sticking to ones that have the American Dental Association seal of approval. Products marked with the ADA seal have been studied thoroughly and tested for safety and effectiveness. They’re also guaranteed to perform as promised!

Our doctors recommend replacing your toothbrush or brush heads more often when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces can be particularly hard on the bristles and they tend to wear out more quickly.

girl deciding between toothbrushes

At Lincoln Orthodontics, our mission is to help you achieve not only a straighter smile, improved oral health across the board. Part of that is keeping your teeth and gums in good shape while you’re wearing braces. If you’d like to try incorporating an electric toothbrush into your oral hygiene routine, but aren’t sure where to start, Dr. Willett and Dr. Harre are happy to recommend one for you based on your specific case. Our dedicated team is always here to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your treatment plan! We want to give you the best experience possible on your orthodontic journey, and work hard to provide you with all the support you need throughout the process.

Wisdom Teeth And Braces

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Dr. Emily Willett

It’s not uncommon to begin orthodontic treatment with a long list of questions. Orthodontics is a new experience, and you will naturally want to know more about all that it entails. As time goes on, you’ll come to know more about the orthodontic process, and grow more familiar with your teeth and all the amazing things they’re capable of. By the time you’re done with braces or aligners, you’ll have acquired quite a bit of knowledge that goes beyond the basics!

However, there is one related subject you might be missing solid information on: wisdom teeth. This may not seem like a topic that is particularly relevant to orthodontics, but wisdom teeth can have a surprising impact on your oral health. At Lincoln Orthodontics, it’s not unusual for patients (or their parents) to wonder if these molars could have a negative effect on smiles that have been straightened through orthodontics. To learn more about why this worry is unfounded, and what the eruption of your wisdom teeth can mean for braces treatment, keep reading below!

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Once upon a time, our ancestors had a diet that revolved mainly around coarse foods like meat, roots, and nuts, which required large and powerful jaws to chew and digest. As their diet began to evolve, so too did our jaws, shrinking in size to eventually hold three molars in each quadrant instead of four. For many people today, even three is too many, and their mouths just don’t have the space to allow wisdom teeth to erupt fully without issues. To be sure, this isn’t the case for everyone. For plenty of people, the wisdom teeth will come through in proper alignment with little more than some slight tenderness, requiring no further action. But our wisdom teeth grow in stages instead of all at once, offering up many chances of extended discomfort and pain until they fully erupt. To avoid any unnecessary suffering, removal of the wisdom teeth may sometimes be suggested.

Are wisdom teeth capable of shifting other teeth?

The short answer is no, but let’s explore why.

Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to make an appearance in your mouth, usually showing in your late teens or early twenties. Around this same time, some patients will also see a slight shifting of their teeth begin, also known as relapse. Given the timing, many patients jump to the conclusion that wisdom teeth must be responsible for any drifting that occurs in this timespan. To learn more about this, The University of Iowa actually studied the possible relationship between wisdom teeth and relapse. They conducted research that involved placing sensors between the teeth of their subjects, then compared the pressure on them both with and without wisdom teeth. They concluded that was no difference between the two at all, proving once and for all that the wisdom teeth alone aren’t able to exert enough pressure on the teeth in front of them to cause them to shift.

So if wisdom teeth coming in aren’t a key factor in a smile shifting, what is? The answer is surprisingly simple: we get older. As we age, our teeth begin showing signs of wear and tear, and there’s also a natural drifting that begins to occur. This drifting can cause our teeth to begin overlapping, moving them slightly forward. This overlapping can also cause the upper teeth to press the lower teeth in towards the tongue. At this time, jaws are also still finishing up their growth, which can further force the teeth into less than desirable positions. The solution to all this shifting and drifting? Regular retainer use! As an orthodontic patient, you have no doubt heard on numerous occasions how important it is to wear your retainer once your treatment is complete. Relapse is the biggest reason we stress this point so much. Wearing your retainer exactly as directed by Dr. Willett or Dr. Harre is the single best defense you have against your teeth shifting. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective way to help keep your teeth stay as straight as possible once your orthodontic treatment has finished.

Can your wisdom teeth affect your orthodontic treatment?

If your mouth doesn’t have enough room for your wisdom teeth to erupt fully, it can put pressure on the surrounding teeth. Furthermore, if the wisdom teeth begin coming in sideways, they can catch behind the last tooth in your mouth. This painful set of circumstances is referred to as impaction, and it can lead to sensitive, swollen gums. Partially erupted teeth can also be a challenge to clean effectively, increasing your risk for recurrent infections and damage to the adjacent healthy molars.

If your wisdom teeth happen to start erupting during the course of your orthodontic treatment with us, you should be able to continue easily and without interruption. Wisdom teeth can be removed while wearing braces if necessary, but if yours come through with no apparent problems, it’s unlikely that removal would be recommended. That said, your general dentist or an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Willett or Dr. Harre will be able to tell how your wisdom teeth are coming through by taking a detailed x-ray of your mouth. The results of that x-ray will be considered along with the impact wisdom teeth are having on the rest of your mouth. At that point, wisdom tooth removal may be recommended.

