Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field that sees advancements in technology and practices regularly. As a patient, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s new in orthodontics and how these changes can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements from Dr. Bob Vaught and Dr. Kate Vaught at Vaught Orthodontics.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great example of how innovation can lead to better orthodontic treatment. Invisalign was the first company to pioneer this technology, and since then, millions of patients have seen great success with clear aligners. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is their invisible nature, which makes them ideal for patients who are self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners are associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software that helps create the most accurate and best-suited tools for treatment.
Orthodontic treatmentrequires dedication and patience, and one of the most important factors in a successful outcome is patient compliance. Whether you’re wearing Invisalign aligners, braces, retainers, or other appliances, how often and for how long you wear them can directly impact the length and success of your treatment. Learn about the vital aspect of compliance during orthodontic treatment from Dr. Bob Vaught and Dr. Kate Vaught at Vaught Orthodontics.
Essential Times for Compliance
Some of the most important times for patient compliance are when it helps to progress your treatment. For example, adjusting your expander, switching aligners, or changing out elastics all require diligent effort on your part to achieve the desired results. Removable appliances usually need to be worn 24 hours a day except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Invisalign aligners and rubber bands also need to be worn as much as possible to be effective.
Maintaining Good Oral Health
In addition to wearing appliances, it’s essential to maintain good oral health throughout orthodontic treatment. Proper brushing habits, adjusted for braces, expanders, or other appliances, can help prevent tooth decay and give your orthodontist the best possible space to work with during tooth movement. Keeping appliances clean also helps extend their lifespan and prevent them from breaking or falling out.
Post-Treatment Compliance
After your braces come off or your last set of Invisalign is finished, the most crucial part of the orthodontic journey begins: post-treatment compliance. Retainers, whether permanent or removable, are essential to maintaining the results of your treatment. The teeth are most susceptible to reverting directly after treatment, so patient compliance during this stage is crucial to ensuring that the treatment sticks. Your long-term success ultimately rests on how diligent you are with your retainers.
Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, your dental health is critical for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chemical imbalances throughout your body, leading to changes in vitamin and mineral levels. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy, including how pregnancy affects your gums, whether pregnancy causes tooth decay, and what vitamins you need more of from Dr. Bob Vaught and Dr. Kate Vaught at Vaught Orthodontics.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Gums?
Pregnancy does not necessarily cause gum disease or gingivitis. However, if you already have gingivitis before pregnancy, it can worsen during pregnancy. Gingivitis often increases in severity throughout pregnancy, peaking during the third trimester. Localized sores or lesions called gingival enlargements can also occur in patients who have gingivitis during pregnancy, which may bleed and cause pain. However, these symptoms usually recede a few months after birth.
Pregnancy also causes changes in the soft tissue around the gums due to changes in saliva composition, which can lead to the progression of gingivitis and an increased risk of tooth decay. Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, also increases in severity during pregnancy. Periodontitis in women is linked to premature birth and low birth weight, with studies showing that approximately 18% of premature births can be associated with periodontal disease. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good oral health throughout pregnancy and inform your dentist of your pregnancy, so they can adjust your treatment accordingly.
Does Pregnancy Cause Tooth Decay?
Changes in saliva composition during pregnancy can make your teeth more susceptible to decay and may cause enamel erosion. Fortunately, with good oral hygiene, this chemical change should not cause significant damage to your teeth and will not last beyond pregnancy.
However, the biggest risk of decay during pregnancy is acidic deposits from vomit. Many pregnant women experience morning sickness and vomit frequently, sometimes multiple times a day. Vomit contains high levels of acid, which can lead to significant enamel damage and a more permanent risk of decay. After vomiting, wait ten to fifteen minutes before brushing your teeth. Swishing some water around gently right after you vomit and waiting a few minutes before brushing ensures that the acid-weakened enamel does not get further damaged by rough brushing. Adding a fluoride mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can help strengthen your enamel and protect it from damage.
What Vitamins Do I Need More Of?
During pregnancy, it is essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to ensure that you and your baby receive the necessary vitamins and minerals. For your oral health, vitamins C and D are particularly important. Vitamin C helps to protect your gums from inflammation, while vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and teeth. If you are struggling to get enough of these vitamins through your diet, your dentist may recommend supplements.
In conclusion, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby’s health. Be sure to inform your dentist of your pregnancy, practice good oral hygiene, and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with the correction of crooked teeth and achieving a perfect smile. However, orthodontics offers more than just cosmetic benefits. In fact, orthodontics can also help solve speech problems, which can be quite common among children and adults alike. To learn more about how orthodontics can effectively address speech impediments, keep reading and find out how Dr. Bob Vaught and Dr. Kate Vaught at Vaught Orthodontics can help.
Speech impediments can be caused by several factors, and dental anatomy is one of them. Teeth, tongue, palate, and lips work together to create speech sounds, and if any of these components are out of place, speech can be affected. Malocclusions, such as overbites, crossbites, and underbites, can lead to speech issues by affecting the airflow, which is an essential part of creating sound.
Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can address these issues by correcting the position of the teeth and jaws. By altering the anatomy of the mouth, orthodontic treatment can help patients overcome speech impairments caused by malocclusions. Common occlusion issues, such as overbites and crossbites, can be corrected through orthodontic treatment to improve speech by regulating the airflow and allowing the tongue to connect with the alveolar ridge correctly.
However, it is important to note that orthodontic treatment may not always be the sole solution for speech problems. Orthodontic treatment can work together with a speech pathologist or other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive plan to improve speech. In some cases, jaw or orofacial surgery may be required to correct severe speech impairments.
If you or your child is experiencing speech difficulties, orthodontic treatment may be a viable option to improve speech. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to discuss your specific case and how orthodontics can help you achieve a beautiful smile and better speech.