Lincoln Orthodontics has the wisdom to give you peace of mind

For over twenty years, Lincoln Orthodontics has been offering families in Lincoln and the surrounding communities an orthodontic experience that is comfortable, positive, energetic, and rewarding. Our team is committed to providing you with a practice that makes you feel welcome and at home the moment you walk through our door. From your first appointment to your last, we want you to feel valued, heard, and respected. If you’re worried about how your wisdom teeth may impact your orthodontic treatment or overall oral health, get in touch! We go the extra mile to make sure your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed to the best of our ability. Your smile is important to us, and so are you!

Back To School Braces Guide

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Dr. Emily Willett

It seems like summer always takes so long to finally arrive, and then disappears in the blink of an eye! While we still have a few more weeks to enjoy the warmth before the first official day of fall, there’s no denying it’s back-to-school season. Before we break our winter coats and snow boots out of the closet, this is the perfect time to discuss proper dental care during the school day with our patients who are in braces. This overview is particularly helpful for children and teens who are returning to school for the first time since beginning orthodontic treatment.

Wearing braces at school doesn’t have to be difficult, but like any new adventure, it comes with its own set of learning curves. Lincoln Orthodontics is here to provide the information and encouragement your child needs to get through the school day with their smile (and braces) intact. Let’s take a look at some of our best tips for getting back into the swing of school with new braces!

Be prepared

For students undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, we recommend keeping a basic care kit close to hand, especially if they haven’t been wearing them for very long. Some popular items to include are:

a soft-bristled toothbrush
fluoride toothpaste
dental floss
orthodontic wax
lip balm
an unsharpened pencil (eraser end only!)

These can be useful in many ways. Brackets and wires are notorious for trapping stray food particles, so we encourage brushing after lunch, with a quick floss added if needed (and if your child has time.) Orthodontic wax can help reduce any mild irritation to the lips, gums, or cheeks. This irritation is not uncommon, and is generally temporary. For relief, your student should pinch off and place a pea-sized amount of wax over the offending area. The eraser end of a pencil can be utilized to nudge wires back into place should they stray, and lip balm is soothing on lips that have become dry and chapped due to braces-wearing.

Be smart

Whether your child is at home, at school, or somewhere in between, the same rules apply when it comes to caring for their braces. This is especially true when it comes to food restrictions, which is sometimes viewed as one of the biggest challenges patients face while undergoing orthodontic treatment. School can make it even harder, since students will need to stick to lunches and snacks that are braces-friendly. It’s easy enough to avoid anything too crunchy or chewy at home, since you control the menu, but it can be a bit more difficult if your child normally buys school lunches or has access to a vending machine for snacks.

To keep their treatment progressing on track, check the school’s lunch menu every week and look for braces-friendly options. This includes things like lean meat, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, mac and cheese, and cooked vegetables. If you find that the choices tend to be limited, packing a lunch can sometimes simplify things. Invest in a sturdy Thermos and pack pasta, soups, and other soft options that are gentle on braces. If you make a sandwich, cut it into smaller bites the night before to make eating and chewing easier, and to cut down on unsightly food debris. Healthy snacks like yogurt and applesauce can also be great additions, and will help keep your child feeling full and satisfied throughout the school day.

What your child chooses to drink at school can also affect their braces. Staying hydrated should always be a priority, but drinking water is also an easy way to keep any rogue food particles from sticking to the teeth and braces. Fill a water bottle and send it to school with your child in the morning. Drinking it throughout the day will keep their thirst quenched and teeth clean. Encourage your child to stick to plain water instead of soda, fruit juices, or other sugary drinks, as these can stain teeth and increase the risk of cavities. For the occasional sweet drink, have your child use a straw to keep the sugar as far away from their teeth as possible.

Be careful

Is your child a student-athlete, or still regularly participating in gym or P.E.? If so, it may be worth investing in an orthodontic mouthguard for them. Sports and other physical activity increase the risk of braces being damaged, and the cheeks, gums, or mouth being injured. Orthodontic mouthguards are designed specifically to wear with braces, and are the single easiest way to prevent breakage and injury, and ensure your child’s overall oral health. These mouthguards, along with the more common non-orthodontic models, are generally available at most major sporting goods stores, and Lincoln Orthodontics is able to order one for your child as well, if you prefer.

If you are playing an instrument, just understand that it will take time to learn to use your mouthpiece and play your instrument with your braces. Don’t get frustrated if you need to take some extra time to practice. You can use orthodontic wax to cushion your cheeks and lips as you are adjusting.

Start the school year off with a smile thanks to Lincoln Orthodontics

If this is the first time your child will be attending school with braces on, it’s understandable that they may be feeling a little nervous and anxious about such a new experience. Even patients who have been in braces for a while might be slightly more stressed than usual about going back to school. These feelings are not uncommon among orthodontic patients, and a completely normal reaction to the unknown. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long for life with braces to become just another part of your child’s daily routine. Being prepared for any dilemma that could pop up during the school day, as well as being careful about keeping their braces and mouth safe, will help the transition from summer to school go smoothly.

At Lincoln Orthodontics, we’ve been creating beautiful smiles for families in and around Lincoln for over twenty years. Our doctors are experienced in providing optimal orthodontic care for children, teen, and adult patients, and our entire team works hard to create an environment that is relaxing and stress-free from the moment you walk in the door. We are dedicated to making every patient’s orthodontic process as rewarding as possible! If you or your child have any questions about navigating the new school year while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, please get in touch with us. We’ll talk through all your concerns and set your minds at ease. Lincoln Orthodontics is here to help your student step into school this year confident in their smile and their braces!